Category Archives: Skin care

Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Wash Review, Indian Makeup & Beauty Blog

Clean & Clear Foaming Face Wash Review

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Clean & Clear Foaming Face Wash Review

Hi guys,

If you remember I have reviewed the Clean & Clear Morning Energy Burst Face Wash before (Read HERE). Clean & Clear has been one of the oldest brands and one of the first to introduce face washes in India and that too in the affordable category. I believe every one of us has used and loved Clean & Clear face washes.

The Foaming Face Wash was one of their very first launches. I loved the Morning Energy range and was eager to try the new Foaming Face Wash.

What the Company claims: Clean & Clear’s improved oil-free Foaming Face Wash helps prevent pimples, oily shine and blackheads; thoroughly removing oil and dust without over-drying skin. The improved Foaming Face Wash promises to leave skin feeling clean, clear and radiant; and, best of all, controls oil for up to 8 hours!

About Clean & Clear Foaming Face Wash: Gentle enough to use every day, for clean and clear skin that glows.

Recommended for: Those who want to remove excess oil from their skin and prevent pimples.

How it works: CLEAN & CLEAR® FOAMING Face Wash is specially designed for young skin – to remove excess oil, while its special ingredients help prevent pimples. Its liquid formula cleans deep without causing dryness, and is gentle enough to use every day, for clean and clear skin that glows.

Directions: Apply a small amount on wet palm and work into rich lather. Gently massage onto face, avoiding the eye area. Rinse off thoroughly. Use twice daily for skin that’s beautiful, clean and clear! Follow with CLEAN & CLEAR® OIL FREE MOISTURISER for best results.

Ingredients: Water, Triethanolamine, Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lauryl Phosphate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Fragrance, Pentasodium Triphosphate, O-Cymen-5-ol (Isopropyl Methtylphenol), Benzophenone-4, Butylated Hydroxy Toluene

MRP: Rs.99/- for 100ml (Buy Here)

It comes in this clear bottle with blue cap, the standard Clean & Clear face wash packaging. It is runny and transparent with a slight golden hint.

It comes out clear and foams well. It deep cleans the skin and gets rid of all the dirt and clears the pores, you can feel it cleaning from deep within. It also controls the oil secretion for about 6-8 hours. I have combination skin and my T-zone gets oily in 3-4 hours usually but with this, it is well in control for a decent time.

Since it foams a lot, it does dry out the skin a bit and needs to be followed up with a rich moisturizer, especially in winters.

I really like the way it deep cleans, the fact that it can be carried along easily, comes in mini versions too which are perfect for hand bag for use in college, office, etc., is affordable and easily available everywhere. It is perfect for oily and combination skin, but I know friends with dry skin too, who quite like it.

Clean & Clear always comes up with interesting and helpful campaigns time and again, the latest being ‘Ready Face’. Ready Face helps teenage girls find their courage by introducing a ritual to empower girls to face the day head on. (Read more HERE)

Teenage years can be some of the most daunting, as they experience some of the most drastic developments to their emotional, physical and social well-being during these years. Part of these developments include the struggle to control the blemishes and oiliness surfacing on their constantly changing skin.

We have all been through that teen phase where even one pimple feels like our life is terrible and our confidence is at the lowest. We do not even feel like stepping out of the house and God forbid if we have a presentation or college fest or something like that, it’s like the ‘end of the world’ for us!

Research shows that a staggering 70% of girls age 15 to 17 avoid their daily activities when they feel bad about their looks and that 7 in 10 girls also believe that they are not good enough or do not measure up in some way.

So how does Clean & Clear empower teen girls to be their most courageous self? How do they help them combat their self-judgement?

The experts believe people who smile more frequently or do a power pose feel more confident about themselves.

Clean & Clear believes that beauty comes from being confident, comfortable and secure in your own skin. That is why the brand wants to introduce teenagers around the world to Ready Face, a concept that empowers you to channel your most courageous self– It can be a smile, a look, a gesture, or saying in front of the mirror that provides individuals with the confidence they need to take on everyday challenges. Ready Face motivates young girls to smile, be confident and take on the world. By getting noticeably clearer, more beautiful skin, teens are empowered to take back the mirror, flash their Ready Face, and become their most beautiful self.

So what do you think about the Clean & Clear Foaming Face Wash? And Ready Face?

