SpectraBan Sunscreen [STIEFEL] for Sensitive Skin SPF 30 Review
By Linda
Hello Ladies,
Today I’m presenting an essential product that has become a necessity, in fact a must in my CTM routine. The product I’m talking about is a sunscreen cream known as SpectraBan Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin SPF 30 [a product by STIEFEL]. Let me brief you up as to how I got to know about this product. My skin is supersensitive and often I suffer from eczema (a skin condition) during fluctuating weathers. I live in the middle-east, where the weathers conditions are from extreme summers and to chilly winter. During summers, even after sunset the temperatures are up to 39 -41 degrees. I did not realize that such weather conditions would affect me skin. My dermatologist suggested using this sunscreen along with other body lotions and hydrocortisone creams. He also insisted me to use this cream throughout the day. Believe me I had excellent results from this product. It was a complete life saver for me. Let’s get into the details of this product.
Product Claims:
• Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin ANTI-UVA & UVB – SPF 30, PA++ • Broad spectrum UV protection • Double moisturizing factors • Non-comedogenic • Hypoallergenic • Water resistant
Ingredients:
Packaging and Texture
This product is dispensed in a plastic tube packaging. Travel friendly size. Various sizes are available. The product is fragrance free. Spreads smoothly over the skin on application and absorbed into the skin in seconds. The texture is not thick enough like other creams and not too runny like lotions.
Cost: 260 /-INR for 30gms
My take on SpectraBan Sunscreen [STIEFEL] for Sensitive Skin SPF 30:
I always begin with moisturizing my skin well, wait for few seconds for the moisturizer to seep in and then the dot my face,neck and other exposed areas with this sunscreen and gently massage it. I noticed it did not grease my skin at all and did not form a white cast over my skin that normally tends to happen with other sunscreen creams. My dermatologist instructed to go outdoors 20 minutes after application of sunscreen.
The cream is so soft and smooth over the skin that most of the time that I skip the step of a moisturizer. I have also applied this sunscreen while I go for swimming, believe me I had no tan at all, maybe it really worked for my skin. I have also used this sunscreen below foundation and this did not grease for atleast good 2-3 hours outdoors, in spite of layering several products. But later it does turn out to be greasy depending on the quality of your foundation. So this was my experience with this product, I hope you all try it and let me know how it worked for you all.
Pros:
Budget friendly
Water resistant (can be used while swimming)
Can be used on sensitive skin
Fragrance free
No skin irritations
Travel friendly
Available in various sizes
Cons:
Can’t find of any
Rating: 5/5
Would I recommend SpectraBan Sunscreen [STIEFEL] for Sensitive Skin SPF 30 ? Definitely Yes!!! For super sensitive skin it is a good product.
Editor’s Note: Wow, this sounds amazing Linda. Especially for swimmers, and so affordable. I will surely check this out.
Himalaya had launched For Moms range about a year ago and I had reviewed a few products from the range, see HERE.
Starting with the Intimate Wash,
Claims: During pregnancy, due to hormonal changes, the intimate area is prone to excessive vaginal discharge, irritation, and itching which increases discomfort. Pregnancy hormones cause acidic changes in the vaginal area. To maintain the acidic pH balance of the intimate area, it is essential to include an intimate wash in your personal hygiene routine.
Maintaining vaginal hygiene is an important task for women during and after pregnancy. Soap and water are not ideal as soap, which is alkaline, disturbs the vaginal pH balance and can be too harsh. Water alone will not suffice as it has a neutral pH. Himalaya FOR MOMS Intimate Wash is specially formulated for women during and after pregnancy to gently cleanse the intimate area, maintaining freshness throughout the day.
Benefits of using Himalaya Intimate Wash FOR MOMS:
To cleanse excessive vaginal discharge
To maintain normal vaginal pH balance between 3.5 and 4.5
To help control itching
To help control odor and irritation
To feel fresh and confident
MRP: Rs.125 for 100ml, Rs.220 for 200ml
An intimate wash is something which should be a part of your daily routine, whether pregnant or not. I have been using this since the past few days and I quite like it. It’s very gentle on the skin and cleans the area well. It doesn’t dry out the skin and it claims to be safe to use during and post pregnancy.
It has a simple, no fuss packaging with a flip cap top and dispenses the required product. It has tea tree oil and pongamia oil which are anti bacterial and help prevent itching and odour.
Coming to Intimate Wipes,
Claims: Himalaya FOR MOMS Intimate Wipes is specially formulated for gentle cleansing of the vaginal area to maintain freshness throughout the day.
Ingredients:
MRP: Rs. 47 for 10 sheets and Rs. 104 for 25 sheets
When you are on the go, you cannot use an intimate wash and that is when intimate wipes come into picture. These are perfect for travelling, a pack of 10 sheets is something you can easily carry along in your bag.
These would be really beneficial for mothers post pregnancy, especially if you have had a normal delivery, because the discharge doesn’t leave you months, at times.
It has lavender oil and pongamia oil which again helps in controlling odour and keeping the area dry, clean and fresh.
Finally for all you moms out there who are breast feeding, Himalaya has launched Nursing Wipes
Claims: Taking care of nipples is important for lactating mothers – both during travel and while at home. These wipes gently clean and remove any milk or sweat remnants on the breast and help prepare you for breastfeeding.
Regular breastfeeding can increase the sensitivity of the nipple skin, leading to sore, cracked nipples. Cleansing with soaps can remove natural moisture, further irritating sensitive skin. The use of wipes before and after nursing improves breast hygiene and ensures comfortable breastfeeding.
Himalaya FOR MOMS Nursing Wipes help maintain breast hygiene naturally. Free from mineral oil, our Nursing Wipes contain the goodness of 100% edible grade coconut oil.
Coconut Oil
Hydrates and softens dry nipples
Protects skin from chapping
Reduces dryness and soreness
Ingredients:
Directions: Pull out one wipe and gently cleanse the nipple and areola before and after breastfeeding. Dispose after one use. Reseal the package to keep the wipes fresh.
