Sleek MakeUP Bare Skin Foundation Review, Swatches
What the Company claims: This unique super-light foundation gives skin a barely-there no makeup feel, whilst delivering a beautifully even and natural flawless finish. .
Provides light to medium, buildable coverage
Conceals blemishes and imperfections
Innovative formula evens out skin tone
Advanced moisturising properties help to keep skin nourished
Light base feels weightless, allowing skin to breathe
Instantly enhances and illuminates skin
MRP: $13.49 for 30ml
Directions: Blend smoothly and evenly with your fingertips or a foundation brush, working outwards from the centre of your face.
It comes in a glass square bottle packaging with a black cap and a black pump dispensor. Since it is glass, not very travel friendly and slightly heavy too.
I like the fact that it comes in 12 shades and cater to every skin tone possible from lightest to darkest. Its thick and creamy unlike your runny liquid foundation.
It gives medium coverage, even though buildable, wont give that complete flawless coverage hiding your marks/scars. Its good for everyday use, like a tinted moisturiser. And gives that dewy, glowing finish. It stays for 3-4 hours and then starts getting shiny on the T-zone since its quite rich. Oily/combination skin needs powder touch up after 3-4 hours.
Barley is light for me and Praline is dark, so I mix the both and get the perfect shade.I think Bamboo or Creme Caramel would suit my NC37 skin tone well.
Here it is on me. I have mixed both the shades here.
I would recommend this for people with dry skin looking for a dewy finish foundation and those who do not need much coverage.
ZA True White Cleansing Foam, Toner, Night Cream Review
Hey guys,
I had reviewed my favourite moisturizer these days HERE. i.e ZA True White Day Protector. I have been trying the cleansing foam, toner and night cream from the same range since quite some time and would be reviewing those today.
About the ZA range by Shiseido : ZA (pronounced as zi:ei) True White features three best whitening ingredients –Revolutionary 4MSK Formula penetrates deep within the skin to diminish the formation of excessive melanin, reduce blemishes & dark spots that are visible on the surface giving an even-toned radiance.
Vitamin C Complex with a potent combination of APM (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate) and VC-IP (Tetrahexydecyl Ascorbate) lightens the deep rooted melanin pigments to restore skin’s translucence.
The range is enriched with exclusive SPA ingredients like Natural Spring Water from the foothills of Mount Cazzaro in Tuscany, Italy, Trehalose and White Lily extract to give unparalleled moisture to the skin. Its Prism Enhancer System removes unwanted dead corneal cells and allows for maximum diffusion of light on the skin’s surface making it radiant with brightness.
ZA True White Cleansing Foam
What the Company claims: A whitening cleansing foam that provides essential care for moisturized translucent skin.
How to: Squeeze a small amount onto palm and work into a lather using cool or lukewarm water. Gently massage over face in circular motion. Rinse thoroughly.
Ingredients:
MRP: Rs.349/- for 100g (Available for Rs.339/- HERE)
It comes with a flip cap packaging. It is the creamiest face wash I have ever seen or used, like literal cream! It has small brown granules which help in light exfoliation and not harsh. It cleanses well and even removes your basic makeup.
Only issue being, I find it slightly drying, though thats the case with most cream based face washes. I generally like gel based ones for the same reason. But still it was the least drying and the most creamy cream based face wash. I would not recommend it for dry skin, unless you are used to cream based face washes. But would work great with oily combination skin, with some moisturizer above it, of course.
Rating: 3.75/5
ZA True White Toner
What the Company claims: A whitening toner for moisturized translucent skin.
How to: Smooth an appropriate amount over face with hand or cotton pad after cleansing.
Ingredients:
MRP: Rs.699/- for 150ml
Its a runny watery liquid, has a soft floral smell and does not dry out the skin even though it has alcohol.
I am not much of a toner person. I know people always recommend the CTM routine, but I am more into facial mists. Toner is not really my thing. Though it helps in cleaning and tightening pores,etc. I have not seen any major difference with/without toners on my skin. Or may be I am never regular enough with toners.
I definitely prefer alcohol free toners, as alcohol totally rips the moisture from the skin. There are not many options in India as far as good alcohol free toners are concerned. If you are into the CTM routine and tone regularly and are ok with toners having alcohol, do give this a try. I did not see too much of a difference though. Might work more for people with oily skin.
