Why a Chubby if theres something Cheaper?!

It is often said cheap is cheerful; and when it comes to makeup we all know when the next big thing hits the stores there is or soon will be a cheaper dupe.

So we all know a while back Clinique released its infamous Chubby Stick Moisturising Lip Balm with a range of colours. However at £17 each us beauty addicts will always be on the look out for a dupe and we were not let down!! In fact there is a huge choice out there and I have come across a few brands which are really impressive and I didn't need to spend so much to get a range of colours. 

Personally I have not tried the Clinique Chubby Sticks; and I am sure they are as amazing as everyone says they are but if I am honest I'm not a huge fan of Clinique's makeup and when it came to the Chubby Sticks I was intrigued but never actually had my heart set on buying them.

Nevertheless I was excited when I came across these by Revlon, Bourjois Paris and MUA (Makeup Academy) as I didn't feel the need to get the Chubby Sticks at all. 




I can not compare these to the Clinique range but I do want to share the comparison between the three brands I have tried because I really am impressed with them for different reasons.

I purchased the Revlon Just Bitten Lip Balms first from Boots for £7.99 each. 
I got the shades Honey; a neutral pink colour and Crush; a deep pink. They are available in other colours as well but these are the ones that I thought would best suit me. 

They are described as Balm Stains and I guess that sounds about right; they are moisturising when I first put them on and apply glossy but my lips by no means stay "hydrated" through out the day. I do like that these are very pigmented and when they do wear off they leave a slight tint on your lips even after eating or drinking especially Crush. 

So I am not a great fan of scented makeup and these Revlon Balm Stains have a minty scent to them which personally I feel is a bit too strong they also leave a tingly feeling on the lips when you initially apply them which goes away after a while. If you like the strong mint flavour you will love these!!


I then came across the Bourjois Paris Color Boost Lip Crayon from Boots also for £7.99 each. Again I only liked two colours from their range that would suit me. I was actually asked for my opinion on these by someone and when I did finally get round to getting them I was so impressed with them. 

These claim to be "Glossy Lipsticks" with an SPF of 15 and 10 Hour Comfort & Hydration wear.
I got the colours Fuchisa Libre; a bright pink shade and Red Sunrise; a pinkish red. Both are amazing colours and apply so well and just like the Revlon ones are moisturising and glossy. However just like the Revlon ones I don't feel they keep my lips hydrated for very long either and unlike the Balm Stains these do not leave a tint so I do find myself re-applying a lot more. 


I felt Fuchisa Libre is more pigmented than Red Sunrise and although I do wear them on their own I prefer to wear these as a gloss over a matt lipstick or lip cream.

One thing that I did like about these over the Revlon ones was that they do not have a strong scent; in fact they smell quite sweet but I can't really put my finger on what the scent is! For almost most of the summer I much preferred these to the Revlon Balm Stains; but then I came across the Power Pouts from MUA (Makeup Academy) who are officially my favourite "bargain" makeup brand.

They are the cheapest from the three brands that I purchased; at £3.00 each I thought what the heck I will get them all bar one which was an orange/coral colour which I knew I would never wear.

The Power Pout claims to be a Colour Intense Tint & Balm; and let me tell you these are amazing! Just like the previous products; I wouldn't say they provide long lasting hydration however I love them and they are by far the best out of all three of the brands! They are so good I can over look the mint scent and tingly feeling that they have; and it is not as strong as the Revlon Balms so thats a bonus!!!

I use these mostly on their own when I am going to work and just like a bit of colour on my lips. They leave a nice tint on your lips and for their price you would never expect that! (MUA makeup is amazing) 





Overall I like the concept of the Balm/Lip Stains as they are great for everyday wear. If your someone that doesn't like to wear lipstick and much prefer a gloss without the heavy sticky feeling that you sometimes get with lip glosses these are perfect for you. I would definitely recommend the MUA Power Pouts and the Bourjois Color Boosts; especially the Power Pouts if you are buying something like this for the first time to try out. The Revlon ones are great for those that like that strong mint scent and tingly feeling and I can not deny that they have the best pigment out of all three brands. 

Have any of you tried these out or even any of the Clinique Chubby Sticks? How do they compare? Are they worth the £17 or is it better to stick to these?

Thanks for stopping by and reading; next post is my first Haul and I am so excited to share with you all. 

x o x o

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain (3for2 right now)
Buy Here

Bourjois Paris Color Boost Lip Crayon (3for2 right now)
Buy Here

Makeup Academy Power Pout
Buy Here

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It's been a while...but I'm back!

