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Top 10 Foundations for Dry Skin in India, Prices, Buy Online, Indian Makeup Blog

Top 10 Foundations for Dry Skin in India, Prices, Buy Online

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Top 10 Foundations for Dry Skin in India, Prices, Buy Online

By Sanchita

Foundation is one of the most important base makeup and if, by any chance, it looks cakey or uneven, the whole look is compromised. As we have already listed own the “Top 10 Foundations for Oily Skin in India”, it is time to list down the favorites for dry skin too. Dry skin needs hydrating and nourishing foundation that would add a glow and luminosity to the skin.

Before the application, make sure to use a hydrating face wash followed by an emollient that would make the foundation glide on easier. This is to prevent the foundation sticking to your dry patches or accentuating fine lines.

Read the top 10 best foundation for dry skin available in India with both high end and affordable options.

1. Maybelline Dream Satin Skin Foundation – Price Rs. 700 (BUY HERE for Rs.560)

The Maybelline Dream Satin Skin Foundation comes in glass bottle with a pump dispenser. It has a light consistency and the product blends like a dream and gives that airbrushed and poreless finish. The coverage is medium to buildable and the gorgeous natural and luminous finish is something a dry skin would love. The air-whipped finish is perfect for invisible pores and the product is dermatologically tested. It doesn’t oxidize and despite having SPF 24 PA+++, it never casts a whitish layer on skin. The product affordable and also easily available.

2. Kryolan TV Stick Foundation – Price Rs.1200 (BUY HERE) (Review HERE)

This is my go-to foundation for winter when my skin is dry. It comes in a stick packaging and is available in 250 shades! The product is versatile and can be used as foundation, contour, color corrector, and concealer. It thick but blends into the skin really easily and gives a dewy finish to the skin. It has full coverage and best used for bridal purposes. The foundation doesn’t oxidize at all and photographs really well. The staying power is around 7-8hours and the foundation is a complete value for money.

3. L’Oréal Paris True Match Foundation – Price Rs. 1025 (BUY HERE for Rs. 920)

L’Oréal Paris True Match Foundation is best suited for normal to dry skin. It is available in 7-8 shades and one of the best drugstore foundations of all times. The foundation has a thicker liquid and is blends very easily. It gives medium to full coverage upon layering. The precise match technology blends smoothly on rough and patchy skin. It helps cover stubborn marks and uneven skin tone. It has glycerin and the goodness of Vitamin E. it is further Non comedogenic and long lasting, for around 5-6 hrs.

4. Revlon ColorStay Makeup for Normal/Dry Skin – Price Rs. 995 (BUY HERE)

The Revlon ColorStay Makeup for Normal/Dry Skin comes in a cylindrical glass bottle and are available in 12-13 shades which is very good for a drugstore foundation. It has a medium consistency and blends easily with the finger as well. Thus it gives an even flawless look with medium coverage. It has SPF 15 and has been formulated with the SoftFlex technology that will not rub off with normal wear. It has semi-dewy finish and it feels natural and controls excess oil. It lasts for around 5-6 hrs without oxidation.

5. The Body Shop Moisture Foundation SPF15 – Price Rs. 1395 (BUY HERE)

The TBS Moisture Foundation has SPF15 and comes in 4 shades. The foundation has a very sturdy plastic bottle with a plastic pump. It is a lightweight liquid foundation with a medium consistency. It gives a smooth light to medium coverage and natural looking finish on skin. It does not apply streaky or patchy and also hydrates the skin well. The foundation has a special silicone blend and light reflective particles provide a long-lasting dewy finish and further formulated with Vitamin E and Community Trade marula oil and organic beeswax moisturize and condition skin. it lasts for about 6-7 hrs.

6. MAC Mineralize Moisture Foundation – Price Around Rs.3250 (BUY HERE)

MAC Mineralize Moisture Foundation comes in a frosted glass bottle with a built-in pump. It is available in various shades for cool and warm tones and thus finished a shade won’t be a problem. The consistency is is gel-like and a bit runny which spreads easily and blends like a dream. It has a satin or dewy finish and gives a natural luminescence which makes the skin look very healthy. It is weightless and gives a light but buildable to medium coverage. It is formulated with 77-Mineral complex, Shea butter and Vitamin E. The wear time is around 6-7hrs.

7. MAC Face & Body Foundation – Price Rs.2600 approx (BUY HERE)

The MAC Face & Body Foundation is available in 14-15 shades. It comes in a small plastic bottle with a screw on black cap. The foundation has a runny, watery consistency. It spreads easily, blends with a few strokes and seems to absorb into the skin leaving a satiny dewy finish. The coverage is medium and the foundation is light weight on the skin and looks very natural. Also, it does not sit into pores or imperfections. It is long wearing for about 8-9hrs without touch up and photographs really well.

8. Bobbi Brown Moisture Rich Foundation – Price Around Rs.4500 (BUY HERE)

The Bobbi Brown Moisture Rich Foundation is available in 17 shades and has a small glass bottle packaging. The foundation has a runny texture and gives a sheer light coverage and an even finish. It is easy to blend and gives a flawless coverage and with a natural dewy finish. It is best suited for normal to dry skin. The liquid doesn’t oxidize on the skin and adds a glow and luminosity. The Broad Spectrum SPF 15 is great for day wear without any whitish cast. The wear time is around 8hrs.

