travel

5-minute make-up drawer

Posted on by sonalkamath

I recently gave in and invested in MUJI drawers. I got two of the large acrylic 2-drawers with/ without lid. To tell you the truth, I love them! They are so sleek and neat, they look really classy on my bulky chest of drawers that I got from Wal-Mart when I moved 2 years ago. They are quite functional and store a LOT of products for your morning routine.

Obviously, no one has the time for make-up in the morning. There have been times I have landed on my desk like a street urchin. But these drawers have helped me to pick exactly what I need to look my best and get a head start to my day. I make sure I have at least 5-7 minutes every morning to prep myself.

To give you a break down of my routine- After my skincare (which isn’t included in these 5 minutes because I consider that part VERY important), I start with Glossier priming moisturizer. This makes for a really hydrated base which works best for the gloomy and colder days. Then I have been truly loving my Chanel CC cream in 40 beige to give me a natural “dewy” look. And my t-zone doesn’t get oily through the day which is a plus. Sometimes I switch it out for the Vitalumière Moisture rich fluid makeup SPF 15 in 40 beige. This is equally good but I do need to use blotting paper once in the day. The good thing is both have SPF.

For my everyday concealer, I have been using the Glossier Stretch concealer in 30 Dark. I apply both using the IT cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection brush #7. The kabuki side of the brush applies any cream product flawlessly and the other side is great for concealer. It gives a no-streaky application.

Once I have my base on, I apply the medium shades in the Chanel Les 4 Ombres in 266 Les Essentiel in my crease to give definition. Then I use my Hourglass Ambient lighting blush in Luminous flush which is the perfect shade for a natural “flush”. Then I use the Becca Skin Perfector in Opal on the high points of my cheeks, cupid’s bow and all the good stuff. Or it is the Glossier Haloscope in Moonstone. Then I wear any lip color lying in my top drawer. Lately, I have been seriously loving the Chanel Rouge Coco Stylo in 214 Message. Another favorite has been the Glossier lip gloss which isn’t too goopy and great for everyday. Unfortunately, this is sold out. I alternate both with my YSL rouge volupte shine in 48 Smoking plum. It is still one of my favs. All of these are great for winter as they do not exaggerate dry lips and are quite moisturizing.

There you have it! This has been my go-to or 5-minute make up: whatever you call it. I hope you enjoy these products if you choose to buy them. I will definitely be following up with my recent skincare routine so stay tuned!

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My travel essentials

Posted on by sonalkamath

I am traveling for the NYE weekend and thought I should share my essentials with you guys! I hope this will help you in some way to plan out and not ruin your holiday thinking about what you left home. My friends tell me that I pack fast and pack well. But I know that I forget one small thing that definitely irks me.

So I have made a comprehensive list here (Note: This list might look like a little too much but trust me all of it will fit in your travel bag). So let’s begin:

