Tag Archives: beauty blogger

Starlooks Looksbook Mini August Resort Edition: Unboxing & Makeup Look, Indian Youtuber

Starlooks Looksbook Mini August Resort Edition: Unboxing & Makeup Look

Starlooks Looksbook Mini August Resort Edition: Unboxing & Makeup Look

Hi guys,

So I received the August Looksbook Mini box a few days ago coz of the Indian post, but anyhoo I came up with this look with the box.

Let me start with telling you a bit about Starlooks Looksbook..

WHAT IS A LOOKSBOOK® MEMBERSHIP?

Join thousands of makeup lovers across the globe in this revolutionary beauty movement! Today marks the end of spending hundreds of dollars for expensive cosmetics that clutter your purse & makeup drawer – and usually expire before you can finish them!

THE SOLUTION: Each LooksBook® contains fashion-forecasted, PRO Quality, HD, photo-compatible Starlooks color cosmetics, tucked into a convenient and educational “Book”, and is carefully curated to provide a complete “Look”. Let Starlooks be your monthly beauty stylist!

Our LooksBooks, unlike beauty subscription boxes, are NOT comprised of random selections of product. Our Creative Team (a wonderful group of highly trained professionals from the beauty and fashion industry) carefully plans each month based on professional beauty and fashion forecasts, and products are specifically chosen to guarantee that each book’s look is not only fashion forward, but also current in the fashion and beauty industry

MRP: $12

In the Resort Edition, there is a cream water colour eyeshadow, an gold-orange blush and a gold highlighter duo and a pale peach mini lipstick.

The eyeshadow is creamy and blends easily with eyes but it sets super quick and it was a little difficult to blend it quickly, but once set, it doesn’t budge. It’s a light moss green shade with loads of glitter, it shows up like a hint of green with just lots of shimmer. It’s a perfect shade for highlighting the inner corners.

The blush and the highlighter duo are my favourites, love the golden orange blush and it looks beautiful on warmer skin tones like ours, also the gold highlighter is very pretty and perfect for Indian weddings or a night time look.

The lipstick is very light and washes me out completely, it will only work on paler skin tones. I had to use a warmer, brighter orange to balance the color.

This is the look I came up with..

I have also done a video on this on my Youtube..

I think it’s a nice concept of having travel sized or mini makeup products in a kit, I totally agree on not being able to finish up makeup products. This blush-highlighter duo will definitely be a part of my travel kit now onwards. And at $12 monthly, it is pretty reasonable for 3 products.

You can subscribe HERE, they ship using USPS First Class Mail. Currently they don’t have the ‘India’ option but you can mail them at info@starlooks.com and they will figure out the shipping for you.

Do you like the Starlooks Looksbook concept? What do you think of it?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

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

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

Hi guys,

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

The Body Shop Virgin Mojito Body Scrub

Ingredients:

MRP: Rs.1295/- for 250ml

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

The Body Shop Virgin Mojito Body Splash

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

Ingredients:

MRP: Rs.1395/- for 300ml

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

The Body Shop Virgin Mojito Body Butter

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

Ingredients:

MRP: Rs.1095/- for 200ml

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi guys,

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

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

Ingredients:

MRP: $31 for 13g (Buy HERE)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Good Luck 🙂

Johara Cosmetics (Colors) Makeup Reviews, Swatches, FOTD

Johara Cosmetics (Colors) Makeup Reviews, Swatches, FOTD

Hi guys,

Today I am reviewing some makeup items from Johara Cosmetics. Let me tell you a little about Johara Cosmetics at first..

About the brand: Johara Cosmetics is a part of the Sabinsa and Sami Group. Johara® is the culmination of this on-going effort in Research and Development for more than two and half decades and over 120 scientists diligently focusing their efforts towards creating effective and safe products.

The company has a state-of-the-art R & D Center and six cutting-edge manufacturing units, adhering to the strictest quality and safety standards, ensuring that the highest quality of products are being manufactured.