9. Clinique Superbalanced Makeup Foundation – Price Rs. 2650 (BUY HERE)

Clinique Superbalanced Makeup Foundation is available in 22 shades and has a frosted glass bottle with a silver screw on cap. The consistency of the foundation is on the thinner side and spreads beautifully onto the skin with brush or fingers and it easy to blend. It gives medium coverage and has a dewy finish. It is extremely light weight and even out the skin flawlessly. It also minimizes the look of open pores slightly giving a slightly smoother, more impeccable look to the skin. The foundation is great for normal to dry skin, photographs well and wear time is around 7-8 hrs with powdering.

10. YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation – Price $58.00 (BUY HERE)

The YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation is available in 22 shades. The packaging is gorgeous with a cylindrical glass bottle with a golden cap and a pump. The texture is of fluid gel consistency and spreads and blends like a dream without any patchiness or uneven look. It has medium coverage foundation with a beautiful dewy finish. There is a beautiful lightness and luminosity to the formula and it feels weightless. It is enriched with stimulating power of Ruscus Extract to combat dullness along with Vitamin E protects against free-radicals. The foundation has a wear time of 8 hrs.

Editor’s Note: That’s a perfect compilation Sanchita. Would also like to add Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation and MAC Water Weight Foundation, gives a nice dewy finish and are perfect for dry skin.

Which is your favourite foundation? Let us know in the comments below.

Best of 2016 – Skin & Hair

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Best of 2016 – Skin & Hair

Hey guys,

So 2016 is coming to an end, it went by in a jiffy. Feels like yesterday that I did my Best of 2015 post. I do the best of skin and hair and makeup every year. It’s been 5 years now.

See the previous years lists here:

Usually I include a lot of items, even from previous years which have been a favourite and frequently used that year, this time around I will try to keep more of new launches of 2016.

Click on the links for complete reviews..

Skin:

Face Wash: Himalaya Neem Purifying Face Wash (Himalaya Neem is my HG and will be in my favorites forever), Avene Cleanance Gel, Clean & Clear Pimple Clearing Face Wash

Cleanser/Makeup Remover: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Cleansing Water, Vichy Purete Thermale Micellar Water, Avene Micellar Water (but not for eyes)

Toner/Mist: Avene Thermal Spring Water

Moisturiser: Lacto Calamine, The Body Shop Drops of Light Day Cream, La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo

Sunscreen: Suncros, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Spray, The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Protect Emulsion

Serums:  Lotus Herbals YouthRx Serum + Creme

Face Scrub: Clean & Clear Blackhead Clearing Daily Scrub, The Body Shop Tea Tree 3 in 1, Himalaya Herbals Neem Scrub

Face Pack: Kawar Dead Sea Facial Mask, Korean Sheet Masks, Himalaya Tan Removal Orange Peel Off Face Mask

Face Oil: The Body Shop Oils of Life Revitalizing Facial Oil

Night Cream: The Body Shop Oils of Life Sleeping Cream, Himalaya Herbals Revitalizing Night Cream

Body Wash: The Body Shop British Rose Shower Gel, Organic Harvest Fresh Mint Shower Gel, Biotique Bio Honey Cream Body Wash

Body Scrub: The Body Shop British Rose Body Scrub

Bath Accessories: The Body Shop Bath Gloves

Body Lotion/Body Butter: The Body Shop Japanese Camellia Body Cream (LOVEE), Himalaya Herbals Body Lotions, Nivea Body Lotions

Lip Balm: Biotique Bio Almond, Himalaya Herbals Vanilla Lip Care

Other: Proactiv Refining Mask (zaps pimples instantly), Colorbar Stay the Day Finishing Mist (Keeps makeup intact and skin looking fresh whole day)

Hair:

Oil: Satthwa Oil

Shampoo: Rene Furterer Naturia Shampoo, Wella Pro Elements Shampoo, Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo, Tresemme Beauty-Full Volume Shampoo

Conditioner: Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Conditioner, Tresemme Beauty-Full Volume Conditioner

Deep Conditioner: Rene Furterer Karite Mask, Wella Pro Elements Mask

Serum/Leave in: Kerastase Elixir Ultime Beautifying Oil Cream, Wella SP Luxe Oil, Wella EIMI Perfect Me

Dry Shampoo: Wella EIMI Dry Me

Shine Spray: BBlunt Spotlight Shine Spray

Other Tools: Gillette Venus Razor, Vanity Planet Spin for Perfect Skin

These were all the products I have used and loved the most in 2016, what about you?

MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation NC 41 Review

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MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation NC 41 Review

By Linda

Hello Ladies,

Again I’m back with another review of a MAC product that is a highly recommended and belongs to the Studio range of collections. The sales assistant helped me out in picking the closest shade[NC 41] for my yellow toned medium to fair skin.I would recommend you to first try a suitable shade yourself before purchasing since these are high end products with varieties of shades and what you buy should be worth the money . I read many good reviews of this product due to its dual performance as a foundation plus powder hence made up mind that I’m definitely purchasing this product.

What MAC Claims: A one step powder and foundation that gives skin a smooth, flawless, all matte finish with medium to full coverage. Long-wearing, velvety texture allows skin to breathe.

