All posts by Bhumika

About Bhumika

Bhumika is a Chartered Accountant by profession but a Beauty/Fashion/Lifestyle Blogger by passion..blogging since 10 plus years, isn't that a proof enough ? :D Her love for lipsticks, accessories, shoes and all things pretty comes across in most of her posts.

Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara and Smokey Eye Kajal Liner

Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara and Smokey Eye Kajal Liner

Bobbi Brown introduces Kajal Eye Liner for the Indian Eyes
 
“This season’s smokey eye is all about mega lashes and richly-pigmented liner” ~ Bobbi Brown
 
When it comes to iconic makeup looks, nothing compares to the sultry yet sophisticated look of a smokey eye. New Smokey Eye Mascara does just that. This jet black formula delivers show-stopping lash glamour, instantly adding volume and high drama in a single stroke. Its partner in crime, Smokey Eye Kajal Liner, is a highly-pigmented, super blendable formula that can even be used along the inner rim of the eye. The end result is smoking hot.
New, Smokey Eye Mascara
 
This super-saturated kajal pigmented mascara coats lashes with extreme black color and creates immediate high impact volume. Stretching lashes to new heights, Smokey Eye Mascara accentuates eyes with more depth and intensity. The unique formula achieves dramatic results, giving the appearance of longer, defined and thickened lashes, while staying clump and flake free. The formula adheres to the lashes, resulting in an ultra-resistant long-wear effect that can stand up to sweat and humidity without smudging. 
 
Price: INR 1690 /-
 
New, Smokey Eye Kajal Liner
 
Bobbi’s new dual-ended Smokey Eye Kajal Liner, a super-saturated, richly-pigmented kohl-like formula, effortlessly takes eyes from subtle to sultry in a single stroke.  This creamy color-true formula paired with the built-in smudger delivers intense definition and allows for versatility in application.  Whether your look is neatly blended and sophisticated for day or totally smudged and sexy for night, Smokey Eye Kajal Liner makes eyes stand out.  The result are super smokey, uber dramatic, smoking hot eyes.
 
Shades: Black Coffee, Pacific, Black Amethyst, Jade and Storm
 
Price: INR 1520 /-

Revlon ColorStay Makeup Fresh Beige Review, Swatches

Revlon ColorStay Makeup Normal/Dry Skin Fresh Beige Review, Swatches

What the Company claims: With patented “won’t rub off” technology, your ColorStay® makeup looks beautifully fresh all day with up to 24 hour wear and stays on your face, not your clothes. Perfect for overall appearance of your skin and even after exercise, ColorStay® Makeup will work for you every hour of the day.
The new and improved ColorStay Liquid makeup has improved not only with a more effective time release technology and higher SPF, but also has a pump dispenser to echo her no nonsense, efficient requirements. No more tipping the bottle upside down, no more wastage. Easy, neat and effective.

People will be asking you what your secret it is to your smooth natural skin that lasts all day, every day. No touch ups required.

FEATURES/BENEFITS/KEY INGREDIENTS

Breakthrough patented SoftFlex™ comfort technology provides a cushioning polymer complex that is so lightweight and comfortable, you will forget you are wearing makeup.
Patented “won’t rub off” technology, does not rub off on clothing
Helps even out skin tone and texture for a smooth, flawless finish. 
A light to medium coverage that does not look or feel heavy. Softens the look on pores and minor imperfections.
New time release technology to keep your makeup in place for up to 24 hours
Higher SPF, SPF 20 Normal/ Dry, SPF 15 Combination / Oil
New and improved pump packaging for convenience
Contains Vitamin E and Bisabolol for healthy skin and calming properties


Available in two exclusive formulas specific for skin type:

Combination/Oily – an oil-free, shine control formula. Won’t clog pores.
Shades: Ivory, Buff, Sand Beige, Nude, Natural Beige, Medium Beige, Fresh Beige, True Beige  and Natural Tan

Normal/Dry – a moisture-balanced formula.
Shades:  Ivory, Buff, Sand Beige, Nude, Natural Beige, Medium Beige, Fresh Beige, True Beige and Natural Tan

MRP: Rs.875/- for 30ml

It comes in a pump dispensor packaging now..so no fuss with the bottle. It has a black pump and is easy to use..only the quantity that comes out is a little too much. 