Today, the Sabinsa and Sami Group holds a strong intellectual property portfolio with 90+ US and International Patents to its credit, including worldwide awards and recognitions. Our cosmeceuticals are derived from natural botanical sources to meet the changing skin care needs of the modern women. We ensure that our ingredients offer a safe and natural approach to enhance beauty and health. Check out more HERE

So as the brand claims suggests, Johara Cosmetics are made from the best of the ingredients and are all safe and natural adhering to their quality standards.

They have Skin Care, Body Care (i.e. Bathing Bar and Body Mist) and Colors which is all about makeup but no foundation or base makeup yet, I hope they launch those soon.

For now, I am reviewing the lipstick, eyeliner, kajal and nail color.

Johara® Crème Rich Lip Color

Johara® Crème Rich Lip Color glides on for show-stopping, saturated rich creamy color finish. Rare Ricin oil and Vitamin E act to hydrate and nourish your lips. Choose from 12 delectable shades and true-wearing color that dazzles at the workplace or party. Long-wearing, smooth and lustrous, our lipsticks make you want to get more than one shade!

More To Love: Parabens free, Lanoline free, Mineral Oil free, Nano-ingredient free

Shades Available: 12

MRP: Rs.395/- for 4.5g

I have the shade Pink Flash. To start with the packaging, it comes in this complete silver outer packaging with golden interior. I like the packaging, also the quantity of 4.5g is very good for a lipstick.

Pink Flash is a pretty coral pink color. The texture is creamy and the finish is glossy, you get opaque coverage in 2 swipes so the pigmentation is quite decent too. The staying power is average, it stays for 3-4 hours with light snacking and drinks but leaves behind a pretty stain which stays for another 1-2 hours. Only glitch is it fades from the center first when you eat or drink.

Overall, I like the color and the finish is pretty good for everyday use. But if you want matte or long staying lipstick, then this is not for you. At Rs.395, it is quite good for the quantity and quality.

Johara® Pro Shine Nail color

Dress up your nails in a stroke of Johara® Pro Shine Nail colors. The formulae are long lasting, quick-drying, and apply evenly, while high-quality pigments ensure eye-catching ultra-shine. The special design brush helps to achieve an even application of colors. Choose from 14 ProShine youthful shades to pep up your look every day.

Shades Available: 14

MRP: Rs.250/- for 10ml

I have the shade Ocean Green. I like that the bottle is not very huge for 10ml quantity. Pigmentation is good, you get perfect coverage in two coats.

Ocean Green is perfect sea green which looks kind of mint but is not exactly mint.

I do not agree with the quick drying and long lasting claim here. It took quite long to dry on nails and chipped from the front in 3 days.

The shades available are less and also the price is a little higher for a nail paint, not very happy with this.

Johara Deep Impact Kajal

Use Johara Deep Impact Kajal for mesmerizingly beautiful eyes. This creamy Kajal gives you deep coverage and effortlessly glides on in one easy stroke. Smudge-proof and easy to blend, it is also moisturizing and light-wearing. Let this super-creamy kajal be the secret behind your expressive eyes.

Free of volatiles, parabens and preservatives.

Lasts upto 10 hours

Easy to apply

Water-proof

Dermatologically approved

Ophthalmologically approved

Suitable for contact lens wearers

MRP: Rs.325/- for 0.35g

It comes in this sleek, black packaging and is in retractable form. The moment I swatched it, I was blown away by the creaminess and pigmentation. It glides like butter and is intense jet black! It is everything a kajal should be! No kajal/kohl stays long on me coz of my watery eyes. This one stayed for around 7-8 hours, though it has slightly faded but was still there.

I am super impressed with this kajal, best at this price point in the longest time I have tried. Highly recommend this!

Johara Expert Pen Eyeliner 

Put an expert to line the windows to your soul. Johara Expert Pen Eyeliner has a unique pen formula that gives you oh-so-smooth and precise application, creating a highly pig­mented, intense black line, that is quick-drying and non-feathering.

