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The Body Shop Japanese Camellia Cream, French Lavender Massage Oil Review

The Body Shop Japanese Camellia Cream, French Lavender Massage Oil Review

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The Body Shop Japanese Camellia Cream, French Lavender Massage Oil Review

Hi guys,

Today I am reviewing two products from The Body Shop’s new Spa Of The World Range. The French Lavender Massage Oil I have been using since quite some time now and the Japanese Camellia Cream I have been using since about 2 weeks.

Both of these products are from the Relaxing Ritual which has 3 more products,a total of 5, i.e. African Ximenia Scrub, Himalayan Charcoal Body Clay and Egyptian Milk & Honey Bath. And there are two other rituals i.e. Revitalizing and Blissful which have different body massage oils and scrubs and 3 products each in that range.

Starting with the Camellia Cream,

What the Company claims: Camellia oil has been used by Japanese women since the 8th century to gently soften and moisturise skin. The exquisite scent of this pure and elegant flower allows mind and body to reconnect with a moment of profound peace. Use this rich body cream with a light, velvety texture as part of our relaxing ritual when you’re in need of a fast-track to tranquillity.

– Velvet moisture body cream
– Makes skin feel beautifully hydrated and delicately scented
– Relaxes body and mind

How to use: Smooth on from décolletage to toes until fully absorbed. Expert tip: “Before applying Spa of the World™ Japanese Camellia Cream, warm hands under running water, take a bit of the cream and massage your hands together to warm the cream. Japanese Camellia Cream is ideal to use every day as a body moisturiser.”

MRP: Rs.2995/- for 350ml

Ingredients:

When I saw the tub, I was surprised, coz it’s huge! Super huge! But it’s made of plastic and quite light weight, also there is a thin transparent layer in between so it looks bigger than it actually is. Entire Spa of the World range come in this brown and black packaging. And all bottles and tubs are plastic, more convenient for oils as the bottles may break easily.

I don’t generally like body butters unless they are quite light weight like the Fuji Green Tea one was. This looked quite rich to me when I first opened the tub and saw it. And as soon as I dipped my finger in it to get the product, I was surprised! This is nothing like a body butter, not at all thick. It’s exactly like whipped cream or mousse. Soft, airy and fluffy. I absolutely loved the texture and as soon as I apply it on the body, it immediately melts in contact with skin and blends super easily. The best part is gets absorbed so quickly that by the time you finish using it all over your body, more than half of it is already absorbed. It feels super light and even in the Mumbai summers, it does not feel sticky or greasy at all.

I love the soft, refreshing smell. I am not sure how Camellia flowers smell but it does have a soft hint of floral. I also like the other ingredients i.e. mango seed oil and shea butter apart from the camellia seed oil.

Skin stays moisturized whole day and no need to re-apply or apply anything else. If you have normal to oily skin or live in humid city, I will definitely suggest getting this one. And if you have dry skin or have harsh winters, the Hawaiian Kukui Cream would work better for you.

It is definitely very pricey but this tub of 350ml will surely last me ages! Not a lot of product comes out when you try to scoop it out since it slips, but then a little goes a long way with this cream, so you don’t even need like huge dollops every time.

And now coming to the French Lavender Oil,

What the Company claims: In the 14th century, King Charles VI of France demanded pillows filled with lavender to soothe him to sleep. Lavender essential oil has a natural relaxing scent which promotes a sense of well-being. Use this calming massage oil as part of our relaxing ritual when you’re in need of a fast-track to tranquillity.

– Relaxing massage oil.
– Soothes body and mind
– With lavender from the south of France.

How to use: Focusing on tense areas, massage onto skin to help relax body and mind. Try using with the Spa of the World™ Thai Wooden Massager to enhance the experience. Expert tip: “Bring this product when you travel, it can work as a body moisturiser and the lavender scent will help you relax before you sleep.”

MRP: Rs.1695/- for 170ml

Ingredients:

The body massage oils come in this small round bottles with a black cap. The dispensing hole is not too huge nor too tiny and dispenses the perfect quantity of oil required at one go.

I absolutely love lavender and if I have to ever pick only one scent for ever, I will go with lavender. Also lavender oil is very relaxing and calming and will also solve insomnia issue. I can’t generally sleep on time, I would lying on my bed for hours but can never sleep early. That’s when I make sure I use this oil.