Fresh Beige is slightly lighter for me..Natural Beige or Medium Beige would have worked better..and also I have a combination skin..and I am trying out the one meant for Normal/Dry skin 😀

The coverage is pretty good..its medium to high as you build up. I really liked the staying power..it stayed whole day..and very minimal powder touch up required. And also its transfer proof..does not transfer on tissues or on anyone’s clothes :p


The Normal/Dry skin one also needs a moisturiser beneath for winters..but in summers, this will work well..Combination/Oily formula might give a matte finish and coverage.

Here is my pic with only the foundation..no concealer or powder..


It photographs well..but if your flash is too bright, then you need to balance it with a powder having yellow tones..as it does have SPF 20.

For the price tag and qty and being high coverage..its one of the best foundations in the market right now.



Pros:

1. Comes in 9 shades..only drugstore foundation that has 9 shades in India.
2. Comes in 2 formulas..for dry and oily skin.
3. Convenient easy pump packaging.
4. Easily available at all counters.
5. Does not transfer.
6. Provides high coverage.
7. Stays put all day long with hardly any coverage required.
8. Economical for the quantity and coverage and the benefits.
9. Has SPF 20.

Cons:

1. Has silicones..but did not break me out.

Overall, I would say..this foundation is the first one in India that women can choose according to their skin type and perfect shade match (with 9 shades available). And its long staying and gives good coverage too and it feels super light. Highly recommended !

Rating:

Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money : 4/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4.25/5

Would I buy it again: Yes !


Have you tried the new reformulated Revlon Colorstay Makeup ?

February My Envy Box Review

February My Envy Box Review

If you follow me on Instagram, you must have seen My Envy Box pictures I had posted..I am loving this month’s My Envy Box..
If you don’t know about My Envy Box, read HERE.
And plus there is one bonus product this time..so there are six in total..there is one Givenchy perfume sample for the man in your life..in this Valentine month..and the Valentin Special box.
I loved my peach colored box. Check my January box HERE. Also loved the colorful cloth bag it came in..
I also got this letter..which says if you invite one friend and she joins, you get one month’s box for free 😀 And also the boxes in the coming months..very interesting ones..and the new makeup brands that are going to be a part..I am expecting Givenchy :p
MRP: Rs.850/-
The products I received:
  • Givenchy Gentleman Only (Smells Awesome!)
  • Givenchy Dahlia Noir (Loved it too)
  • Thalgo Collagen Cream- 2ml x 2
  • Rene Furterer Carthame Moisturizing Milk Shampoo- 15ml
  • Eminence Organics Chocolate Mousse Hydration Masque
  • Forest Essentials Sugared Rose Petal Lip Balm- Full size – 5g
The best part in the box for me was the Forest Essentials lip balm..it smells amazing..and the full size balm costs Rs.595/- which almost covers the 3/4th price of the box..loved both the Givenchy perfumes too..and the Eminence Organics Chocolate Masque. I would have liked the Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Cream instead of the Thalgo Collagen Cream and/or Rene Furterer Shampoo though.
You also get cards for 10% off on all these products on their site. Also, there is a special Givenchy consultation, makeover and a surprise gift card.
Overall I loved the box and products..except for 1-2 here and there as mentioned. But I am surely hooked to it ! Highly recommended. You can get yours HERE.
Have you tried the My Envy Box ? 

Lakmé Absolute Illusion make-up range for LFW Summer/Resort ’14

Lakmé Absolute Illusion make-up Limited Edition range for LFW Summer/Resort ’14

This summer create an interplay of light and colors with Lakmé Absolute Illusion make-up range
Lakmé unveils the statement for the season which will be showcased by Rajesh Pratap Singh at
Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort’14 Grand Finale
Lakmé Absolute Illusion will comprise of eight metallic shimmer eyeshadow monos and four limited edition nail colors. Lakmé’s trend forecast for the season is dominated by bold lustrous eyes in metallic pearl hues of Pink, Gold, Blue, Black, Starlight and Peach.

