Category Archives: Reviews

Always Ready with Clean & Clear Foaming Face Wash

Always Ready with Clean & Clear Foaming Face Wash

Always Ready with Clean & Clear Foaming Face Wash

Hi guys,

If you remember, I have reviewed the Clean & Clear Foaming Face wash earlier, read HERE. It is one of the most handy and economically priced face wash for oily skin in the market currently. I love how it foams and deep cleanses, getting rid of all the dirt and oil from the pores.

When you use it after a long, tiring day, you can feel the dirt and oil getting cleansed giving you an instant refreshing feeling.

When you have oily or muddy face, you don’t feel confident and at the same time the fear of the dirt and oil getting accumulated in your pores, resulting in clogged pores and acne.

Clean & Clear recognizes that it takes courage to be your real self. It removes dirt, oil, fear and doubt with every wash so that you feel happy in your own skin and have the courage to let people see the real you, whoever you are today.

With Clean & Clear Foaming Face wash and it’s 8 hour long oil controlling ability, you can now get the assurance that you are indeed ready for whatever the day may bring. A cleanser for oily skin is one of the first and very important step to control oily skin.

No one likes the oily, chip chip feeling on the face. And when you are out whole day, one doesn’t have the time to blot the face time and again or keep checking if your face is too shiny.

Wash away your fears and worries about oily skin with Foaming Face Wash. Its 8 hour oil control ensures you see your oil-free real self in the mirror/reflections through the day. So you can be always ready to be the real you.

It definitely keeps oil and shine at bay, for me. When I have a long day out, I always use this and make sure I carry it along with me all the time. You can always keep one in your hand bag, you never know when you might need it 😀 For instance, it may be a stay over at a friend’s place after a long night of partying or an after party from college or work, anytime, anywhere. I love the fact that it is handy and it comes in a smaller 20ml and 50ml bottles too. I don’t worry about my face being shiny or oily when I use this, I know I can #BeAlwaysReady with the Clean & Clear Foaming Face Wash.

Clean & Clear has come up with the #BeAlwaysReady contest on Facebook with the Clean & Clear Foaming Face Wash, where you can win amazing hampers and the Mega Gratification is that you can be the face of Clean & Clear! Yes, the face of the brand, you read the right.

So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and participate in the #BeAlwaysReady contest.

Burt’s Bees Replenishing Regenerant Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil Review

Burt’s Bees Replenishing Regenerant Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil Review

By Nidhal

There’s no shortage of lip balms in an average lady’s armoury but still, one cannot simply get over them, right? There will always be a lip balm that will entice you towards itself the way we are lured to the kitchen when our mothers whip our favourite dish 😛

One lip balm that has been on my to-buy list has been BURTS BEES REPLENISHING REGENERANT LIP BALM. Since winters have wrapped up, I have bid adieu to my lip butters and cleared my ‘armoury’ to make way for lip balms. It goes without saying that after burning a hole in my pocket, I managed to grab this lip balm and today, its report card by me is right before your eyes. Scroll to see if it emerged with flying colours or flunked.

PRICE- Rs 950/- for 4.25 g

DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Glide on lips as often as desired.

INGREDIENTS- Not mentioned

WHAT IT CLAIMS– Give your thirsty lips a whole lot of love with our lip balm with antioxidant-rich Pomegranate Oil. 100% natural, it happily hydrates and revitalizes your lips with a hint of color for an even, beautifully toned appearance.

• Packed with the power of Pomegranate Oil.
• Sweet Pomegranate flavor.
• Single tubes and twinpack available

MY EXPERIENCE-

Burt’s bees replenishing regenerant lip balm comes packed in a cardboard container with the main balm being ensconced in a sturdy plastic tube with a cap on top. Due to the provision of the balm in a tube, I find it a lot less troublesome to use than lip butters which require the user to dip their fingers in the tub of the lip butter. Its cap is sturdy too and hasn’t lost its grip despite a month of use. On the whole, it is up to the mark in terms of packaging.

The balm has a smooth, non-greasy and non-buttery texture. It is lightweight and in spite of being swiped several times, you won’t get a heavy feel. Its staying power sadly, is not praiseworthy given its price. It stays for 1-2 hours in case of my lips which are not dry. With heavy meals, retouch is tacit.