The inno­vative tip applicator provide ultimate control without skipping, so what you get is pure drama for your eyes.

Free of parabens and formaldehyde compounds

Lasts upto 12 hrs & more

Water-resistant

Quick drying

Dermatologically approved

Ophthalmologically approved

Suitable for contact lens wearers

MRP: Rs.575/- for 1ml

I love using pen eyeliners, coz they are super easy and convenient to use. This Johara Expert Pen Eyeliner looks exactly like a black pen. The tip is thick and stiff, it is easy to work around with. Again the pigmentation is mind blowing, super rich and dark black.

The tip being thick, you won’t get a thin line or a small, thin wing. But if you are someone who always prefer a thick eyeliner, then this is perfect for you and will make your life super easy.

I am mostly into thin, defined lines. I rarely go thick on the eyes, but when I do, I will only reach for this. With thinner tips, you have to go over again and again to create thickness. With this liner, one stroke and you will be sorted.

I definitely recommend this if you love thick eyeliner on your eyes. you will surely love this to bits.

I have used the Kajal, Eyeliner and the lipstick here..

You can buy the products from Johara Cosmetics website, I have linked above. It will route you through Sami Direct. They also have skincare and I am currently trying out their Night Cream which I will be reviewing soon.

Have you heard of Johara Cosmetics? What do you think of these products?

P.S: PR Samples. Honest Review.

Avene Cleanance Soapless Gel Cleanser Review

Avene Cleanance Soapless Gel Cleanser Review

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

Price for 200 ml is Rs 1100 (Buy HERE)

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

Ingredients:

Cleanance Range:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Would I buy it again: Yes!

Have you tried the new Avene Cleanance Gel Cleanser yet?

The Home Salon: Review & Experience

The Home Salon: Review & Experience

Hi guys,

So a few days back, I tried out The Home Salon who provide professional salon services at your doorstep. This concept of providing beauty services at home is quite in trend these days and there are a lot of competitors in the market.

About The Home Salon: We are your beauty Santa Claus! Have you ever thought of waxing and then changed your mind because the salon was so far away? Or wanted a massage because you were tired, but too tired to travel to a spa? Do you wish beauty was at your fingertips – something so effortless & regular, it almost felt part of your routine?That’s why we exist. To remind you to feel beautiful even when you you’re down! To help you look good and take away those blues. To love yourself so you can love others! To help the world’s best manager manage herself!So curl up your legs, take a break and call us home! Allow us to indulge you in the choicest of beauty & spa therapies without having to so much as raise a finger! Watch us do our magic while you simply sip on your coffee. And better still – do this at your time and convenience!

To start with, my appointment was booked for 2 pm in the afternoon and since it was the 5th day of Ganpati Visarjan, the lady got a bit late and arrived by 2.40 which she called and informed me about. I liked the fact that I was kept informed about reaching late.

I tried the Anti-tan chocolate wax for my full arms and legs. I have tried the White Chocolate Rica wax before at Lakme Salon just before my wedding and had a very good experience with that, so I was expecting similar results. Here, the attendant was using Biosoft Chocolate Wax. It comes with pre gel and post wax lemon oil, she forgot to use the pre gel and I was informed about it later when I was called for feedback. I do have sensitive skin, especially on my arms and I had informed them before as all waxes don’t work for me. The lady while booking the appointment told me a patch test would be done and then we would proceed with the complete waxing. We started with the legs first and I don’t have an issue with the legs since the skin on the legs is usually thicker and not that sensitive.

After the waxing on my arms, I got a lot of red bumps on my entire arms and the lemon oil did not help in reducing them. My mom applied lots of ice and it was a little better but the bumps stayed for around 3 days and the skin was quite itchy too. I only get my waxing done at a particular salon where I do not get any reaction or bumps as they use a lot of astringent to close the pores. I did mention this to the attendant too hoping she would use astringent but I don’t think she was carrying anything apart from the post wax lemon oil. The lemon oil only helps in reducing the stickiness from the wax but does not do anything to close the pores.