Lakmé Absolute Color Illusion Pearl Eyeshadow can be used wet for a molten look or dry for a metallic finish. The limited edition Lakmé Absolute Color Illusion Nails come in four dual tone shades that are sure to be this season’s must-haves.
The rich colors of the entire collection reflect a modern style that will take centre-stage at the Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/ Resort 2014 Grand Finale. Rajesh Pratap Singh’s collection, inspired by Lakmé Absolute Color Illusion, will represent his signature style of simplistic cuts and minimal but flawless detailing.
Speaking at the launch, Purnima Lamba – Head of Innovation at Lakmé said, “This season we are infusing the magic of color and light into summer with the Lakmé Absolute Illusion range. The cool metallic shades spell mystery with each stroke. The Lakmé Absolute Color Illusion Eyeshadow monos are an absolute must-have for every make-up enthusiast. We look forward to a spellbinding finale with Rajesh Pratap Singh’s interpretation of Illusion in his unique texture”

Commenting on the launch, Rajesh Pratap Singh said, “This is the first time I have associated with Lakmé Fashion Week and I am honored to showcase my designs on this platform as the Grand Finale Designer for LFW SR 2014.The collection is inspired by Lakmé statement of Illusion and will be a grand showcase of dual texture, modernistic style and metallic colors.”
Speaking on the occasion of the launch, celebrity make-up artist and Lakmé expert, Daniel Bauer said “With the Lakmé Absolute Illusion make-up range, Lakmé brings yet another International beauty trend to the Indian market. It’s an honour to be yet again asked to create the LFW statement looks – for this season we have created the looks with Kareena Kapoor; they embody mystery and allure with just a sprinkle of shimmer. The metallic bold hues in dual tones give the ultimate shine and finish, making it a creative delight for any make-up artist. We believe metallic eyes will be the big beauty trend for the upcoming months “.
The products will hit stores across India from March 21st 2014 onwards with Lakmé Absolute Color Illusion Pearl Eyeshadow priced at Rs.750 and Lakmé Absolute Color Illusion Nails priced at Rs.200.

Will be available from March 21st onwards at all outlets..

L’Oréal Paris launches 6 Oil Nourish

L’Oréal Paris launches 6 Oil Nourish 

Remember the launch I had been to..also showed Katrina Kaif’s pic HERE..


A revolutionary hair care range using a combination of 6 Oils to provide complete nourishment for your hair 

Be it in Paris or in India, women crave for ‘perfect’ hair that is strong, shiny, thick, smooth, soft and manageable. All these qualities are achievable only with hair that is deeply nourished from within. L’Oréal Paris, the world’s No.1 beauty brand is now making this possible for Indian women with its new 6 Oil Nourish Range giving your hair the nourishment it deserves. 

Backed by years of experience in hair care innovation for women around the world, L’Oreal Paris has created 6 Oil Nourish specifically for Indian women and the products are suitable for all hair types. The range has been created using 6 unique micro oils which penetrate deep into the scalp &provide your hair with utmost nourishment and care. 

The L’Oréal Paris 6 Oil Nourish range contains a unique combination of three traditional oils – almond, coconut and olive oil; and three exotic oils – argan, camelina and jojoba oil. These 6 unique oils in the range work together, to make your hair strong, shiny, smooth, soft, thick and manageable. The 6 Oil Nourish range includes a shampoo, a conditioner and for the first time ever a unique hair oil from the brand. All three products in the range, aim to provide extraordinary results with instantly transformed hair that you can feel, see and touch from the very first use. 

This is the first hair care range from L’Oréal Paris that can be used on all hair types and has been specially created by the L’Oréal Research and Innovation Centre in India. 