  1. Clothing: I don’t judge people who over pack this section. I get it, you never know what you might need. But if you plan smart you might get away with a few pairs. For example, I am going for 3 days, 2 nights. So I am bringing a pair of jeans, a pair of sweatpants, 2 tops and my NYE outfit. Also one pair of nightwear that I will be wearing both nights. Undergarments- I do not want to curb you on this. But take as many or as little as you like. I won’t judge! LOL.
  2. Cold weather: 2 pairs of socks for two days and one I will be wearing when I leave. This is because I know it will be snowing and I will have my boots on. I dislike wearing old socks. I am carrying one beanie, one coat/ jacket, one pair of gloves which I will be wearing all three days. With my boots, I will be carrying a pair of heels for NYE.
  3. My handbag essentials: I have talked about this in my previous post and I hardly ever change anything in it. Except for may be tampons (Let’s get real). These are must haves.
  4. Accessories: I will be wearing a pair of ear studs, carrying one pair for NYE, one necklace and that’s it.
  5. Things you forget and might need: Bobby pins, hair elastic, safety pins, Q-tips, bandaids for those nasty blisters because of new heels, toothbrush and toothpaste- I hate buying these everytime I am on a holiday. I will definitely need an anti-perspirant, mouthwash and ibuprofen. I know it sounds like I am taking my entire apartment but all of this really will fit in a cosmetic pouch. I suggest getting one of those mini emergency kits that you can throw in your handbag so you don’t have to make your own. One of my soon to be married friends recently visited me from Dubai and she bought one for brides. It is quite practical to have one. Also congratulations to the happy couple and wishing you both all the very best!
  6. Make-up, skin & haircare: This takes most of my luggage space. And you’ll see why as you read on! I really enjoy my skincare and make up when on a holiday. Like I indulge in a sheet mask or a face mask while watching TV in the hotel room while curling up in the comfy bed. With makeup, I can really take my time to create the look I want. This is the best part about a holiday, time is on your side. And I make the most of it. Sorry I digress, while I sip on a glass of wine. Make up- take one of each. I repeat, one of each! Here goes- primer, foundation, concealer, setting powder, brow gel, eye primer, eyeshadow palette, eye liner, mascara, lip liner, lipstick, blush and highlighter. Not much into contouring, I go for the more subtle look. Now for skincare- face wash, body wash, body lotion, moisturizer for face and eyes, serums or any treatment products you are currently using, toner, and sunscreen. Haircare- I like to carry samples of a shampoo and conditioner. And the travel size of my Oribe dry texturizing spray. I also use this as a dry shampoo. And some heat protectant spray for styling. This does sound like a lot but if you are an enthusiast like me you will want all of it. I suggest using all of the sephora samples you have accumulated or take it from a friend who has. So that you don’t overdo it. LOL!  I know this list varies for every person but make sure you carry only one of each. If you do not wear one of these then you get to carry one more of the other category. How does that sound!? It is only fair.

Some of these items are add ons just because its NYE. And that I wouldn’t normally carry on a holiday. I like to sleep and eat while I vegetate in my sweatpants on a regular holiday.

I hope you guys are having a great holiday season, are looking and feeling the best for NYE. Wishing you guys a fun-filled evening/ night. Cheers!

What’s in my bag?

Posted on by sonalkamath

Happy Holidays everyone! I hope you all are enjoying this time of the year with your family and friends. My family is back in India, so I will be spending christmas with my friends in Philly.

So I wanted to share what I have in my handbag when I travel or just for work. I will be posting my travel essentials soon, so stay tuned for that.

I have been carrying my green Kate spade crossbody with a flap. I believe this style is currently sold out and I couldn’t find it online. I got it during the labor day sale this year when they were trying to get rid of the older styles. I know a lot of people like zippered bags but this one does not have one. But works just fine for me. Nothing has fallen out of the bag considering that I am quite clumsy with all my belongings.

The cardholders that I am currently using is a red one from Coach that I bought 2 years ago, also during labor day sales. It is the one with their logo embossed on the outside. The other one is from Aldo which has floral prints and gold hardware. Both have lasted me a long time and were purchased for $9 each. Totally worth the price. My handbag always has the other important stuff in pouches. I dislike having my make up just lying around in my bag and I cannot find it when I need it. Its like not finding my apartment keys when it is 15 degrees outside. So frustrating. Anyway apart from two pouches of essentials and my wallet/ cardholders, I always carry a pen, my work ID and a little notepad. You never know when you might need it.

So the first pouch of essentials contains dental floss because hello!  you do not want cilantro from that taco or spinach from your salad to show on your teeth. Then I have an antacid or something for the loosies. I also have meds for cramps during that time of the month. I carry listerine breath strips. They are so small and perfect to travel with. I carry a small travel size of nivea hand and body lotion for the colder months. A hair clip from Sephora for when I do not want to deal with my hair. And a minion flash drive. Its so adorable. And also bath & body works hand sanitizer in black cherry merlot. Do we need an explanation for that?

The second pouch has my makeup/ skincare essentials. I always carry my kate spade mirror that was gifted to me by one of my friends. A travel size bottle of the Versace yellow diamond perfume. This is the only perfume I enjoy wearing and everyday someone asks me what it is. I carry the glossier mint balm dotcom

and the no.1 pencil from their holiday set that I talked about in my splurge post. I also have the Glossier generation G lipstick in Zip and Clinique moisturizing gel in the travel size. For my lips, I have the Fresh sugar rose lip treatment.

I hope you guys enjoyed this post and have some ideas about what you might need or want to  have in your bag for the colder months.

Stay warm and be safe for the holidays.

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