The Beauty and the Cheap: 2013

Saturday, December 7, 2013

My Tattoo Experience at Studio Z

I've been obsessed with tattoos for the most part of my life and I mean OBSESSED!

When I was a kid, I used to draw on my arms and legs with markers and apart from being a veterinarian my dream job was being a tattoo artist (how did I become a make-up artist? Lol!) I always and still want to get a huge Japanese sleeve! *drools*

Anyway, this year I decided to get a tattoo for my birthday, and it had to be BIG!

First step, I needed to know what I want... For the longest time I had wanted to get a betta fish in a contemporary Japanese style because I love them and I'm pretty obsessed with them as well.

This step should be the most painstaking step in looking for a tattoo artist, I needed someone who could design a great artwork for me as well as execute it, so after months of looking I decided to go to Zaheer who owns his own tattoo shop called Studio Z in Bandra.
I also chose him because not only is he good, he loves fish too! He has a huge tank of koi in his shop. It's great when you and your artist can connect on something like that, it makes the whole experience so much richer!
^_^

Z was very excited about my concept and being a trained fine artist he did a great job and came up with this:

My tattoo took about 12 hours to do over 2 days, the first day I sat for 8 hours and 4 for the next, it was super fun, my friends would drop by to see the progress and my sister sat with me all throughout.

In action!

Boyfriend decided to sketch

Z was great to be around and can put you totally at ease, he was light handed and took a lot of breaks so I wasn't very uncomfortable while he worked.
He even beared with my sister playing Kpop in his shop! Haha!

The pain wasn't as bad as I expected, it started as a mild stinging sensation for the first 6-7 hours, then it got unbearable... We started the next day, my arm was already so super swollen and painful that even the smallest touch of the needle would make me want to punch poor Z in the face. >.<

End of day one

Finished! Day 3-4... Starting to look a bit gross as it heals

But I was determined to sit through it and soon we were done! Woohoo! The relief!

The next couple of days were spent elevating my arm because of the swelling and lots of Tat Wax application.. In the end, it's healed up well and I love it! Thanks Z!

Completely healed!And still looking amazing!

I hope you like it too! Next time you need a tattoo in Mumbai and you want it to be unique and customized, try Studio Z! ^_^

There are a lot of articles about tattoo care up on the internet but if you would like me to answer any questions or write a post about tattoo care, let me know and I will be glad to do it!

Thanks for reading!

♥

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Back to Blogging! Some Changes :)

Hey everyone!! Have you missed me?

OH LAWD have I missed you!

It's been what 3 months(?) since I last wrote something on here? My new job has been quite hectic and I've been trying to make up a schedule for the blog.

It makes me feel super guilty that I've been on hiatus for so long and ignoring my little virtual baby. >.<

So I've decided to come back. I'm not letting my blog die (anymore than it has.)

*removes cobwebs from homepage*

MISSION KEEP WRITING STARTS NOW!

A few changes I want to tell you guys about though.

I know for a fact I won't be able to write long reviews like I used to, I might just do small reviews, swatches and videos.
I will still do tutorials and any requests you have but it will take me awhile so please don't mind. ;~;
I will post a lot about my work, hopefully that will interest you! Give you a little insight about being a makeup artist and working at FAT MU!
I'll post 2-3 times a week, I'll be posting more on my Facebook though, it's just easier on the go! ^_^

I think that's all for now! I hope you guys will still stick by me, like you have while I try to bring my blog back on track.

See you soon with a new review! ^_^

Be sure to leave me any comments and requests, even if you just want to rant about what a horrible blogger I am, I will enjoy reading that too! :P

Thanks for reading! I'll be back very soon with new stuff to rant and review!

♥

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Kryolan High Glosses Swatches and Review

Hey everyone, I'm at work right now and just blogged about these gorgeous Kryolan lipglosses called High Glosses for the Fat Mu blog, thought I would quickly share!

They come in 11 amazing colours, from everyday normal to just plain weird!

Check out the full review and swatches on Fat Mu's tumblr!