L’Oréal Paris 6 Oil Nourish Extraordinary Oil: A unique blend of 6 micronized oils to infuse intense nutrition deep in scalp and hair and provide the 6 qualities of beautiful healthy hair with no heaviness, no greasiness. The first hair oil from L’Oréal Paris is a must-have for healthy, nourished hair that give you an extra touch of glamour. 
L’Oréal Paris 6 Oil Nourish Extraordinary Oil is priced at Rs. 199 for 100 ml. 

L’Oréal Paris 6 Oil Nourish Shampoo: This shampoo is created to provide utmost care to the scalp as well as the hair. The shampoo infused with 6 unique oils gives you the 6 benefits of nourished hair.
The shampoo is priced at Rs. 138 for 175 ml. 


L’Oréal Paris 6 Oil Nourish Conditioner:A first of its kind from L’Oréal Paris, the 6 Oil Nourish Conditioner can be used on the scalp as well to provide deep nourishment to your scalp and hair. It makes the hair soft, silky and manageable while also smelling fabulous. 
The conditioner is priced at Rs.150 for 175 ml. 

Bid adieu to bad hair days and enjoy the benefits of glamorous, nourished and healthy hair all year round with the L’Oréal Paris 6 Oil Nourish Range available at all key outlets.

Romwe Spring Sale…

Dating with spring, all best-sellers for you!
Over 100 styles, up to 40% off
Start from $4.99
Time: 2/18/2014 —2/23/2014


Don’t miss, girls!

Go: http://www.romwe.com/DATING-WITH-SPRING-c-454.html?thakkar

Face Creams for a Younger Looking Future

Face Creams for a Younger Looking Future

Guest Post

As a beauty writer and enthusiast, one of the most common questions readers ask me is “How can I look younger?” I know that this is a question which almost every woman and every man asks themselves each day. The answer depends on the person’s needs, but there are several skin treatments, creams and products, such as day cream and regenerist serum, which can lend your skin a helping hand. 

When someone who needs advice on anti-aging skincare approaches me, one of the first things that I do is ask them what kind of skin they have, and what their current skin care routine entails. This allows me to get a feel for the needs of their skin. I also learn what they use on their skin on already and how their skin reacts to certain ingredients. 

Once I’ve spoken to them about this, I normally address any specific concerns that make their skin look older than it should, such as dry skin, which tends to need slightly more TLC than normal skin. If they’re not already, I recommend a simple cleansing, toning and moisturising routine twice a day; once in the morning and once at night, to start them off. The cleanse, tone and moisturise method has long been respected as a great way to care for skin and helping it to look as healthy as possible. 
 
When it comes to specific creams, any person who wants to look younger, or maintain a youthful appearance, needs to consider anti-aging skincare. There are many anti-aging products available to consumers today, which can make buying new skincare products feel overwhelming, but it’s possible to narrow down your choices by picking products that match your skin’s needs. If, for example, you have very dry skin, opt for anti-aging skincare that specifically caters for dry skin. This will help keep it both hydrated and young looking.

Look for products that use specific terms, like regenerist serum, anti-aging lotion, age-defying and anti-wrinkle creams. Products that use these terms are specially designed to meet the needs of aging skin, which needs to be protected against external hazards, while also regenerating the skin’s appearance. The skin will start to rejuvenate, with fine lines and wrinkles looking less visible. They’ll also protect the skin’s natural protective barrier, which becomes weaker over time. 

How your skin ages largely depends on your genetics and lifestyle, but there are many creams available that prevent drastic, expensive and sometimes dangerous cosmetic surgery becoming a necessary alternative. I firmly believe that there’s an anti-aging product out there to suit each and every one of us. I encourage all men and women who want to stay looking youthful (and feel the same!) to start looking for the perfect skin product. Take the time to find it and time will work towards perfecting your appearance, and that’s got to be worth the wait!