MRP: Rs.70 for 24 sheets, Rs.190 for 72 sheets
I gave this to a friend who delivered a baby boy 2 months ago and is breast feeding. She does use a nipple cream when the baby is not feeding and has to clean and dry the area often.
She found these wipes really helpful, especially when she is out with the baby because you cannot carry everything with you when going out of the house. These are really useful for lactating mothers during the breast feeding period.
I am glad Himalaya made a separate category For Moms and is adding new products time and again.
2017 comes to an end, another year passed. It feels like yesterday it was 2010, no idea where time is running. As always, my 2017 skin and hair favourites are here. I have been doing this since 6 years now and this is the 7th year 😀
Now this list is not about only new products that have been launched this year. I include all my favourites, some which I have tried this year and some which are my Holy Grail since years. Basically all products which I have used the most in 2017. We will start with skin and hair today, and then move on to makeup.
Click on the links for complete reviews..
Skin:
Face Wash: Avene Cleanance Gel, Forest Essentials Delicate Facial Cleanser Kashmiri Saffron & Neem (It’s very gentle and perfect for daily use)
Face Scrub: Clean & Clear Blackhead Clearing Daily Scrub, The Body Shop Tea Tree 3 in 1, Pixi Glow Tonic, Zenmed AHA/BHA Refining Scrub (more of chemical exfoliation this year)
Oil: I didn’t oily my hair much this year 🙁 I should get back to it
Hair Scrub: The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Hair Scrub
Shampoo: Sebastian Professional Penetraitt Shampoo (Lovee this!), Wella Pro Oil Reflections Shampoo, The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Shampoo, L’Oreal Professionnel INOA Color Care Shampoo
Conditioner: Sebastian Professional Penetraitt Conditioner, The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Conditioner
Deep Conditioner: Wella Pro Oil Reflections Mask, L’Oreal Professionnel INOA Color Care Mask
These were all the products I have used and loved the most in 2017. The categories and products have reduced compared to previous years. I realize right now I haven’t been using too much for skin care, in terms of masks or exfoliation. I used multi use products which work as moisturizer/serum/oil all in one. I think I was just plain lazy this year especially the past 3-4 months. I will try and take more care of my skin and hair the next year as I just turned 30 🙂 It is all the more essential for me now to stop being lazy and give my skin some TLC.
What about you? What are your 2017 skin & hair favourites? We will cover makeup next.
Aspirin in Skin Care, Benefits, Uses | Aspirin Face Packs for Various Skin Types
By Sanchita
When it comes to homemade face masks for acne prone, dry, oily, combination, pigmented, normal and various other skin types, we go for the kitchen ingredients like Honey, Milk, Besan, Lemon, etc. But have you ever wondered that Aspirin which is a common medicine for headache and fever can be an excellent remedy for skin problems which will work on all the skin types? Today’s post is all about Aspirin in Skin care and it’s benefits and uses. Also Aspirin Face Masks for various skin types
WHY ASPIRIN?
Aspirin contains the compound acetyl salicylic acid, a derivative of the salicin- naturally found in plants such as the willow tree. As we are all aware of the fact that Salicylic acid is an essential ingredient for treating acne and most of the acne control products has this Salicylic acid. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which reduces acne effectively. Thus, for oily & acne prone skin and to remove the impurities from the pores, aspirin face masks work as a wonder. The various benefits of aspirin are listed down below.
Aspirin deep cleanses the skin when you gently scrub it, it helps to remove the whiteheads and blackheads.
It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that clams down the acne prone skin and prevents itchiness and redness.
It is also anti-aging that helps you to tighten the skin, fills in fine lines and smoothens wrinkles.
Aspirin helps in renewing dead skin cells & regeneration of skin, that makes it ideal for pigmentation problems such as age spots, sun tan and dark circles.
ASPIRIN FACE MASKS FOR VARIOUS SKIN TYPES
1. FOR OILY SKIN
Take a tablespoonful of aspirin powder (crush and make the powder of 5-6 aspirin tablets) and add half a tablespoon of activated charcoal powder. Add 1tbsp of rose water and form a smooth paste. Apply with the help of a brush even of the face and wash off after 20 minutes with cold water. The aspirin along with activated charcoal powder will absorb the excess oil from the skin without drying it out.
2. FOR DRY SKIN
Take two tablespoon of curd and one tablespoon of aspirin powder and form a smooth paste. Curd works excellent for dry skin and thus apply the face pack onto the skin and leave it for 10-15 mins. Wash off with normal water and pat the skin dry. Do this on alternate days to get smooth, hydrated and glowing skin.
3. FOR COMBINATION SKIN
Combination skin type can use the aspirin face pack alone. Simply crush and make the powder of 5-6 aspirin tablets or drop them into the water to form a smooth paste. Apply on face and rinse after 15-20 minutes. Do it at least twice a week for the best results.
4. FOR ACNE PRONE SKIN
Simply crush and make the powder of 5-6 aspirin tablets, add 2 drops of tea tree oil and one table spoon of water to form a smooth paste. Apply only on the affected areas. Wash off after 15-20 minutes and do it at least thrice a week for best results. Slowly the acne will fade away. Both aspirin and tea tree oil works like magic on acne prone skin.
Crush a bunch of aspirin tablets and add it to egg white to form a smooth paste. With the help of a brush, apply on the face evenly and wait for it to get dry. Once it starts to get dry it helps to firm up the skin, fill in wrinkles and smooth out fine lines on the face. Rinse off with warm water, pat dry and moisturize instantly. Do it at least twice a week for best results.