It has a base of sweet almond oil and sesame oil with jojoba, lavender and few other essential oils combined. I love sweet almond and sesame oils as base coz they are very light and get absorbed quickly. Where as olive or coconut are quite on the heavy side.

Since the ingredients are all oils, you can even use this on your face i.e. if you use oils on your face. I do and sometimes just blend the leftover on my face post using it on the body.

I use it post shower or before sleeping or anytime I feel like. Absolutely love the relaxing lavender scent and how light weight the oil is. The two other massage oils in the Spa of the World Range are Tahitian Orchid and Thai Lemongrass. Where as the Tahitan Orchid is blended with ylang ylang and patchouli and would be quite strong, Thai Lemongrass one is good for body massages, if you get them done at home. But for normal day to day use, if I have to suggest you one, I would say the French Lavender one.

Even the oils are on the little pricier side, but then again it’s 170ml than usual 100ml. I would have loved if The Body Shop had come with smaller variants and pricing too. And that would have been travel friendly versions too, coz these definitely aren’t.

Overall I love both the products and they are absolutely amazing, definitely on the pricey side, but quality super! No doubts about that, the Spa Of The World range is out in the stores now and also available online on The Body Shop India website.

What do you think of The Body Shop Spa Of The World Range? Any favourites?

Faces Sparkle Dust Stackable Glitter Review, Swatches, Ways to Use

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Faces Sparkle Dust Stackable Glitter Review, Swatches, Ways to Use

Hi guys, If you remember Faces Cosmetics had stack of pigment eyeshadows, they had a different name earlier, they have relaunched it with a new name and they are called Stackables now, since you can stack 4-5 shades one upon the other.

These come in 4 different families of colors, Wild i.e. more greens and blues, Zeebra i.e monochromes grey, white, black, Whish i.e. loads of bright colors and finally Glitter which are all glitter pigments and mostly metallic.

I am reviewing the Glitter one today.

What the Company claims: This concentrated shimmer is especially handy when you want shimmery, sultry eyes or to create unforgettable drama. Available in stacks of inspired color themes to help you create the most unique and stunning look.

MRP: Rs. 899/- (Available for INR 764 on Nykaa but currently OOS)

While the rest stackables have 5 shades and are priced at 799, the Glitter one has 6 shades and priced at 899.

I love how they are perfectly stacked one upon the other and you cannot misplace any shade as all have to be together since the base of one pigment jar is the cap of the other. Which also means you cannot carry them individually :/ I would have loved if they came with additional separate 4 caps to carry them individually too.

I absolutely love each and every shade in this Glitter Stackable, there are numerous options you can do with this.

Silver- True cool toned silver

Gold – Warm bronzy gold

White – My favourite, pure white with blue green duochrome effect.

Sky Blue – True Sky Blue mixed with a bit of silver

Plum – Aubergine Plum with gold

Deep Navy Blue – Deep Navy Blue with silver

What I love most about these is that the glitter is very finely milled and not at all chunky, it’s not like thick glitter much visible to eye and you cannot feel this. This feels soft and almost like a powder, even though it’s a glitter.

L-R: Navy Blue, Plum, Sky Blue, Silver, Gold, White

Numerous ways in which you can use these pigments:

1. As an eyeshadow obviously. You can dampen your brush with a makeup setting spray, take the pigment and apply directly on the lid.

2. Use glitter glue/Duraline and make an eyeliner with it, you can make 6 different colored eyeliners.

3. Mix with clear nail paint to get colored glitter nail paint. I would suggest taking some in an empty nail paint bottle or some base as you don’t want to mix the complete nail paint with single glitter option when you can try multiple options every time 🙂

4. Make only one figure glittery like the ring finger, I love doing this and as you can see I have done that above.

5. Try glitter french manicure by applying clear top coat on the tips and dipping them in glitter.

6. You can also use the white glitter one as highlighter, the matte sparkle dust in pinks/plums as blushes.

7. Use the white to highlight cupid’s bow too and mattify your pink/purple lipsticks by just dabbing some matte pigment on top. It will also make the colors look vivid and makes the lipsticks stay longer. A makeup artist tried that once on me during a shoot and the lipstick stayed much longer and I loved how vibrant and matte it looked.