Packaging

Packaging consists of a classic MAC black compact case which has a built in mirror, the compressed product (in the mid section) and a third compartment where a sponge applicator is stored. A convenient packaging which can be carried easily where ever you go. What I like about the packaging is the separate compartment for the sponge applicator [please excuse my sponge since I haven’t washed it since I purchased this product ,Yes bad me !!] .In most of the compacts, the applicator is kept on top of product due to which the excess product is picked by the applicator when not in use hence forth the waste of product.

Cost: 2290 INR for 15 g

My take on MAC Studio Fix Powder plus Foundation [Shade NC 41]

As I applied this product on my well cleansed and moisturized skin, the first thing I noticed was my pores vanished in seconds. The powder is fine and so soft that it blends easily into the skin. The biggest bonus in this product is the sponge applicator. I found the applicator to be of a very good quality .I have been using this product for more than a year and the sponge is still intact. In fact I use this sponge for blending my other liquid foundation and it gives me a flawless finish.

On application of this product the oiliness on my skin did vanish giving a medium coverage to my skin. It does not seem to look cakey at all and even does not highlight the dry patches on my skin. The product lasts for around 5-6 hours on my combination skin. After which I do a touch up on my T zone. What I noticed is, it doesn’t completely cover the dark spots and minor blemishes and dark circles [hence medium coverage].

I have used this product alone most of the time, but somehow I feel a liquid foundation would help in giving full coverage along with a concealer and a flawless finish .As I mentioned earlier it doesn’t give a cakey look even after layering several products on the skin and it even does not flash on photographs. It just feels like a second skin.

A drawback I noticed was when you use a sponge applicator, it picks up more product than usual hence you tend to finish your product sooner. So in that case a blending brush is always helpful.

The product I’ve been using is almost over but it hasn’t broken as yet since it is fine milled and compressed well into the container. Hence no product wasted.

TIP: Dampen the sponge applicator a little with water and apply the product on to your skin. The product lasts on skin for a considerable longer time than usual and controls oiliness too. [Based on personal experience].

Definitely this is a multipurpose product that can be used alone or along with a liquid foundation which gives a flawless finish.

Pros:

  • Diminishes pores within seconds
  • Doesn’t give a cakey look
  • Photo friendly
  • Controls oiliness giving a matte finish
  • Can be used alone or along with a liquid foundations
  • Highly recommended for oily skin
  • Travel friendly light weight packaging
  • Long-lasting product

Cons:

  • Heavy on pockets
  • Medium coverage
  • Works better with liquid foundation

Rating: 4.5/5

Would I recommend MAC Studio Fix Powder plus Foundation? Yes definitely I would recommend since it’s a multipurpose product.

Editor’s Note: I would like to add one thing here, it broke one of my friend really bad every time she used it. So I would recommend trying it out first 2-3 times at the stores and see if it suits your skin, before investing in it. If it works for your skin, then it is indeed a great powder with very good coverage.

Have you tried the MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation?

Top 10 Innisfree Products Available in India, Prices, Buy Online

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Top 10 Innisfree Products Available in India, Prices, Buy Online

By Sanchita

The launch of Innisfree in India got me really excited and the thought of getting the products delivered at my doorstep made me list down all the products which I always wanted to buy. It is a Korean skincare and it is the first natural brand that has been dedicated to share the clean and pure energy of nature for healthy beauty. Innisfree shares the benefits of nature from the pristine island of Jeju, allowing for vibrant beauty and pursues an eco-friendly green life to preserve the balance of nature. Their products work like a magic on every skin and no wonder it is widely popular. The botanical ingredients used are sourced from an environment free of polluting. This is why their ingredients has no side effects and allergic reactions. Here’s the top favorites from Innisfree.

1. Innisfree The Green Tea Seed Serum – Price Rs. 1950 for 80ml (BUY HERE)

The Innisfree The Green Tea Seed Serum comes in a green pump dispenser bottle. The serum is transparent, lightweight and gets absorbed within a minute leaving the skin looking wonderfully matte. However, it also nourishes the skin without getting greasy. The with organic Jeju green tea and green tea seeds that hydrate your skin from deep within and the green tea seed oil creates a strong moisture barrier to keep your skin moisturized longer. The product is best suited for normal to combination skin.

2. Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask – Price Rs. 1100 for 100ml (BUY HERE)

The Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask is one of the bestselling product worldwide. It comes in an opaque jar and has tight and thick clay mask. You need to dampen your face to apply this. It helps to cleanses, exfoliate, brighten and removes dead skin cells (it has AHA) from the face. It instantly gives you a cooling sensation and effective in removing sebum and other impurities. It is a magic face mask for oily, combination and acne prone skin type. It dries up the acne pretty fast and prevent them. The super volcanic cluster capsules powerfully absorbs sebum to intensively resolve pore concerns. Overall, you get an amazing clear and smooth skin.

3. Innisfree Orchid Enriched Cream – Price Rs. 2000 for 50ml (BUY HERE)

The Innisfree Orchid Enriched Cream is best suited for normal to dry skin. It comes in a pretty purple jar with a beautiful floral scent. The texture is of gel-crème and extremely lightweight. It hydrates the skin beautifully and works as a night cream. The highly enriched Orchid enriched cream strengthens inner skin cohesion, keeps the wrinkles at bay and improves elasticity, skin tone. The rich and resilient texture wraps the skin and contains natural high molecules to form a micro barrier to leave the skin resilient. It lasts a long time so the price is justified.