6. FOR PIGMENTED SKIN
Take 8-9 crushed aspirin tablets and add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Form a smooth paste and apply evenly on the face. Leave it on for 20 mins and wash off with cold water. Pat dry and moisturize. Doing this three times a week will give you a glowing, even toned skin
7. FOR SUN BURNT SKIN
Take 8-9 crushed aspirin tablets and add one tablespoon of raw Aloe Vera Gel (use natural one preferably) and apply the paste onto the skin evenly with the help of a brush. The Aloe Vera along with the aspirin will soothe the sun burnt skin. Rinse off with cold water after 15-20 mins and apply any serum or gel on the face.
These are the amazing and easiest aspirin face packs for various skin types. I hope you try them out.
Have you tried Aspirin Face Masks before? Your experience?
The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Haircare, Amazonian Saviour Balm, Spa of the World New Launch Review
Hi guys,
The Body Shop launched a bunch of new stuff and I have been trying them out since almost a month now.
To start with the Fuji Green Tea Haircare Range, there is a shampoo, conditioner and a hair scrub in this range.
Fuji Green Tea Refreshingly Purifying Shampoo
Claims: Enriched with revitalising Japanese green tea, our refreshing shampoo cleanses and removes impurities, basking your hair and scalp in an invigoratingly fresh feeling.
For normal hair Refreshes and purifies the hair and scalp Enriched with Japanese green tea and Community Trade honey from Ethiopia 100% vegetarian Formulated without silicones and colourants
MRP: Rs.645/- for 250ml
Ingredients:
Fuji Green Tea Refreshingly Hydrating Conditioner
Claims: Enriched with revitalising Japanese green tea, our lightweight conditioner hydrates and basks your hair in an invigoratingly fresh feeling.
For normal hair Refreshes and hydrates the hair and scalp Enriched with Japanese green tea and Community Trade honey from Ethiopia 100% vegetarian Formulated without silicones
MRP: Rs.645/- for 250ml
Ingredients:
Fuji Green Tea Refreshingly Purifying Cleansing Hair Scrub
Claims: Introducing a new, nature-inspired approach to haircare, our invigorating scrub shampoo blends Japanese green tea, mint menthol, salt crystals and Community Trade honey from Ethiopia. Massage onto the scalp to help stimulate blood flow and whisk away impurities like dust, smoke, sweat and styling residue. This purifying scrub will make your scalp feel instantly refreshed, help reduce build-up on hair and leave you feeling revitalised with a healthy-looking shine.
For normal to oily hair and scalp Gently massage to remove impurities and reduce build-up on hair Hair feels clean and purified with a healthy-looking shine Enriched with Japanese green tea and Community Trade honey from Ethiopia 100% vegetarian Formulated without silicones Scrub shampoo
MRP: Rs.1845/- for 240ml
Ingredients:
All Body Shop hair care products are silicone free. This whole range smells so fresh and citrusy, it’s very refreshing. The shampoo is clear and runny, it foams and cleanses well. The conditioner is thick to dispense from bottle, but it is not heavy or rich in texture. It does not weigh the hair down. If you have very dry hair, this conditioner won’t be moisturising enough for you. But for oily to normal hair, this conditioner is absolutely perfect.
The star of this range is the hair scrub, it’s a thick scrub with salt-like granules. The thick salt settles down, so you need to mix the scrub well before taking it. It is a scrub shampoo, so it even foams as you massage it on the scalp, the salt starts melting. The scrub is not very harsh or abrasive but it cleanses the scalp well and circulates the blood on the scalp. It also removes dirt, build up, etc., but it is a little drying. I would suggest using it once a week, not more than that.
I start with the scrub, then follow it up with the shampoo. Since the scalp is cleansed well with the scrub, the shampoo foams and cleans easily. Finally the conditioner towards the lower half of the hair.
Amazonian Saviour Multi-Purpose Balm
Claims: Packed with powerful natural origin oils and waxes, Amazonian Saviour™ Multi-Purpose Balm helps to revive the appearance of tattoos, intensely nourishes severely dry skin and helps to improve the appearance of skin marks with a nourishing, 100% natural-origin formula. Inspired by the Amazonian communities that have relied on natural oils to care for their skin for centuries, Amazonian Saviour™ Multi-Purpose Balm is made with just nine natural-origin ingredients. £1.30 from the sale of every Amazonian Saviour Multi-Purpose Balm will be used by The Body Shop’s Building Bio Bridges Programme to support conservation and communities by funding Bio-Bridges. Our Programme funds ground-breaking organisations who build Bio-Bridges to connect land and create sustainable communities. The total raised from sales will be paid to non-profit organisations selected for their expertise in building Bio-Bridges around the world.
Nourishing multi-purpose balm Helps revive the appearance of healed tattoos Helps improve the appearance of skin marks for more even-looking skin texture Intensely nourishes dry skin 100% vegetarian Enriched with Community Trade organic babassu oil & organic andiroba oil from Brazil
MRP: Rs.1045/- for 50ml
Ingredients:
It’s a thick and waxy balm, it melts in contact with fingers. I had a particular dry patch above my lips since 3-4 months and I tried everything from oils to butters but this patch kept coming back. With this balm, it vanished in just two uses! I was amazed, it is quite rich and is multi purpose as the name suggests. It can be used on elbows, knees, cracked heels, every dry part of the body. It is truly a saviour in winters.
In the Spa of the World Range, two new products have been added. Thai Makrut Lime Firming Oil and French Grape Seed Body Scrub
Claims: Our new body oil is infused with zingy makrut lime, praised by Thai women for its stimulating and uplifting scent – ideal for re-awakening your senses. Discover a firming oil that’s quickly absorbed to nourish your skin, infused with Community Trade marula oil. Use as part of our Spa of the World™ Firming Ritual.
Firming Massage Oil Infused with nourishing Community Trade marula oil and zingy makrut lime 100% Vegan
MRP: Rs.2195/- for 170ml
Ingredients:
It comes in a round bottle, and same tinted brown outer packaging as all Spa of the World products. It has a round dispensor at the center and dispenses the required qty of oil. I love the fresh, scent of the oil and it’s very light weight and not at all greasy. It gets completely absorbed into the skin and does not leave any residue. You won’t even feel you have applied any oil, my skin drinks it up instantly.