Even though it looks pink, yet it is absolutely colourless. No matter how many times you swipe it, it just doesn’t throw any colour. That’s’ a major put-off for me for I think those with slightly/highly pigmented lips won’t be able to use it. Its moisturising power isn’t commendable. I don’t find it hydrating my lips deeply. So, for those with chapped lips, again it is of limited use.

Despite using it for a month, I didn’t notice any noteworthy result in the condition of lips. A bad investment? Yes, absolutely.

GOOD-

  • Sturdy packaging. The balm never gets stuck in the tube despite regular use (exceptions may exist).
  • Mild and pleasant aroma

BAD-

  • Highly expensive for a lip balm
  • Disappointing staying power for the price paid
  • Almost zero tint. It won’t cover pigmentation hence, of less use to those with dark lips or even slight pigmentation.
  • Does not hydrate lips intensely
  • Availability is an issue. It isn’t still easy to spot in neighbouring markets.
  • Hasn’t impacted the condition of my lips in any noticeable way despite a month of usage.
  • Ingredients’ list has not been furnished.

RATING- 1/5

Obviously do not recommend and not buying it again.

Editor’s Note: Whoa, I have heard such mixed reviews. Some of the Burt’s Bees lip balms are pretty amazing. I have one which is pretty good. Also I did not find this Regenerant one on their website, but only the basic moisturizing Pomegranate one, so this one is discontinued now I believe.

Have you tried this Burt’s Bees Replenishing Regenerant Pomegranate Lip Balm yet?

April 2016 Fab Bag Review, Unboxing

April 2016 Fab Bag Review, Unboxing

Hi guys,

I got my April Fab Bag today, there was some address goof up, but thanks to my mom, I got it on time.

This month’s theme is ‘It’s A Spring Thing‘. I absolutely loved the pink textured bag, the quality is nice too.

Read my previous Fab Bag reviews:

MRP: Rs.599/- per month (Buy HERE)

Let’s see the products:

  • Catrice Longlasting Lip Pencil in 020 Hey Macadamia Ahey (Full size Rs.300/-)
  • O3+ Skin Whitening Mask- 10ml (Rs.775/- for 50g)
  • Soultree Aloe & Rose Water Cleansing Milk – 30ml (Rs,295/- for 120ml)
  • Rene Furterer Curbicia Lightness Regulating Shampoo- 15ml (Rs.1320/- for 150ml)
  • Style Fiesta Earrings- Rs.499/-
  • Freshlook 1 Day Color Lens – Grey (1 pair) (Rs.900 for a pair of 5)

There was an option to select a full sized makeup product for this month’s bag and since I already had most of the stuff, I went for this Catrice Cosmetics Lip Pencil in Hey Macadamia Ahey.

There are 6 products in this month’s bag which is pretty good. I love the Catrice Lip pencil and the earrings. Also I haven’t worn colored lenses post I got my lasik done, so would definitely be trying these once in one of the makeup looks in the future.

Not very happy about the samples except the Soultree one, but the rest of the products makeup for it.

 

Freshlook Grey Lenses

The earrings, lip pencil and one pair of colored lenses totally make the bag worth the money, rest can be counted free 🙂 I do like this month’s bag and recommend it, unless you don’t wear lenses and don’t like the accessory. I am not sure which accessory is being sent to whom, so that depends on your luck 😀

Overall, a thumbs up from me.

What did you get in your April 2016 Fab Bag? Do let me know in the comments below.

Layer’r Wottagirl Secret Crush Body Splash Review

Layer’r Wottagirl Secret Crush Body Splash Review

By Pallavi

Hello NLM Beauties,

Since summer is round the corner, i thought of coming up with something summery. Well, i just love summers. Winters are not my best friend because you have to wear so many clothes in summers and you have to stay all day inside. Winters are quite boring and short. Whereas in summers you get the complete day to yourself. Anyways, let’s not drift away from the topic of summer essentials. Since all the seasons have some or the other staples. So, what’s your staple in summers? Well, for me sunscreen. But i have heard that many people treat perfumes or do as their staple in summer. Well, i am not a perfume girl and so i use perfume too less. But i have heard half of the world going gaga over this perfume. So, i thought of let’s try it out. And thus here follows my review.

