If you remember the previous month’s My Envy Box, it was a bomb!! It was the best My Envy Box I had ever received. So I had very high expectations from this month’s My Envy Box, did it stay upto the expectations? Read on to know..
Read more about My Envy Box HERE and check out all the previous reviews HERE.
I received September’s My Envy Box today, and I also filmed a video and edited it all today 🙂
This month’s box is a silver colored one. It has the September card and the product details card, which has a few makeup tips on the back side of the card.
Let’s look into the contents:
Za Total Hydration Fresh Foamy Cleanser 5g sample- Full size Rs.299/- for 100g
Davidoff Cool Water Shower Gel 75ml- Full size Rs.1800/- for 150ml
Catrice Ultimate Shine Lip Colour in What’s Apricot Full size- Rs.610/- for 3.5g
Trussardi Donna perfume vial 1.5ml
This time there is just one full sized product i.e. the lipstick, one super deluxe sized sample i.e Davidoff Cool Water Shower Gel which is half the original size and two tiny samples which I am not too happy with.
The cleansing foam is only worth Rs.299/- and not something very expensive, so a sample size of at least 20g could have been included. I don’t like perfume samples in subscription boxes or bags, though this one smells nice, but you can get such tiny samples for free at the brand counters.
Catrice Lipstick in What’s up Apricot
My Catrice lipstick was a nice, everyday n*de shade and good to pair with smokey eyes, but it has melted and broken from the base and got damaged in transit :/
Overall I would say this month’s box is pretty ok, I am not too pleased. My expectations were sky high after the super amazing box last month. I would suggest you buy it only if you like the Davidoff Cool Water and the Catrice lipstick.
The price of the lipstick i.e. Rs.610/- and the shower gel i.e. Rs.900/- is a total of 1500/- which is decent for a box worth Rs.722/- (post discount)
I hope your lipstick remains intact though 🙂
Buy the box HERE, also you can use the coupon code ‘NEWLOVEMAKEUP‘ during checkout to get extra 15% off, which would bring down the cost of the box to Rs.722/-!
Did you get your September My Envy Box? Which lipstick shade did you get?
ZA Total Hydration Amino Mineral Refreshing Gel Review
Last month, Za launched their Total Hydration Range in India. The Fresh Foamy Cleanser and the Amino Mineral Refreshing Gel are released till now.
I have been using the Amino Mineral Refreshing Gel since quite some time now and here is my review.
What the Company claims: This Award Winning Gel minimizes stickiness and thoroughly replenishes skin’s moisture giving it clarified glow and vibrancy. Spreads effortlessly forming a water veil that instantly restores skin, reduces flakiness and roughness in dry skin and sebum induced stickiness in oily skin. Makes skin Bouncy Fresh and Dewy Radiant all day long! Moisture charge in just 10 seconds!
How to use: Dab an appropriate amount (approx. 0.6 g) on several spots over face with the fingertip and smooth over from the center of the face outwards.
I have always liked water based moisturizers and makeup products and I am glad that now more brands are coming with water based products, few years down the line it was all about heavy creamy moisturizers and then only Fabindia had a Vitamin E moisturizer for oily skin which was water based and super light. That was my Holy Grail then and now I got so many options.
To start with the packaging, it is pink in color! I mean how many girls can resist pink packaging, tell me 😀 It has a tube dispensor and a swivel cap. I like that the dispensor is tiny and you can dispense only the required quantity and you don’t need much per use.
I take a tiny pea sized amount for my face and it’s like enough. It looks like a thick serum and is milky white in color and gel like in texture. It blends completely into the skin in a minute and settles down.
It leaves no trace of oiliness or stickiness. It is hydrating, moisturizing and yet very light. It does control oil too for some hours. My T-zone is oily and it remains oily free for a few hours even without setting with a compact.
Since you need very tiny amount, the 50g tube will last me quite long and the price comes out to be pretty economical. I think this is one moisturizer that will be suitable for all skin types since it takes care of both dryness and sebum/oil.
I haven’t broken out with this and I have been using it daily, I think this is my new HG. I absolutely recommend it.