Spa Of The World French Grape Seed Body Scrub
Claims: We’ve infused our new scrub with grape seed powder from France and Community Trade sugar from Paraguay. It helps to invigorate, exfoliate and refine your skin plus, the fresh and delicate fruity fragrance helps awake and revive the senses. Use as part of our Spa of the World™ Firming Ritual.
Refining grape seed sugar scrub Infused with grape seed powder from France and Community Trade sugar from Paraguay 100% vegan 94% agreed that skin looks and feels smoother and softer (User trial on 101 women after 4 weeks)
MRP: Rs.2895/- for 350ml
Ingredients:
My favourite product of all these new launches, has to be this body scrub. It’s a clay based scrub with fine exfoliating granules. It is not at all harsh but still scrubs the skin well. This scrub is literally a spa in a jar! It is exactly like the body scrubs they use in spas. When you take the product on your fingers and start massaging it on the body, it feels slightly warm, I believe it heats up on massaging and in contact with the skin. Then it scrubs the dead skin cells really well without even feeling like a scrub. I assumed it would be a little drying since it’s clay based, but it has oils in it, so in turn it leaves the skin moisturized and my skin feels soft like a baby’s bum! Literally. My skin doesn’t crave a moisturizer after using this, even in these winters. I skipped it once, and it felt fine. This is the best body scrub I have used till now, hands down!
It is neither drying not overly rich/oily. It is nothing like those usual oil/sugar/coffee based scrubs! I highly recommend getting this.
Though I loved all the new launches this time, if I have to absolutely pick a few and recommend, I would go with the Grape Seed Body Scrub and the Fuji Green Tea Hair Scrub! I am sure you will love them!
Have you tried any new The Body Shop launches yet?
I attended the launch of Himalaya Youth Eternity Range last week and I have been using the products since a week now. The range consists of the Himalaya Youth Eternity Day Cream, Youth Eternity Night Cream and Youth Eternity Under Eye Cream. I had mentioned about these in all the new launches in India post.
The products have been specially formulated using stem cells from the Edelweiss Plant. The stem cells are combined with herbal active extracts of flowers like Rose Myrtle, Fire Flame Bush, Woodfordia and Cipadessia Baccifera, to hydrate and regenerate your skin.
Day Cream
Claims: The Himalaya Youth Eternity Day Cream is a breakthrough formulation based on Plant Stem Cell Research and exotic Herbal Actives. The Day Cream is light, non-greasy, fast- absorbing and consists of a powerful blend of botanical extracts that reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and re-plump your skin, leaving it looking healthier and younger. SPF15
MRP: 10ml Rs.99/- 20ml Rs.249/- 50ml Rs.499/- (Buy HERE for Rs.374/-)
Ingredients:
Night Cream
Claims: The Himalaya Youth Eternity Night Cream is a special blend of Edelweiss Plant Stem Cells, Woodfordia, Rose Myrtle, Cipadessa and Apple, rich in powerful antioxidants and polyphenols. The Night Cream works overnight to provide intense hydration, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin even-toned, healthy and visibly youthful.
Claims: The Himalaya Youth Eternity Under Eye Cream is rich in anti-inflammatory properties and is a superior blend of ingredients like Edelweiss Plant Stem Cells, Woodfordia, Rose Myrtle, Cipadessa and Amla. The under-eye cream gently nourishes and hydrates the tender skin around your eyes, leaving it remarkably bright, healthy and youthful.
Reduces crow’s feet, wrinkles and fine lines in 4 weeks
Antioxidants treat puffy, morning eyes
Visible reduction in under eye pigmentation and dark circles in 4 weeks
For best results, use all three products in a routinely manner.
The plant stem cells technology is being used for the first time in skin care, and also all the other ingredients sound pretty promising. We also had a Q and A session with Dr.Harsha Bijlani, and the research and development person.
This range claims to not only reduce fine lines and wrinkles, but give a radiant, even toned, plump and healthy skin. I guess we all want that, don’t we.
I love the packaging, it is very convenient and travel friendly. Both the day and night cream round pumps and the eye cream dispense the exact amount of product you need.
The eye cream is very light weight and gets absorbed in a minute. I start with the eye cream first and then use the day cream/night cream morning and night respectively. The day cream is slightly thick but blends in well and again gets absorbed in a minute. It does not leave the skin shiny or greasy but in fact gives a matte look. This works great under makeup too. Also it has SPF 15, so it is good enough to use indoors, if you are not stepping out.
Night cream is slightly richer and thicker, it moisturizes and hydrates the skin really well. Skin is completely matte and softer, plumper in the morning after.
Since the weather has gotten cooler and drier in the past week in Mumbai, I am really liking this range and it has kept my skin hydrated and moisturized. I will keep using it for 4 weeks and update you guys on the range. Untill now, my skin really likes the Himalaya Youth Eternity Range. I just wish the range was fragrance free, as that’s how I prefer my skin care to be.
I highly recommend trying out this range, and it’s available for a very decent price on Amazon.
Have you guys tried the Himalaya Youth Eternity Range yet?
All New Makeup & Beauty Launches in India, Prices, Shades – Part II
By Sanchita
Beauty products and brands are launching in stores and online left, right and centre and it is tough to keep a tab on them. After I did the Part I, here’s the second part of all the recent new launches and products yet to be launched.
1. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Paints Collection
Loreal Paris India has recently launched their playful, colourful youthful, edgy and fun- Infallible Paints collection that consists of the some amazing products to looks forward to. It has the Infallible Paint Chubby Blush in 3 shades (Priced at Rs. 999). These are super saturated, high impact blush paints to get the natural flush, statement pop of colour or sculpted cheekbone with the buildable cream to powder chubby blush paint. The formula glides on with one stroke application, blends effortlessly and sets to powder for a longer wear. Then, the Infallible Lip Paint Matte is launched in 6 shades (Priced at Rs. 799). These are one stroke lip matte paints with the designer applicator precisely diffuses vibrant full-coverage matte lipstick to lips for comfortable wear. Then is the Infallible Paints Eye Shadow in 7 shades (Priced at Rs. 849). These are long wear liquid eye shadow cream duos with these double-ended cream eyeshadow sticks! Next is the Infallible Lip Paint Lacquer in 4 shades (Priced at Rs. 799). Lastly, are the Infallible Paints Eyeliner in 5 shades (Priced at Rs. 845). These are liquid liners which glide on smoothly and easily with 0.1mm precise felt tip.
2. Maybelline New launches
Maybelline came out with the following launches in the past 2 months –
Maybelline Hyper Ink Liquid Liner in Black, priced at Rs. 425
Maybelline FaceStudio Master Strobing Stick Illuminating Highlighter, priced at Rs.700
Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Strobing Cream, priced at Rs. 700
Maybelline FaceStudio Master Contour, priced at Rs. 999
Maybelline FaceStudio Master Blush Color & Highlight Kit, priced at Rs. 925
Maybelline Color Show Bright Mattes Lipstick, (6sahdes), priced at Rs. 325
Maybelline Colorshow Intense Crayon, priced at Rs. 450
Maybelline Color Jolt Matte Lipsticks, priced at Rs. 450
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer, priced at Rs. 650
Maybelline New York Baby Lips Color Candy Rush Lip Balm, priced at Rs. 190
Maybelline SuperStay 7 Day Gel Nail Polish, priced at Rs. 350
3. Nykaa New Launches
Nykaa went Mega with their new launches. 5 new products were launched along with new shades for the existing range. They launched the Nykaa Get Winged! and Get Inked! Sketch Eyeliner (Priced at Rs. 450). These sketch eyeliners are super long-lasting, smudge-proof formula with innovative, slanted felt tip that gives intense black finish in every stroke. Next is the Nykaa Salon Shine Gel Nail Lacquer (Priced at Rs. 350). These are available in 24 shades. The formula is enriched with light-reflecting pigments that deliver intense shine on application. Nykaa also launched 4 shades of BlendMaster All-Rounder Makeup Perfecting Sponge (Priced at Rs. 425) – one in tear drop shape and the other in the pear shape which are non-disposable, high-definition, latex-free cosmetic sponge applicator that ensures seamless makeup application at all times. Nykaa also launched the SKINgenius Foundation Stick in 6 shades and SKINgenius Sculpting & Hydrating Foundation in 5 shades. Both foundations have light to medium coverage. Nykaa also added few more shades to their existing Paintstix Collection as well as the Nykaa MATTE-ilicious Lip Crayons. Two new compact shades were launched in the range of SKINgenius Skin Perfecting & Hydrating Compact. Nykaa also launched the BlendMaster Oval Brush Set (Priced at Rs. 6190) but the brushes are also available individually. Lastly, they launched the Nykaa eyem24x7 Kajal – Ebony Soul, priced at Rs. 299, Nykaa GLAMOReyes Liquid Eyeliner in 6 shades priced at Rs. 299 and Nykaa BuffMaster Silicone Makeup Brush Cleaner at Rs. 299.
4. Plum Naturstudio All-Day- Wear Kohl Kajals – New Shades and Green Tea Renewed Clarity Night Gel
I already loved the Naturstudio All-Day- Wear Kohl Kajal in Black (their sharpener is amazing!!) and now they have launched more shades called Gemstone Green and Uptown Brown, both are priced at Rs. 495/- each. Coloured eyeliners or kajal are becoming popular day by day and you will love this new launch. These pencils are 100% smudge proof, water-proof and ultra pigmented for stylish all-day wear. Along with that, it is and ophthalmologically tested & approved 100% vegan, rich in Vitamin E for care and protection and not tested on animals. Plum also launched the Green Tea Renewed Clarity Night Gel, priced at Rs. 575. It is best suitable for Normal, oily and combination skin types, even those with acne. It has light gel texture with non-comedogenic ingredients that help skin retain moisture through the night yet soothes the skin. It provides you a balanced hydration.
5. Faces Glam On Velvet Matte Lipstick, Ultime Pro Mystic Kajal, Ultime Pro Liquid Matte Lipsticks and Ultime Pro Matte Lip Crayon (new shades)
Faces came out with their Glam On Velvet Matte Lipstick, priced at Rs. 549 and available in 12 shades. These have the usual twist-up function and give rich, vibrant and long stay colors and enriched with the goodness of Vitamin E. Therefore despite being matte, they are comfortable on dry lips. They also launched the Ultime Pro Mystic Kajal in 4 shades – blue, dark brown, grey and green, priced at Rs. 599. These have a sharpenable body with a smudger tip at the end. The texture is gel-creamy, smooth and glides like a dream. This kajal is insanely pigmented and gives a long wearing bold look. It is also water proof, smudge-proof and dermatologically tested and approved. Faces already had the Ultime Pro Matte Lip Crayon but now they launched few more shades and thus the total number of shades is 25. These are one of the best matte crayons for the price in the market. They have also launched Ultime Pro Liquid Matte Lipsticks in 8 shades.
This is a new launch from Chambor and again a range of eyeliner pencils. These are launched in 8 shades, priced at Rs. 695. These pencils are sharpenable, richly pigmented and glides on smoothly to create sensual eye look and deliver intense definition for hours. Additionally, these are waterproof and smudge-proof and can be easily used on waterline. The Rouge Plump++ Lipsticks are meant to plump up your lips with amazing colour payoff, they are launched in 25 shades.