Price : Rs. 195 for 135 ml. (BUY HERE)

Directions to use : Press the nozzle at the top and the splash will dispense out of the hole. Now, spray it on your underarms , handkerchiefs and any other place you like.

Ingredients : Ethyl alcohol (extra neutral alcohol), diethyl phthalate, aqua perfume, PEG 40, propylene glycol, ethylhexyl methocinnamate,  ethylhexyl salicilate, BHT , triclosan, CI 45430

What it claims :
Layerr brings you Wottagirl fragrant body splashes; fragrances that will leave you feeling fresh and smelling beautiful.A seductive fusion of ripe oranges and lemons, enveloped in the classic floral sweetness of jasmine.

My experience with Layer’r Wottagirl Secret crush Body Splash

Firstly, let’s talk about the packaging. it comes in really fancy and classy packaging. it is a big glass bottle which is transparent and has attractive designs going on in the body. the product name and other details are on the bottle. the bottle similar to other perfumes has a nozzle like opening which needs to be pressed a bit to bring the perfume out.

The perfume is gaseous in nature which is of course transparent. You cannot see it but just smell it. i remember Layer’r Wottagirl launched some more scents this time. All were quite distinct from one another and yet so good. This one is more like a feminine one and is very classy. It is not at all a troubling smell and stays on for quite long.

Good about Layer’r Wottagirl Secret crush Body Splash

Easy availability
Affordable price
Wide range of choices
Classy packaging
Not irritating on skin
Smells is not bothersome
Lasts entire day

Bad about Layer’r Wottagirl Secret crush Body Splash

Nothing for me

Rating – 5/5

Editor’s Note: Sounds pretty good, I have to try this. Nice Review Pallavi 🙂

Have you tried Layer’r Wottagirl Body Splash before? Any favourites?

Biotique Bio Morning Nectar Flawless Face Wash Review

Biotique Bio Morning Nectar Flawless Face Wash Review

By Archana

Today, I will be reviewing the second product that I received from Biotique. If you had already read my review of ‘Biotique Bio Papaya Revitalising Tan Removal Scrub’ and ‘Biotique Morning Nectar Flawless Skin Lotion‘, you would by know what a wonderful product it is and how much am loving it. So I had high expectations from this ‘Biotique Bio Morning Nectar Flawless Face Wash’ as well. Read on to know how it fares.

Products claims: Prevents dark spots

Ingredients: Margosa Leaf Ext 4.0%, Wintercherry Root Ext 2.0%, Moong Seed Ext 3.0%, Honey 1.5%, Coconut oil 2.0%, Ritha Fruit Ext 15.0%, Purified Water Q.S.

Directions to use: Gently massage over wet face & neck with fingertips, lather & rinse, morning and evening.

Packaging:
The face wash comes in a simple white plastic tube with a green flip-open cap. The cap shuts tightly and can be carried around without fear of leakage.

Texture and fragrance:
It is a white color, cream based face wash with a runny consistency. It has a strong herbal fragrance which I don’t like much.

My experience:
This is a cream-based face wash, so it would be more suitable for dry skin people. It lathers well and cleanses the skin effectively. On washing off, it tends to leave a thin filmy residue. This might be useful for dry skin people as it will prevent the skin from becoming stretchy by acting like a layer of moisture. But for combination skin people like me, I feel that, it makes the skin become oily and shiny after some time. Also, I feel the cleansing effect is not sufficient when I travel a lot outside in pollution. But it is a mild and gentle cleanser to be used when you are spending more time indoors. It doesn’t cause any irritations and can be used by even sensitive skin people. Coming to its claims of preventing dark spots, I haven’t really noticed any difference in that. Also, I see the ingredients list contain coconut oil, so acne-prone skin people should skip it.

Pros:
* Mild and gentle cleanser.
* Doesn’t dry out skin.
* Contains goodness of ayurvedic ingredients like neem, wintercherry root, moong seed, etc.
* Suitable for sensitive skin also.
* Very affordable.
* Organic, preservative free, cruelty free.

Cons:
* Not suitable for oily, combination skin types.
* Doesn’t deep cleanse.
* Strong fragrance.
* Dark spot prevention claims are not true.

Price and quantity: Rs.60 for 50ml.