4. Innisfree Wine Peeling Jelly Softener – Price Rs. 900 for 180ml (BUY HERE)

Innisfree Wine Peeling Jelly Softener comes in a slender dark bottle. It has a translucent medium consistency and acts as a gentle exfoliator. It is great for sensitive skin and gives an instant cooling sensation and soothes the skin. The skin feel soft, smooth, refreshed and hydrated without any oiliness. It is a clarifying treatment for newly exfoliated skin and helps the skin recover faster and generate new and healthy skin cells fast. The product is enriched with wine extracts from France, Wine creates a clear and smooth jelly-like skin by gently lifting away dead skin cells and providing hydrating moisture.

5. Innisfree It’s Real Squeeze Sheet Masks – Price Rs. 100 for 20ml (BUY HERE)

The Innisfree It’s Real Squeeze Sheet Masks are one of the bestselling product worldwide. The sheet mask is also one of the important part of Korean skincare. Each sachet has one sheet mask that has to be applied on the face evenly and let the ingredients in the mask get absorbed by the skin well. It helps to make the skin smooth and radiant. There are so many variants available like Rose, Lime, Green Tea, Tea Tree, Aloe Vera, Pomegranate, Strawberry, Cucumber, Bija, Manuka Honey, Black Berry, Shea Butter, Kiwi and Bamboo for different skin type and purposes

6. Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam – Price Rs. 650 for 150ml (Buy HERE)

Innisfree Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam is best suitable for oily skin with enlarged pores. It comes in an opaque tube. The face wash is white in color and relatively thick. It has the tendency to lather and the very small volcanic pore particles for better absorption of sebum and some scrub action. It has been formulated for pore cleansing which it does effectively and purify them thoroughly. The skin is left matte but not over dried at all. It will not irritate the skin at all as it is free from harsh chemicals.

7. Innisfree Peach Hand Cream – Price Rs. 300 for 30ml (BUY HERE)

The Innisfree Peach Hand Cream comes in a medium sized tube. The hand cream is light weight, creamy textured and white in color. It smells heavenly of flowers and peach and the aroma is divine! It melts into the skin like a dream and feels non-greasy and non-sticky. It makes the hands soft and smooth with it’s with deep moisturizing properties and a sweet scent of Jeju peaches. It gives a long lasting hydration and also rejuvenates the skin. For this winter, it is the perfect pick.

8. Innisfree Green Tea Balancing Skin – Price Rs. 1200 for 200ml (BUY HERE)

The Innisfree Green Tea Balancing Skin is a star product for the normal to combination skin type. It comes in a plastic green packaging. The product is basically a toner with water-like texture but thicker. It feels cool, fresh and light on the face. It applies smoothly and absorbs fast without any stickiness. There is an instant cooling sensation and, the green tea scent is lovely. It balances the skin beautifully and imparts a healthy glow to the skin. It does feel slightly pricey but the product is surely worth it. The product is free from parabens, synthetic colorants, mineral oil, animal-originated ingredients, imidazolidinyl urea

9. Innisfree Green Tea Moisture Cream – Price Rs.1300 for 50ml (BUY HERE)

The Innisfree Green Tea Moisture Cream is best suitable for dry to very dry skin. It comes in a pretty green tub. The cream is thick and white in color but spreads so easily and smoothly on the skin. It gets absorbed and immediately puts a layer of hydration to the skin. It is formulated with freshly squeezed green tea to instantly form a moisture barrier to offer dewiness, preventing skin from moisture loss. Further, it has green tea seeds for deep hydration, green tea leaves harvested on Jeju Island is rich in amino acids and minerals and keeps skin moisturized for longer. The tub will last a long time.

10. Innisfree Camellia Essential Hair Oil Serum – Price Rs. 900 for 100ml (BUY HERE)

The Innisfree Camellia Essential Hair Oil Serum comes in a beautiful red bottle with a pump dispenser and a protective cap. This serum also has a beautiful floral fragrance and the consistency is medium – neither thick nor thin and spreads easily on damp hair. It gets instantly absorbed into the hair, nourishing the hair strands and also helps in detangling. The double- caring of Jeju camellia oil and fermented camellia oil that helps damaged hair and keeps it healthy. It lessens the frizz, adds a bounce and subtle shine and the camellia oil coats the cuticles, preventing split ends. It is great for dry and damaged hair.

Editor’s Note: I have the entire Jeju Volcanic Clay range and it’s amazing, especially for oily, acne prone skin. The Green Tea Range is excellent for dry skin and I love their sheet masks too. I would also like to add the Sleeping Creams, pretty good and you wake up with amazingly soft and moisturized skin. I have heard so much about the Wine Peeling Jelly Softener and it’s on my wishlist.

Have you tried these Innisfree products? Your favourites?

Feelunique Haul : theBalm, Real Techniques, Rimmel

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Feelunique Haul : theBalm, Real Techniques, Rimmel

Hi guys,

I got a few things from Feelunique.com a few months ago. I had filmed this video earlier but if you don’t already know, I have got a fracture recently and hence it took some time to edit, etc.,

About Feelunique: Feelunique is a UK based website which stocks all international brands from Real Techniques, Sleek MakeUP, NYX, Maybelline, Benefit, theBalm, Rimmel London, etc. They have 1000’s of brands under them. They offer free shipping all over the world above £60 and £15 shipping below that. But even if you buy 2-3 items, you can easily cross £60.

Also they have a lot of offers from time to time and free Gifts with Purchases. Only disadvantage I would say is customs and since that is not fixed or cannot be determined, it is a bit of risk.