P.S : Image from Google

OOTD: Khakhi Mesh Flared Princessy Dress

OOTD: Khakhi Mesh Flared Princessy Dress

Hey everyone,
Happy Valentine’s Day ! Well, I am not celebrating any Valentine’s Day..I am right now in my gaav Kutch (a place where our family roots are) for a yearly visit and would be back tom..
But I had scheduled this post for today for you all..this dress is so perfect for Valentine’s Day..flared, princessy and so girly and chic..also available in pink..I loved this beige somehow..
The fit is perfect..I love the net design, the pearls on the side..I paired it with gold chandelier earrings and a gold hollow bracelet and a cocktail ring..wit nude pumps..Kept the accessories low key and simple..as the dress was to be kept the focus..

Dress, Earrings : Romwe
Bracelet: Romwe (Shown HERE, HERE and HERE)
Ring: Sammydress (Shown HERE)
Shoes: Shown HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE (My nude pumps are the most used and abused 😀 )
I hope you liked the outfit..do let me know in the comments below..

Kaya Brightening Serum Review

Kaya Intense Clarify HD Brightening Serum Review

What the Company claims: Brightening Serum by Kaya helps in reducing freckles and age spots, thereby giving you a luminous, healthy and even-toned complexion. This cutting-edge formula contains Ferulic acid and Waltheria indica extracts that target spots at every process of melanin formation and prevent future pigmentation.

It contains a potent active lightening complex known to even the skin tone, lighten freckles and age spots as well as helps to reduce hyper pigmented areas. Ferulic acid and waltheria indica extracts have a regulatory effect on melanin skin pigmentation. It is clinically tested to decrease pigmentation and brighten your skin.

How to use : Apply 2 to 3 drops to a thoroughly cleansed face and neck. Can be used before make-up.

Ingredients: Aqua, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Sodium Gluconate Sodium Hydroxide, Waltheria indica Leaf Extract, Ferulic Acis, Methylparaben

Priced at Rs.1490/- for 30ml

I have been using this Kaya Brightening Serum from more than a month..and how does it fare..lets find out..

This serum comes in a thick white glass bottle with a steel colored plastic cap which has a dropper to get the perfect quantity you need…I like the packaging..but since it is glass, I am always afraid it will drop and break :/

Coming to the texture of this serum, it is plain and colorless like water. And very very light in texture..it gets absorbed in a jiffy..and no oiliness or any serum applied feeling.

It can be used both day and night..I use it more religiously as a part of night routine..and the next morning, I see a brighter glowing skin with less redness or unevenness and if one has acne marks or spots..even those would reduce..and the change is quite visible each and everyday….within a week you see and feel a difference in your skin.

Now I also take a break in between to see if the effects of a certain product are temporary..and yes, when I stopped using it, not that skin started looking dull immediately or something like that..but the brightness I used to get using this serum…slowly reduced and skin went back to looking the normal.

But I love the effects of it..not that they dont stay long..but ya I cannot even expect a product I use for a month to give me lifetime brightness and glow 😀

I dont mind using it regularly..since it is giving me a brighter, beautiful, glowing skin..and I guess no girl would :p


Pros:

1. Very light in texture.
2. Non greasy or oily.
3. Gets easily absorbed.
4. Brightens the skin.
5. Less redness and unevenness in skin..and marks fade faster.
6. Since you need only 2-3 drops, 30 ml would stay a long time.

Cons:

1. Available at Kaya stores or online.
2. Glass bottle..I am always scared it would break..I would not travel with it :/

Overall, I would say, go for it baby !! This thing works..I lovee it..

I dont mind using it regularly..since it is giving me a brighter, beautiful, glowing skin..and I guess no girl would :p

And would work for all skin tones. Highly recommended !

Rating: 

Quality: 4.25/5 
Value for money: 4/5 
Availability: 3.5/5 

Overall rating: 4/5 

Would I buy it again: Yes !

Have you tried the Kaya Brightening Serum ?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review.

Maybelline Instaglam Valentine Edition Box

Maybelline Instaglam Valentine Edition Box

Remember the Maybelline Instaglam Christmas Edition box I posted about..see the link.