7. Sugar Cosmetics
Sugar Cosmetics came out with few new launches some time back. In fact, the new launch mania is still on as well. The SUGAR Never Say Dry Crème Lipstick is available in 5 vibrant shades, priced at Rs. 499. These are intensely pigmented and long-wearing with a baby-soft finish; its creamy texture effortlessly straddles the line between glossy and matte for an easy, everyday look. The high-colour payoff formula is loaded with Vitamin E that locks in both colour and moisture. Next is the SUGAR Plush Hour Matte Lipsticks (Rs.499) in 6 shades. These are super pigmented and have a matte finish, comfortable long-lasting wear and paraben free formula. They also launched few new shades in the range of Smudge Me Not Liquid Lipsticks which are, namely – Greige Rage, Don Fawn, Wooed By Nude, Teak Mystique, Blush Rush, Bare Flair, Fiery Berry, Divine Praline, Jet Set Violet and Cocoa Ammo. Apart from that, they launched Arrested For Overstay Waterproof Eyeliner, priced at Rs. 699 and Arch Arrival Brow Definer in two shades, priced at Rs. 699. Sugar also launched three shades called Baby Houseman, Murphy Brown and Violet Crawley in their Matte As Hell Lip Crayons, priced at Rs.799 each. SUGAR is going to launch 18 eyeshadow quads called Blend The Rules Eyeshadow Quad and 2 Palettes
8. PAC Cosmetics
PAC Cosmetics are surely on a roll with new launches as well. Here’s the list of products and information from their Instagram page. (All new launches reviewed on the blog HERE)
PAC HD Foundations (Rs. 795) with 3-4 new shades to the existing range.
PAC Retro Matte Gloss (Rs. 550) with another few more new shades to the existing range of 40 shades.
PAC ‘Slim and Slimmer Mascara’ with dual ended brush which is ultra thin., priced Rs.595
PAC Clean Slate wipes for removing makeup, priced at Rs. 599
PAC eyebrow palette with 12 slots. (Rs.1695)
PAC Micro Finish Makeup Fixer, which is a finishing spray. (price unknown)
3 new eye shadow palettes- Matte, Spark, Sprinkle, priced at Rs.1175 and 1395
An eye shadow primer called PAC Canvas Shadow Primer, Rs.695
Last is the PAC ‘Diamond Powder’ which is loose shimmer/glitter, priced at Rs. 795.
PAC has added 6 new brushes numbered PAC Brush 255 at Rs.645, Brush 256 –Rs.545, Brush 353 Rs.795, Brush 272 at Rs.595, Brush 274 at Rs.595, Brush 258 at Rs.675.
9. Kama Ayurveda Natural Sun Protection SPF21 – Sunscreen with Essential Oils
Kama Ayurveda launched Natural Sun Protection priced at Rs.1350. It is a daily-use sunscreen with all-natural ingredients to give full-spectrum sun protection and a boost of hydration. It is Non-Nano- (Free from the coarser Non-nano particles block sun rays by forming a shield without being absorbed into the bloodstream), safe for children with all Natural With PA++, SPF 21 blocks UVA and UVB sun rays.
10. Colorbar Aquafeel Foundation and Kiss Me Again Lip Tint
Colorbar has come out with ‘Kiss Me Again Lip Tints’ in two shades called Dont Stop and All Yours. These are subtle lip tints with creamy and richly pigmented aqueous solution which is free of harmful chemicals and effortlessly glides over your lips to give you a silky natural tint whilst its formula with Vitamin E leaves you with a lingering sweet taste. Further it is alcohol, paraben, phenoxyethanol and fragrance free. These are priced at Rs. 550. Next is the Colorbar Aquafeel Foundation, priced at Rs. 550 and available in only 3 shades. It is water-based liquid foundation that gives smooth, flawless finish with long-lasting, medium to high coverage and it is paraben-free and fragrance free.
11. Oriflame Pure Skin Face Wash, Face Lotion, Face Toner
Oriflame came out with the Pure Skin Purifying Face Wash Price – Rs.399, Pure Skin Refreshing Face Toner Price – Rs.399 and Pure Skin Mattifying Face Lotion Price – Rs.399. the Pure Skin Purifying Face Wash is an oil-free gel wash featuring natural Pomegranate Extract and Detect Technology featuring Salicylic Acid. It cleanses away impurities and reduces excess shine, leaving skin refreshed and purified. The Pure Skin Refreshing Face Toner removes last traces of impurities after cleansing and helps to leave skin purified and visibly shine-free while the Pure Skin Mattifying Face Lotion is a light-textured, oil-free lotion, formulated with natural guava extract and detect technology featuring salicylic acid as it moisturises, prevents blemishes and instantly reduces excess sebum to control shine.
12. Himalaya Youth Eternity Day Cream, Night Cream and Under Eye Cream
Himalaya Youth Eternity is infused with the restorative and regenerative stem cells of Edelweiss and herbal active extracts of Rose Myrtle, Fire Flame Bush and Cipadessa baccifera. This new collection includes 3 products – Day Cream, Night Cream and Under Eye Cream. Youth Eternity Day Cream (Rs.499 for 50ml) is a light, non-greasy, fast-absorbing day cream with a powerful blend of botanical extracts that reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and re-plump the skin, leaving it looking healthier and younger. Youth Eternity Night Cream (Rs.499 for 50ml) is rich in powerful antioxidants, polyphenols, and anti-aging properties, works overnight to provide intense hydration, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin even-toned, healthy, and visibly youthful. Lastly, Youth Eternity Under Eye Cream (Rs.525 for 15ml) gently nourishes and hydrates the tender skin around the eyes, leaving it remarkably bright, healthy, and youthful.
13. NYX Stripped Off Micellar Cleansing Water
NYX is going to launch Stripped Off Micellar Cleansing Water which is to be priced at Rs. 750 for 400ml and to be launched around end of October. It is a light weight micellar water that takes off every layer of makeup, dirt and dust from the face with a refreshing scent and amazing feel. For the price they also gave a good amount of product and something you sure really look forward to.