I got 6 items out of which one item was missing. I paid Rs 950/- customs on rest of the 5 items. Let’s see what all I got..

And the item which went missing was the Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick. I wanted all of these items since a really long time! They were on my wishlist! And I am so glad I got these.

I hope you liked the haul, do let me know in the comments below.

Top 10 Marilyn Monroe Beauty Secrets

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Top 10 Marilyn Monroe Beauty Secrets

By Ria

Hiii Beauties,

Marilyn Monroe is not only a celebrity in Hollywood but the most talked about and worshiped diva in the beauty circles too. Right from her seven inch dress, pouty lips, gorgeous eye lashes and sexy legs everything was talk of the town. She is known to be one of the most beautiful women of her time and till date. She is truly a legend in the glamour world.

But in spite of all her controversies, she is known to be the mother of beauty and makeup tips. So, here we are listing down some of the eternal and ever glowing beauty and makeup secrets of the diva herself –

1. Use Vaseline as a Highlighter – Yes, Vaseline the regular petroleum jelly which all of us have in our house. We use only on lips that too in bed time. But the light sheen which Vaseline gives has always been used by Marilyn as her highlighter. The light healthy glow will give you just the finish of a radiant skin and nothing else.

2. Use Five Different Shades for Her Pouty Lips – She used to begin by applying a nude shade just to prep her lips. Then she used to apply a regular matte lipstick and top it with a darker shade. The darkest shade was applied on the outer corners and then the cupid bow was highlighted.

3. Use Oils for Shiny Eyelids – Marilyn was a firm believer of shiny eye lids. So, she always used to finish her look by applying a face oil or Vaseline to get her shiny eyelids.

4. Use White Eye Shadow as a Base – The white eye shadows trend was started by Marilyn Monroe herself. Her makeup artists used to apply white eye shadow all over her eye brow area and even in the inner corners of her eyes. This provided much more depth and colour to her eye area.

5. Mixed Eyeliner – We all used to apply either black or brown eyeliners. Even if we apply any coloured eyeliners, we tend to go with a single colour only. But Marilyn used to apply a combination of white, brown, black and blue eyeliners to get that super dramatic look.

6. Blush for Contouring – Yes, you heard it right. We all use blush to highlight but the talented makeup artists of marlin Monroe used to apply blush on her nose for contouring. They used to apply a bit of blush in the area where nose ends to give it a shorter nose look.

7. Half Falsie Eyelashes – Marilyn Monroe used to love her eyelashes. She loved the long dramatic falsies too. But no doubt they looked over dramatic. So, she used to cut her falsies in half and then apply them on her eyes. They used to give a dramatic but still natural look.

8. Arching Eyebrows – Well, arched eyebrows are a trend now even. But what Monroe used to do at that time was that she used to use a white eyeliner to drag it up. But not make the end too pointed else it looked fake.

9. Beauty Sleep – She had a secret recipe of her beauty sleep. She used to steam her face every night before sleeping. And used to sleep naked in a big bed with completely dark room. She used to have at least 10 hours of sleep every day.

10. Moisturisation is the Key – She used to love her moisturisers and always carried one in her bag. She used to have different moisturisers for different parts of the day and even for different body parts.

So, these were some of the top beauty and makeup secrets by Marilyn Monroe. Let me know your thoughts in the comments down below.

Top Natural Skin, Hair and Body Care Brands in India

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Top Natural Skin, Hair and Body Care Brands in India

By Nidhal

Tossing away all those chemical-laden cocktails into the trash seems a herculean task given the paucity of alternatives at hand at present, isn’t it? Not anymore. You do not have to repine anymore for there are some niche brands that are not just environment-friendly in their approach but also cent per cent transparent about the ingredients’ list of each and every product of theirs. Sounds impressive, doesn’t it?

No need to glower at your high-end chemical-laden product anymore for burning a hole in your pocket and not throwing any commendable results for here you go with a list of Indian brands- all of which sell via Amazon India, that are not just safe for topical application but also budget-friendly.

1. MAHAGRO – A small but incredulously devoted team based out of Hyderabad, MahaGro may have entered the natural skin, hair and body care market recently (2012) but earns a thumbs up from one and all thanks to their nourishing all-natural, chemical-free, preservative-free, artificial-fragrance- free and cruelty-free products.

Offering not just beauty products (like- herbal bath powder, pimple pack, face pack, hair wash powder, etc.) but also ingredients that can be used to whip one’s own recipes (like orange peel powder, tulsi powder, etc.), their products don’t cost an arm and a leg if you’re contemplating adding the same to your shopping carts. Owned by the obliging Krishna Karthik, they are about to launch herbal soaps and shampoos soon in addition to shipping products PAN India.

My vote of approval goes to the following products-

(a) Herbal bath powder- Enriched with the benefits of myriad herbs in dried form with a lingering aroma of camphor predominantly, Mahagro’s herbal bath powder makes for an efficacious face pack too in addition to being a bath powder. Ideal for use in summers when the mercury rises to unprecedented levels, it cools one’s skin instantly, thereby soothing it.

Price- 179/- INR for 200g (Buy HERE)

(b) Herbal hair wash powder- To those who are fond of giving a wide berth to chemical-laden hair masks/packs, Mahagro’s herbal wash powder is of use. Composed of only dried herbs and leaves sans any chemical preservatives, teaming it with one’s base ingredient of choice say- coconut milk, would work wonders for one’s mane. Regular use will obviously throw much more flattering results vis-à- vis a single use.