New Medimix Ayurvedic Natural Glycerine Soap With Lakshadi Oil Review

Medimix, New Launches, Reviews, Skin care, Soaps, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

New Medimix Ayurvedic Natural Glycerine Soap With Lakshadi Oil Review

Hi guys,

Today I am reviewing something different, a soap. Medimix is one brand that we have all used at some point in our lives, and then we get different and new options and we forget the ‘natural’ and be lured by the fancy packaging and latest launches. Medimix has launched their new soap with natural glycerine and lakshadi oil. Lakshadi Tailam/Oil is an old ayurvedic recipe of a massage oil and it is made with a blend of different herbs like Laksha, Asvagandha, Katuka, etc.

They have also come up with this TVC which urges us to ‘Go Natural’ and it is so true!

What the Company claims: Medimix Ayurvedic Natural Glycerine With Lakshadi Oil contains a unique combination of the purest and finest grade vegetable glycerin and the time tested Ayurvedic formula of Lakshadi oil to effectively prevent dry skin.

MRP: Rs.45/- for 125g

Ingredients:

It is transparent green soap and has a slight herbal smell. Lakshadi Oil helps in a lot of ailments like fever, body ache, etc and is also used for massaging babies in some parts of India. Some of the ingredients also help in body acne or itches and rashes, them being anti – bacterial and anti – fungal.

Natural glycerine in the soap makes it perfect for the current winters, as it keeps the skin moisturized and skin does not feel dry or stretchy as with other regular soaps.

It foams well and cleans the skin well, one can also use a loofah on top of the soap foam for extra exfoliation or foaming. I love using it for my body and I also used it for my face. I don’t usually use soaps on my face as most of them are very drying for my skin but this one did not dry the skin at all.

It is vegan and cruelty free and does not contain any animal fat or derivative. It is priced very affordably at Rs.45/- and lasts long too, just don’t keep it in water.

Overall I would say Medimix is still the same, natural and herbal with glycerine, and does not dry out skin. Perfect for all year round. Definitely recommend trying this out!

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 4.25/5

Have you tried the new Medimix Natural Glycerine Soap With Lakshadi Oil?

The Body Shop Oils Of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil First Impressions

Anti Ageing, New Launches, Reviews, Skin care, The Body Shop, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Body Shop Oils Of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil First Impressions

Hi guys,

I have been using the new Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil since a week now and here are my first impressions about it.

What the Company claims: Infused with three precious seed oils and a blend of seven essential oils, we’ve created the Oils of Life™ Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil. The lightweight and quickly absorbing texture leaves a non-sticky finish, melting onto the skin, leaving it silky and soft. Instantly, skin appears smoother, more radiant, revived, revitalized and nourished. After 4 weeks, the signs of aging appear reduced, wrinkles appear minimized, and skin feels more elastic and firm.

How to use: This dermatologically tested oil can be applied every morning and evening before applying a cream. Apply 1 to 2 drops maximum (2-3 for very dry skin) onto the face and neck and gently massage into the skin. Follow with one of our Oils of Life moisturizers.

MRP: Rs.3095/- for 30ml

Ingredients:

It comes in a sleek and nice golden yellow glass bottle with a black dropper dispensor. The packaging is very convenient to use, though I am not sure how travel friendly it would be coz of the glass.

I love using oils on my face, using oils and serums at night is something I have been following since years and it really works amazing. Oils can be used even by people with oily skin, what it does it balances the oil secretion of the skin and also has amazing properties for revitalizing, firming and hydration of the skin. Different oils have different properties and this time Body Shop has come up with a combination of three special seed oils i.e Black Cumin, Camellia and Rosehip.Cold pressed seed oils are the purest form of oils and all their properties remain preserved. It also has a lot of other oils like Olive Oil as a base, Lavender Oil, Jojoba oil , Orange Peel Oil, etc.

I use 2-3 drops of it every night and massage it well on the skin, it has a complete dance routine massage video on their youtube channel. The smell is not unpleasing, it is nice, I do smell a hint of lavender and I really like lavender oil.

The oil is super light in texture and absorbs in a jiffy. Skin next day is super moisturised and plump, there is no redness or dryness. My skin was feeling very dry and stretchy as the winters had started, especially in the mornings, also coz of the AC at night. But since the time I have been using this, there are no dry patches and no stretchiness.

