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5 Make-up Must Haves For The 'Summer Goddess' Look

5 Make-up Must Haves For The ‘Summer Goddess’ Look

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5 Make-up Must Haves For The ‘Summer Goddess’ Look

By Ankita

Hello everyone,

I was watching Gods of Egypt a couple of months back and it did not take me long before I got totally obsessed with Élodie Yung’s ‘Hathor’ look in the movie. Sporting slight tan-ish bronze look, she looked absolutely stunning! So, I began my own little research ‘how to get that bronze goddess glow’, but, to be frank, it was a little over the top in real life.

It wasn’t until a few days back, that I hit the gold! So here I am with 5 makeup absolutes to get the bronze gold, goddess of the sands look with affordable drugstore products.

For the convenience of my readers, I have made a few product suggestions that are quite easily available and are a perfect dupe for high-end drugstore items, with a few application tips to nail it.

Want to get that sun-kissed look without actually getting out in the sun? Stay tuned till the end 🙂

Face It!!

1. Liquid Illuminators

Liquid Illuminators are a rage this season. They give you that bronzy-under the skin glow that looks almost effortless.

Application Tip: Take a pea-sized amount on your stippling brush and stipple it all over your face with light hands.

What I recommend

Revlon Photoready Skinlights Face Illuminator in the shade Bare Lights is perfect for this look. It imparts a decent glow to the face without going overboard.

Priced at: 995 INR

2. Flesh toned Concealer

Remember girls, the focus of this look is on bringing your natural facial highlights and features. So it is better to stay away from concealers that are way too lighter than your skin tone. The idea here is to get a flawless base.

Application Tip: Take your concealer and dot it on areas that need a bit of touch-up. Say for example, under the eyes, around the mouth and any other blemished area. Lightly dab it with your ring finger first and then blend it with a beauty blender.

What I recommend

L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD is my absolute favourite when it comes to concealing. It doesn’t crease at all and blends like a dream. The brush tip applicator lets you control the amount of product coming out of the tube. Best thing, they have a shade for every skin tone, but medium beige works just fine for me.

Priced at: 535 INR

3. Highlight

Now comes the most important part of this look, ‘The Highlight’. A champagne gold colour highlighter would give you that goddess glow without making it too dramatic.

Application Tip: Take a small amount of highlighter and brush it with the lightest hands on all high points of your face including cheekbones, forehead, bridge of the nose, cupids bow, inner corners of eyes and a little on your collar bone.

What I recommend

Makeup Revolution Pro Highlighter – Illuminate has just the right amount of light reflecting particles to light up your face, never making it look like a disco ball. It has beautiful gold champagne colour and is sure to make some heads turn when you put it on.

Priced at: 725 INR

4. The eyes have it all

Application: Keep the eyes neat and clean with a rose-gold eye shadow all over the lid and a dark brown kohl on the upper lash line, lightly smudged and slightly winged to give that doe-y eyed appearance.

What I recommend

– Eye Shadow: Faces Glam on Color Perfect eye shadow Quad Captive

This palette has the four most beautiful colours with rosy gold and bronze undertones and is a must for all those looking for a subtly shimmer based eye shadow palate. The colour payoff is excellent, with least fall out.

Priced at : 599 INR

– Kohl: Lakme Eyeconic Brown Kajal

A dark brown kohl pencil would definitely compliment the entire look instead a black one. Lakme Iconic Brown Kajal glides on smoothly to give you that intense sensual gaze that is sure to steal many hearts.

Priced at: 275 INR

Now pucker up

5. Lip Gloss

Application: Nothing more sensual than a nude lip. Dab your beauty blender with a little bit of concealer/foundation on your lips and top it off with a nude pink lip gloss just on the centre of your lips.

What I recommend

Colorbar True Gloss Lip-gloss Natural Tan ( 550 INR)

This look is very much wearable and would suit almost all skin tones. As Indians, we are blessed with a beautiful yellow-olive undertone. So why not flaunt it. Try this look and do let me know your thoughts and experience.

Editor’s Note: These are the perfect products for the ‘glow’ in summers 😀 Nice compilation Ankita, welcome to NLM

Do you like the summer goddess glowy look?