Price- 179/- INR for 200g (Buy HERE)

2. TARIKA AYURLABS- The picture-postcard Pondicherry (called Pondy by the locals) gives one’s eyes not just sights to behold but also one’s skin and hair, oodles of unadulterated nourishment through a brand that targets beauty woes through the ancient Indian science- Ayurveda. Not even 1% of the composition of any of their 100% natural, vegan, cruelty-free and chemical-free products contain any nasties that’d compel you to grimace.

Crafting a wholesome combo of products, ranging from hair oils, face serums, face masks to face scrubs, each product impresses with its unique composition. From offering products that seek to address the woes of aging, pimples/spots, foul body odour, excess hair fall to having lacklustre skin, they offer beauty combos that work wonders in allaying the same with regular use.

I would recommend Tarika’s daily facial sandal face mask as well as night oil for face (saffron) to all those whose skin loses its lustre and glow thanks to the barrage of chemical-laden cocktails we pour on ourselves daily in a bid to get the same. A little goes a long way that’s what I realised after using both the gems! Versatile enough to be blended with raw milk and neem decoction, the mask suits every skin type, leaving your skin inherently cleansed and nourished NATURALLY.

The cherry on the cake is Tarika Night oil for face (saffron). The aroma is ethereal, heavenly…a sort of aphrodisiac, taking your olfactory senses to a ride. Upon applying, with a little massage, it blends in with one’s skin easily. Sleep with it for within a few days, you will wake up with skin that looks restored to life. Let’s be rational- one or two uses won’t throw wondrous results. Given the kind of environs we inhabit, we need to be persistent in application. And if we are, the beauty combo from Tarika Ayurlabs leaves you chuffed.

PRICE-

Daily Sandale Beauty Mask: INR 480 for 50g (Buy HERE)

Night Oil for Face Saffron: INR 695 for 30ml (Buy HERE)

3. ISHAAN ENTERPRISES: RAYAAN HERBALS- Based out of Hyderabad, this all-natural venture helmed by Mrs. Reshma Thakur believes in giving a wide berth to chemical preservatives. Incepted in 2013 with a vision to craft exquisite skin, hair and body care products sans any hogwash (read: chemicals), Rayaan Herbals (the brand) that comes under Ishaan Enterprises (the company) came to the rescue of all those fraught with seeing chemical-laden products inundate markets! With an expanding range that seeks to cater to varying needs of its customers, if you are at the sea, don’t repine for you can touch base with them (Facebook) and get products tailor-made to suit your needs. Another feather in their cap is that they manufacture the products themselves so every facet is scrutinised to the backbone.

Coming from raw parts of a plant say- stems, flowers, roots, leaves, etc. their herbal products are intricate mixes of herbs. In my humble opinion, one should give a shot to their Hair shining pack. A natural fix for those whose locks look lustreless and drained off gloss, mixing it with the base ingredient that’s most compatible with one’s locks will ensure that it packs a punch at other hair woes too like- lack of softness, brittleness, etc. Dedicated use overtime will surely leave one with more thunderous results than single/two-time uses. It performs to a great extent on what it claims, however, do not get dispirited within a few uses for everyone’s hair condition differs and depending on how damaged one’s locks are, it will work.

PRICE- 550/- INR for 100g (Buy HERE)

4. IRAYA- ‘From the earth’ as is meant by its name in Sanskrit, Iraya- based out of Ahmedabad brings forth to our notice, the bountifulness of nature, which when harnessed ethically nourishes us to the backbone. Without elaborating much on what all the brand offers (Because we all know that! Iraya is a established name. One needs to be living under the rock to be unaware of it), what the USP of Iraya is to me, is that they not just ferret out the most esoteric herbs and blend them to concoct nourishing skin treats but also name their products in a way that is strongly reminiscent of the days when people relied on Ayurveda and natural remedies to tend to her beauty woes instead of store-bought products.

The product I recommend is the Kantivardhak Lepa which does justice to its name- imparts a winsome glow (Kanti) to my face and neck within a few applications without stinging it. Versatile enough to be blended with as many base ingredients (such as- curd, buttermilk, rose water, etc.) as you can come up with, it gets my vote of approval. I find it apt for use by all skin types. Slough it gently while removing to aid the process of scrubbing. Wouldn’t that be equivalent to saying that we are getting the best of both worlds- scrubbing as well as getting a glow? Yes, it surely would be.

PRICE- 445/- INR for 50g (Buy HERE)

5. RAW RITUALS- Handcrafting taken seriously- that’s how I delineate Raw Rituals. Based out of Ahmedabad, this organic skin and hair care venture is helmed by the warm and welcoming Mrs. Lovina Aggarwal and makes no about doing everything manually be it- boiling, whipping, blending, packaging, or designing. If that’s insufficient then, they have all the feathers in their cap to sweep you off your feet- cruelty-free, organic, preservative-free and cent per cent transparent about the ingredients added.

Offering lip balms, face packs, face scrubs, hair oils, body massage oils, face serums and cold-pressed soap- all free from chemicals, there is no reason why Raw Rituals doesn’t deserve a place on our list. I would recommend Raw Rituals’ peppermint and orange lip butter to all those looking to soothe their perennially dry lips that yearn for all the more moisturisation as the mercury goes down. The USP is that it is colourless, thus apt for use by men/boys too. The subtle aroma is capable of sending you into a tizzy thanks to peppermint essential oil which it is replete with.