It also claims to have firming and anti-ageing properties, I cannot comment on it right now and would do a full review on it, post using it for a month.

It is slightly on the expensive side but all oils and serums in this category are almost in the same range. And since you need just 2-3 drops per use, this will easily last months

Overall I would say, I definitely recommend trying this out, especially if you love serums and oils. This is just a perfect blend of all the goodness of oils.

Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

Have you checked out or tried the The Body Shop Oils Of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil yet?

Khadi Rose Water vs Fabindia Rose Water vs Lotus Herbals RoseTone Facial Toner

Comparison, Fabindia, Face Mist, Khadi, Lotus Herbals, Reviews, Rose Water, Skin care, Toners, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Khadi Rose Water vs Fabindia Rose Water vs Lotus Herbals RoseTone Facial Toner

By Archana

Rose water is a favorite beauty product for almost all of us. It has multiple uses, can be used as a toner, for mixing face packs, as a refreshing facial mist, to reduce stress in eyes and even for hair care. It is one product that suits all skin types, oily or dry skin. There are numerous brands rose waters available in the market. Today, I will be comparing three of the best brands’ rose waters – Khadi, Fabindia and Lotus Herbals. Ofcourse, there are more luxury brands offering rose waters like Kama Ayurveda, Forest Essentials, etc. which are undoubtedly superior, but for this post, am comparing the popular budget-friendly ones. Read on to know which one you need to get now.

Packaging:

Khadi rose water comes in a plastic bottle with a flip-flop cap and a small hole to dispense the product. While Fabindia and Lotus Herbals comes in a convenient spray form which is easy and quick to use as you can directly spray on face. Clearly, Khadi’s regular packaging, though good for body lotions and shampoos, is not apt for a rose water.

Texture and color:

Khadi rose water is just like plain water in color and texture. Fabindia rose water, while you spray onto your hands, foams a little. But apart from that, both Khadi and Fabindia feels just like applying water on your face. Gets absorbed quickly, no stickiness, greasiness and they don’t make your face oily. Lotus Herbals, being a toner, has a slightly more denser juice-like consistency due to ingredients like aloe vera juice. It is light pink in color, obviously, artificial color. Khadi and Fabindia rule in this aspect.

Fragrance:

Fabindia rose water has possibly the most natural, soothing and pleasant fragrance among the three. It smells just like fresh roses, though not overpowering. Khadi’s fragrance is good, though it is more artificial, more like the Dabur and Banjara’s ones. Lotus Herbals too has a nice pleasant fragrance which is a little more on the sweeter side compared to Fabindia and is more artificial.

Ingredients:

Fabindia rose water is 100% pure and made from steam distillation of roses. Khadi rose water mentions only rose petals and water in the ingredients list, but it doesn’t say whether it is prepared through steam distillation or conventional method of boiling the petals and filtering. Steam distillation is the more preferred method as just filtering might not exclude all the impurities. Lotus Herbals on the other hand contains not just roses but also tulsi leaves extract, aloe vera gel, vetiver extract, castor oil and parabens and fragrance too. Clearly Fabindia tops in the ingredients and method of preparation. Lotus Herbals is good if you are looking for extra benefits of other ingredients like tulsi, aloevera and vetiver as well.

Efficacy:

In terms of efficacy, I love Fabindia rose water as its made from 100% steam distillation of roses. So I can use it even for sensitive areas like eyes and also hair care without fear. Since its pure, you can also put few drops into your eyes to freshen and cool your eyes. I have combination skin and when I used it in summers it helped to soothe and calm sunburnt skin and also provide light hydration making my skin appear healthy and glowing. With Khadi rose water, the results are normal just like any other rose water. But I feel its not as hydrating as the Fabindia one. Lotus Herbals , being more of a proper toner, offers extra benefits like minimizing pores and smoothing out skin. But after appyling, it gives a little sticky and greasy feeling. It hydrates and moisturizes the skin very well and makes it soft and plumper. I have combination skin which gets dry in winters and this toner has helped my skin stay hydrated throughout. Sometimes, I even skip moisturizer. Though, I don’t think I can use this toner in summers. Also, it won’t be suitable for oily/acne-prone skin people. And unlike, pure rose water, this can’t be used for eyes or hair.