Rating: 3.8/5

Verdict: Biotique Bio Morning Nectar Flawless Face Wash is a very affordable, mild and gentle cleanser for dry and sensitive skin people. It contains the goodness of many ayurvedic ingredients and is organic and preservative-free. I would recommend dry skin people or those who spend most time indoors and looking for a gentle cleanser to give this a try, but others can skip it.

Editor’s Note: Sounds Ok. I prefer gel based face washes for my combination skin. I don’t like cream based ones that lather a lot. Nicely reviewed 🙂

Have you tried the Biotique Bio Morning Nectar Flawless Face Wash?

Sedona Lace Vortex Synthetic Professional Makeup Brush Set Review

Sedona Lace Vortex Synthetic Professional Makeup Brush Set Review

Hi guys,

Today I am reviewing the Sedona Lace Vortex Brush Set which I have since quite some time now, I got it around the time when I was shifting and I kept them safely somewhere. And the place was so safe that I just couldn’t find them :/ Happens with you too? Let me know in the comments below.

Anyhoo, I finally found them and have been using them since some time. I have even used them in a makeup tutorial which will be coming up soon.

What the Company claims: The Synthetic Vortex Collection exclusively designed by Renelyn Monteloyola of Makeup by Ren Ren for Sedona Lace. This pro line of brushes takes makeup application and technique to the next level. All of the brushes are multi-purpose and versatile. The pink and black colors on the bristles is a registered trade mark of Sedona Lace

MRP: $109.95

You can get the zipper belt at an additional cost of $10. So the brush set with zipper belt costs $119.95 (Buy HERE). I also have a special coupon code (without expiry i.e. lasts lifetime) for you guys where you can get $4 off on a minimum order of $15 on www.sedonalace.com , so if you want to buy just 1-2 brushes, still you can use that. The coupon code is ‘newlove’

I absolutely love the pink and black color to start with and that is a registered trademark of Sedona Lace. You get 13 brushes in total out of which one i.e. the angled brow shaper and spoolie is dual sided.

The brushes are all odd numbered from F01 to F23. Let’s start with the Face Brushes first.

FB01 is a jumbo fan brush which is the softest brush I have ever used! I just cannot stop touching it and it is perfect for dusting your powder or just cleaning your face or to apply highlighter on the high points of face, or your blush or contour.

FB03 is Tulip Contour Brush which is the perfect brush ever for contour coz it will perfectly fit in the hollow of your cheeks. Also this brush is great for diffusing your over done blush or highlighter or just give a final finish to the face.

FB05 is Dome Contour brush. It’s a multi tasking brush, apply your blush, contour or powders or powder foundation or buff in your high coverage cream/liquid foundations. This one will work with everything.

FB07 is a Flat Top Buffer Brush. Now flat top buffing brushes are perfect for foundations, be it cream/liquid/powder. Set your concealer with powder or use it on places to bake for precisely placing powders. Again multi purpose but best for foundations.

Coming to the eye brushes now,

EB09 is the Universal Blender brush which is good for applying shadows all over the lid and even blending for softer, diffused looks. Like a soft everyday brown eye makeup look or times when you just want to use one shade and sweep it across and blend the same.

EB11 is the Flat Synthetic Brush for applying metallic, glittery shadows and pigments on the lid i.e. mostly for patting shadows and not blending or sweeping them. Or even for applying your eyeshadow primer/base and concealer under the eyes. Also works to contour the sides of your nose.

EB13 is the Synthetic Blender brush. It has more dense and tapered bristles, it is absolutely perfect to blend your crease colors and create those dark smokey eyes.

EB15 is the Pointed Crease brush. It can be used for your cut crease looks or for looks where you don’t want to over blend or merge colors but just a softer edge.

EB17 is the Brow Spoolie Duo. Apply powder on the brows using the angled side and brush through with the spoolie to set it in place or diffuse the powder for a softer brow.

EB19 is the Bent Liner Brush. Now we do get it separately too in a few brands here like in Inglot and PAC Cosmetics. I had done a DIY long back with my Audrey Liner Brush by bending it a bit and the bent shape helps a lot in lining your eyes easily without getting in between the lashes.

EB21 is the Detailed Shader brush which is good for highlighting the brow bone or the inner corners or even smudging shadows on the lower lashline.

