FOTD with Lakme Shadow Artist Shimmer Sticks

Over the past week, I haven't been wearing makeup on most days, opting for just sunblock to ward off the powerful rays here in India. This was a simple look that I did while on vacation in Kerala using my new Lakme Shadow Artist Shimmer Sticks in Moon Beam and Astral Blue, and Cheek Artist in Peach Blush.

For the base makeup, I was using Lancome Maqui Miracle powder foundation over Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Mousse.

On the eyes, I didn't use any primer and simply applied the Astral Blue Shimmer Stick along the upper lashline and the Moon Beam Shimmer Stick along the lower lashline and over the crease and browbone area, blending with my fingertip. There was some creasing at the inner corners but other than that, I liked the pigmented finish and easy blendability of Astral Blue.

Lakme Fantasy Collection Summer 2011

While on vacation in Delhi, I dropped by the Lakmé counter to check out their latest Fantasy Collection for Summer 2011. The collection is a collaboration with the designer duo Gauri & Nainika. Typical of Lakmé, it is quite a colorful collection with several looks ranging from Sugar Plum Fairy, Wandering Butterfly to Goddess of Gold.

The Eye Color Quartet in Botanica (Rs425; about S$11.70) is an unusual combination of lime green with chocolate, light beige and a burgundy that reminds one of MAC Cranberry. Like Lakmé's other eye palettes, it is made in Taiwan and the shades all have good color payoff.


The Shadow Artist Shimmer Sticks (Rs350) are color pencils that glide on incredibly smoothly with a creamy feel. They are nicely pigmented but don't seem to set to a budgeproof finish as they still smudge when I run my finger over the swatches several minutes later. These are made by Schwan Cosmetics in the Czech Republic. I love the pale green iridescence in Moon Beam.

Made in Italy, the Gold Dust Shimmer Bronzer (Rs450) contains three shades with a heavy dusting of fine gold shimmer flecks on top.


The Cheek Artist (Rs395) in Peach Blush is a cream blush with a lovely blendability. When applied, it feels very smooth with a non-greasy, satin finish.


Below are swatches done on bare skin without any primer.

In Singapore, I think Lakmé can be found at Mustafa in Little India. The selection tends to be erratic but the prices are comparable to the original retail prices in India.

Lakmé and L'Occitane Haul

When visiting New Delhi, I usually don't buy much except for the occasional Lush haul. This time, thanks to Kas, I came armed with a shopping list of Lakmé makeup to CP for her and Mag. Lakmé is also available in Singapore at Mustafa but the selection can be unpredictable.

In New Delhi, Lakmé (which is owned by Unilever) is sold in department stores, alongside brands like Maybelline, Bourjois, Max Factor etc. The products are quite affordable with most costing under S$20. I was particularly impressed with the Eye Quartets from the fall "Gypsy" collection. These are actually made in Taiwan and retail for 425rupees each (about S$12.50). You can see the full Gypsy collection here.

The eyeshadows have a lovely metallic finish and good colour payoff. I also liked the vibrant colour combinations, which are relatively rare among masstige brands. The palette above is Tanjore Rush while the quartet below is Silk Route.

Moondust Eye Quartet, from the permanent line-up.

Also from the Gypsy collection is this lovely Black Satin Kajal. At just 150rupees (about S$4.50), this looks like an absolute steal!

The Lip Palette was the most expensive item in the Gypsy collection at 600 rupees.

The Earth Rose Blush Trio reminds me of a similar blush made by Estee Lauder some time ago.

True Wear Nail Colors (90 rupees each).

The Glide On Eye Colors in (left to right) Plush Purple, Peacock Green, Aqua Green and Metallic Black. These are made by Schwan Stabilo in Germany and retail for 275rupees each (S$8).

From left to right: Eye Magic in Gold, Jewel Sindoor in Maroon (for use on the scalp at the hair parting) and a Sheer Satin Lip Gloss.

At the L'Occitane store in Khan Market, I splurged on the Rose de Neiges (Snow Rose) Sugar Scrub, which comes with its own little wooden scoop. This is not available in Singapore (which only has the Rose de Neiges shower cream, body cream, hand cream and bar soap). The kind SA also included a generous number of samples with my purchase. :-)

Hope you've enjoyed this look at an Indian makeup brand!