Price:

Fabindia Rose Water comes at Rs.175 for 100ml which is makes it almost 4.5 times costlier than Khadi Rose Water which comes at Rs.80 for 210ml. And what do you get extra in Fabindia rose water for it? Steam distilled pure rose water, soothing natural fragrance, better effects and convenient spray packaging. Lotus Herbals comes at Rs.265 for 100ml, but being a toner, its more concentrated and only little quantity is needed each time compared to the others. So one bottle will last really long.

Final Verdict:

Clearly, the winner among the three is Fabindia Rose Water. It offers the best results, suitable for all skin types, has a soothing and calming fragrance, is made from 100% steam distillation of rose petals and comes in a convenient spray packaging. Those who feel Fabindia Rose Water is costlier, can try Khadi Rose Water, which is definitely far better and pure than the Dabur Gulabari and Banjaras rose waters. Normal – dry skin people who need more hydration and looking for a proper toner, not just plain rose water can go for the Lotus Herbals one.

So I hope you enjoyed reading the post. Which one is your favorite rose water among the three? Do share your thoughts in the comments below.

Editor’s Note: That was a fabulous comparison Archana! I love the Kama Ayurveda Rose Water but yes it is on the costlier side, I would love to try the Fabindia one.

Winter Skincare Guide for Pregnant Women

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Winter skincare guide for pregnant women

Follow a few simple tips as recommended by Dr. Kiran Coelho, celebrity gynecologist and say goodbye to skincare woes!

Skincare is a big concern during winter- just the thought of dry skin and chapped lips makes you cringe. This anxiety intensifies when you’re pregnant and have to deal with unexpected skin problems like itchy belly due to dry winter skin. These simple beauty tips will help keep skincare woes at bay this winter.

Gentle cleansing
While you may be lazy to go and wash your face with cold water this winter, it is extremely important to remove your make-up well before you call it a day! Opt for a cleanser that removes all of your makeup especially near the eyes as a lot of eye liner and mascara can be left behind even after proper washing. Consider Dr. Lancer skin care products whose offerings include great cleansers (among other things). A good cleanser leaves your skin non-irritated without redness or after wash tightness.

Moisturizing
Achieving the mythical glowy complexion of pregnancy is not all that difficult. Bid farewell to tired pasty skin by moisturizing your skin at least once a day. Not only will it keep your skin nice and plump but may also help reduce signs of aging.
Dr. Kiran Coelho, Celebrity Gynecologist, recommends application of moisturizers and oils containing Vitamin E, Lavender, Calendula and Rosemary as it helps repair damaged skin tissue that causes stretch marks. The same can be used after pregnancy also on the abdomen breast to reduce stretch marks.

Pedicures
While nobody will actually look down and notice your feet, the leg and foot massage you receive during a pedicure is beneficial for your circulation. Additionally, the pampering will pump up your mood and improve your whole pregnancy attitude.

Moderate exercising
It is of upmost importance to exercise in moderation for a healthy pregnancy. It will improve your blood circulation, reduce back pain and joint pain that escalates during winter. Try a mix of yoga, pilates and low-impact cardio that does not cause too much exertion. Expecting moms should get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week (half-hour a day for five days). Working out regularly helps you maintain a healthy weight which helps reduce stretch marks and makes it easier to shed your pregnancy weight after the delivery. Exercising will also brighten up your mood and chase away the winter blues and pregnancy mood swings.

Go Lukewarm!
Everyone enjoys a long, hot bubble bath for at least 20 minutes when they’ve been out in the cold, but long exposure to hot water can strip moisture from hair and skin- leading to dry skin and itchy scalp. It can also make you dizzy when you stand up.
Pregnant women should especially avoid saunas and hot tubs as it heats up the core. The heat makes your blood vessels wider which can cause fainting and the risks associated with falling. Very high body temperatures during early pregnancy may affect the development of the baby’s nervous system so it’s best to avoid saunas during pregnancy. Limit the warm showers to no more than 10 minutes, and not more than once a day.

The more the merrier!
Your body will ensure that your unborn baby has the best climate to be in no matter what the external weather is. Women are more prone to catch a cold during pregnancy, especially as the bump gets bigger and heat is lost through the increased surface area. Ensure you use fabrics that trap moisture. Put on cotton gloves over moisturized hands for warm and supple skin.