Benefits of Papaya for Skin and Hair

DIY, Hair Care, Home Remedies, Skin care, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Benefits of Papaya for Skin and Hair

By Sanchita

Papaya is called the “The Fruit of the Angels” and it is a native to the tropical areas of Central America and Southern Mexico. Today, it is a popular fruit and often known as ‘papita’ in Hindi.

This amazing fruit is enriched in vitamins A, C, E and K and has various other antioxidant properties. Consuming the fruit will not only give you amazing skin and hair but it has various beauty benefits as well. It is applied on the skin and hair for natural beauty.

The various benefits and uses of Papaya for Skin are as follows –

Removal of sun tan – This is a common problem for summer. Our skin is prone to tanning and looks dull. The papaya has vitamins A and C in abundance along with a enzyme called ‘papain’. This helps to lighten the complexion, removing sun tan and dark spots with the passage of time. Simply make a thick paste of papaya and add honey and turmeric to it. Apply this face pack every day in a week and see how it improves the skin.

Skin hydration – Papaya is rich in water content and has various other elements as well which helps to keep the skin soft, smooth and moisturized. The hydration is smooth and will not clog the pores or make the skin look oily. Simply, blend ½ cup of ripe papaya into a fine paste, add honey and apply evenly on skin. Wash off after 20-25mins.

Anti-ageing – Papaya is anti-ageing in nature. It has vitamins C and E to rejuvenate the skin and the papaya skin has various enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids to remove dead cells from the surface of the skin. As a result, the age spots and wrinkles are prevented and removed. It also contains Retin-A which help reduce the signs of aging. Overall, you get younger looking skin with bright and radiant skin tone. Mash ½ cup of overripe papaya, add honey and yogurt and apply as a face mask. Wash off after 20-25 mins. You can also rub the skin of papaya for better results.

Prevention of acne and pimples – Papaya has an enzyme called papain that has natural skin- cleansing properties, which helps to get rid of clogged pores and greasiness. The exfoliating effect helps in preventing blackheads. The enzyme helps in preventing acne and improving the skin as well. It also helps to soothe the inflamed skin. Simply, apply a thin layer of ripe papaya pulp as face mask and leave on for 20mins. Wash off with cold water and pat the skin dry.

Brighten complexion and removal of dark spots – This is one of the most effective beauty benefits of papaya. The papain helps to lighten the dark spots, giving a bright and radiant complexion. It is known that papaya contains natural bleaching properties. The vitamin C has anti-oxidant properties and also helps in clearing the skin of impurities. Rub a fleshy part of ripe papaya every alternative days and wash off with cold water.

The various benefits and uses of Papaya for Hair are as follows –

Soft and healthy hair – The papaya is also very helpful for lustrous, healthy hair. It is enriched in several minerals, vitamins and enzymes that can improve hair growth and strength. Along with that, it will also help to thicken the hair and the protein in papaya reduces split ends. To prepare a papaya hair mask, blend a ripe papaya according to your hair length and mix with olive oil or almond oil. Apply this all over the hair, from root to tip and keep it for 30-40mins. Wash off with mild shampoo.

Reduces dandruff – Papaya helps in reducing dandruff and prevents dry scalp. It has various antifungal properties. Even the seeds of papaya prevents fungal infection. Blend ½ papaya with the seeds intact and apply the paste generously on the scalp. Leave it on for one hour and then shampoo as usual.

Caution –

  • Always do a patch test before using it on skin and hair.
  • Papaya can cause allergic reactions in some people, which might due to papain or the latex.
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using excessive papaya.

Editor’s Note: Loved the DIY and tips Sanchita

Do you use papaya for your skin and hair?

March 2017 Fab Bag Review & Unboxing

Beauty Box, Fab Bag, Reviews, Subscription Boxes, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

March 2017 Fab Bag Review & Unboxing

Hi guys,

So as it’s 1st of the month, I got my March Fab Bag today. I know all of you are always excited about the Fab Bag unboxing, so I try and do it as soon as possible.