Ok so first of all I have to apologise for having disappeared from blogging for a while. I have had a ton of things going on from friends weddings to holidays and religious festivals that I just haven't had the opportunity to sit down and blog for a while. 

But fear not...just because I wasn't blogging it doesn't mean I wasn't still keeping myself up to my ears in all things beauty!! 

Since my last post in August I have come across so many things I have been eager to share with you all. So here are some of the things I have got and will be putting up reviews of some of them in the next few weeks.

This Palette is from Sephora and was given to me by a friend that went to America over the summer. I love the neutral colours and is a brilliant addition to my bridal makeup kit. I was also given three Bare Minerals eyeshadows; which I haven't really had the chance to use yet but when I do I will review them. 

After all the friends weddings that I had over the summer I took a break and went to India; and of course I had to purchase some Lakme products. Lakme is a well known Indian makeup company; I am in love with their makeup and can not wait to get some more on my next trip to India. (It's a shame they aren't available in the UK) There will be a review on this haul very soon. 

Urban Decay's Vice 2 Palette


Not long after coming back from India I got the news this baby was coming out and of course I had to have it; I mean come on its only fair since I already have the first one right?

When it came it made me a very happy girl...I really love this palette, it is amazing. Below is a look I did using the Vice2 on Diwali.

Last but not least is something I have been reading about and contemplating for so long to purchase; and I finally gave in and decided I would get it. 

Koren Zander's Pro Brush Soap.

I purchased two; one for my makeup kit and one for my personal brushes. The Pro-Ultra Brush soap is antibacterial and unscented. For my personal brushes I picked up the Cantaloupe one...because I like my brushes smelling nice :)

I am hoping to review these all soon; and if there is anything you would like to know more about be sure to leave a comment and I will respond. 

I am also hoping I will be blogging a lot more...x o x o

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The Reward of a Rant!!!

Ok so I have some awesomely amazing people in my life...yup I am surrounded by amazingness- FACT!! Why do I say this...read on...

So when I got home from a pretty miserable day at work with a sprained wrist; when the doorbell rang and the UPS man said "PINDORIA"? I was like SURE!!! This wasn't for me I don't recall ordering anything but there in the box I saw my name...then my eyes fell on the name in the corner "Ohm Patel" - INSTANT response?? NO WAY SHE IS CRAZY!!! Yep my fabulous cousin had sent something from the USA...and this was what was in it...

This was just such an amazing surprise and it derived from me having a little rant on my Get those Baby Lips post a few days ago. I was ranting on about the fact that the USA always got the better cosmetics than the UK especially when they are manufactured in France (if someone would like to shed some light on why this is it would be much appreciated) !!! 

This particular product; the Maybelline Baby Lips in Grapevine is not available in the UK, and my cousin is so kind and sympathises with us Britons she sent me this along with my brother-in laws contributions of Sour Patch Kids (YUMMM)!!

I was so excited to try this; it has the most amazing Grape smell (tastes good as well). It does not have any SPF however is actually A LOT more moisturising than any of the other ones I have purchased in the UK. I'm going to give this the day test tomorrow...but I am beginning to think they are slightly different in the formula and here is my theory; they must change something in the UK versions in order for them to be sold here because I could instantly tell the difference in the feel of it on my lips. I could be totally wrong and just in the mind frame that everything from America is amazing!! 

I have swatched the product on my hand; and although quite a strong colour in the actual bullet it has no real prominent tint on the skin or lips like Pink Punch or Cherry Me. It comes up nude on my lips however leaves a subtle glossy look. I don't know if you can see it but it has been swatched just under the tag "grapevine".

As for the Sour Patch Kids...my nephew Dev and I have already nom nom'd into one packet...and will soon be on the next I am sure!!! (Thanks Ohm) 

I am still smiling so much from the love I have received from across the ocean...and would like to say a huge thank you to Hina & Ohm for this...this post is dedicated to my lil munchkin Sakshi who I can not wait to see in a few months...Thank you again...much love & hugs to you guys x o x o 

My Baby Lips Review where you can see my little rant:

http://ahalyamua.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/get-those-baby-lips.html

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My new Better Skin attempt- MD Formulations

I am about to embark on a new skin regime and I thought I would share this with you all!!!