Tell me what you think of these in the comments, here or on the Fat Mu blog, I'm around both. ^_^

Thanks for reading!

♥

Monday, August 12, 2013

Maybelline Bold Matte Lipstick Review "MAT 2"

Hey guys,

I didn't officially announce it before but I got a job at Fat Mu! ^w^

The work is great, but the timings can be a bit irregular and that's why I haven't posted in so long! I'm trying to get a schedule (not that it will help much) to get back on the blogging track!

However I am constantly on my Facebook/ Twitter and Instagram so visit and say hi! ^-^

Today I'm going to do a short review on the new Maybelline Bold Matte lipstick in shade MAT 2.

I've been waiting eagerly for this to release in India! I've seen a few reviews from South East Asian bloggers who hated it but I was still hopeful! And I'm glad I was, I loved this lipstick!

Price:

Rs. 375/-

Packaging:

The packaging of the Bold Mattes is exactly like the normal Colorsensational range with the only difference being the matte casing! The matte effect gives the lipstick a very modern look, which is great!

My only irk with the packaging is that the twist up mechanism of the bullet seems a bit loose. :(
That might just be the one I got though...

Smell and Texture:

The Bold Matte lipsticks seem to have no smell! YAY! I'm tired of fragranced products, I'm so glad that Maybelline didn't put their typical vanilla-coconut scent in this one!

There is probably silicone in this lipstick because the texture is super smooth and creamy, even though it is a matte lipstick, which can be very drying!

Full points on formula!

Lasting Power:

The Bold Matte in MAT 2 lasted over 4-5 hours which is normal, it left a very slight stain and faded completely after a big pasta meal.

Swatches:

L: 3 swipes R: 1 swipe

As you can see this MAT 2 shade is a orange coral colour, one of my favourite shades and very similar to a lot of lipsticks I own!

Here's a comparison:

From Left to Right: Maybelline "Coral Crush", Maybelline Superstay "Stay with me Coral", Sleek "Coral Reef", Maybelline Bold Matte "MAT 2", NYX "Haute Melon", MAC "Party Parrot"

It appears more orange than most of those shades, except Haute Melon but translates similarly on lips.

Sadly, I don't have a lip swatch at the moment but I will add one here soon!

I totally recommend the Bold Matte lipsticks! I can't wait to try more of their colours! The shades are smooth, creamy and opaque with a semi-matte finish, unlike many very drying matte lipsticks out there!

Definitely chack these out!

You can see the Bold Matte range here:

http://www.maybelline.co.in/catalog/product.aspx?prdcode=P5024808&catcode=F1_LipColor

Thanks for reading everyone, I will try to post again soon!

♥

PR sample, honest review

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Sale Alert: Romwe's Leggings FlashSale!

Romwe has some of the most amazing leggings I've ever seen!

They're popular world over and with reason! Have you seen these designs?

They're crazy cool! And on sale for 40-55% off!

So check out the Romwe leggings sale, on till the 25th, that's tomorrow, so hurry for some insanely awesome prints and designs on your leggings!

Visit:

http://www.romwe.com/manage_activity/17.99-flash-sale/?wn

Thursday, July 11, 2013

I Got Featured: The Beauty and the Cheap's Half a Page of Fame!

Lol! Was that title too lame? It was right? Yeah. WELL TOO BAD! Lol!

I am so excited yoooouuu guuuys!

I've been in a total zombie stupor this month. I just sit at home and watch the X-Files, I haven't seen the sun in a very long time! Probably getting rickets from the lack of Vitamin D but I digress!

I am seriously considering going out to the newsstand tomorrow and picking up the July issue of Cosmo!

BECAUSE I'M IN IT! Muahahaha!

By the way, who is the girl on the cover, Shraddha Kapoor? I am such a sad individual! I have no idea who all these Bollywood people are anymore! >.<

I'm SORRY!

It is a pretty cover though... Anyway, I digress again!

Last month I got an email from Vasudha for Cosmo and she asked me if I could do a nail art tutorial for them and I agreed! I decided I would do the simplest thing there was to do, no drawing, no nail art implements, nothing! So I got to work and this is what I came up with!