14. Innisfree ‘Black Green Tea Skin’ Range
The Innisfree Black Green Tea Mask (Price – Rs. 1900 / 80ml) is infused with a special water holding technology which helps by meshing moisture with the skin after application. The mask therefore, helps in the exfoliation of the skin and keeps it fresh, clean, smooth and moisturized. The Black Green Tea Serum (Price – Rs. 3000 / 50ml) has a new essence formula, stabilized with fine particles in turn ensuring all the benefits of antioxidants and moisture to the skin. Lastly, Black Green Tea Cream (Price – Rs. 2700 / 60ml) is rich in texture and is full of nutrients and moisture and consequently glides over the skin forming a coat of moisture while providing paramount nourishment and hydration to keep it moisturized.
15. HUDA BEAUTY
Yes, I saved the best for the last. HUDA BEAUTY is officially coming to India and this is one of the huge news for the beauty industry. The news was confirmed after Huda Kattan’s interview with Vogue India and is also available on their official website. From October 2017, you’ll be able to shop the full Huda Beauty collection online at Nykaa.com. Huda has launched a series of beauty products which are irresistible and now you can get your hands on them without paying huge amounts to the Instagram sellers! HUDA BEUATY has various products like HUDA Beauty Desert Dusk Palette, Liquid Matte Lipsticks, Primer, Faux Filter Foundation, 3D Highlighter Palette, Lip Strobe and Eyelashes. Although the prices are not yet confirmed, hope they would launch every product available on their line including the new launch of Primer and Faux Filter Foundation.
What have you already tried from these and what are you most excited about? I hope Huda Beauty prices match their original prices and are not double of original price like theBalm, etc.
Clear, Glowing Skin for Diwali | Remove Tan & Dead Skin Cells | DIY Natural Skincare
Hi guys,
This is how I prepped my skin today for Diwali, using all natural skincare available at home. So read on to know how to get clear, glowing skin for Diwali
Step 1: Gramflour + Turmeric + Rose Water
For step 1, I take a mix of 1 tbsp gram flour, 1/4 tsp turmeric and 2 tsp rose water. Do not add too much of turmeric as that would stain your skin yellow. Add more rose water if needed.
Gramflour (Besan): – Absorbs Oil – Removes Sun tan – Gently exfoliates – Removes dead skin cells
Rose Water: – Calms and soothes skin – Reduces irritation & redness
Turmeric (Haldi): – Anti Bacterial & Anti Fungal – Prevents acne – shrinks existing acne
The mix of these three is amazing, and is also the ubtan we use for Haldi ceremony in Indian weddings. Apply the mix all over face and neck and keep it for 10-15 minutes till it completely dries. Then damp/wet your hands and scrub the pack. Keep adding water to hands and scrubbing, this will exfoliate the dead skin cells.
I have done a detailed video on how and why I shave my face, linked above. Watch the video for more information, you can obviously skip this step if you don’t shave. You can pluck some stray hairs with a tweezer, if you wish to.
Step 3: Yogurt + Honey
For the final step, I take a mix of 1tbsp yogurt and 1tsp honey and mix it well to form a smooth paste. Apply evenly on face and neck and keep it for 10 minutes before washing off.
Yogurt: – Lactic acid gently exfoliates, natural AHA – Softens the skin – Moisturises & Hydrates – Removes tan & dead skin cells
If you can find raw organic honey, that is even better! If not, honey that is available will do.
That’s it! Easy and quick, with all natural and easily available ingredients. I loved the results and my skin was instantly softer, smoother and hydrated. I could definitely see a visible glow, do try this out and let me know how it works for you.
Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil, Kiss Kiss Matte Lipstick Review
Hi guys,
Guerlain has relaunched in India and I had attended their event last month. They launched the Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil and the Kiss Kiss Matte Lipsticks. I have been trying them out since quite some time now and here are my thoughts.
About the Abeille Royale Range: Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil offers the skin all the power of Guerlain-exclusive ingredients: Ouessant Black Bee Honey and exclusive Royal Jelly. This revolutionary formula combines the power of a serum, the richness of an oil and the freshness of a lotion. The skin appears instantly smoother, plumper and revitalized. Replenishing micro-drops of oil* are released at the very last minute, leaving the complexion looking radiant. The skin feels incredibly silky and baby-soft to the touch.
Abeille Royale: repair born of science and the bee. In research going back ten years, Guerlain has scientifically proven the effectiveness of bee products in boosting the skin’s repair mechanisms. Abeille Royale offers an advanced solution to effectively combat the visible signs of ageing, namely wrinkles and loss of firmness.
Inspired by the latest discoveries in neuroscience, the new Abeille Royale Repairing Concentrate goes even further and, for the first time, targets the damage suffered by the skin’s nervous system with exposure to UV rays and other external aggressions. So the skin can repair itself more effectively and fully.
Directions for use: Shake the bottle. Take 2-3 drops of the oil. Apply morning and night to the face and neck before the cream, instead of, or before the serum. For greater effectiveness, use the special lifting application technique.
MRP: Rs.6025/- for 30ml
Ingredients:
It was so interesting to know about Island of Ouessant in France and how it is situated in a way that it is far off pollution and diseases and also the wind blows in a way that no polluted air comes on the island. It is a natural habitat for the black bees, one of it’s kind and a unique species. The honey from these black bees is of unraveled purity and that is used by Guerlain in it’s products. If you see the black bee sign on a Guerlain product, it contains this purest honey from those black bees. Guerlain works closely on maintaining and preserving the island and the bees.
The oil comes in a glass bottle with a dropper. It has royal jelly beads settled down and you need to shake the bottle before dispensing the product. The texture is almost like water, it doesn’t feel like an oil at all. It’s more like a watery serum but you can definitely feel the hydration once you use it.