Za Cosmetics is available online on Nykaa, Amazon.in, etc. and also in most of the Shoppers Stop outlets.
Rating:
Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money : 4/5
Availability: 4/5
Overall rating: 4/5
Have you tried any water based moisturizers? Which is your favourite?
It’s been a long time that I did a favourites post and since I am doing YouTube videos now and was doing a July Favourites video, I thought of doing a post too along with.
Here are some of the products I have been loving a lot in July:
1. Kerastase Elixir Ultime Beautifying Oil Cream
It is so light in texture, lighter than the Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oil and you just need a pea sized amount of it. It controls most of my frizz and also gives the hair a nice shine. (Full Review HERE)
2. The Body Shop Satsuma Body Sorbet
This one I reviewed just yesterday, I had been using this a lot in summers too. I absolutely love the citrus burst and the light feel of it when I don’t want heavy, rich moisturizers on my body in this hot, humid climate. (Full Review HERE)
3. Za Perfect Fit Liquid Foundation
Again something water based and very light in texture. It lets your skin breathe and you won’t even realize you are wearing a foundation and still get even skin tone and light coverage, plus a nice illuminating finish. (Full Review HERE)
4. Maybelline The Colossal Liner
Maybelline HyperSharp liner was my all time favourite, untill Maybelline India launched the new Maybelline The Colossal Liner. I absolutely love the tip and how it gives a perfect winged line and precise control. I have been using only this since the past 2-3 months and sometimes gel liners when I have a little more time. (Full Review HERE)
5. Maybelline ColorShow Lipsticks
Maybelline’s new ColorShow Lipsticks are just perfect and a total value for money. At Rs.299/- for 3.9g and 32 shades ranging from pinks to reds to oranges and browns, these are apt for daily wear for office or college or just about anywhere. I love the shade Cherry Crush followed by Red Rush. Red Rush is the shade I am wearing here in the video. I am looking forward to try the shade Midnight Pink too. (Review and Swatches HERE)
6. Sudio Sweden Klang Earphones
And last but not the least, my new Sudio Sweden Klang white and gold earphones. I forgot to include them in the video, but these are something I have been hooked on to from the past 7-8 days and would be hooked on to for a long time to come 😀 These are absolutely fantastic, the sound quality is beyond amazing. Klang works best for iPhone (does work on my Android equally well) and has one cord longer than the other, and the longer one goes behind your neck for the stay-in-ear function. The cords are made of very good quality too and yes, these never get entangled ever 🙂
Guarantee Card, 4 sizes of pods and a clipper, Leather Case, Owner’s Manual
It comes with a guarantee card, leather case for storage, 4 different sizes of pods and a clipper. One can adjust the sound and mic with the three buttons on the cord. Sudio earphones are total value for money and come in a range of classy colors. I love this white and gold combination the most, followed by black.
What are you current favourites? Do we share any common favourites? Do let me know in the comments below 🙂
ZA Perfect Fit Liquid Foundation Review,Swatches,FOTD
What the Company claims: This Shine free and transparent finish Foundation is 100% oil-free water based and is suitable for all skin types.Ideal for the Indian climate this long lasting illuminating Liquid Foundation gives a natural and rosy glow to the skin instantly while emanating light from within.Enriched with deeply moisturizing Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E that makes skin even toned and clear.Its SPF 17-PA++ protects skin from UVA and UVB.
Get virtues of Skin care now in make-up with Za Perfect Fit Liquid Foundation.
MRP: Rs.700/- for 30ml
Claims & Directions:
Shades Available: 6 (5 Yellow,1 Pink)
Ingredients:
I have it in the shade OC30 which is the darkest in the shades available and is fortunately a perfect match for me. Most of the girls complain about the shades as ZA does not have darker shades in foundations as they are made for Asian skin, but thankfully they are going to launch special shades for India next year.
I love this small,tiny bottle packaging. It is super handy to carry, does not occupy too much space and is light unlike the glass bottles which also have a risk of breaking.