Drink more water
Agreed, that people do not feel as thirsty in winter as they do when it is summer, you must drink not just when you’re thirsty but at regular intervals to maintain an ideal body temperature. While it is important to take care of your skin by applying moisturizers and other external measures, it is also essential to be hydrated from inside too for glowing and healthy skin.

I think some of these tips are super helpful. Even though I do no post press releases, I realized how well put together these tips are and important too, so I decided to post them.

I hope it helped expecting moms, if it did, do let me know in the comments below 🙂

P.S: Image from Google

Salosa.com – Beauty At Your Doorstep

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Salosa.com – Beauty At Your Doorstep

Hi guys,

I know by now you have already seen 2-3 reviews of similar services that come at your home and provide you beauty services, but there is one thing that is different about Salosa.com and read on to know what.

About Salosa: Salosa.com is a platform with a vision to help women look and feel beautiful, all at their convenience.They aim to achieve this vision by providing beauty & styling services at the customer’s doorstep.

Salosa offers all kinds of beauty services (Facial, Pedicure, Manicure, etc), hair services (color, cut, care, etc.), body care (waxing, bleaching) and even makeup.

So how does Salosa work, you ask? See the pic below.

What you have to do is select an attendant you need, Male or Female and then select your area and the type of service and click on ‘Find A Stylist’. You get a list of options ranging from freelancers to chain of salons to fleet and their prices and minimum booking amount.

Here as you see I have chosen Glamsquad Beauty Services as the vendor, I feel they are reasonable and fall in between the freelancers and salons in terms of pricing.

All the stylists are trained specifically and use only branded, good quality products. They are verified and groomed before being listed on the website. And they are told to make sure that they leave the house clean after providing the services so that the customer does not have to hassle with the cleaning.

What makes Salosa different from other service providers is that they have a wide range of services and at different pricing points, unlike having a fixed list of services with specific prices. The most important point being, quality remains uncompromised.

Salosa is only available in Delhi & Gurgaon currently, I hope they expand to other cities of India soon and come to Mumbai too. I would really like to try out their services.

But if you live in Gurgaon, definitely check out Salosa.com and try out the services. More FAQ HERE.

Have you heard about Salosa.com before? Do you prefer choosing your own beauty service provider from a range of options?

The Body Shop Virgin Mojito Body Scrub, Body Butter, Body Splash Review

Body Butter, Body Mist, Body Scrub, Lifestyle, New Launches, Reviews, Skin care, The Body Shop, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Body Shop Virgin Mojito Body Scrub, Body Butter, Body Splash Review

Hi guys,

If you know I have running an Instagram contest for this new Virgin Mojito Range from The Body Shop, I also got a chance to try a few products from this new range and here is my review on it.

The Body Shop Virgin Mojito Body Scrub

Ingredients:

MRP: Rs.1295/- for 250ml

It comes in the same plastic jar as the Fuji Green Tea Body Scrub and has the same gel like texture and consistency with white and green fine granules. I already love the Fuji Green Tea Body Scrub and loving this too, this one smells more refreshing and exactly like Mojito! It leaves the skin gently exfoliated and soft without any greasiness or heaviness.

The Body Shop Virgin Mojito Body Splash

What the Company claims: The Body Shop brings you an innovative, brand-new fragrance format! With a zingy fragrance, our NEW Limited Edition Virgin Mojito Body Splash lets you splash on the crisp, refreshing scent of lime and fresh mint after the shower to extend the feeling of freshness all day. Innovative way to apply our new fragrance Light and fast-drying With the extract of Caribbean mint and lime Made with Community Fair Trade Organic Cane Sugar from Paraguay

Ingredients:

MRP: Rs.1395/- for 300ml

This is the first time The Body Shop has come up with a Body Splash, I think it is launched in place of the Body Mist. It is a thin, runny water like liquid which you just need to rub all over your body after a bath or after using the body butter. It evaporates quickly leaving behing a nice whiff of lime and mint. Again very, very refreshing. Only con would be it doesn’t stay that long on it’s own and over the body butter, it stays for like 3-4 hours. I would have loved if it stayed longer for at least 5-6 hours.