Do you loooove it? Lol!

It was a lot of fun to do! And I hope you try it as well!

I'm going to go off topic again but do you see mah face there? It's like compressed! Lol! I don't look like me. ;A;

My grandma didn't recognise me! Lmao!

I'm still glad though, that I was actually featured in Cosmo. DAS COOL.

I was really unhappy because the day before I got the mail I had cut my nails, so they look all sad and stubby in the magazine. >.<

From now on I'm keeping my nails in talon like readiness! (Not really..)

Did you know, I actually did a second look too, for options?

It obviously isn't as cute as the one they liked but I liked it because it looked like some kind of stone or tile. ^_^

What do you think about my tutorial guys? >w<

I hope you like it!

Do check out this month's Cosmopolitan for more nail arts from Vanity No Apologies and Dr. Poison Ivy too!

And thank you guys for reading my blog and supporting me!

I love you!!

♥

Saturday, July 6, 2013

BLOG SALE! Lots of lip products: Rimmel, NYX, Maybelline, Revlon etc

Hey guys! Hope you're ready for the blog sale. ^_^

I'm just going to get into it and put up the details first, then y'all can shop in peace! :D

Payment: NEFT Transfer/ Cash Deposit

Shipping: Add Rs. 50/- (Registered post with tracking)

Terms:

First come first serve.
Please only let me know you want to buy something if you're sure of buying it.
I will post pics of the products in their present condition.
Items are pre-owned so I will sanitize the products before sending them, don't worry about that. =)
I will pack everything with bubble wrap and as tightly as possible, any damage or loss during shipping is not my responsibility.
No returns will be accepted.
For Indian residents only. :)
I will send out the products through India Post

How to Buy:

Just comment as to which products you want to buy and you can email me directly at beautyandthecheap@gmail.com.

Once you confirm your purchase, I will mark it as sold. :)

I will hold products for 48 hours, if the buyer doesn't confirm payment by then, they will be put on sale again.

You can find swatches and reviews easily online as well as on my blog!

Phew, Okay, now lets get to the fun part! :)

FOR SALE!

Lip Products:

Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss "Papaya" (Used 1-2 times) Original Price: Rs. 475/- Selling Price: Rs. 240/-

Colorbar True Gloss "Pink Stain" (Used 1-2 times) Original Price: Rs. 495/- Selling Price: Rs. 250/-

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter "Raspberry Pie" (Used 2-3 times) Original Price: Rs. 600/- Selling Price: Rs. 250/-

Rimmel Kate Lasting Finish Lipstick- "22" (Used once, bottom sticker missing) Original Price: Rs. 250/- Selling Price: Rs. 150/-

NYX Round lipstick- Fire (Used 2-4 times) Original Price: Rs. 250/- Selling Price Rs. 120/-

Maybelline SuperStay Lipstick- Keep Me Coral (Used 1-2 times has a little dent :P) Original Price: Rs. 525/- Selling Price: Rs. 245/- RESERVED

Maybelline SuperStay Lipstick- Infinitely Fuchsia (Used 1-2 times) Original Price: Rs. 525/- Selling Price: Rs. 255/- RESERVED

Eye Products:

Original VOV/ Castledew eyeshadow quad "04" Spring Colours (Swatched once, no applicator sponge)

Original Price: Rs. 200/- Selling Price: Rs. 120/-

Castledew Eyeshadow Singles "Mystic Violet" & "Ocean Sky Blue" (Used once)

Original Price: Rs. 75/- each Selling Price: Rs. 50/- each

Sleek eye dust "Dirty" (Opened, never used) Original Price: Rs. 240/- Selling Price: Rs: 170/-

Face Products:

Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer "53 Dark Radiance" (Used 3-4 times) Original Price: Rs. 530/- Selling Price: Rs. 200/-

Maybelline ClearGlow BB Stick "Fawn" (Used once) Original Price: Rs.250/- Selling Price: Rs. 120/-

The Body Shop Lily Cole Lip/ Cheek Dome "Pinch Me Pink" (Used 3-4 times) Original Price: Rs. 895/- Selling Price: Rs. 399/- RESERVED

Purely Pro Blush "Strawberry" Selling Price: Rs. 150/- (Reserved)

And that's all! Have fun shopping everyone!