For most of my life I haven't really had great skin, either because I wasn't using the right products or hormonal changes...just the standard problems most people face with their skin. I had very mild acne when I was younger and as I grew older I started understanding that I had to use products that were right for my skin...

But all this time, I was convinced my skin was just plain Oily! Any time I was asked what my skin type was at makeup and skincare counters, my answer would be oily. Loan be hold...I am in fact Combination and I only really found that out or realised this fact after I completed my makeup course! I started understanding skin and more importantly MY skin. Since then I had been using products that were working for my skin, I would get the odd breakout but otherwise I was fine. 

Then it all went down hill, earlier this year I fell ill and was on medication that totally ruined my skin...it was dry...very dry and itchy!! I was breaking out with small white heads on my chin, forehead and cheeks. It was so bad I thought I had acne again. I did everything to get my skin back in balance; facials, masks, steam etc. Eventually after a few visits to my doctor it started getting much better. I tried to go back to my original skin routine, but it wasn't working as well as it used to. So I knew I had to look elsewhere...

For a long time a friend of mine, who is also a beautician advised me on a skincare range she uses on herself and on clients for facials- MD Formualtions a skincare line by Bare Escentuals I read up on this skincare line before I went into purchasing it. The key ingredient in the the products is a Glycolic Compound which is a combination of water, Glycolic Acid and Ammonium Glycolate. This compound works with the skins natural PH and is not irritant and is also safe for those to use that have sensitive skin. The idea behind this is that it continues to work on your skin throughout the day/night as an exfoliant. Eventually after a lot of reading and researching I decided to give it a go; now I have spent an immense amount of money on Skincare products in the hopes to get my skin perfect or at least back to its normal state and I have heard the MD Formulation products are not cheap either. Luckily they have starter kits; an Anti-blemish, Illuminating, Anti-ageing and Sensitive Anti-ageing. It was obvious to me I needed the Anti-blemish and after a consultation and MD Formualtions facial; which was amazing, my skin was glowing and felt like it had been cleaned deep under many layers. My beautician friend and I agreed this was the best choice. 


Below you can see what comes in the kit 

The kit comes with a set of instructions for AM and PM. They do advise to only do the AM routine for 2 weeks so that your skin is gradually adapting to the skincare regime/ treatment.

After the two weeks, you are able to add in the Vit-A Plus Clearing Complex by which time your skin would have adapted to the use of Glycolic Compound. 
This particular kit is said to last you for a month and a little goes a long way. So I am on day one and very excited to finally try this regime out. 
I will put an update on this after using it for two weeks, before using the Vit-A Plus and then a follow up after a week of using all of the products. 

In addition to the facials from this range MD Formulations also offer a Glycolic Peel for those that use their products and is only to be used on skin that has been using their regime continuously. So after a month of using these products I am hoping to do one of those too. 

I will report back as to how I got on with these in 2 weeks, so keep a look out.

Thanks for passing by and reading...Janki x o x o

MD Formualtions Anti-Blemish Solutions Kit purchased from http://www.xquisitebeauty.co.uk/index.php

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Get those Baby Lips!

We have all heard about them, they are loved by so many beauty/makeup gurus from the USA, and finally they are available in the UK!! 

I couldn't wait to get my hands on these, and was twiddling my thumbs wondering when Maybelline would consider us worthy of getting some Baby Lips! I have tried many lip balms and lip treatments all throughout the year...be it winter or summer I have dry lips which in turn means they will chap and peel. So after all the reviews on Youtube and in blogs that I had come across about these "Baby Lips" lip balms (because lets face it that is exactly what they are just with a cuter more fun name) I had to have them!!! 

There are only six available at the moment in the UK, which are the similar to the original ones that were initially released in the USA. I say similar because they have Grapevine which isn't out here and instead we have a clear/natural one called Intense Care (they have also had more collections and limited editions released since the originals came out which are not out here in the UK) I got my six on offer from Boots priced at £2.99 each. They are also available from Superdrug. (I will put the links below) 

The formula is creamy and out of the six, three of them have no colour or tint in them and these are the ones that have SPF 20 so these are great for the summer and if your going away! The tinted ones unfortunately do not have SPF 20 in them (USA versions do apparently).

Although they are all different in smell and name they all have the same purpose. Two of the non-tinted ones offer a bit more hydration and moisture to the lips than the others and this is their purpose as one is called Hydrate and the other Intense Care. 

I have tried them all apart from Intense Care, as I mentioned before in the USA they have one that is tinted and called Grape Vine and I just do not understand why we didn't get the same. Instead we got a "treatment" lip balm! I might save that one for the winter when my lips get even drier!!