EB23 is the Angled Detailed Brush which can be used for gel liners or applying powder eyeshadows as liners on upper and lower lashline.

 

And lastly LB25 the Capped Lip Brush, it comes with a separate steel cap and can be folded and carried along. You can just remove the cap and place it below and use it like a normal lip brush. Good to carry along and precisely apply your lip colors especially the reds and deep berries which need precision.

So these were all the 13 brushes in the Vortex Synthetic Kit. I highly recommend getting the zipper belt if you are a makeup artist, coz the belt snuggly fits around your waist and you can pick up any brush you want and place it in the belt while working on a client.

And if you are just a beginner, you can go for this set without the belt. These brushes are all you will ever need for any makeup look. If you have these, you are pretty much sorted. I highly recommend these brushes and the quality is fabulous too. Super soft and the bristles hardly shed hair, majority of the brushes which I own as part of brush sets shed hair crazily!

Thumbs up from me, also if you can wait, they keep having offers on Black Friday, etc., where they sell these sets at half the price!! All the brushes from the set are pretty useful and it is total value for money. I did not have to pay customs on this. Shipping cost varies on distance and weight but they usually use USPS.

I personally love these and have been reaching out for these brushes quite often. I have 2-3 brush sets and none matches the Sedona Lace quality wise. It is very essential to have one good quality makeup brush set in your stash coz good quality brushes will make or break your entire makeup look. And if you invest in expensive makeup and the tools you use do not justify that, then the end result would not be good, trust me.

Let me know your thoughts on the Sedona Lace Vortex Synthetic Brush Set in the comments below.

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

Biotique Bio Morning Nectar Flawless Skin Lotion Review

Biotique Bio Morning Nectar Flawless Skin Lotion Review

By Archana

Today, I will be reviewing the last product in the ‘Flawless Skin Regimen’ from Biotique. I have already reviewed the scrub from this range ‘Biotique Bio Papaya Revitalising Tan Removal Scrub‘. Today’s review is their moisturiser ‘Biotique Bio Morning Nectar Flawless Skin Lotion’ which is the last step in the routine.

Products claims:
Nectar is the sweet fluid that flowering plants produce each day, used to sustain ageless beauty from the beginning of time. This lightening and nourishing lotion is blended with pure honey, wheatgerm and seaweed. It sinks into skin to replace natural oils and replenish lost moisture for a noticeably fresher, fairer complexion.

Ingredients:
Baheda (Terminalia Belerica), Methi (Trigonella foenum graecum), Madhu (Honey Mel), Ankurit gehun (Triticum valgare), Kusumbhi (Carthamus tinctorious), Vach (Acorus calamus), Lotion Q.S.

Directions to use:
Apply evenly over cleansed face and neck, morning and evening. Wear alone or under makeup.

Packaging:
The lotion comes in a sleek white plastic bottle with a green screw cap. Earlier the bottle used to have a wide mouth which dispenses lot of product leading to wastage. Now they have revamped the packaging and given a small hole for dispensing. But still I think, a flip-open cap would have been lot easier and convenient than a screw cap, for a lotion. The bottle is housed in an outer carton which has all the details.

Texture and fragrance:
It is a white color lotion with a medium consistency, neither too thick nor too runny. It has a herbal fragrance which is little strong, but not as strong as the face wash. The fragrance fades after sometime of applying.

My experience:
This is actually a face lotion as I read from the directions of use. But I found it too heavy for my face as makes it greasy. So I have been using it as a body lotion every night. For day time use, I still feel its greasy and heavy as a body lotion too, as now summers have started and its very hot and humid. Also, this doesn’t have SPF, so I need to use separate sunscreen lotion again. But I find it perfect for night time use as I need something more nourishing then. It deeply moisturizes skin and makes it soft and smooth. If you have very dry skin, then you can use it as a face lotion as well. Especially in winters, this will provide intense nourishment and help repair dry skin. Regarding its lightening claims, using it along with the Tan Removal Scrub regularly can help improve the skin complexion, due to the goodness of various ayurvedic ingredients. One thing that I noticed though was the complete ingredients list is not mentioned. Apart from the ayurvedic ingredients, it is just mentioned as Lotion Base – Q.S. I wish herbal and organic brands come clean with the full ingredients list. As a consumer, we should be able to know what we are putting on our skin, right?