She also asked me if I had to thread my eyebrows and since I had not got my eyebrows done since a month, I was like ok. I am very finicky about my eyebrows and I only get my extras removed as I like and prefer my thick eyebrows. I mentioned that to the attendant about 4-5 times and even while she was doing the eyebrows, but still my eyebrows from one part were made a bit thinner. I was not very happy but since it was not drastically thin, it was not looking bad.

Later on I tried the anti – tan manicure and pedicure. She had brought the pedicure tub along and all the creams, scrubs and masks that come in separate sachets i.e. the entire kit. She simultaneously did both the hands and legs and it took about a little more than an hour for both. The tan had actually reduced and my feet were looking much better. I only thought the procedure could have been a little more extensive, coz I had tried similar services with another beauty service provider where two separate persons were doing the mani- pedi and it took them a total of 3 hours! They were doing it in a more detailed way taking time on each step.

Maybelline Colorshow Molten Maroon

I went with the Maybelline ColorShow Nail Paint in Molten Maroon since it was a perfect fall color, sadly the nail paint chipped in 3 days even after two coats. Also, it has stained my nails very badly and I am trying to get rid of the stain right now. It is not the attendant’s fault of course, but I would have liked if she would have used a base coat and a top coat. Since it is a deep color, base coat would have prevented staining and a top coat would have helped the nail paint stay longer.

Also the prices for manicure and pedicure are almost the same, when usually pedicure is a little more detailed and slightly higher priced.

Prices:

De-tan full arms waxing: Rs.469

De- tan full Legs waxing: Rs.563

Anti tan Manicure: Rs.625

Anti tan Pedicure: Rs. 688

Overall I would say The Home Salon is very economically priced and offers all the beauty services at your door step, I do recommend checking them out. Only if you have sensitive skin, inform them about it and that you would need a lot of astringent. You can skip the eyebrows though if you are not comfortable. The manicure and pedicure were pretty decent too for the price, only if you need something much more detailed, then this is not for you.

Check out their services or book an appointment at www.thehomesalon.in, they are also available on apps on your Play Store.

Have you tried The Home Salon or something similar yet?

P.S: Services were offered in exchange for a honest review.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ingredients:

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

MRP: Rs.599/- for 15g

Ingredients:

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

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

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

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

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

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

L- Eye cream, R- Day Cream

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

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

Day Cream Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 2/5

Eye cream Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 3.75/5

Would I buy it again: The eye cream

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

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

Illamasqua Glamore Lipstick Kin Review, Swatches

Illamasqua Glamore Lipstick Kin Review, Swatches

What the Company claims: Colour intense, sophisticated burnished red lipstick enriched with moisturising Vitamin E. Lipstick in Kin provides a long-lasting satin finish in a smooth, hydrating formula that glides onto lips without compromising on colour pay off.

Sophisticated Burnished, Satin Finish

MRP: Rs.2093/- for 4g (Available HERE)

I have tried a few lipsticks from Illamasqua before, also the Glamore ones, see HERE and HERE. This shade ‘Kin’ is from the new Illamasqua Earth Collection.

It has the classic black Illamasqua packaging. The finish is creamy and it is quite pigmented like all other Illamasqua lipsticks, you just need one swipe with this.

The shade Kin is described as burnished red, it is like a light muted wearable berry brown shade. It instantly glams up your face and perfect for night too.

The only thing I did not like much about this lipstick in particular is the staying power, it stayed just 3-4 hours on me and that too without eating or drinking. All other Illamasqua lipsticks have always stayed longer, not sure if it is something with this particular lipstick.

It fades away evenly and easy to carry along and apply. Here it is on me..

The only con I would say is the availability and also Illamasqua lipsticks are a bit pricey. But they have such amazing pigmentation and quality, have always loved all Illamasqua lipsticks, I only wish this one stayed longer though.

Overall, I quite like this shade and the Earth collection is all about ‘Fall’ shades and browns, berries, etc. This shade ‘Kin’ is also fall appropriate. If you are looking for a wearable berry shade which is not too bright or vampy, then this would be perfect. It will work with majority skin tones.

Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 3.75/5

Would I buy it again: Not this shade, but would love more of Glamore Lipsticks

Have you tried Illamasqua Glamore Collection Lipsticks? Which is your favorite ?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

Beauty Fest at Westside with StudioWest

Beauty Fest at Westside with StudioWest

Hi guys,

Westside, Trent has recently announced the launch of StudioWest, an extensive range of make-up and bath & body products in July.

They had a ‘Beauty Festival’ at their Infiniti Mall, Andheri store where there is a dedicated area for all things makeup, beauty and hair! You can find all the brands here from Lakme, Colorbar, BBLUNT, LYN, Maybelline, L’Oreal Paris and of course StudioWest.

I absolutely loved how StudioWest was presented in a circular kiosk with all their products arranged beautifully section wise.

We had the celebrity makeup artist Pallavi Symons who demonstrated a few looks using the StudioWest products. She has also created a series of makeup videos for StudioWest in association with Glamrs.com, some of which you can see HERE, HERE and HERE.

They had a Beauty Spin Wheel with five different looks and Pallavi recreated the Cat Eye on Sonal Sagaraya and the Summer Brunch look on Samyukta.

StudioWest line consists of two ranges : Pure Passion and Maaya
– Pure Passion: With its lightweight textures, vibrant hues and flawless finishes encourages women to experiment with makeup and reinvent their look
– Maaya: with its gorgeous shimmer textures, dazzling hues, is perfect to add glamour to all your special occasions.

Studiowest entails an array of beauty products and fragrances mentioned below:
– Dramatic Eyes: Intense Kajal, Crystal Eyeshadow, Luscious Mascara and Dramatic Eyeliners
– Luscious Lips: Lipsticks, Lip Glazes, Lip Liners and Lip Glosses (Matt or Glossy)
– Flawless Skin: Lightweight foundations and Compacts (4 shades each) designed for the unique Indian complexion and climate
– Nails: Variety of unique colors for every occasion.
– Fragrances: Ibiza Power for him and her, Maaya and Dark Valour, Deodorant Body Sprays
– Bath & Body: Soaps, Shower Gels, Body Lotions, Face Wash

Store details: Currently StudioWest is present in 3 stores in Bangalore and Mumbai. They would be present in 27 Westside stores in the country along with 20 kiosks. But the Beauty Playground is only at the Infiniti Mall Andheri store.

Let me also show you some of the products we received:

Lakme Matte Lip Pouts

Maybelline & L’Oreal Paris mix of products

LYN Nail Colors

One of each StudioWest Makeup products and 2 skincare ones.

Prices & Shades of the makeup products:

StudioWest Maya Radiance Blush – MRP: Rs.425/-
StudioWest Pure Passion Intense Kajal – MRP: Rs.195/-
StudioWest Pure Passion Extreme Eye Liner – MRP: Rs.295/- (5 shades including black)
StudioWest Pure Passion Crystal Eyeshadow Trio – MRP: Rs.395/-
StudioWest Pure Passion Luscious Mascara – MRP: Rs.375/-
StudioWest Pure Passion Flawless Finish Makeup – MRP: Rs.550/- (Available in 4 shades: 01 Light Beige, 02 Honey, 03 Golden, 04 Amber)
StudioWest Pure Passion Flawless Finish Compact – MRP: Rs.495/- (Available in 4 shades: 01 Light Beige, 02 Honey, 03 Golden, 04 Amber)
StudioWest Maya Luminous Lip Glaze – MRP: Rs.395/-
StudioWest Pure Passion Long Lasting Lipstick – MRP: Rs.450/-
StudioWest Pure Passion Irresistible Lipstick- MRP: Rs.295/-
StudioWest Pure Passion Dramatic Liquid Eye Liner – MRP: Rs.295/-
StudioWest Pure Passion Cashmere Chubby Stick – MRP: Rs.495/-
StudioWest Pure Passion Vivid Nail Color – MRP: Rs.145/-

I already have reviews of the Lakme Lip Pouts and LYN Nail Lacquers on the blog. I would be reviewing the StudioWest products soon 🙂

I love the fact that WestSide has launched complete range of makeup products and that too at an economical price.  And Pallavi Symons told us that they would be adding gel liners, palettes and all of those pretty soon! Yay for that 🙂

I only hope that they retail online too, so that can be more easily available.