There are endless possibilities with pigments and glitters in makeup. Experiment and have fun, my most favourite ways of using are definitely as eyeliner and single nail with glitter.

I would definitely recommend getting the Faces Stackables, the color option is something that depends on your personality and kind of makeup you look. If you are more into basic smokey, go for Zeebra. If you love colors, go for Whish while the Glitter one definitely has multiple uses and can work for everyone. Also I would suggest buying it from Nykaa only when it is on discount, coz  INR 764 is a great deal.

What about you? Do you like playing with pigments?

March 2016 My Envy Box Review, Unboxing

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March 2016 My Envy Box Review, Unboxing

Hi guys,

I just got my March 2016 My Envy Box and Oh My God, the design of the box is fabulous, I absolutely loved the box and I think this is by far my most favourite box!

MRP: Rs.850/- (Available HERE)

The box was super heavy when I received it and I knew 2-3 brands as I had got a teaser mail, when I tweeted about it, the team said we have more than one full sized products this time and I was quite happy and excited.

The products in this month’s box:

  • BBlunt Climate Control Anti-Frizz Leave-in Cream- Full size (Rs.450/- for 150ml)
  • Hedonista Fleur Frozen Ittar- Full size (Rs.1045/- for 20g)
  • Bioderma Photderm SPF50+ Sunscreen – 5ml (Rs.1485/- for 30ml)
  • AVA Body Moisturizer with SPF30 – 50ml (Rs.650/- for 200ml)
  • L’Occitane Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner – 6ml (Rs.1460/- for 300ml and 250ml respectively)

I am glad we have two full sized products and one deluxe sized sample this time, hate the two sachets and the tiny sample though.

I remember getting the full sized Hedonista Oudh Frozen Ittar in the August My Envy Box. I absolutely loved it and now this one again is full sized in ‘Fleur’, love how this one smells too!

BBlunt Climate Control Anti-Frizz Leave-in Cream/Serum has been quite talked about and is quite good, just use some every time post washing your hair and you would have frizz-free smoother hair.

The AVA Body Moisturizer of 50ml is quite a good size and I love the ingredients, it has shea butter and essential oils of jasmine, mogra and vanilla, smells amazing and I am carrying this for my short trip in 4 days, it’s perfect for that.

Not happy with the Bioderma susncreen sample which is a repeated product and the 6ml shampoo, conditioner sachets are not worth talking about. Sachets should be done away with, high time!

Super happy with the rest three products, the value comes to around Rs.1650/- (not counting the two tiny samples.) If you already have the BBlunt Serum, then you may skip the box, if you were anyways wanting to try it, it’s a nice box with the added frozen ittar.

Oh and by the way, the March Designer Jewellery My Envy Box is curated by Cosmopolitan India Editor Nandini Bhalla and includes pieces from Esha Zaveri, Fooljhadi & Zariin. You can also get 10% off using the code ‘JEWEL10’. See my previous Feb Designer Jewellery My Envy Box HERE

What did you receive in your March My Envy Box?

PAC Cosmetics Beauty Blender First Impressions, Demo, Buy Online

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PAC Cosmetics Beauty Blender First Impressions, Demo, Buy Online

Hi guys,

So I got a few products from PAC Cosmetics including this beauty blender. While I am trying out the other products and would review them soon, this beauty blender got me really intrigued and I did the first impressions/demo video with it.

Claims: The unique shape & exclusive material which is edgeless sponge a high definition cosmetics sponge applicator. This sponge will allow the product to sit on the top of the sponge rather then being absorbed. Allowing you to complete your make-up application with less products & less time. When beauty blender is wet it would double in size & become even softer. It would returned to its own size after its dries Top Tip: Use this unique sponge for your cream, liquid or powder foundation. It can also be used contouring, highlighting with cream or powder products.

MRP: Rs.485/- (Buy HERE)

It looks and feels exactly like the original beauty blender and PAC Cosmetics also has a set of two or three tiny beauty blenders for concealers,etc just like the original brand.

There are a lot of beauty blender dupes and brands having similar sponges like from Forever 21 and many, many others. Real Techniques also has a mustard colored Miracle Complexion Sponge which is flat from one end though. That also makes it easier to blend on cheeks or apply powder.