The Body Shop Virgin Mojito Body Butter

What the Company claims: Smooth on fresh hydration with our Limited Edition Virgin Mojito Body Butter, refreshingly fragranced with a twist of zesty lime and the scent of fresh mint. Up to 24-hr fresh hydration Lightweight texture Suitable for normal skin With the extract of Caribbean lime and mint Made with Community Fair Trade Shea Butter from Ghana

Ingredients:

MRP: Rs.1095/- for 200ml

As I had mentioned in my previous Fuji Green Tea Range Review, that I am not a fan of The Body Shop Body Butters and I prefer the Body Lotions as my skin is not very dry and I do not like rich and heavy creams except in extreme winters which is rare in a humid city like Mumbai.

I was expecting this to be of the same formulation as the Fuji Green Tea Body Butter but this one was very rich and heavy. I compared the ingredients of both and I found that the Fuji Green Tea Body Butter only had soybean oil and shea butter as the rich ingredients whereas this Virgin Mojito Body Butter contains cocoa butter, shea butter, beeswax, soybean oil and sesame oil as the rich ingredients and that makes it very heavy.

I would be using this Virgin Mojito Body Butter only in the 2 months of Mumbai winters, but otherwise I still prefer the Fuji Green Tea one coz it is very light and non greasy. If you are someone who has very dry skin, the Virgin Mojito Body Butter is perfect for you! It is very moisturizing and hydrating. Also for someone who feels itchiness due to dry skin or is developing stretch marks, this one will give your skin the much needed moisture.

Overall I would say this range is very, very refreshing coz of the fresh lime and mint. It would have been amazing if this range would have been launched in the summers. I love the Body Scrub and the new Body Splash too, the Body Butter is slightly rich for me but when everything is used together, the smell stays on much longer.

Have you checked out the new Body Shop Virgin Mojito Range yet? What do you think of it?

Grid Solution CC Cushion SPF 50 PA+++ Review & Giveaway

FOTD, Giveaway, Makeup, Makeup Base, Reviews, Skin care, Swatches, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Grid Solution CC Cushion SPF 50 PA+++ Review & Giveaway

Hi guys,

I had received this Grid Solution CC Cushion quite some time ago but did not get the time to use it thoroughly for review and hence the delay in the review. Now that I have used it enough, here is the review.

What the Company claims: Grid solution is an exciting and revolutionary all in one cc cushion.That does not require the use for foundation, primer or powder setting, grid solution provides all this in one application.
Our new technology allows your skin to glow and breath and provides coverage to all skin complexions from light, medium to tanned skin,
Containing superior antioxidant and sun protection against UVA and UVB of SPF 50 PA +++,
Grid solution is also 100% waterproof, anti allergy, spots and blackheads and provides instant hydration.
This formula fills in micro lines and ensures a smooth and even appearance. and the non-absorbing puff applicator cools and soothes the skin for a refreshing finish every time.

Ingredients:

MRP: $31 for 13g (Buy HERE)

It is made in Korea and comes in this black round packaging. I really liked the packaging, it is sturdy and smooth and the quality is good, it is not like those cheap plastic outer we usually see. Also it is travel friendly. It comes with a mirror, sponge and the cushion. The concept is quite similar to the Lancome Miracle Cushion but that of course has many shades and a bit higher coverage.

The top compartment has the sponge with a grip hold on the top. The white compartment to house the sponge has enough distance between the sponge and there is a tiny plastic separator so the compartment will never touch the cushion.

The cushion was covered with a plastic wrap and on lifting it, it was perfect and neat. No mess up there. You get the product on pressing the sponge on the cushion 1-2 times, I don’t cover my entire sponge with the product but just one side as I won’t be going all over the face at once but build it slowly. I need to go about pressing 2-3 times since I just use one side and it is enough to cover my entire face.

The liquid is quite thin and comes out easily on the sponge, also it blends seamlessly on the face. Always go pat pat and never drag coz dragging will only remove the product. It is quite hydrating and takes care of dry patches also anywhere on the skin, does not accentuate them at all.

But it is slightly rich and gives that shine on the face, hence needs a compact powder on the top or else you might end up looking like an oil slick.