The theme for this month is ‘Go Get It, Girl’

MRP: Rs.599/- per month (Buy HERE)

It’s a dusty purple/burgundy colored bag, they had given an option to choose the bag too this month, out of this March bag and two previous Fab Bags, I went with this as I already had those and wanted something new. I love the color and the criss cross textured pattern

Products I got:

  • Seduction Las Vegas Lipstick 06 Nude Love- (Full size) : Rs.180/-
  • Sugar Tip Tap Toe Nail Lacquer 003 Burn Your Beiges (Full size) : Rs.199/-
  • Kronokare Flower Powder Face Toner – 55ml
  • Moha Herbal Shower Gel- 30ml
  • Ayorma SPF 40 Sun Block- 10g
  • Natural Bath & Body Beautiful Day Body Mist- 50ml

Though there are 6 products this time, the Ayorma one is a small sample, but I am glad they didn’t include that and give only 5 products.

I had the option to choose the shade in the Seduction Lipstick out of 4 shades, and I went with this Nude Love. I love this pinky brown color, perfect for everyday wear. There were reds too in the options, if you would like that.

Seduction Nude Love

I have tried Moha Herbal products before and quite like them, looking forward to this shower gel. It smells very citrusy and refreshing, perfect for summers.

I am glad they included the new Sugar launch i.e. the nail paint in this month’s box. I wasn’t expecting it, though would have loved a color option in that. I would have preferred a brighter, fun summer color.

The Kronokare Face Toner looks the most interesting to me, I like the spray bottle, would be using it from today. Kronokare makes chemical free, natural products and some of them are pretty unique and nice. I have some high expectations from this toner.

The Ayorma Sun Block is SPF 40 and has a herbal smell, let’s see how this one works. But a pretty tiny sample though, 20-30g would have been nice.

And lastly, the Natural Body Mist. Absolutely love the smell of this! It’s floral and summery, a lily-jasmine like mix.

The total value of the products comes to around Rs.700-725

Overall I would say it’s an ok bag comparing the prices of the products as none of the products/samples are expensive. You can go for it if you would like to try these.

What did you get in your March Fab Bag?

Banjara’s #MeAndNature: Pure Nature Gives You Everlasting Beauty

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Banjara’s #MeAndNature: Pure Nature Gives You Everlasting Beauty

Hi guys,

So today’s post is something different. I am talking about this brand called Banjara’s. I came across this video and loved the message it had.

We all know nature works the best for all kinds of remedies be it skin/hair/body, you name it and nature has it. Ayurveda has lakhs of recipes for any disease/problem a human can have. Nature can solve it all, yet we get distracted and fall for all sorts of chemical products because of marketing.

All Banjara’s products have natural ingredients in all of their products. I have tried so many different face masks from them and they feel exactly like DIY Face Masks at home. Plus they are so affordable and quick.

Banjara’s caters to the needs of the entire family, from the Brazilian Black Hair Dye for parents, to Samvridhi hair oil for our luscious, dark hair, and of course the daily essential Multani mitti + Orange face wash. The Vitamin C in Orange will brighten the skin while the multani mitti will control the excess oil. And lastly the Multani Mitti + Papaya Face Pack which again will help control excess oil and papaya helps in fading spots and scars and gives an even toned skin. All these products can be used by everyone in the family and there are so many more products by Banjara’s, it caters to every skin/hair need.

Banjara’s is associated with nature and is all natural and herbal without the unnecessary added chemicals. It is ‘beauty without any harmful effects’, which is a very important criteria especially when it comes to choosing personal care products.

As you can see in this video, Banjara’s is not only all natural, it also reflects Banjara’s love for nature. It is also reflected in the purity, quality and efficacy of all Banjara’s products. I absolutely loved the video and the ending message ‘If we take of nature’s beauty, nature will take care of us‘ which is so true! And something we all need to do in our lives each day.

Banjara’s brand is listed under PETA’s cruelty-free companies as the products are not tested on animals and Banjara’s do not use any animal ingredients in any of their products. Of course, another added advantage.

You can try these products for yourself as Banjara’s is giving out free samples. You just have to register here www.banjaras.co.in and they would be delivered to you. Isn’t that cool?!