It has a nozzle tip which is the best idea. We can get the exact quantity of product required and is more precise than a pump too.
Coming to the texture, where should I start from! It is the most light weight foundation I have ever tried. It is water based and very,very light. It is runny and blends seamlessly. You will not feel you have any foundation on, since it is water based and so light.
Plus the finish is exactly how I like,soft and dewy. It gives medium coverage, so if you have any acne scars, etc, you will need a separate concealer for that as it will not cover heavy scars. But for evening out skin tone and covering redness and giving a nice,healthy, dewy looking skin, this is perfect!
I usually use tinted moisturizers on a daily basis and hardly foundations as I don’t like the heavy feel on the skin. But ever since I have got this, I am only using this whenever I am heading out.
Here is my Before-After
As you can see, it has covered redness and evened out the skin tone, plus covers some amount of scars and under eye circles too.
Pics with complete makeup..
As it has SPF17 PA++. it gives some amount of extra sun protection too. It does exactly all that it claims- the hyaluronic acid gives the skin a plump finish, the micro pearls actually give a nice glow,oil free and water based so no clogging of pores and perfect for all skin types from oily to dry.
Also it is very economical at Rs.700/- for 30ml, I have been using it since quite a lot of time and I think I still have 50% remaining. You don’t need a lot of product in one use.
Overall, I would say it is my current favourite and the most light weight foundation I have ever used. I love water based products, if you have oily skin and all foundations clog your pores, then this one is a definite try for you. And if you have dry skin and are looking for something which will give you a nice, dewy, healthy looking skin, then again this one is a definite try. Highly Recommended!
Rating:
Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money : 4/5
Availability: 3.5/5
Overall rating: 4/5
Have you tried the new ZA Perfect Fit Liquid Foundation?
What the Company claims: This feather-light, non-oily emulsion easily permeates into the skin to give translucency, brightness, even-tone while replenishing moisture levels for an incredibly soft and smooth skin
MRP: Rs.899/- for 125 ml
Ingredients: 4MSK, Vitamin C derivatives (AMP and VC-IP), Prism Enhancer, SPA Ingredients: Trehalose, Natural Spring Water, White Lily Extract
All Ingredients:
How to use the product: Smooth an appropriate amount over face with hand or cotton pad after toner.
Slowly apply the emulsion from the centre of the face outwards.
It comes in a slender,sleek bottle with the signature Za curve packaging . It has a nice,easy dispensor,so you just dab the bottle and you get the product. Dab it as many times for the required quantity.
It is very very light and serum like in texture..you know how serums and emulsions are light and water based. But when it comes to moisturisation, it hydrates your skin like nothing else! You just need one single dab of product for entire face and I usually end up taking more, as we take in a cream, but that always ends up being too much and I use the remaining on my hands.
It has been my staple for summers since it is very light and not at all heavy on the skin. But it takes some time to get absorbed completely into the skin.
I definitely recommend it for summers, especially for oily skin. Dry skin might need an additional cream but in winters, for summers, this is perfect for dry skin too.
And considering the quantity you need,this bottle is going to last you really, really long!
Rating:
Quality: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 3.5/5
I am late in reviewing the April My Envy Box but here it is..
Read more about My Envy Box HERE and check out all the previous reviews HERE.
This time they have changed a few things in the box. Its a peach colored box, usually they have a pouch in which all the products are, this time there was no pouch and the products were all separate within the box. Also there was only one card this time with information of all 5 products unlike 5 different cards for each, which is good.
MRP: Rs.850/-
Lets take a look at what all I received in the April My Envy Box:
Za True White Exfoliating Clay– A deluxe sample of 30g which is quite good (Full Size Rs.399/- for 100g)
Catrice Longlasting Lip Pencil in Prince Cherry- Full size (Rs.300/-)
Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream 1.5ml small vial (Rs.5700/- for 100ml)
Kama Ayurveda Rejuvenating and Brightening Ayurvedic Night Cream– 2 small jars. I guess they are 5-6g each. (Full size Rs.1195/- for 50g)
Avene VHP Dry Touch Emulsion SPF50+ 5ml (Rs.1250/- for 50ml)
I love the products this time, a full sized makeup product is a perfect addition. The Catrice lip pencil is a very pretty red and would work with so many of my red lipsticks. I like Kama Ayurveda products and looking forward to trying out the night cream which I am glad comes in 2 jars and is a good quantity. The Za True White Exfoliating Clay is a new launch and is exclusively a part of My Envy Box, so again something new to try.