Rating: 3/5
ZA True White Night Cream
What the Company claims: This whitening Night Cream works hard while you are fast asleep. Gives high Whitening effect by diminishing melanisation, dark sports, blemish marks and patchiness to reveal translucent, clear skin; and Moisturizing effect by removing excess surface cells, while deeply hydrating skin from inside-out.
How to use: Smooth an appropriate amount over face with fingers after toner. Apply several dots on the face and spread evenly from the centre of the face outwards.
MRP: Rs.999/- for 40g
It comes in jar packaging like the ZA True White Day Cream. It has a gel like texture and is water based. It gets completely absorbed into the skin and there is no greasiness with this.
You don’t even need too much product, but just a pea sized amount. This will best suit people with oily skin. If you have dry skin and prefer light creams, then you will like it. But if you love heavy rich creams at night, this won’t be enough in terms of moisturization. I like water based creams especially in summers. Though at times I prefer richer ones when I feel my skin looks dry and needs hydration and moisture.
I did not find it deeply hydrating as claimed but it did help in healing a few acne spots faster. Worth a try.
Rating: 3.5/5
My favourite from the ZA Range is still the True White Day Protector, followed by the Cleansing Foam, Night Cream and Toner.
Have you tried the ZA skincare range ? If yes, what is your favourite ? If no, what would you like to try first ?
What the Company claims: Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Range: Enriched with the goodness of oils and fruit vitamins, Triple Nutrition nourishes and strengthens* the hair from scalp, through lengths to tips, leaving hair strong, nourished, shiny and manageable. This range has been specially developed for Indian women and has an exquisite fragrance. The conditioner can be applied on hair and scalp.
Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Strengthening Shampoo: Available in 80 ml for MRP Rs. 69, 175 ml for MRP Rs. 135, 340 ml for MRP Rs. 230, sachet:6.5ml for MRP Rs.3
Shampoo Ingredients:
Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Strengthening Conditioner: Available in 80 ml for MRP Rs. 70, 175 ml for MRP Rs. 135,sachet: 7.5ml for MRP Rs.4
Conditioner Ingredients:
Recently Alia Bhatt,being the new Garnier Fructis Brand Ambassador, launched this new Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner at Palladium Hotel.
It comes in a lovely yellow colored packaging. Triple Nutrition involves Coconut Oil, Almond Oil and Olive Oil. I was never much impressed with Garnier Fructis range especially the conditioner, coz what I seek in a shampoo is smooth, silky, shiny hair which the previous range did not give me. Though it helped in cleansing well and frizz control, straighter hair.
So I did not expect much from this range too, but reading the claims and ingredients, I did find it interesting.
L’Oreal Paris had launched the 6 Oil Nourish Range sometime back, and both L’Oreal and Garnier Fructis fall under the L’Oreal Paris group. So another oil based nourishing shampoo range from the same parent company, was intriguing.
The ingredients of both the ranges are quite similar. Even the 3 oils out of the 6 in L’Oreal 6 Oil Nourish Range are the same, with actually the slightly more expensive ones like Argan, Jojoba and Camelina being removed, when the price of both the ranges is exactly the same for the same quantity.
Though I would say its nice that its not completely oil based and has a blend of fruits like lemon, apple and sugarcane extracts too, which makes it lighter and perfect for oily scalp and hair.
Both the shampoo and conditioner are white in colour. Not too thick nor the runny kinds. I love the fresh lemon, apple smell!
Shampoo cleanses hair amazingly well in one single wash. If you have oiled your hair, you might need two washes. Conditioner is creamy but not rich. And not gel like which slips or falls from the hand, like in some brands. Its the perfect texture and moisturizing enough. Though they say you can use it on your scalp, I never use the conditioners on my scalp.
Leaves the hair softer, smoother and stays so for 2-3 days without the scalp feeling oily/greasy. And hair was tangle free. Though it does not help much in hairfall and dandruff, which I did not even expect it too.
If the shampoo/conditioner is not moisturizing enough, it may leave the hair dry, but if it is too rich and creamy, it weighs down oily scalp and hair, though works well for dry hair.
L’Oreal Paris 6 Oil Nourish Range is richer and perfect for dry hair. This one is moisturizing yet light enough for normal to oily hair.
Overall, I liked it. Much beyond expectations being Garnier Fructis. The 1st ever Garnier Fructis range that worked so well for me.
Have you tried the new Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Shampoo, Conditioner ?