While I have two Sigma F80 brushes and always use the F80 only for blending, this is the first time I am using a sponge/beauty blender. If you see the video, I was subconsciously rubbing and buffing the product like with a brush :/ Err, yes I am that used to a brush. I saw Kandee Johnson’ video on how you have to ‘Push and Roll’ when you use a beauty blender which looks like bouncing when done quickly. I ended up buffing but still it was super easy to blend the foundation with it, I am surely trying to correct method again and it should show even better results.

But I am blown away by how super soft and squishy this is and makes blending foundation super easy, I blended it within 1 minute and some seconds, this was super quick and it does not go streaky or patchy at all. Also the tapered end is perfect for under eyes and the corners of the nose.

While the Real Techniques one is around the same price, from the few reviews I have read, the Real Techniques one is a little harder and not as soft as this one. For the price of Rs.485/- I am loving it and definitely recommend it, it will make your foundation/base routine change forever. You can use it daily with your BB creams/Tinted moisturizers and it will work just as well. Also saves your time in the morning.

I love it and recommend it, if you try it, do let me know how you find it.

PAC is a professional makeup line, often used by makeup artists and now since the products are easily available online, we all can take advantage of it and buy the professional makeup brushes which perform as good as the MAC ones at half the price. The brushes range from Rs.300 to Rs.800, I have one more brush from them which I will review soon.

Update: My beauty blender tore a bit from two sides in the first wash :/ Not really happy about that, and I didn’t even wash it vigorously. If you follow me on Snapchat (@bhumika_t), you would have seen the pics and video. I will try and update you guys after more uses.

Do let me know your thoughts on the PAC Cosmetics Beauty Blender.

BBlunt Blown Away Volumizing Leave-in Spray Review

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BBlunt Blown Away Volumizing Leave-in Spray Review

By Pallavi

Hello ladies,

Thin hair is a concern for many ladies. And owing to today’s stressed and pollution hair fall is also an increasing trend. But in order to look presentable you need to make your hair also look trendy and stylish. But that’s not possible with such thin lifeless hairs. So, what should we do??? Have you ever heard about Volumizing sprays??? Well, Volumizing sprays are actually a mist or gaseous product which when sprayed on hairs lifts the roots and gives a good amount of volume to hairs. but this increase in volume is only an illusion. There is no real volume.

I have heard a lot about these Volumizing sprays. So, one day while online browsing when i saw a brand called B-Blunt had a volumizing spray in their kitty. I decided to try it. And to cut the long story short here is the product – B-Blunt Blown away Volumizing leave in spray.

Price : Rs.550/- for 150ml

Ingredients:

Directions to use: Turn your hair upside down. Now, apply the spray on roots of your hair. If you have long hairs you can also apply it on your hair length. But try to concentrate mostly on the roots. Apply on semi-wet or towel dry hair.

Colour – transparent

What B-Blunt claims: If big hair is your thing, may we introduce you to your new best friend. This volumizing spray gives you incredible fullness and bounce, that lasts. Go big with confidence.

Details

Ingredients: Hydrolyzed Wheat protein, Meadowfoam seed extract & Provitamin B5
Specially created for Indian hair
Protects from the environment and heat styling damage

My experience with B-Blunt Blown away Volumizing leave in spray

To begin with the product impressed me with its packaging. It comes in a big but slim and stylish yellow bottle. The bottle is transparent so that you can see the amount of product left inside. The bottle has the entire product details mentioned. It has a spray like opening with a tiny tube like structure. . You need to spray it a bit so that the product comes out of the thin yellow tube.
The texture of the spray is clean foam like. It smells heavily of chemicals. When i first pressed the spray a very little product comes out. So, you need to spray the product a number of times to spread it evenly on face. Try to concentrate only on roots. The product does not wets your hair much. After spraying the product well, try to spread it with your fingers on hairs. you can see a beautiful illusion of volume. Try not to comb too neatly. This will give you a messy and voluminous look.

But sadly the volume is not long lasting. It stays only for a while. If you go to a outside wide then the volume will fly away in no time. But of course the volumizing spray makes your pouf more prominent and beautiful. Since a little product goes a long way so a single bottle will last you ages.

Good about B-Blunt Blown away Volumizing leave in spray

Runaway brand
Affordable price
Comfortable and easy to use texture
Gives an illusion of volume
Little product goes a long way

Bad about B-Blunt Blown away Volumizing leave in spray

Not much volume
Volume doesn’t last long

Rating – 3/5

Editor’s Note: Sounds nice when you need instant boost of volume, sad that the effect doesn’t last long.