I am already using the Avene Dry Touch Emulsion and love it, so this would go into my travel bag, useful for a 1-2 day short trip. And the Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream smells like a dream indeed, fresh and floral but a bit light though for my taste.
Overall, I am quite happy with this month’s My Envy Box. I hope they continue with this, coz I see such good boxes only once in 3-4 months and not every month unfortunately 🙁
What the Company claims: Spotless Brightening Powder and Poreless Powder create Pearly White Skin. Contains Vitamins C & E derivatives, minerals and hyaluronic acid for skincare. Its base formula leaves skin feeling satiny, smooth and bright.
SPF25 PA++
MRP: Rs.950/- for 30ml
Shades Available: 6 (OC00,OC0W,OC10,OC20,OC30 for yellow skin tones and PO10 for pink skin tones)
Ingredients:
I have the shade OC30 which is the lightest in the range and yet slightly lighter for me, still better since I have been at home since the past 3 months and not tanned at all. But I doubt these shades would work for majority Indian skin tones.
It comes in a sleek, curvy glass bottle and has a steel cap. It has a white pump inside which helps dispense the perfect quantity of product. I quite like the packaging.
The liquid foundation is very thin and runny..so don’t be surprised and also pump bit by bit when you dispense the product.
I love its water based texture and the super light consistency. I have never come across a foundation that is so light on the skin. It feels weightless and spreads and blends easily.
Coverage wise, it offers medium coverage though buildable. You can layer for more better coverage. But if you expecting coverage of spots or acne scars with this, it won’t help. You will need to use a separate concealer for those. I like using it for daily use coz of its super light consistency and I do not like heavy coverage for daily use, so this fits the bill perfectly. Also it offers a nice,dewy finish which I love. But if you have oily skin, you will need to use a powder over this. In summers, one would need to use a powder with this,especially for T-zone. It stays on for 7-8 hours in winters and around 5-6 hours in the current,humid summers.
You do not need a lot of quantity of it and it will last you pretty long. So the price tag is kind of ok.
Here is it on me..with no concealer or powder but just the foundation.
Overall, I would say it is perfect for dry skin and skin which does not need too much coverage. If you like light texture and dewy finish, you will love this. Oily skin would need a powder alongwith. Only downside is number of shades offered and no dark shades at all.
Rating:
Quality: 4/5
Value for money : 4/5
Availability: 3.5/5
Overall rating: 3.75/5
Have you tried the Za True White Liquid Foundation?
ZA Perfect Solution Restoring Collagen Cream Review
ZA (pronounced as zi:ei) is the skin care range by Shiseido. It has the True White Range and the Perfect Solution skin care range currently.
What the Company claims: Anti-Ageing + Firming- Intensive Triangle Technology
With 7 Trillion Collagen Capsules, this Restoring Collagen Cream tightens slack skin and gives bouncy resilience making fine lines and wrinkles less visible, evens-out skin texture to make it look luminous and full of clarity, permeates deeply into the skin to prevent roughness caused by dryness.
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.
ZA Perfect Solution Restoring Collagen Range: ANTI-AGING PERFECT SOLUTION
A high-performance, anti-aging skincare line formulated with nature-derived plant seed extracts and marine collagen to give your skin a youthful resilience and a silky glow.
MRP: Rs. 1199/- for 40g
INGREDIENTS
Vitamin A Plamitate
Bio-Hyaluronic acid
Marine Elastin
Yuzu Seed Extract
Apricot Extract
Honey Extract
APM (Vitamin C derivative)
The moisturizer from this ZA Perfect Solution Restoring Collagen Cream also won the Elle Beauty Awards 2014 in the category of Anti-aging moisturizer.