Read the reviews of the orange lip butter HERE and their Ethereal Face Serum HERE

PRICE- 150/- INR (Buy HERE)

Editor’s Note: That’s quite an interesting list Nidhal. I have tried and loved Iraya. Tarika sounds pretty interesting and I would love to try that!

Have you tried any of these natural brands? Your favourite natural brand and product?

New Lakme Absolute Illuminating Eyeshadow Palettes Royal Persia, French Rose Review, Swatches

Eye Makeup, Eyeshadows, Lakme, MAC Dupes, Makeup, New Launches, Palettes, Reviews, Swatches, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

New Lakme Absolute Illuminating Eyeshadow Palettes Royal Persia, French Rose Review, Swatches

Hi guys,

In my previous post on the Lakme Absolute x Sabyasachi’s ‘Illuminate & Shine’ Collection, I reviewed the new bronzer, highlighter and shimmer brick. (See HERE)

These two eye shadow palettes are also a part of the Limited Edition Sabyasachi Collection.

Lakme already has the day Gold and night Silver palette in this Illuminating Palette range, see the swatches of the Day Palette HERE.

Claims:  They say it’s the eyes that gives you that extra sparkle. So as you prep for your festive looks this year try the new Lakmé Absolute Illuminating Eyeshadow palettes to add to the glam quotient. These limited edition eyeshadows by Sabysachi Mukherjee have 6 versatile colours to play with and create stunning looks that are bound to turn heads.
Whether it’s the lovely plum tones of the Royal Persia palette or the warm earthy shades of the French Rosé palette, these unique shades are absolute must-haves.

Limited edition eye shadow palettes designed by fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee
High intensity powders
6 versatile shades that blend beautifully
Suited for most Indian skin tones

MRP: Rs.995/- each for 7.5g (Buy Royal Persia HERE and French Rose HERE)

Royal Persia has more purple/pink tone shades and French Rose has more warm browns/coppers. From the first look of it, I absolutely love French Rose! The shades are stunning and so apt for the fall/winter/wedding season currently. I can think of 9-10 different eye looks immediately looking at the palette.

French Rose is definitely very versatile and very flattering on Indian skin tones.

Both palettes have the usual packaging with a mirror and a double ended sponge tip applicator.

Honestly except for 1-2 shades, I was not so impressed with the pigmentation of the shadows in the previous day palette. This time I am blown away and how!

I had huge expectations from the palettes as the shades looked really pretty. And I am so glad Lakme has worked on the pigmentation this time, all the shadows are super creamy and buttery and these swatches are just one swipe each!

Top Row:

A coppery bronze, close to MAC’s Amber Lights (Amber Lights is slightly more gold)

A matte plum brown, this was the only shade with little less pigmentation compared to the other 5, but is easily buildable

A satin finish pinky red

Bottom Row:

A matte dark chocolate brown

A satin finish peachy pink, close to MAC’s Expensive Pink (Expensive Pink is a little more pinker)

A matte burnt orange with some gold shimmer

Each and every shade is super pigmented! This palette is a must have for all brides to be, it’s a perfect addition to your trousseau. I will be creating a look with this palette super soon.

Coming to Royal Persia,

Top Row:

A satin finish aqua blue

A matte purple, again the only shade in the palette which is not that pigmented

A matte slate blue

Bottom Row:

A satin finish plum

A satin finish light pink

A satin creamy beige with gold shimmer, very creamy.

This palette has more cool toned and grey based shades, and more on blue and pink lines.

All the shades in both the palettes are very creamy and buildable, except for one shade in both, all are pigmented and blend well into each other.

If you like warm shades, you can go for French Rose and if you like cooler shades, you can pick Royal Persia.

For me personally, I absolutely love French Rose and if I have to recommend one, I would say French Rose 🙂

I hope you liked the review, let me know your favourite in the comments below.

Lakme Sun Kissed Bronzer, Moon Lit Highlighter, Illuminating Shimmer Brick Review, Swatches

Blush, Bronzers, Highlighters, Lakme, Makeup, New Launches, Reviews, Swatches, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Lakme Sun Kissed Bronzer, Moon Lit Highlighter, Illuminating Shimmer Brick Review, Swatches

Hi guys,

So as you all already know, Lakme launched these new products in their ‘Illuminate and Shine‘ collection during the last fashion week. This is a Limited Edition range brought in collaboration with Sabyasachi Mukherjee.

This range also has Illuminating Foundation and Shine Line liquid eye liners which I guess are permanent, only the bronzers and highlighters are LE.

There is one bronzer, one highlighter and two shades in the Illuminating Shimmer Brick i.e. Pink and Coral.

Lakme had this bronzer and highlighter earlier too and it was LE at that time too, so those two are like a relaunch. But I love the new addition of the Shimmer Brick.

All three come in same packaging, a flat round pan with a clear plastic cap. There is no brush, no mirror, no other compartment. The product is stand alone.