Have you tried the BBlunt Blown Away Volumizing Leave-In Spray yet?

Garnier White Complete Eye Roll On Review

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Garnier White Complete Eye Roll On Review

By Pallavi

Hello Beauties,

The daily stress and tight schedule always takes a toll on your skin. Sometimes dark circles and dull skin are the results of this lifestyle. I normally don’t suffer from dark circle issues. But lately first time in my life i was facing this issue. So, i was thinking what to try. And then one day on TV i saw Garnier coming up with this product. I liked the concept of eye roll on. So, without further delay i bought this product.

Read on to know if Garnier White complete Eye Roll On is worth your review or not.

Price: Rs.199 for 15 ml.

Direction to use: Apply the eye roll on the area just below eye. I had dark circles on the eye lid area too. So, i used to apply there too. Let it set for 5-7 minutes. After which, you can apply other cream over it.

Shelf life: 36 months from the date of packaging

Colour: transparent

Ingredients:

What Garnier claims: Garnier White Complete Eye Roll On Anti-Puffiness Instant Freshness

Stress, in any form, can take a toll on your skin, and often you might get dark circles under your eyes. Apply this Garnier White Complete Eye Roll-on on those areas to prevent dark circles and reduce the formation of bags under your eyes.

Unique Cooling Ball

The roll-on tube comes tipped with a unique cooling ball that helps in applying the lotion evenly around the eyes. It gives you a cooling sensation that decongests puffy eyes.

Contains Pure Caffeine Essence

It contains the essence of pure caffeine which helps in stimulating micro-circulation. This reduces the dark circles and lightens the skin around your eyes.

My experience with Garnier White complete Eye Roll On

The Garnier eye roll on comes in a very slick and attractive packaging. i like products which comes in slim packaging. It comes in long carton which has entire product details on it. Inside which there is a pen form roll on which is very slim and handy. You need to twist the product a bit and rub it lightly below the eye area.

I applied it both below and above the eye lid. Firstly, the texture of this roll on is not too light. It is more on heavier side. You have to swipe it twice to thrice to get the product out. Next, i was on the verge of when completing this but i couldn’t witness any dramatic change in my dark circles. I was so amazed that after so many boasting and tall product claims, this one didn’t work.

Conclusion – for me this roll on simply didn’t work.

Good about Garnier White complete Eye Roll On

Trustworthy brand
Affordable price
Sleek packaging
Nice concept

Bad about Garnier White complete Eye Roll On

1. Didn’t work
2. False product claims

Rating –
Availability – 5/5
Performance – 1/5

Overall rating – 0.5/5

Editor’s Note: I totally agree with you, have tried this long back and it did absolutely nothing. I used to love the Garnier Tinted Eye Roll On though not coz it did anything for dark circles, but was a perfect daily wear under eye concealer.

Nature’s Essence Lacto Tan Clear Sun Tan Removal Review

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Nature’s Essence Lacto Tan Clear Sun Tan Removal Review

By Archana

Hi all,

Summers are slowly starting and its already becoming very hot here in Bangalore. No matter what sunscreens and lotions we use, at times we get tanned badly when we are out in the sun for a very long time. Recently, I had been travelling to my aunt’s place where I spent a lot of time outdoors and hence got a very bad tan. I usually follow home remedies of besan, cucumber and lime to get rid of sun tan. But this time I was very busy in office with a project release and hence couldn’t spare time for it. I had read good reviews of this ‘Nature’s Essence Lacto Tan Clear Sun Tan Removal’ and decided to give it a try. Read on to know whether it is effective in removing sun tan.

Products claims: Milk proteins & honey enriched special tan cream helps remove the epidermal sun tan, thereby restoring the natural fairness of the skin & also preventing pigmentation due to harmful sun. Its matte effect is ideal for hot climates and the cream also helps enhance after facial glow.

Key Ingredients: Milk, honey and geranium oil.

Directions to use: Apply layer on the face/skin and keep it on for 10-15 min & after soft massage remove with water. Advised to be used every day to restore natural color & glow of the skin.

Packaging:
It comes in a yellow squeezable tube packaging with a flip-open cap very similar to the sunscreen from the same brand. Earlier it used to come in a tub packaging. But now they have revamped and come with this new tube packaging. Its better and convenient to be carried around easily.