Sleek MakeUP i-Divine Rio Rio Palette Review, Swatches
What the Company claims: This exclusive i-Divine Palette is inspired by the explosion of vibrant exotic colours seen at the Rio Carnival, with bursts of golden yellow, intense fuchsia and metallic green hues.
Each shade is highly pigmented, reflecting the exciting carnival celebrations and everything that is Brazilian! Create shimmering eyes with super-charged shades that pop.
This palette of vibrant colours suits all skin tones and the exclusive packaging captures the flamboyant, exotic carnival costumes.
* Available only while stocks last
Weight : 12X1.1g/12×0.03floz
Storage info :Store in a cool dry place.
Not tested on animals
Please note, that this product is not available in the USA due to shipping regulations. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Directions to use:
MRP: $9.99
Another Limited Edition i-Divine Palette from Sleek MakeUP. This time its all about bright shades, for this is inspired by Brazil’s Rio Carnival!
It has the same standard Sleek MakeUP i-Divine palettes packaging and comes with a mirror and a two-sided sponge applicator.
Though I am not a fan of brights, this palette has some beautiful warms and n*des too!
The matte shades in Sleek MakeUP i-Divines were always a little powdery. But all the shades in this palette including the mattes are super bright, smooth and pigmented!
I could’nt believe the pigmentation these had. All the swatches are just one swipe.
Top Row:
Tropics: Matte bright coral orange
Night Fever: Matte bright reddish pink
Ipanema: Satin Plum with gold shimmer
Caipirinha: Metallic lime green
Urca: Beautiful satin finish muted light gold. My favorite <3
Leblon: Deep Matte Jet Black. Most pigmented black in a palette!
Bottom Row:
Cachaca: Metallic white
City of God: Metallic bright yellow
Copacabana: Satin finish beige n*de with gold shimmer
Sao Conrado: Matte carrot pink
Bossa Nova: Beautiful satin finish bluish purple. Another favorite <3
Leme: Gorgeous satin deep blue. Perfect for blue smokey eyes.
Overall, I would say, this is by far the most pigmented Sleek MakeUP i-Divine palette. If you are into brights, grab it right now before the stocks get over since its a limited edition. And even if you are not into brights like me, 5-6 shades are such that are super versatile, pigmented, warm, wearable and match up/blend with everything.
What the Company claims: Revitalises the scalp bringing essential nutrition to the hair root. Restores its natural vigour and vitality.
Iraya’s Keshavardhak Lepa, an ancient ayurvedic recipe contains 11 powerful herbs for reversing premature hair loss. It is a powerful hair tonic compound that strengthens the hair root and stimulates micro- circulation in the scalp. Helps prevent and stop hairfall. The perfect care for thinning hair and for treating alopecia.
Usage: Form a thin paste by mixing it with water and/or some oil (for dry scalp). Part the hair and carefully apply to the entire scalp. For best results, cover your hair with a hot, wet towel and leave on for atleast an hour.
Note- After the first application, you may notice some hair fall, do not worry these are dead hair follicles that are eliminated as the first part of the treatment.
Ingredients: 11 powerful ayurvedic herbs including triphala, gokharu & maka
MRP: Rs.495/- for 50g
It comes in a cute wooden jar matki with a cap. And inside you have the powder in a plastic zip pouch.
Since the product is to be used on the entire scalp, the 50g pack would last 3 uses. You can either mix it with water or with oil. I have tried once with both. The hair and scalp feel a little drier when mixed with water, coz the water would evaporate quickly and you need to keep the mask for an hour.
With oil, hair won’t feel dry, but it would be a little difficult to wash off.
I used it alternate weeks i.e with one week gap in between. I did not notice any hair fall as such when I was using this, but could not notice any new hair growth too, in this short time and in just 3 uses.
Though the herbs mentioned in the ingredients like triphala, gokharu, maka and a few others are the best to prevent hair loss and regenerate new hair. But, one needs to give it time and use it consistently to see results.
I think it should have been sold in a 100g pack and obviously at less a price than the double of 50g, to be economical and for one to see some good results.
Overall, I would say, definitely worth a try if you are suffering from hair loss.
Have you tried the Iraya Keshavardhak Lepa or any other ayurvedic preparation to fight against hair fall ? Did you notice results ?
This time we are back to the pink box! Yay 😀 How we love pink :p And also we have 4 new brands in the My Envy Box.