Sun kissed Bronzer

Claims: 

  • Limited edition makeup bronzer designed by fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee
  • Contains luxurious micro fine pearls
  • Blends effortlessly for a natural sun kissed glow
  • Dermatologically tested

MRP: Rs.725/- for 9g (Buy for 600 HERE)

The bronzer is half and half with one part being lighter and one darker. It is very smooth in texture and though shimmery, the shimmers are not gritty or chunky. I found it slightly orange though, I wish it was a little more brown based. Also if one part could have been matte, that would make it ideal for contouring + bronzing

Moon Lit Highlighter

Claims:

  • A limited edition highlighter designed by fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee
  • Ideal for strobing
  • Reflective shimmer finish
  • Contains fine velvet pearls to give your skin a stunning glow

MRP: Rs.725/- for 9g (Buy HERE)

Coming to the Moon Lit Highlighter, one part is a white based lighter highlighter and one is a dark brown based highlighter for deeper skin tones, which is exactly the same shade as the bronzer. So this is actually be a bronzer-highlighter duo.

Bronzer part feels exactly the same as in the Sun Kissed Bronzer, I love the lighter highlight part. It gives the most stunning soft, natural highlight. You can use this on an everyday basis and no one would know that you have highlighted! But if you prefer stronger highlights like me, layer this twice over a creamy highlighter and this will stay in place whole day, giving the most blinding highlight ever 😀 See it in action in my video HERE

Illuminating Shimmer Brick

Claims: 

  • A limited edition blush palette designed by fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee
  • Comes with a hint of shimmer
  • Luminous silky formula makes your cheek glow
  • Blends effortlessly

MRP: Rs.725/- for 10g (Buy HERE)

My most favourite out of the three is the Illuminating Shimmer Brick. I have the shade Coral. Both the shades Coral and Pink are beautiful! Both would work for all skin tones, but if I have to suggest one, I would say Pink for fair and medium skin tones and Coral for deeper skin tones.

It has 5 strips of color, with the top ones being more highlighter like and the bottom ones being more blush like. So you can either use them individually or just swirl the brush all over and use on both blush and highlight part for an all over glow! The peachy coral tones work really well the gold based highlight colors and together combined, they give the most amazing peachy gold glow. This product is perfect for brides too!

All blended together

The best part about all three is that they double up as eye shadows and look really good on the eyes. As the colors are bronzer and warm toned, they make nice lid colors and highlight for inner corner and brow bone or just a wash all over the eyes.

Overall, in my honest opinion, I would say go for the illuminating shimmer brick and the moon lit highlighter. You can skip the bronzer as the darker part in the moon lit highlighter is exactly the same. But if you are deeper skin tone and prefer deep highlighters only, go for the bronzer and skip the highlighter 🙂

I hope you liked the review, do let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Benefits of Shaving & How to Shave

Gillette, Hair Removal, How To, Razor, Shaving, Tips, Tips and Tricks, Women, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Benefits of Shaving & How to Shave

Hi guys,

If you remember some time back I did a post on shaving myths, see HERE. So today I thought of sharing the benefits of shaving and the correct method of shaving.

Let’s begin with the benefits of shaving:

  • Economical : It has to be the most economical method of hair removal. While waxing requires help usually and the charges range from Rs. 500-1000 for hands/legs etc., depending on the body parts and type of wax and from where/whom you get it done, shaving can be done at the comfort of your home yourself and one gift pack worth Rs.550/- will last you ages as it comes with changeable cartridges
  • Time saving : You need not visit a salon or need any appointments for shaving. You can do it anytime, anywhere. All you will need is your razor and shaving gel.
  • Easy and quick : It’s also the quickest method of hair removal. This is the biggest benefit in my opinion 😀 I am always running late and I am most of the times in knee length dresses/midi skirts, I bless my Gillette Venus during that time :p It’s like a savior, I finish shaving in 5 minutes literally.
  • Painless : Well yes ladies, it is completely painless! While waxing and epilation give me huge red bumps which take 2-3 days to subside, shaving seems like a blessing in comparision.
  • Travel friendly : I always carry my razor when I am going on a 9-10 days holiday/vacation. With my razor with me, I can wear whatever I want to! Yes, you can carry an epilator too, but a razor is much smaller and lighter in comparision. And as explained above, easy, quick and painless coz you got no time on a vacation to sit and epilate! Always prefer a razor over an epilator

While there are number of benefits of shaving, the only con would be that you have to shave once in 5-7 days depending on your hair growth. But I think that is totally doable considering the benefits and how quick it is.

Now, let’s come to the correct method of shaving. I know a lot of girls have dryness, itchiness, ingrown hair, etc. after shaving, if you follow this method step by step, I assure you that there will be no such problems.

1. Exfoliate your body/parts where you want to shave a day prior using a body scrub/loofah/bath gloves.

2. Moisturize your skin beforehand. Never start shaving on dry skin

3. Soak the skin for 1-2 minutes in the shower before starting to shave. But do not let the skin soak in the bath for too long as the water will plump up the skin and that may affect the smoothness of shave.

4. Always use a shaving gel. The Satin Care shave gel is meant for sensitive skin and has aloe vera. It not only keeps the skin moisturized and give a super smooth shave, it also soothes the skin coz of the aloe.

5. Clean the razor well, in between each part.

6. Wash off, pat dry and use a rich, moisturizing body butter/body lotion. If it has Retinol, that would be even better!

7. Keep moisturizing for 2-3 days

That’s it. If you follow this exact method, there will never be any dryness or itchiness.

You can buy the Gillette Venus All in One Pack HERE

How do you shave? Do you follow this method?