Texture and fragrance:
It is a white-colored cream with a slight artificial fragrance. The texture is very smooth and looks very much like the bleach creams we get.

My experience:
For starters, this is neither a face pack nor a regular bleach which contains ammonia. It is actually very similar to the Spinz Sun Tan Remover which became quite popular last year. The creamy consistency makes it very easy to spread and apply. I leave it on for 15 minutes as mentioned. It causes a slight tingling sensation. I then wash it off. Since its very creamy and tends to stick, you need to massage slowly to remove it completely. After washing, I could see some of the tan, mostly the fresh tan, had been removed. But not completely. I kept using this alternate days and after 6-7 uses, almost 80% of the tan (even old tan which I had for a long time) had been removed and also lightened pigmentation and dark spots. Though its mentioned it can be used everyday, I thought it might be harsher and so went with alternate days. Skin does feel dry and stretchy post usage. So its necessary to follow up with a good moisturiser.

The efficacy of the product is really good but still I doubt whether just the key ingredients milk, honey and geranium oil can give this result. There must be lot of other chemicals added to give this effect. I felt the same with Spinz Sun Tan Remover. Actually that was even more powerful than this. It just needs 5 minutes of application and removes almost 80% tan in just a single use. And also makes your face so dry, stretchy and ghost-like. The unnatural effects of these creams makes me doubt whether it is safe to be used regularly. I would recommend using them only in rare occasions like before a party or after returning from a beach holiday with heavy tanning. Also, there is another variant in this ‘Nature’s Essence Lacto Bleach Tan Removal Cream‘. Am not sure what is the difference between them. When I looked at the key ingredients list, it was the same milk and honey, but instead of geranium oil, this one had lavender oil. Let me know if you would like a review on this as well.

Pros:
* Removes tan and restores natural color of skin.
* Lightens pigmentation and dark spots.
* Can be used for hands, foot or anywhere on the body.
* Convenient, travel friendly packaging.
* Affordable.

Cons:
* Dries out skin.
* Complete ingredients list missing.

Price and quantity: Rs.85 for 40g.

Rating: 4/5

Verdict: Nature’s Essence Lacto Tan Clear Sun Tan Removal is a quick, easy way to get rid of sun tan. Although, it is laden with chemicals and I would recommend to use only in rare situations when nothing else helps or you need instant results. Once you have managed to remove the tan, I would suggest to switch to home remedies or herbal face packs for regular maintenance.

Editor’s Note: I have used this and it works so well! It was the only product then that removed tan so quickly. Now we even have the Spinz Sun Tan Remover which does the job well, but still if you want a more natural version, then Nature’s Essence on is your best bet. Well reviewed Archana.

Lakme 9 to 5 Lip Color Pink Bureau Review, Swatches

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Lakme 9 to 5 Lip Color Pink Bureau Review, Swatches

By Sanchita

INTRODUCTION

It is all about matte now-a-days. Although I am a big fan of chubby lip colors and the ultra-matte liquid lipsticks, I always find my way back to lipstick bullets when I am heading out to college. For daytime, I always stick to the mundane soft pink lip colors and Lakme 9 to 5 is the apt range for this. They have around 38 shades of various browns, reds and pinks to offer. I have used 2-3colors from this range few years back and was pretty impressed. This year I picked a beautiful pink color for daytime called Pink Bureau. Here’s my review on the product.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION – Lakmé Nine to Five brings you a range of 38 shades that sit on your lips all day long. Enriched with Vitamin E; it conditions your lips & softens them with wheat germ oil. So, perk those soft, smooth lips with a touch of matte.

PRICE – 400 INR

MY REVIEW

Packaging – The first and foremost reason I am attracted to this range of lip colors is their gorgeous packaging. The rose gold colored lipstick bullets is something like a beautiful possession in my handbag. Kudos to Lakme for blending two beautiful things women adore – rose and gold. The lipstick comes in a light weight rose gold body with the twist open function. It shuts really tight and hence easy to travel with. The lipstick is further encased in a cardboard box of tea rose color.