What I got in my box:
2 sachets of L’Occitane En Provence Angelic Hydra Vital gel (Rs.2990/- for 50 ml)- The qty is pretty decent. I like how light weight and ultra moisturizing it is.
7 ml tube of Wild Ferns (New Zealand based brand) Manuka Honey Conditioning Hand Creme (Rs.1500/- for 85ml)
Pefume Vial- Givenchy Play For Her (Rs 5750 for 75ml- Its a litte too strong and fruity with top notes being Orange Blossom and Pink Peppercorn
20ml tube of Natio (popular Australian brand) Ageless Dual action Cleanser and Exfoliator (Rs.1010/- for 75ml)- I think its a pretty good qty and this can be my perfect travel companion. I love cleansers that exfolaite as well and are not drying or stretchy on the skin.
5 ml of Epique Advanced UV Protection System (Rs 2700/- 15ml)- Switzerland based brand. I like the fact that it has SPF50. Super expensive though :/
This time there is also an additional card for a free eye makeup consultation at Givenchy.
I did not get the H2O sample this time too, whereas many others did. I would anyday prefer a bigger 20-30 ml H2O sample than a small 3-5ml sachets/tube from an international brand. I like to use the product well to judge whether it works for me, and I cannot do so, with a small sample. I did not get H2o previous month too, and a small 5ml tube. Same thing again. I would request My Envy Box to have bigger samples.
Overall, a mixed bag again. In terms of pricing it may be good, coz 1-2 products like Epique are super expensive. But I would love to try bigger sizes of not so expensive brands.
Garnier Pure Active Deep Pore Unclogging Face Wash Review
By Raunak
Garnier Pure Active is a breakthrough formula which has the unique association of two powerful actives – Salicylic acid with powerful anti-bacterial properties, and Herbal repair with natural repairing and regenerating properties. Clinically tested on acne prone skin, it’s maximum strength formula works immediately on imperfections and delivers visible results from day one.
Its Secret? An unprecedented association in the formula which fights imperfections and their marks: • Concentrated Salicyclic acid is one of the most efficient exfoliant actives. • .The proven power of plants: HERBAREPAIR is natural active extracted from VacciniumMyrtillus with exceptional regenerating and skin-repairing properties
Ingredients:
Directions:
MRP: Rs.79/- for 50g
My take:
So after using the product for a while, winters and summers ( hence the time taken for the review),I just wanted to test the credibility of the all product when it comes to using this for oily skin. Because we all know oily and acne prone skin becomes a mess in summers.
Garnier Pure Active Pore Unclogging Wash is a pale blue face wash with liquid like consistency. It lathers easily and washes without leaving any residue. It has got a minty smell and it gives a cool, refreshed, cleansed skin hence I feel its a perfect facewash for the summers. However, I wish that the cool feeling lasted longer.
What the product is good at:
• It smells fresh and minty, which totally freshens me up after a hot day outside.
• The skin is left squeaky clean after using this.
• It’s not drying so will suit dry skin.
• The price is quite reasonable.
• It leaves skin feeling so minty kind of cool (cos of menthol). It’s simply wow.
It does help me avoid new acne but the marks do not go away. And also it is not like it prevents acne completely I still got my once in a while acne. Yes I did. While I can say that I am a fan of their scrub from this range. This one is a miss. The scrub is a HIT.
So after six months of using the scrub and wash religiously, It is a conclusion that the scrub is worth a try for oily-normal skin. But the wash can be given a miss for oily skin type. Can be used for normal skin type.
Thanks again bhumi for sending the products. Hope you all get some insight about these two products after reading my through, lengthy and time consuming ( months….errrr) review.
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Diana of London Mascara Dress Ur Eyes Waterproof Review
By Raunak
Bhumi here was kind enough to send me few products to review…..I come back after a snip snap holiday and products to review. Yay!!!!!
What Diana of London has to say about the product?
Diana of London’s dress ur eyes waterproof eye mascara is especially designed to add volume to your eye lashes. It special built in formula helps in pumping your eye lashes and provides it with more volume. The eyes look beautiful with their beauty enhanced and add more dramatic look to the eye. The specially designed formula also provides your eye lashes with natural shine.
About the product: Claims: Non smudging formula sensational volume without clumping surprising length & perfect separation.