I have used the True White Range before, and now tried this Perfect Solution range. Since this is more anti-ageing, I was not really sure if it would show any difference on me. I thought let me give it a try and then I would even make my mom and sister in law try it.
I started using it at night since its rich in texture, I thought it would be very heavy for daytime. I absolutely loved how my face looked the next morning. Smoother and softer and very fresh and clear. no oiliness or greasiness.
It is an off white colored cream,rich in texture and does feel heavy if more qty is used. Otherwise it settles in a few minutes, but one can feel the skin tightening immediately.
I have combination skin and dry cheeks basically, so concentrate more on using it in that area. Slowly I started using it during day time too. You know how you have dry patches at times and those show more when you apply makeup, making the base look patchy. This would solve your problem! Gives intense moisturisation to the skin, no dry patches. But I use it sparingly in a lesser quantity during the day,especially if I have to go out since Mumbai is a very humid city.
It comes with a small white spatula which makes it easy to remove the product and one need not dip fingers in it, hygienic! The quantity of 40g lasts a long long time. I used it, my mom and sister in law used it, still there is more than half yet left since you do not need much.
Mom is in her early 50’s and sister in law in 30’s. Both saw visible results with it, you can feel the skin tightening immediately and can see the skin being smoother and softer with some difference in lines when used continuously.
I would highly recommend this for dry skin or people just touching 30’s, this is an perfect moisturizer to use. Would recommend oily skin to try the EBA Winner Moisturizer which is in liquid form. I am going to continue using it at night especially since winters are setting in.
Rating: 4/5
Have you tried anything from the ZA Perfect Solution Restoring Collagen Range ?
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 ?
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.
What the Company claims: Provides comfortable, light-weight yet strong protection against UV rays at daily base. Helps diminish spots and acne marks at the same time. Minimizes the appearance of visible melanin accumulation. Veils skin with a bright, pearly radiance that enhances skin tone for a healthy look.
MRP: Rs.799/- for 35g
Ingredients:
ZA True White Range is based on the new research by the Shiseido skin care team called the Revolutionary 4MSK Formula where they have combined three best whitening ingredients..
It comes in a slender tube packaging with a small nozzle to get just the right qty for your face and neck.
Its not runny but neither thick..and quiet light in texture and easily blendable. It sinks into your skin. I have a combination skin and did not find it too rich or greasy..it is just about perfect.
Oily skin may require touch up on their T-zone after 2-3 hours..I did not face much of those issues..
It has a light baby powder kinda smell..does’nt stay long and not bothering. I am using this from about 3 weeks..and I do see lightning of my 1-2 acne scars which I had. Though it has SPF26 PA++, its not sufficient and I need to layer it with a separate sunscreen. I wish it had more sun protection..coz its after all a Day Protector.
But, I like the fact that it has both Vitamin C and E along with some other added minerals..Vitamin E helps in fading scar marks and Vitamin C too, to a certain extent. So a combination of too, is like very good in helping the skin regenerate and heal marks faster.
I have not tried the ZA True White Day Cream..but from the reviews I have read, that is more lighter and more suitable for oily. But, if you have normal to dry skin, you can go with the ZA True White Day Cream. Plus this tube packaging is easier to carry.
Pros:
1. Easy to carry tube packaging.
2. Dispenses right amount of product.
3. More hygienic than tub packaging.
4. Is light in texture and absorbs and sinks easily.
5. Helps fade acne marks and skin appears more even toned with gradual use.
6. Has a blend of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Minerals and Shiseido’s Revolutionary 4MSK Formula.
7. A little goes a long way..35g is going to last a long time ! I think the price is worth it..and its better priced than Shiseido’s other skin care ranges.
8. Has SPF26 PA++
Cons:
1. Not easily available.
2. Oily skin may need touch up for T-zone after 2-3 hours.
I don’t think I can think of any other cons..I quite liked it and using it regularly from the last 3 weeks. Can already see some difference in the skin. Would definitely recommend the ZA True White Day Protector.
Rating:
Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 3.5/5