Pros:
* Excellent moisturiser for dry skin.
* Nourishes deeply and repairs skin.
* Makes skin soft and smooth.
* Contains goodness of various ayurvedic ingredients which help improve complexion.
* Organic, preservative free, cruelty free.

Cons:
* Little strong fragrance.
* No SPF.
* Packaging could have been better with a flip-open cap.

Price and quantity: Rs.199 for 120ml.

Rating: 4/5

Verdict: Biotique Bio Morning Nectar Flawless Skin Lotion provides deep moisturization and nourishment and makes skin smooth and soft. Dry skin people can use it on face too. But others can use it as a body lotion. It might feel heavy to be used in daytime in summers, but its perfect as a night lotion and during winters, it can be used even in daytime. Overall, the ‘Flawless Skin Regimen’ from Biotique containing 3 products – face wash, scrub and lotion is worth a try, considering its affordable prices and also that they are organic and preservative free.

Editor’s Note: I absolutely loved using Morning Nectar in winters and during night time. As my skin is combination and this lotion is quite hydrating, I skip it in summers. But it’s a boon in winters, no dryness or patchiness at all.

Have you tried Biotique Morning Nectar Lotion yet?

Coloressence Mesmerizing Lip Color Moods in Maroon Review, Swatches

Coloressence Mesmerizing Lip Color Moods in Maroon Review, Swatches

By Sanchita

INTRODUCTION – Hello everyone! No matter how many lip colors you have in your kitty, you are always looking for an exceptional shade which will give us the desired oomph factor. The same applies for me too! There is one particular shade I have been eyeing on is the MAC Diva which is an exquisite shade for Indian skin tone. However, with MAC hiking the price tag I was little skeptical to buy a lipstick which I will be wearing once in a blue moon! Surprisingly, I stumbled into a very close shade of MAC Diva with a price tag less than 200bucks! The color looks stunning and a great option if you are looking for a close dupe. Let’s see the product in detail.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION – This moisture rich lip color nourishes and protects your lips from dryness. The unique coriander and basil extract with SPF-15 gives you a full coverage look with satin, smooth finish, and long wear texture. It is available in 29 shades.

PRICE – 175 INR for 4g

MY REVIEW

Packaging – The Coloressence Mesmerizing Lip Colors comes in a sleek matte black bullet packaging with an opaque body. There is a nice silver ring around the body and the brand name is engraved in silver while the shade name is written at the bottom. The packaging overall is simple, neat and sturdy. It doesn’t look anything like low-priced or inefficient and also compact enough to carry in your bag or purse while travelling.

Shade – it is a beautiful deep wine red with a subtle plum undertone to it. It also has fine golden shimmer but it is close to indistinguishable while application on the lips or even in the swatches. The color is no doubt a bold and intense color for the fall season and looks gorgeous on any Indian skin tone or complexion. If you are slightly unconvinced with the ox blood lips yet wants to have an attempt at it, try this color. Also, it will be an excellent choice for brides as well.

Texture – the texture of the lip color is satin which is neither completely matte nor glossy. The presence of almond oil and vitamin E ensure the smooth gliding of the color onto the lips and it doesn’t tug or pull at all. The texture has the tendency to dry out (not like patchy lips) and hence be sure to apply lip balm underneath. It has a slight smell to it but it fades off within 5-6mins of the application. However, since it is a bold lip color it is strongly advisable to exfoliate the lips well before applying.

Finish – the finish is satin moist which goes on to comfortable matte look with the passage of hours. It also has a nice sheen to it due to the presence of gold flickers which is only visible after it wears of or while you are trying to remove it. The color looks striking despite the presence of and the hardly accentuates to fine lines. It does transfer a lot to cups and spoons in case you have not worn it like matte. To make it matte, simply blot with a tissue and dust some translucent powder on top. The lip color has SPF 15 which protects the lips from sun rays during daytime.

Pigmentation – the pigmentation is unbelievingly great! Single swipe give you the best desired color on the lips and I use 2 swipes to give a neat and presentable look to the lips. It is capable to hide any kind of pigmented layer on the lips and concealing them prior application with a concealer isn’t required at all. It applies without any patchy or uneven way and doesn’t bleed at all. Even then, I use a lip liner because it is such a bold color that a single stray line would be very noticeable.