Let me know what you think of it in the comments below 🙂

What is Multi Masking? New The Body Shop Facial Masks Review

Face Mask, New Launches, Reviews, Skin care, The Body Shop, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What is Multi Masking? New The Body Shop Facial Masks Review

Hey guys,

I have been using the new Body Shop Facial Masks since a few days and here are my thoughts..

First of all, let me tell you a little about multi masking, coz that is how I am using them and loving it. Multi masking is basically using a face mask according to your concern on that particular area on the face. It’s a blessing for people like me who have combination skin coz my T zone is oily and rest of the face is dry/normal. So the clay based masks used overall on the entire face leave my cheeks over dry and craving for moisture.

So I use the clay based masks on my T zone and the more hydrating/nourishing ones on my cheeks and rest of the face.

Claims: 100% VEGETARIAN
Our Himalayan Charcoal, British Rose and Amazonian Acai masks are 100% Vegan
MADE WITHOUT PARABENS, SILICONE, MINERAL OILS & PARAFFINS
FIVE SENSATIONAL NEW FACE MASKS
We’ve crushed, pressed and blended five sensational NEW face masks. Formulated without the addition of parabens, paraffin, silicone or mineral oil – just our finest recipes inspired by nature. Meet our, 100% vegetarian face masks.

Variants:

  • British Rose (Hydrating)
  • Amazonian Acai (Energising)
  • Himalayan Charcoal (Purifying)
  • Ethiopian Honey (Nourishing)
  • Chinese Ginseng & Rice (Brightening)

MRP: Rs.2495/- for 75ml

I have British Rose, Chinese Ginseng & Ricee and Himalayan Charcoal, so would be talking about these three.

Starting with British Rose,

Claims: For skin that needs to be quenched and re-plumped with moisture to reveal its dewy glow again. Inspired by the European bathing rituals, our refreshing hydrating face mask is infused with real rose petals, rose essence, rosehip oil and aloe vera. Giving you visibly smoother-looking skin plumped with moisture.

Ingredients:

Himalayan Charcoal

Claims: For skin that needs purification to help reveal a healthy, youthful looking glow. Inspired by traditional beauty remedies, our tingling mud mask contains bamboo charcoal, exfoliating Green Tea leaves & tea tree oil. Purify your skin and give it a new lease of life with our charcoal face mask.

Ingredients:

Chinese Ginseng & Rice

Claims: Inspired by Chinese traditions, our creamy exfoliating mask combines ginseng, rice extract and sesame seed oil and reveals brighter-looking, more even, supple skin.

Ingredients:

As you can see the names in front of each masks, each mask is a recipe from that particular region/tradition and the ingredients as always are also sourced from there organically.

I love the fact that all these masks are paraben, mineral oil and paraffin free.

They come in a sleek glass jar packaging, the jar is quite heavy and they are not very travel friendly. But it is quite thick and won’t break.

The Body Shop also has a wooden handle face mask brush and a hand towel/head band set which you can use for/while applying the masks.

Each of the mask smells really good, you actually feel like you are in a spa getting a nice facial done. The directions say keep the mask on for 5-10 minutes, I keep all for about 10 minutes and the Himalayan Charcoal one untill it dries completely.

The British Rose mask is in a clear gel form with crushed real roses in it. It smells exactly like the British Rose Range they have and is very hydrating and plumping. I love using it on my cheeks, jaw line and neck. The rosehip oil and aloe vera moisturise and hydrate the skin well.

Himalayan Charcoal mask is ash gray in color coz of the bamboo charcoal. It is clay based and thick, I would advise not leaving the jar open and taking the required product and applying it immediately, as it dries super fast. I love using it on my nose and the surrounding areas both side where I have open pores. Since it has tea tree oil and green tea extracts too, it won’t strip off the skin of moisture and also help against acne as tea tree oil is anti bacterial. It tingles as mentioned in the description and as you scrub off the mask, it does leave the skin a little red for some time. But regular use of this would help keep blackheads at bay as it also exfoliates the skin while taking the mask off. I really like this one!

Coming to the Chinese Ginseng & Rice one, it is a white colored thick, grainy paste. You can feel the crushed rice in it, it also mildly exfoliates the skin. Sesame oil moisturises while the Ginseng brightens and evens out the skin. I use it on my forehead and around my mouth where I have some uneven tone. It does brighten the skin a bit, but you have to use it regularly to see difference. You won’t notice it in one go. I love this one too.