Have you checked out StudioWest by Westside yet? What do you think of the products?

Dove Oxygen Moisture Shampoo, Conditioner Review

Dove Oxygen Moisture Shampoo, Conditioner Review

Hi guys,

So Dove has launched new ‘Nutritive Solutions’ (called ‘Advanced Series’ in US) and Oxygen Moisture is their first launch as a part of it.

What the Company claims: The new Dove Oxygen Moisture range comes with an advanced solution that gives your hair the balance of moisture and volume. This new range with innovative Oxyfusion Technology can put an end to your daily dilemma, leaving you with hair that is beautifully nourished, smoother and looks 95% thicker.

Dove Oxygen Moisture shampoo is a transparent, lightweight formula comprising of oxyfused moisture ingredients that instantly disperse on the hair. This formula helps to gently cleanse and nourish hair, leaving it beautifully bouncy, and full of natural volume.

Enriched with the Oxyfusion technology, the Dove Oxygen Moisture Conditioner delicately moisturizes dry and dull hair, restores smoothness and leaves hair looking thicker. With the new Dove Oxygen Moisture, you no longer need to choose between well moisturized hair and natural volume. Oxyfusion technology for Dove promises you both! So leave your hair worries aside, and breathe life into dry, dull hair

Dove Oxygen Moisture Shampoo

Directions to use:

1. Apply shampoo through wet hair. Lather and rinse thoroughly.

2. For beautifully smooth and bouncy hair follow it up with New Dove Oxygen Moisture Conditioner

MRP:  Rs.83/80 ml, Rs. 176/180 ml, Rs. 292/340 ml (Buy Dove Shampoo)

Ingredients:

Dove Oxygen Moisture Conditioner

Directions to use:

1. After shampooing, apply along the lengths of wet hair, focusing on ends.

2. Keep for 1-3 minutes and rinse off thoroughly.

3. Use conditioner every time you shampoo for beautiful, smoother hair

MRP: Rs.91/80 ml. Rs. 194/180 ml (Buy Dove Conditioner)

Ingredients:

I have already shared a mini review of this in my August favourites YouTube video HERE. I have been using it since more than a month now. This is the first Dove shampoo that is in transparent, gel form. The packaging of  both the shampoo and conditioner is like the usual Dove range with a flip top cap. This one is white and blue.

Also the transparent gel like formula of the shampoo has a slight blue tint. The conditioner is white and creamy and rich like usual conditioners.

Now I have used Dove quite a lot and it has always worked for me, but many told me Dove gives them major hairfall. The only reason I see is that the Dove shampoos were always very rich and if someone has thin or fragile hear prone to breakage, the richness of the shampoo would be weighing down the hair causing breakage. I have never experienced any hairfall with any of the Dove ranges though. But this range is perfect for all of you did not like the previous ranges, coz this is very light and not that rich.

This shampoo will not weigh your hair down and will not give any hairfall. In fact I love the way it cleanses thoroughly and gives a nice bounce and volume to the hair. The conditioner is rich though but if you apply it only towards the ends, it should work. And the hair will retain the bounce.

I love the fresh smell of both the shampoo and conditioner. My hair is well behaved from the time I have been using this combination. There have been no frizz issues and I get the desired volume and bounce too with the smoothness of course.

Sorry I am unable to find the swatch pics in the folder, would update later.

I am happy with the price point too, and these smaller bottles are good to carry for a trip too.

Overall, I am loving this range and definitely recommend giving it a shot.

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 4/5

Have you tried this new Dove range?