So to the ones I did try and and love...

Hydrate

It does what is says on the tin (bullet in this case) it is great for dry lips like mine, it smells amazing almost citrusy with a hint of vanilla. I found with this it really did work on my lips; normally I would put on lip balm or Vaseline in the morning, get to work and my lips would have no moisture and would be dry again. With this one I didn't need to reapply till mid-morning by which time I had a coffee and drank water from a bottle. Even after it had come off my lips were not dry and really did feel soft. I think (don't quote me on this) this is the equivalent to the USA version "Quenched".

Mint Fresh

Which is the equivalent of the USA one "Peppermint". This is also is of no colour or tint and has SPF 20. I found this one really refreshing, obviously it smells minty hence the name but it also gave a slight tingling sensation; nothing excessive and didn't last very long. The lip balm itself is a total miss...it does nothing for my lips otherwise it doesn't last very long and I have found I am putting it on a lot more often than Hydrate. 

Then I opened the tinted ones (excitement)!!!! I was really excited about these because they are the ones I saw and read most about. 

Peach Kiss 

So this one is "tinted" as such, however I'm brown and this is tinted brown so I am just going to go ahead and say its neutral. It came up neutral on my lips and hand (see swatch below) so I use it as a gloss. It smells peachy and it is a pleasant smell not too strong. As for hydration and keeping lips soft, it doesn't work as well as Hydrate and again I just feel I am re-applying more often. 

Pink Punch 

This is the only one that has the best colour pay off. Its bright pink in colour and it shows up like that on my lips as well. I liked this the best out of the tinted ones. It's great for me as I like to wear a bit of colour on my lips especially to work. Hydration level is again not that great and I've got to a point with this that it smells so great I just lick it off and apply more (ooops)!! 

Cherry Me

This the one that disappointed me the most. Why? Because look at the colour and OMG the smell a lush cherry scent...its gorgeous!!! Although I had heard Pink Punch was the best colour pay off I thought this one would still give a nice red/rosey tint to my lips...sadly no. It might as well have been another colourless one!! However smelt divine and tasted well...amazing!! 


This is how they all swatched on my hand...

All in all, I like these; I enjoy using them too; but this whole keeping my lips baby soft and not dry is definitely not what they are best for because my lips do dry out after using this and I am having to re-apply. I can't include Intense care in this conclusion as I have not tried it. (Will update this when I do). If I am honest I don't think I would re-purchase any of them other than Hydrate again as I benefited from that the best especially because of the SPF 20. 


I have to say using Hydrate as a base before applying a lipstick was great, it really helped my lipstick apply smoothly on to my lips and it didn't bleed out of my lip line either. To be honest I am more of a lipstick & Lip Gloss girl, which is why I prefer the Revlon Lip Butters as they have more of a colour pay off but for those that love lip balms and prefer them over lipsticks and lip tints then these are definitely something you would want to invest in.

If any of you have tried any of the Baby Lips let me know what you think...everyone is different and everyones expectations are different.

PS. How annoying is it that these products are MADE IN FRANCE (EUROPE) but the USA get them before we do in the UK (EUROPE)...I just do not get how these cosmetic companies work (...ok Rant over)

Thanks for passing by...Janki x o x o

Baby Lips at Boots (3 for 2 offer) http://www.boots.com/en/Maybelline-Baby-Lips-Lip-Balm_1365477/ 

Baby Lips at Superdrug (3 for 2 offer) http://www.superdrug.com/make-up/lips/icat/makeup-lips?sort=name&sort=release&parentCategoryRef=makeup-lips&order=asc&order=desc&q=*&brand=Maybelline

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My Makeup Must Haves...

I wasn't sure exactly how to start this...but I guess sharing my makeup must haves is probably the best way. I have also posted pictures at the bottom of this page with the look I created using all the products mentioned. 

I have many must haves (as you do) but if I think about what I couldn't live without as my daily go to products it would have to be the following: 
(on the back it states)

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Oil Free 

"Perfect for all skin types, Laura Mercier oil free foundation primer creates a smooth and invisible layer to prepare and protect the skin. Your foundation will stay fresh all day"

Ok so let me tell you, this primer works WONDERS on my combination skin (Oily T-Zone-rather dry elsewhere) If I am honest I wasn't too sure on this initially because its pretty creamy compared to say the Nars Pore refining primer or the Makeup Forever HD primer (although I still love those). But it quickly turned into one of my Holy Grails. I even have one in my kit for when I do brides, it is the perfect base for a full on makeup look or even a subtle natural everyday look. 