I love how light weight it is, have been using this since the past 3 weeks now and I love how it makes my skin feel. I even got a small pimple in between but this dried and settled the pimple and inflammation. You don’t feel like you have anything on your skin, yet still get the moisture boost. It has slight tackiness and works great as a primer.
I am in love with this light weight watery oil, skin feels softer, smoother, plumped and nourished. Highly recommend this.
Coming to the Kiss Kiss Matte Lipstick.
Claims: Guerlain imagines KissKiss Matte, a hydrating and plumping matte lipstick, intense like a lipstick and comfortable like a balm! The subtle spice extract it contains gives the impression of voluminous lips while the precious oils and the hyaluronic acid smooth and hydrate them. KissKiss Matte offers 9 captivating shades for all special occasions. The iconic packaging is adorned with a golden matte veil.
Ingredients: 1. Imperceptible spice extract giving the illusion of voluminous lips. 2. Precious oils to nourish, smooth and hydrate the lips. 3. The new generation of hyaluronic acid brings volume and curve to the lips.
Directions: KissKiss Matte routine : 1. Apply Liplift primer before lipstick and slightly beyond the lip contour, then blend in with the fingertips. 2. Apply KissKiss Matte directly to the lips for a matte finish and hydrated lips all day long.
MRP: Rs.2775/-
Shades Available: 9
First of all, look at that gorgeous and luxurious packaging. It looks and feels like a bar of gold, it is quite heavy and feels fancy on touch.
A matte lip colour which is hydrating and comfortable, don’t we all need that? They have a mix of reds, nudes, orange and plums.
I have the shade Wild Plum with me. The pigmentation is amazing and it glides on really well. It doesn’t emphasize dry lines or bleed on the lips. It’s pretty easy to use and goes smooth. It does have a little bit of sheen on application but that wears off in a while. The colour settles to a matte one and stays for 4-5 hours without eating or drinking. With eating and drinking, about 2-3 hours but leaves a nice stain behind for few more hours.
Wild Plum is a gorgeous medium mauve plum. I love the colour, pigmentation, formula, packaging, everything about these lipsticks. My favourite out of the lot was Crazy Nude. Highly recommend these too, they are better in terms of quality than Estee Lauder and Bobbi Brown and around similar price point.
Guerlain is available at Shoppers Stop, currently Juhu and Malad. But they are launching it online soon, mostly on Nykaa.
Have you tried Guerlain skincare or makeup? What do you think?
Decoding the Korean Skin care: 8 Steps to flawless skin!!
By Ankita
When it comes to modern day skin care, Koreans are a step ahead. Korean skin care lines are flooding the Indian Market and NOT for no reason. Skin care is not just a regime for them, it is more of a ritual. They stick to their age old rule and result? Flawless, translucent skin.
Disclaimer!!! Of course, genetics and geography play an important role in determining skin condition, but hey! how you treat your skin has an equal impact on how it feels and looks.
So, here are the 8 essential steps that are basic to any Korean skin care regimen, broken down and simplified just for you.
1. Oil Cleansing:
Sounds scary? Oil cleansing has proven extremely beneficial all skin types when it comes to cleansing. The idea is to break down the dirt and impurities stuck in pores and wipe them off easily with a warm damp cloth. All you need to do is take a few drops of cleansing oil and massage it into your skin in upward and circular motion. Take a few minutes of steam or put a damp warm cloth on your face. Then wipe it off using the same cloth and you are all ready for the next step.
Product Recommendation: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Rich Oil
Oil cleansing removes all traces of makeup and other product built up. Using a foam based cleanser post oil cleansing ensures that all the residues impurities are stripped off and you get a clean canvas to work on. The added advantage is that your face won’t feel oily.
Product Recommendation: The Face Shop Herb Day 365 Cleansing Foam-Aloe
Exfoliation is the key to a smoother skin. Using an exfoliator removes the surface layer of dead skin cells and reveals a fresh skin. It is however very important to remember not to use an abrasive scrub. A gentle foam based exfoliator would do the trick. I stick to the rule of 2 times exfoliation per week, you can, however, increase the frequency with prior consultation with your dermatologist.
Tired of open pores? DO NOT skip on your toner. Toning balances the pH level of skin and helps in shrinking the size of pores. Some toners even have the added advantage of reducing inflammation and fighting acne. To get the maximum benefit out of it, take a cotton ball and gently dab it on your skin (not swipe) for a couple of times. Koreans even use these moisturizing toners for 7 times, as it adds the required hydration to the skin.
Product Recommendation: The Faceshop Mango Seed Silk Moisturizing Toner
Although essence and serum are confused to be the same, they have some points of differences. An essence is traditionally a light weight, almost watery formula, with hoards of benefits. They target an overall skin condition, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and dull skin. Dab it gently into the skin. Leave it for some time, for the skin to soak in all the goodness.
Product Recommendation: MISSHA Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence
Now, I believe I do not need to say tons about sheet masks. They are in a rave, convenient, efficient and all the blah. But trust all the blah is true! Sheet masks are cotton masks soaked in goodness and target a specific skin condition. All you need to do is, put them on for 15-20 minutes and wait for the magic to happen! Korean women swear by using one mask a day.
Product Recommendation: Innisfree Its Real Squeeze Mask Sheet Aloe
Now a serum, is somewhat, a first cousin of an essence. They are however thicker in consistency and address a specific concern such as anti-aging, skin brightening, and the sort. Serums are power houses and are more concentrated in nature. A pea size amount would be enough for the entire face.
Product Recommendation: The Face Shop Chia Seed Moisture Recharge Serum
So, we have arrived at the final step: Moisturization. A light weight cream ensures that the moisture stays locked up and gives the skin a final touch of glow. Again, there are a lot of moisturizers to choose from. But I would suggest going for something that is light weight and non comedogenic. This kind of cream ensures your face does not turn into a grease ball.
Product Recommendation: Innisfree The Green Tea Seed Cream
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