Well, Maybelline has come up with a Valentine Special Edition again..and let me tell you, the box has even more awesome stuff..
My favorite Color Tattoo and their very recent launch Lip Polish. And the Colossal Kajal, Hypercurl Mascara and the Color Show Nail Paint are still there as in the previous box.
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, Maybelline New York has put together an extravagant spread of products in our Limited Edition InstaGlam Box.The InstaGlam Box contains a variety of Maybelline’s hottest products, in a single box!
I loved the pink box with a heart..super cute packaging !
It contains the Colossal Kajal, Color Show Nail Color, Hypercurl Mascara, Color Tattoo and our newest best selling product, Lip Polish. 
Furthermore we even have 3 color variants – Red, Pink and Coral! 
Mine is the Coral one I am guessing..though the nail paint is red i.e. Keep Up the Flame..the lip polish is Glam 16 which is a rosy brown with golden shimmer..and the color tattoo is Fierce and Tangy..i.e. the orange one..
The total price of these products comes to Rs.1300/- but this box is available on all sites online for a price of Rs.999/- Its soo worth it..just go and grab..boys and husbands..please get it for your girlfriends and wives this Valentine’s..they are surely going to love it !!
Are you getting the Maybelline Valentine’s Instaglam box ? Do get it !!
P.S: PR Sample.

Neev Neem Tulsi Handmade Soap Review

Neev Neem Tulsi Handmade Soap Review

By Shruti

Product: Neem Tulsi handmade soap by Neev Soaps

What the Company claims: About Neev : Neev Herbal Handmade Soaps are made from vegetable oils (coconut, olive, palm and mahua oils) and purest essential oils without using any chemicals or artificial colours. Mild and nourishing to the skin they do not rob the skin off its natural oil.

Mahua Oil which has been traditionally used by the tribal communities of Jharkhand helps to keep the skin healthy and shiny.
  
All our soaps are made in small batches using cold process method which best preserves the beneficial qualities of our ingredients. Freshness, quality ingredients and gentle processing all contribute to our exceptional product.

Neem Tulsi Natural Handmade soap – The purifying and rejuvenating essence.

Ingredients: Neem Oil,Coconut Oil, Mahua Oil, Lye and scented using pure essential oils of Basil Oil, Dill Oil, Nagarmotha Oil, Geranium Oil. 

Benefits of Neev Herbal Handmade Soaps : Neev Herbal Handmade Soaps also help in controlling water pollution since they contain no harsh ingredients or chemical preservatives. There is no wastage or pollution caused during the manufacturing process.
Neev Herbal Handmade Soaps last longer than the normal soaps of similar weight, because they do not contain any fillers.

Social Responsibility : Neev Herbal Handmade Soaps is not Just a commodity but a vision. It is a social enterprise that reveres and celebrates harmony between man and nature. We aim to produce the highest quality handcrafted herbal products while providing a dignified means of employment for rural women and regenerating rural economy”.

“It is an excellent moisturizer, is high in Vitamin E, soothing to stressed skin, antidepressant, antibacterial and antifungal. It has a TFM of 76.2% and is a Grade A Soap.

Qty. : 75 gm
Price: Rs.80/-


Review: Neev  is a noble venture which provides employment to women in rural areas. The soaps are environment friendly products. The Neem soap bar consists of Neem oil, Basil oil, Coconut oil etc. All the products are natural. That is a great cause for cheer!

Neev also has a Lemongrass handmade soap. So there is a choice for consumers. The Neem ones provide a refreshing feeling after a long days work. Lemongrass on the other hand, a very relaxing, almost lullaby like.

The whole bath place smells vibrant with these soap bars. Some Candles along with these will surely light some hearts!



The soaps are really long lasting. The fragrance lingers on for quite some time after a bath. Since they are natural products, they do not rob the skin of its moisture.

80 Rs for 75 gms of soap bar might be a little on the expensive side, but it is long lasting.

Positives: Noble cause of the manufacturers, Chemical free soaps, refreshing and relaxing
Negatives: A little expensive, the look and feel of the soap does not have the best finishing.

Rating : 7.5/10

Editor’s Note: Sounds nice Shruti..will give Neev soaps a try..

Have you tried Neev Soaps ?