The best part about this cushion is the SPF, it has amazing sun protection with an high PA, you will not need any separate sunscreen when using this. Coming to the disadvantage, it is only available in one shade. The shade appeared a bit lighter to me on swatching but it oxidized over the day and by the time I removed it, my normal skin was lighter and this was darker.

It claims to be 100% water proof, so you can even use it while swimming for sun protection. Also they claim it acts as a primer and fills in lines giving the skin a smoother appearance. It does to certain extent, have to agree.

Also if you read the ingredients above, it has olive oil and aloe vera extracts which makes it rich and moisturising plus rose, jasmine, daffodil, clover, honeysuckle and other fruit and flower extracts. So it is skin care + sunscreen + some coverage.

Fortunately the shade more or less works for me, but I do need a compact on the top. I suggest using your shade of foundation or compact or a BB cream on top of it to match your skin tone. Also the coverage is very light, so you would need a separate concealer for your problem areas.

I have worn only the Grid Solution CC Cushion here for my base and nothing else. See the shine on the face, definitely needs a compact on top. Also the coverage is very low, so it only evens out the skin tones, but would not hide scars or dark circles.

I also got the five face masks shown above with the Cushion, they are so amazing! I tried the Milk one and loved my skin post the mask.

I am giving away one Grid Solution CC Cushion and these 5 face masks to one lucky winner. All the rules in the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway starts today and ends after 10 days on 24th October, 2015. It is open internationally.

Good Luck 🙂

Avene Cleanance Soapless Gel Cleanser Review

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Avene Cleanance Soapless Gel Cleanser Review

What the Company claims:  This soap-free and paraben-free gel gently cleanses and purifies your skin while respecting its pH. It cleanses the skin gently without abrasion (no rebound effect). It is suitable for young, oily, blemish-prone skin as it purifies the skin and controls oil secretion, leaving your skin fresh and non-irritated. It contains 60% Avène Thermal Spring Water which has amazing soothing properties and the new sebum-regulating ingredient Glyceryl Laurate. This cleanser prepares the skin for treatment. It is an economical product, as a small quantity is enough to be effective.

Price for 200 ml is Rs 1100 (Buy HERE)

How to use: Use Cleanance Soapless Gel Cleanser morning and evening on your face and body. Apply to wet skin, lather and rinse thoroughly. Remove any remaining traces of make-up on the face and soothe the skin by spraying with Avène Thermal Spring Water.

Ingredients:

Cleanance Range:

  • reduces/limits sebum production
  • soothes irritations
  • Nips acne right at the root
  • leaves the skin feeling fresh and mattified

I have been using the Avene Cleanance Gel since quite a few weeks now, actually post my break out, I am only stuck to this. Read on to know what I think about it.

I researched a bit about Glyceryl Laurate, which is the new ingredient of the Avene Cleanance Range. It is a monoester of glycerin and lauric acid, skin conditioning agent and helps as emollient and surfactant. It basically forms a film on the skin and gives the skin a smoother, softer feeling. And also helps in sebum regulation.

To start with the packaging, it comes in this sleek plastic bottle with a white cap which you have to swivel to get the dispensor and dispense the product and swivel back again to close, something you see in talcum powders but this has just one tiny hole to dispense which is the perfect size.

It will not leak while you travel with it, but since this is a bit bulky and huge, I would not say it is travel friendly. I would have loved if it would have been available in smaller sizes too.

It is a bit thinner in texture and not exactly like gel, it has this hint of blue in it. I wash my face, take some product in my palms and then just blend some in my palms and some on the wet face directly.

It removes my basic makeup i.e eye liner, non waterproof mascara, sunscreen, BB cream, etc. without any hassles. It does not burn or sting the eyes at all! Something I really like, which most of the cleansers do, on my eyes. You will feel a thin film on the face but not something uncomfortable. It did not dry out the skin at all!

Coming to the main part, it definitely helped in my acne, no breakouts ever since I am using this and my previous scars have also almost faded. I am currently using this once a day, not twice a day since I have combination skin and not purely oily or blemish prone skin.

Though it is on the expensive side, the quantity is a lot and this 200ml bottle would easily last you at least 3-4 months depending on the usage.

I absolutely love it and recommend it. The most gentle cleanser I have used in a long time which removes my basic makeup, cleanses skin thoroughly from deep within, controls my break outs and even helps in fading the acne marks. And does not dry out the skin at all. It is a must try and will work for majority skin types, but if you have oily/acne prone/blemish prone skin, definitely get it today.

Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Would I buy it again: Yes!

Have you tried the new Avene Cleanance Gel Cleanser yet?

L’Oreal Paris White Perfect Magic White Double Whitening Day Cream, Eye Cream Review

Creams, Day Cream, Eye Cream, L'oreal Paris, Reviews, Skin care, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

L’Oreal Paris White Perfect Magic White Double Whitening Day Cream, Eye Cream Review

Whoa, that’s quite a mouthful! I have been using this day cream and eye cream from the L’Oreal Paris White Perfect Range from quite some time, day cream being on and off, read below to know why.

What the Company claims: GET INSTANT PERFECTION AND DAY AFTER DAY SKIN WHITENING FROM WITHIN WITH THE REVOLUTIONARY WHITE PERFECT MAGIC WHITE DOUBLE WHITENING CREAM.

PRODUCT BENEFITS: Upon application, thousands of MAGIC BEADS melt on skin to instantly and magically brighten and even skin tone right from the 1st touch, with no BB cream effect. Apply on cleansed skin every day.
INNOVATIONS & INGREDIENTS: High concentration of MELANIN-VANISH accelerates the skin regeneration process to unload excess melanin deep in skin layers and reduce dullness and dark spots.

MRP: Rs.799/- for 50g (Buy HERE)

Ingredients:

WHITE PERFECT MAGIC WHITE EYE CREAM
WHITE PERFECT MAGIC WHITE DOUBLE WHITENING EYE CREAM GIVES INSTANT BLUR EFFECT.
PRODUCT BENEFITS: In 5 seconds, instant blur effect, anti-dark circles, lines and bags.
Apply around the eye contour.
INNOVATIONS & INGREDIENTS: In 4 weeks, eye contour brightening with Vitamin CG and Caffeine.

MRP: Rs.599/- for 15g

Ingredients:

Both the day cream and eye cream come in this white and blue packaging, the day cream being a flat tube with a nozzle front and the eye cream being slim and round with a thin nozzle tip.

The day cream is white in color and thin and runny in texture, it spreads easily on the skin but it needs some blending as it leaves a whitish cast which looks too obvious if not blended well. The smell is not so pleasant too.

You definitely see visible brightness on the skin as soon as you apply it, but it not something permanent or that stays forever. If you read the ingredients in the image above, you see a lot of different silicones in it. Now my skin is not very sensitive and does not react easily to products but with this one, I broke out and got a lot of white heads, I had to stop using it for a few days. Then I started using it again and I broke out again 🙁 Now I have 2-3 acne scars to deal with. I am not really sure what particularly from the ingredients was triggering break outs. Coz I have used products with silicones before, maybe the combination of silicones or a particular silicone was doing it.

Till the time I used it, I can say that it does give the skin a brighter look and feel though not permanently. It is moisturising enough and there were no dry patches on the skin. I wouldn’t recommend it to sensitive skin though, for others, do give it a try if you want brighter, firmer looking skin but don’t expect permanent or long term results. You will notice a difference till the time you use it. Also, it has SPF19.

Coming to the eye cream, I love the convenient packaging and the nozzle only dispenses the required quantity. It is light yellow in color and slightly thick but easily blendable.

I target my under eye area at first, and then with some product left on the ring fingers I go over the entire eye lightly. I definitely noticed a difference in my under eye area from the time I am using it. The eye area is more moisturised, dark circles less visible and eye area is brighter. Caffeine also helps in reducing the under eye bags.

L- Eye cream, R- Day Cream

I love the eye cream and definitely recommend it, if you have dry skin and are anywhere in your late 20’s and early 30’s, it is time you start using an eye cream and invest in a good one. Even though this sounds expensive, 15g tube would last long as you need quite a tiny amount.

Overall, I would say the day cream did not work for me coz it broke me out but the eye cream is definitely worth a try!

Day Cream Rating:

Quality: 3/5 (For my skin, 2/5)
Value for money: 3/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall Rating: 2/5

Eye cream Rating:

Quality: 3.75/5
Value for money: 3.75/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall Rating: 3.75/5

Would I buy it again: The eye cream

Have you checked out the new L’Oreal Paris White Perfect Magic White Range yet?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review