Next is my Concealer by Laura Mercier
Now for my under eyes I use a corrector as well as my concealer both from Laura Mercier.

Left- Orange/Yellow
Right- Secret Concealer No.4

First I use the Orange/Yellow Under Eye Perfecter and this just evens out my dark circles before I apply my concealer. It evens out my under eye area, and those of you who know your colour wheel will know how it works. 

Then I will apply the tiniest amount of concealer (I use Laura Mercier Secret Concealer in No. 4) if needed on top, sometimes I just go over the Orange/Yellow with my foundation or tinted moisturiser when I don't really need the concealer (Yes thats how good the Under Eye Perfecter is). 


For my everyday makeup I use a tinted moisturiser unless I am going out after work, in that case I will put on a foundation. But because this is a must have's blog, and because I love this product and wouldn't go anywhere with out it in my makeup bag I will stick to talking about my tinted moisturiser by Laura Mercier in Caramel with an SPF 20. (Oil Free)

Now when I first got this I was like OMG this is way too light for my skin, but I put it on and again OMG but this time a good OMG...it blended and adapted to my skin tone so well. It has the consistency of a cream/moisturiser but has also got great coverage, enough so I have even worn this out on a night out and it didn't budge!!  

I then set this with the Laura Mercier Translucent Powder, which is great at helping set the tinted moisturiser and controlling shine. It's loose powder and a little goes a long way with this product!!! It's also a keeper for my makeup kit!!! 

And to add a bit of colour to my face I turn to one of my oh so favourite brand Nars. I LOVE LOVE LOVE their blushes and this one "Love Joy" is so pigmented yet not overly shimmery that I can get away with wearing it during the day. 

FACE DONE...NOW FOR EYES!!!!

I use the Urban Decay Naked Basics palette simply because it has all the colours I need for a simple everyday look. 
The shadows have great pigment, and blend really well. This palette only really has one shimmery colour and I use that mostly for highlight on the brow bone and in the inner crease. (I plan to do a blog review of all three of my UD Naked Palettes so keep a look out for that if you want more info on this palette and swatches) 

Then comes this cult beauty product, the highly recommended, award winning gel liner (Long wear) by Bobbi Brown in Black Ink

This has to be one of the best; if not THE best gel liners I have used and believe me I have used many. I love the consistency of it, I love the application of this product and if I am honest the only fault I can find in it is that when you start to get to the bottom of the jar the product drys out a lot quicker. BUT this isn't anything a little mixing medium can not fix (please note using a mixing medium with this may effect the"Long Wear" of this product as you will be thinning it out) I also use this on my waterline for a more intense look and it doesn't budge, I highly highly recommend this, its such an easy application with any eye liner brush. I love it!!!

Finally for my mascara I use MUA (Makeup Academy) Xtreme Curl Mascara. Its cheap, I think £1 or £2 from Superdrug and does the job for an everyday look. I don't tend to wear heavy makeup during the day when I am at work but even if I do want to have more fuller eyelashes, this is buildable and works great AND get this it doesn't clump up like most cheap branded mascara does!!! I like to wear this just on its own with a bit of foundation powder and blush on those "I can't be bothered to wear makeup' days (yes it often happens with me mostly because I get up late in the morning and end up running around like a headless chicken) 

I think thats it...oh and for my lips which I forgot to put in the initial picture. (Ooooops) I tend to mix up my "Lips Looks" sometimes I like to go bright with Pinks and Reds and sometimes I tone it down with nudes, it really depends on how I am feeling on the day. 

This is a beautiful sheer pink nude LIP BUTTER, and honestly that is the best way to describe it as its not a lipstick nor is it a lip balm. Its like a mixture of both, it keeps my lips moisturised with a hint of colour. The smell is lush, and its great to use on a matte lip colour to add a glossy look.

Here are a few shots of the look I created using everything mentioned in this post.
If you have any questions about any of the products mentioned, just leave a comment below and I will reply back. I will be posting more product reviews with swatches soon especially the UD Naked Palettes, the Revlon Lip Butters and a few new products I have picked up recently!! 

Thanks for passing by and reading...I hope you enjoyed it x x x

Janki x o x o

Disclaimer- All products mentioned were purchased by me and I am in now way sponsored by any of the brands mentioned.

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