♥

Friday, July 5, 2013

Blog Sale Preview!

I'm glad to see that there is interest in my second blog sale! This one is much smaller than the one I had last year but the products are pretty interesting!

Most products are stuff that I really loved when I got it but never had the chance to use! >.< It's almost new, not used more than 2-4 times! Some have just been swatched!

I'm putting up a list of products so that you can Google them, research them and decide whether you want them! ^_^

Most are lip products this time!

So here goes!

Lip Products:

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter- Raspberry Pie

Rimmel Kate Lasting Finish Lipstick- 22 (red)

NYX Round lipstick- Fire

Maybelline SuperStay Lipstick- Infinitely Fuchsia

Maybelline SuperStay Lipstick- Keep Me Coral

Revlon ColorBurst Lipgloss- Papaya

Colorbar True Gloss- Pink Stain

Face Products:

Maybelline ClearGlow BB Stick "Fawn

Purely Pro Blush "Strawberry" (Reserved)

The Body Shop Lily Cole Lip/ Cheek Dome "Pinch Me Pink"

Bourjois ealthy Mix Concealer "53 Dark Radiance"

Eye Products:

Sleek eye dust "Dirty"

Castledew eyeshadow quad "04"

Castledew Eyeshadow Singles "Mystic Violet" & "Ocean Sky Blue"

Prices are pretty reasonable!

Shipping:

Rs.50

Payment:

NEFT Transfer/ Cash Deposit

Terms:

First come first serve.
Please only let me know you want to buy something if you're sure of buying it.
I will post pics of the products in their present condition.
I will sanitize the products before sending them so don't worry about that. =)
I will pack everything with bubble wrap and as tightly as possible, but any damage or loss during shipping is not my responsibility.
No returns will be accepted.
For Indian residents only. :)

Hope to see these babies get good homes! ♥

Thursday, July 4, 2013

All About Hair!

Like a lot of you know, I just finished my hair styling course and as much fun as it was, I was not very good at it. >.<

I think the main reason behind me not being very good at hair was the fact that I had nobody to practice on! My sister who is my makeup guinea pig had conveniently cut her hair short and shortsightedly so had I (no pun intended!!)

So I would get no practice whatsoever on an actual person, the only hair I had used ever was the hair on the dummy at class! And obviously that dummy can’t yell when I pull or burn her hair! Lol!

Although I did treat her like she could most of the time, I panic at hair OK?!

hot roller set on le dummy

My worst subject was definitely braiding, I still haven’t managed to make the perfect French braid, I had bought a fake plait to practice braids on but that braid was super horrible! It was basically plastic and would tangle in seconds, not to mention you couldn't heat style it without melting the whole thing! >.<

Kick ass Victory Rolls! My fave style! ^_^ The angle makes them look huge btw!

Anyway, I wish my own hair was longer right now, I've always had very short hair as a kid, think crew cut! But when I started college I started growing it out, the longest it ever was, was in May before I cut it, it was down below my shoulder blades. *sobs*

Old/ Long Hair: Imagine longer than frame! Lol! Sorry, best picture I got!

Then I don’t know what got into me, I think it may have been the crazy hot weather because of which I was all, “Screw this! I need a haircut!” So, after 5 years of growing it out, I had snipped of most of it in 5 minutes, my hair now reaches a tiny bit below my shoulders.

Don’t get me wrong I love the convenience of having short hair but there are times I miss my swishy long hair too!

New/ Short hair: Just after I got it cut. It's more purple now than red. :D Also notice lack of eyelashes, what is up with that? O__o

I've been so obsessed with getting my long hair back that I've been looking into hair extensions! And dayum there are so many to choose from it is actually crazy!

I was looking at besthairbuy.com and they seem to have some pretty cool pieces, plus they’re really cheap! And you know how happy that makes me! Lol!