Shade – The shade is a soft rose pink with micro golden shimmer particles. The color has a natural warmth to it and is specifically tailored to suit each and every complexion. For fair skin tones, it will comes out as a lively pink (not loud though), for medium to dusky skin it will appear as nice soft coral pink while for deeper complexions, it will be an MLBB pink. The gold shimmers are not very visible but their presence gives a duo chrome touch to the lips under sunlight.

Pigmentation – The pigmentation is really great. With single swipe you can get an opaque layer. It successfully hides and conceal every blemishes and discolorations on lips and you won’t even need a lip concealer underneath. It applies evenly on the lips and there isn’t any patchy layer at all. The color doesn’t bleed at all and you won’t even require a lip liner underneath to bring out the dynamism of the lipstick.

Texture – Texture wise, I would call it powdery matte. The texture reminds me so much of the beloved Chambor Powder Matte I have used before and glides on the lips with a velvet touch. Although there are shimmers but it doesn’t feel even tad bit abrasive at all. Now, the downside is it feels dry. It isn’t very forgiving at all if you have dry lips. So make sure you have exfoliated and well-nourished the lips with a nice and hydrated lip balm underneath. Also, the texture is smooth but if you try to go more than two coats, you will realize that lipsticks can look super cakey.

Finish – the finish is soft matte from the very beginning. I wouldn’t call it as dry as lip creams but the enriching presence of Vitamin E gives a nourished look. However, do not expect it to hydrate your lips at all. The gold shimmers starts being prominent once the color loses it vivacity with the passage of time. It won’t look gaudy but slightly shiny. The lipstick also transfer a lot to cups and spoons while eating.

Staying Power – the staying is definite not 9 to 5 as claims but it does survives around 4-5hours easily. It can subsist even after small snacks or brunch but definitely not a full course meal. After meal, you would need a slight retouch by dabbing the color onto the lips. It fades off leaving a trail of pinkish golden hue to the lips and I realized there isn’t any patchiness even though the lip color felt dry. For the price, I think they have beautiful texture and staying power.

OVERALL – the Lakme 9 to 5 Lipstick Pink Bureau is a gorgeous and muted pink to worn at any time and it gives a soft touch of pink during daytime. It has a wonderful powder matte texture with amazing pigmentation and fairly long staying power.

WHAT I LIKED

  • Gorgeous rose gold packaging.
  • Lakme 9 to 5 Lipstick Pink Bureau is a soft rose pink with micro golden shimmer particles.
  • It will suit each and every complexions.
  • A single swipe of the lipstick gives a proper saturated color.
  • It has powdery matte texture.
  • The color doesn’t bleed at all.
  • Soft matte finish for a daytime lip color.
  • It does survives around 4-5hours easily.
  • It fades off with an even pink hue to the lips.
  • Reasonably priced.

WHAT I DISLIKED

  • Formula is drying and unforgiving for dry lips.
  • It may look cakey if too many layers are applied.
  • The shimmer becomes prominent once the color starts fading.

RATING – 4/5

RECOMMENDATION – with 38 shades to choose from, the Lakme 9 to 5 range of Lipsticks surely deserves recommendation. The price are perfect and often on discounts. The colors are soft and perfect for daytime and the texture and finish are on point. I would highly recommend this color as well as the range for the versatility of soft daytime shades.

Editor’s Note: Totally agree on the gorgeous packaging, I have no idea why they have added gold shimmer to the beautiful matte pinks. I have the shade Peony Goal which is again a beautiful nude pink but even that has shimmer, I do not like shimmer in my lipsticks.

March 2016 ‘More Power To You’ Fab Bag Unboxing & Review

Body Scrub, Fab Bag, Lipsticks, Nail Paints, Nyassa, Nykaa, Reviews, Shampoos, Wella, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

March 2016 ‘More Power To You’ Fab Bag Unboxing & Review

Hi guys,

I just now got the March Fab Bag, it’s the ‘More Power To You’ Women’s Day/Month theme.

Read my previous Fab Bag reviews:

MRP: Rs.599/- per month (Buy HERE)

It’s a metallic silver textured bag and I knew the Sugar Cosmetics Matte Lipstick is a part of the bag coz I saw it on their Instagram page and assumed it would be this brand.