New Waterproof Formula
-Promises day long wear without imperfections
Formula Studied
-To increase and wide at the most the lashes, giving it thickness and volume
Special Polymers
-Gives you an intense black color & helps maintain the styling of eyelashes.
Ingredients:
My take:
Packaging simply lovely pink tube. Don’t we all love when we have simple products with packaging in bright colours in our vanity? Just lifts my mood. Hehe.
So the packaging is sturdy the brush is the standard mascara brush. It has matt finish and it is thick non dripping mascara.
I have used it for about 3 months. Finished all of it and only then I am ready ti give its review.
Al in all great for everyday use. Little steep on the price (when I checked the price online). Nothing that cannot be lived without.
Just a good everyday pink tube to have.
Pros of the mascara:
• Matt. Good for everyday use.
• Smudge proof.
• Waterproof.
• Single coat does the job.
Cons of the mascara:
• Nothing special really. No length or visible thickness of my lashes.
Will I buy it? NO!
Have you tried the Diana of London Dress Ur Eyes Mascara ?
What the Company claims: A complex blend of essential oil, this moisturizing serum helps to replenish and restore dry and frizzy hair. Designed to provide an expert solution to everyday hair problems, this professional serum is aided with the rich benefit of Argan. Non greasy and greatly effective, the serum leaves hair soft and supremely conditioned, allowing you to let down your hair anytime, anywhere.
Claims & Ingredients:
MRP: Rs.349/- for 45ml
I like using hair serums as it controls most of the frizz especially in monsoons since hair is more frizzy due to the moisture and humidity (A forever story in Mumbai anyways)
I had not heard about Streax serums before, as hair color was always I associated it with. So, when I got to try this, I was all in, also coz I love Argan Oil.
It comes in a small dark tinted glass bottle with a white pump packaging and a small plastic clear cap to cover the white pump dispensor.
You just need two pumps of it and its more than enough. I love using it on my ‘just washed’ damp hair. Texture is slightly on the stickier side since its more ‘oil like’ than a serum. But then, I feel this is the reason, it controls frizz like nobody’s business !
Since its heavier, you just rub the serum in your hands and take thick strands of hair and press your hand against the strands, as if you coating them. You would still be left with some product even after covering entire portion of hair, as its just like touching them and not rubbing it on.
I love how my hair feels smoother and there is no frizz at all, after using this. It smells good too, not completely argan but slightly sweet coz of the added perfume probably.
Its a blend of argan, almond, walnut oil and Vitamin E. It does have silicones too, but it does not contain mineral oil or parabens. I guess silicones is something which is unavoidable in serums as that creates a layer on the hair to protect from moisture and not get frizzy.
I used it on both wet and dry hair. And IMO, I did not like using it on dry hair since its on the stickier side, it does not settle well on dry hair. Whereas it blended in, on wet/damp hair.
Overall, I would say I really loved it. Now its my staple after every hair wash. And since, you do not need much, the 45ml bottle is going to last long. Turns out economical at Rs.349/- even though its slightly higher priced than other serums. And I would prefer something like this with a blend of oils, rather than plain serums with just silicones. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Quality: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 3/5
Now this time they have come up with an Instaglam box for the Rakhi season to celebrate the special ‘brother-sister’ bond called the ‘Celebration of Bonds’ box.
Shades Available: Pink, Coral, Red
MRP: Rs.750/- (with products worth Rs.895/-)
Its a box with your basic essentials which are:
A Shade of Maybelline Glitter Mania Nail Paint (Pink Champagne in the Pink Box)
A dash of kajal, liner and lip gloss is what all of us use even on a regular basis. And the latest Glitter Mania nail paints were the perfect thing to add in the box ! An hint of bling completes the celebration box.
Colossal Kajal is a classic, a good glossy liquid liner is another must have. I absolutely love the High Shine Lip Gloss range, one of the best in India. And Glitter Mania nail enamels are again an hit. The shade in this box ‘Pink Champagne’ is by far an universal favorite and I believe the widely sold too 😀
I think its a box all girls can use, coz not many use blush/mascara but a kajal or lip gloss is what every girl would use/carry along in her bag 😀
It makes a perfect gift, not only for sisters but also your girlfriends 😉 Nah, for any girl actually.
I highly recommend it. One good, value for money, must have box. Not only for yourself, but also to gift someone. At 750 bucks, makes quite an economical gift too 🙂
I did an FOTD with the kajal, lip gloss and eyeliner (created a winged eyeliner).