Staying Power – the staying power is again commendable. It stayed on the lips for a good 4-5hours with very minimal fading because I munched on some snacks. It cannot survive heavy meals and you definitely require a nice layering or touch ups after that. It takes a long time to fade off completely but I have never experienced any patchy residual layer with this lip color. The color also does not stain the lips and all you need is a good makeup remover or coconut oil to take off the color at the end of the day.
Dupe – I found MAC Diva and L’Oréal Collections Star Pure Reds Lipstick in Pure Garnet is the closest dupe for this color. While Diva and Pure Garnet has very strong reddish or maroon undertones, completely matte and devoid of any shimmer, this lip color from Coloressence has a slight plum undertones, satin finish and very fine golden sheen to it.

OVERALL – With such a bold color, satin finish texture and a popular dupe of MAC Diva and Pure Garnet, I would opine that the economical price tag makes it a winner from every perspective.

WHAT I LIKED

Neat, simple and sturdy packaging.
Moods in Maroon is a bold deep wine red with a subtle plum undertone to it. It also has fine golden shimmers but they are totally undetectable.
A great bold red for Indian skin tones and especially for brides.
The color payoff is excellent with a single swipe itself.
It doesn’t look cakey at all.
The presence of almond oil and vitamin E ensure the smooth gliding of the color onto the lips
The finish is satin moist.
It neither accentuates on fine lines nor bleeds without liner.
The lip color has SPF 15.
The staying power is around 4-5hours.
Economical price tag.
A very close (not complete) dupe of MAC Diva and L’Oréal Collections Star Pure Reds Lipstick in Pure Garnet.

WHAT I DISLIKED

May dry out lips if not exfoliated well and moisturized.
Shimmers are unnecessary.
Transfers a lot if not worn matte.

RATING – 4.7/5

RECOMMENDATION – this is definitely a highly suggested color because the quality as well as the color is a stand out surprise for me! Given the fact that it is such a great and economical dupe of two famous lips colors, surely give this a try.

Editor’s Note: I absolutely love how it looks on you! I would check out the other 28 shades too.

Have you tried the Coloressence Mesmerizing Lip Color yet?

Biotique Bio Papaya Revitalising Tan Removal Scrub Review

Biotique Bio Papaya Revitalising Tan Removal Scrub Review

By Archana

Am sure most of you are familiar with the brand Biotique. Their products are based on Ayurvedic recipes and are organic and preservative free. It is also againt animal testing. Plus Biotique products are very affordable as well and easily available everywhere. I was recently sent few Biotique products to review. Today’s post is on one of their most popular and raved about products ‘Biotique Bio Papaya Revitalising Tan Removal Scrub’. Read on to know more.

Products claims:
This Revitalizing Tan-Removal scrub is blended with pure papaya fruit to dissolve dead surface cells, unclog pore openings and smooth the way for clear skin to surface. Gentle refining action uncovers skin’s natural brightness for a younger-looking complexion.

Ingredients:
Papita (Carica papaya), Kela (Musa sapientum), Khajoor (Phoenix dactylifera), Neem (Melia azadiradrachita), Methi (Trgonelia foenum graecum), Yasad bhasm (Zincum), Ban haldi (Curcuma aromatica), Aam beej (Magnifela indica), Bees wax, Gun acacia (Acacia arabica), Moongphali (Archis hypogea), Himalayan water Q.S.

Price and quantity: Rs.199 for 75g.

Directions to use:
Massage on wet face and neck with fingertips. Avoid eye area. Remove with water or damp washcloth. Use daily or as needed.

Packaging:
The scrub comes in a small white tub packaging with a green lid. There is an inner lid for protection and to prevent spillage. They have revamped the packaging now. Earlier it used to be all green with a sleeker tub. But still I feel a tube packaging would have been better than a tub.

Texture and fragrance:
It is a muddish-gray colored scrub with a thick consistency. The granules are tiny and black in color. It has a lovely fruity fragrance of papaya.