There were ones which were Brazilian hair; I've heard that is supposed to be good but they seemed to be mostly weaves, I think I would prefer clip- in extensions, just because they would be so easy to change!

Plus unlike my gross nylon braid I can actually style them because they’re human hair! Lol!

I’m lemming a blond one, so I can colour it whatever colour my hair is at the moment! What do you think, cool eh? I might get one eventually and paint it all the colours of the rainbow!

Have you ever used hair extensions? What's your favourite hairstyle?

Tell me in the comments below! ^_^

Thanks for reading!

♥

Monday, July 1, 2013

Monday Mascara Review: Max Factor 24 False Lash Effect Mascara

I realised today that I am yet to do a mascara review on the blog! Blasphemy! >.<

Mascara is probably something I use like a staple in my makeup and I conveniently ignored reviewing it!

But enough is enough, I'm going to do reviews for the unsung heroes of my eye makeup collection from tonight!

Starting with one of my favourites, Max Factor "24 False Lash Effect."

Price:

710 INR (although I remember paying much less! O__o) I got mine at West Side.

Packaging:

The mascara tube is big and fat, not unlike the Maybelline Colossal mascara. It's a completely black tube with pink metallic writing.

It's available in 2 colours, black and brown. I have the black.

The Brush and Formula:

The False ash Effect masacra's brush is super CHUNKY! The first time I opened it, the threat of me poking my eye out was very real to me! And I did manage to poke myself once or twice but eventually got used to it.

The brush is one of those rubberised ones and looks super spiky and scary but the little points do well in separating your lashes!

The formula is pretty liquid and you need for it to dry once applied, because of it being so wet, it smears easily when applying so you have to be careful! It can appear clumpy too if you apply too much. Luckily not much is needed!

As for the 24 HOUR claim this mascara has, I have to say it is absolutely true! I've fallen asleep with it on, watched all kinds of chick flicks with all the crying, had watery eyes because of allergies but this baby has stayed put through it all!

That's why it is definitely one of my favourite mascaras! I always need to have waterproof mascaras and this is close to everything proof! Lol!

Even with cleanser, you need to work hard to get it off, this is a little time consuming but an oil based cleanser handles it well! ^_^

No mascara (curled lashes), one coat, 2 coats

Performance:

As you can see, even with curling my lashes choose to remain poker straight, and they aren't very thick... Okay, my eyelids are practically bald! But you can see how the False Lash Effect mascara transforms them into a thick spidery wonder land (yes, that for me is a good thing!)

You can see a little smearing because of the big brush but it isn't visible from a normal distance so I don't mind it at all!

I usually just do one coat, I did two here to show you guys how it looks! ^_^

So to sum up, awesome mascara, brush is a bit scary but effective! Super duper waterproof!

A must have for tiny negligible and straight lashes! ♥

Hope you enjoyed my short review, first time writing about a mascara!

What is your favourite mascara? Have you tried the False lash Effect? Comment to let me know! ^_^

Don't forget to enter my FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY! You can win a MAC lipstick or a Sleek palette!

Thanks for reading!

♥

Friday, June 28, 2013

Goodies from Nivea and Giveaway Announcement

Hey everyone!

I'm sitting here with orange hair right now, waiting for it to dry a bit so I can slap on some colour on to it! I'll show you what colour tomorrow. ^u^

But I was getting bored right now and thought I would share some goodies that Nivea sent me to try!

I remember when Nivea used to be that little blue tin of cream, now I realise they have SO many products!

Anyway, here's a little picspam for y'all!

I can't wait to try the Whitening Smooth Skin deo. Lol! JUST to see if it actually works! I will review it for you guys, armpit pics and all! HAHA! Yes, that's how much of a dedicated blogger I am, I will put up my armpits on the internet!

Then there is this SPF 30 water resistant Face Fluid and there's a face wash with it! It's INR 350! I feel like that is a lot but if the stuff is effective I wouldn't mind paying!

It looks really interesting, too bad I have no real use for it in this pouring rain. >.<

Come October though, I'm going to need it!