Let’s see what all I got:

  • Sugar Cosmetics ‘It’s A Pout Time’ Matte Vivid Lipstick in 03 Mad Magenta (Full sized)- Rs.599/-
  • Wella Professionals Elements Shampoo (30ml)- Rs.175/-
  • Wella Professionals Elements Conditioner (30ml)- Rs.200/-
  • Nykaa Strawberries & Cream Nail Enamel (5ml)- Rs.149/- for 10ml
  • Nyassa Tiramisu Body Scrub (30g)- Rs.900/- for 200g

I really like the Wella Pro Elements Range, read my review HERE. It is SLS and paraben free and perfect for colored/treated hair, this deluxe sample size is perfect to try out and/or for travel.

I am loving the Sugar Matte Lipstick, love their Matte Crayon too, so was looking forward to the lipstick. Quite excited to try that out. It comes in this magenta pink shade, a muted berry, a nude and a coral.

I have 3-4 of Nykaa nail paints and they are quite decent, I love this summery shade and would definitely be wearing it.

The Nyassa Tiramisu Body Scrub smells amazing, but since it’s a body scrub, this 30g sample would only work once.

Overall, I would say it’s a mixed bag, not a must have but pretty decent if you are into matte lipsticks and wanted to try the Wella Pro Elements Range, a nail paint and bag are added bonus 😀

The value of the products come to around Rs.1200/- which is still not bad and the deluxe sizes are decent too.

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

Coloressence Mesmerizing Lip Colour Poetry Pink Review, Swatches

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Coloressence Mesmerizing Lip Colour Poetry Pink Review, Swatches

By Ishleen

Hello munchkins!

I know its been quite some time since I spoke to you darlings, and I am so sorry for the long disappearance! But today I am here to make up for my absence with this gorgeous review of one of my first and my most favourite matte deep pink lipsticks! I mean this was the first ever deep pink lipstick I ever owned, and I do not know why I had stopped using it as of late! But with the responsibility of reviewing it, I finally got a chance to use it again, and fall in love, all over again!

What Coloressence says?

Mesmerising Lip Colour, a unique combination of coriander and basil extract. This lip colour nourishes, protects, moisturizes and is hypoallergenic. Volumises the lips.

Ingredients:

Although the full ingredient list was not mentioned but the active ingredients are mentioned here!
Almond Oil, Vitamin E. 100% Vegetarian. No animal ingredients used!

Price and Quantity: 175 INR for 4 grams of product (pretty cool, huh?)

Packaging

Packaging wise, coloressence lipsticks have never impressed me much but this lipstick still looks pretty classy for the price it comes at! It comes in a very sturdy m ate black packaging with silver detailing and a functional silver bullet! The packaging is all in all really sturdy, and elegant, so thumbs up for that!

Shade

As I said, the shade is love at first sight! Such a pretty wearable deep pink which isn’t bright but still adds warmth to your skin! The shade is precisely a deep red-toned pink which does not look OTT even during day time and is pretty wearable for Indian skin tones! A perfect deep pink for beginners.

Texture

Texture wise this lipstick is a dud! Excessively dry, tugs on the lips, settles into fine lines and application is a nightmare! I mean it is so dry that I have to pull it across my lips in order to cover the entire lip line! Settles into a completely matte finish but makes the lips look parched! I mean looking at the shade, this rough texture is really sad to work with!

Pigmentation and Coverage

Despite being excessively dry and all that shizz, this pretty baby is bang on pigmentation! Loade don colored pigments which impart a full blown colour in just two tugging swipes! And is fully capable of covering up any pigmentations in 3 swipes max!

Staying Power

As this lipstick has a matte finish, it is relatively long staying! Though I wouldn’t say that it does not transfer, because it does, but that is unnoticeable! Thus giving a wear time of a good 5 hours before smudging off the edges and leaving behind stained lip look!

Pros

Lovely colour
Sturdy, elegant packaging
Full on pigmented
Covers lip pigmentation
Stays put for 4-5 hours straight

Cons

Excessively dry texture
Settles into lip lines
Makes the lip look parched
Does not apply well

Final Recommendation

If you are a hardcore matte lover and do not mind your lipsticks to be drying and shizz, you are going to love this gorgeous little deep pink matte lipstick!

Rating: 3.7/5

Editor’s Note: That’s such a pretty shade, would work on all skin tones from fair to dusky. It’s a perfect Priyanka Chopra kind of shade, she wears such brick reds and deep reddish pinks.

Have you tried Coloressence Lipsticks? Which is your favourite shade?