My experience:
This is neither a regular cream based scrub nor gel based. It is actually a clay based scrub which makes it perfect for a face pack also. The granules are medium, not very coarse nor very mild, perfect for exfoliation. But if you have very sensitive skin, be gentle and apply only little pressure. It removes dead cells and deep cleanses pores, making skin smooth and polished. Being clay based, it also absorbs excess oil and tightens skin. Regarding its tan removal claims, they are absolutely true. I could see the difference right in the first use. It managed to remove majority of the tan and made my skin bright. I also use it on my arms and feet to get rid of tan. Although, it is mentioned in instructions that it can be used daily, I think it might be little harsh for everyday use. Two or three times a week would be fine.

Pros:
* Removes dead cells and deep cleanses pores.
* Makes skin smooth and polished.
* Absorbs excess oil.
* Removes majority of tan in just one use.
* Affordable.
* Nice fruity fragrance.
* Organic, preservative free, cruelty free.

Cons:
* Tub packaging is unhygienic.

Rating: 4.9/5

Verdict: Biotique Bio Papaya Revitalising Tan Removal Scrub is an amazing scrub for exfoliation as well as tan removal. It is suitable for all skin types. For the very affordable price and also being organic and preservative free, I would definitely recommend this scrub to everyone.

Editor’s Note: I have used this and loved it! Definitely getting it again. Nice review Archana 🙂

Have you tried the Biotique Papaya Scrub yet?

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Night Spa Review

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Night Spa Review

Hi guys,

I am reviewing this innovative product today which is a sleeping mask cum night cream, you can use it both ways. Just apply a thick layer, massage well (blood circulation on the face) and leave on for 10-15 minutes and wash off or let it stay whole night like a night cream.

What the Company claims: SKIN CONCERN: Dryness, Dullness, Hydration

Inspired by the Vichy Thermal Spa, this ultra-comfortable, velvety sleep mask infuses the skin with hydration overnight, when skin is most receptive to treatments. Skin is soft, soothed and supple by morning.

INGREDIENT INNOVATION
Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and Aquabioryl™ known to replenish the skin with hydration and form a protective film. Contains conditioning oils for intense overnight hydration. With exlusive fortifying and soothing Vichy Thermal Spa Water. Paraben-free.

EFFICACY
Bring home a piece of the Vichy Thermal Spa and experience the benefits of an intensive hydrating treatment in a convenient overnight formula. Skin feels deeply hydrated, soothed and suppler after just one night. Wake up to fresher, more radiant-looking skin.

TEXTURE
Ultra-comfortable cream-gel texture leaves skin velvety soft upon application. Formula is non-sticky, non-greasy, and easily absorbed into skin, making it ideal for overnight wear.

TOLERANCE
Allergy-tested. Suitable for sensitive skin. Tested under dermatological control.

How To Use:
• Apply a thick layer to face and neck and massage into skin with an upward smoothing motion.
• Place your thumbs on the temples and the ring fingers in-between the eyebrows and apply a relaxing pressure.
• Close your eyes, and let this fresh aqua-gel infuse the skin for 10 to 15 minutes. Breathe in and take the time to appreciate the refreshing feeling of the product.
• Repeat 1-3 times per week.

MRP: Rs.1690/- for 75ml (On Amazon HERE)

Ingredients:

It comes in this deep bluish purple tub with a white cap. It has a light blue tint and a faint aqua smell. As mentioned, the texture is more gel like and not like a cream.

It blends easily but it does not get completely absorbed into the skin. It sits on the skin and hydrates the skin as it’s more like a mask. But it will dry quickly and won’t be visible after few minutes. When you wash it off, you do feel you are washing off something slippery.

This was my go-to for winters, dryness and dullness is a common problem in winters. Skin looks patchy with those white flakes peeling off. I just used this on nights when I felt my skin was looking very dry and patchy and the next day, after washing it off, skin was soft and supple.

It is advised to use 1-3 a week, there is no harm in using it regularly too, if you feel like. Coz it has no harmful ingredients and it’s perfectly fine. I usually use it 1-2 times a week or whenever I feel like. It’s like a mini spa for your face, either use to give your face a good massage or if you don’t have the time for that, just apply and leave it on for the night.

It is slightly on the expensive side but the quantity is pretty decent and since you don’t need to use it everyday, it will last pretty long!

I definitely recommend this, especially for people with dry skin. This is really good for days when skin feels over dry and flaky.

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Have you tried the new Vichy Aqualia Thermal Night Spa yet?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review