Multi Masking

Overall, I am very happy with these and they are pretty good! I wish it was priced a little lower though. I highly recommend trying out 1 at least. If you have oily skin, Himalayan Charcoal one is a must have and for normal/dry skin, Chinese Ginseng & Rice. If you have very dry skin, British Rose is good for you. So select a mask according to your skin type and go with that. They also have sachet samples of each mask online and at all The Body Shop stores. Ask for samples and test them out, before investing in the mask 🙂

Which one did you find the most interesting?

All Nykaa PaintStix Review, Swatches

Lipsticks, Makeup, New Launches, Nykaa, Reviews, Swatches, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

All Nykaa PaintStix Review, Swatches

Hi guys,

So I had all 12 of the new Nykaa Paint Stix and hence, did decided to do this review + swatches.

Claims:  Nykaa Paintstix Collection

Go big on color and big on glamour! Nykaa’s Paintstix boasts a remarkable formula that pushes the boundaries of color intensity with its rich and intense pigment. This supreme formula glides on your lips effortlessly, providing you with, undeniable saturated color in one stroke. It s time to go bold with Nykaa!

  • Extreme color intensity
  • Soft matte finish
  • One stroke application
  • Long-wearing
  • Consists Vitamin E and nutrient-infused butter
  • Glides on effortlessly
  • Bold range of shades

Nykaa Paintstix Collection Includes :

Nykaa Paintstix! Lipstick – Nude Spice :Let the crowd follow your lead with Nykaa Paintstix! Lipstick in Nude Spice. This warm nude shade is just enough to keep things spicy! Swipe it on and let the fun begin.

Nykaa Paintstix! Lipstick – Cool Girl Nude : Bring out the cool gal in you with Nykaa Paintstix! Lipstick in Cool Girl Nude! This cool-toned nude is all you need to do the job. Not out-there, not flashy, this nude shade is just chill and classy!

Nykaa Paintstix! Lipstick – No Chill Orange : Don t keep calm, go ahead freak out with the Nykaa Paintstix! Lipstick in No Chill Orange. This bright, orange shade has the capability to pick you up on the gloomiest day! Go ahead, swipe it on and conquer the world, girl!

Nykaa Paintstix! Lipstick – Peaches n Cream : Nykaa Paintstix! Lipstick in Peaches n Cream is the sugar rush to your sweet tooth! This perky, peachy shade can never go wrong. Whether it is your usual Monday look and your chill Friyay look, this hue is sure to make you look all peachy and fabulous!

Nykaa Paintstix! Lipstick – Tender Rose : Play the game and wait no more with the Nykaa Paintstix! Lipstick in Tender Rose. It doesn’t get more girly and pretty than this lovely pinkish mauve shade. Look sweet like a candy in this gorgeous shade!

Nykaa Paintstix! Lipstick – Chick Flick Pink : Put on your cutest jammies and call in your girlfriends for the best sleepover ever! Pink doesn’t get more fetch than our vibrant Chick Flick Pink! Go ahead, whisper all your dirty secrets sipping dirty martinis!

Nykaa Paintstix! Lipstick – Rock n Roll Pink : Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to tap your feet to the 90’s beats with the Nykaa Paintstix! Lipstick in Rock n Roll Pink. This purple-toned pink is nothing like you’ve seen! Swipe this fierce hue on and don t be afraid to show your sassy self!

Nykaa Paintstix! Lipstick – Purple Monster : This bright purple hue is not for faint-hearted! Nykaa Paintstix! Lipstick in Purple Monster is sure to bring the spotlight on you wherever you go! Dare to go purple, dare to be party monster with this audacious shade!

Nykaa Paintstix! Lipstick – Bombshell Berry : Push and pull like magnets do, and let him stay amazed while you sway on the rhythm. This deep berry hue is all you need to keep things interesting. Put it on girl, Nykaa Paintstix! Lipstick in Bombshell Berry is handmade for a hottie like you!

Nykaa Paintstix! Lipstick – Rebellious Red : Don t let anyone bring you down, be a rebel that nobody can ignore with Nykaa Paintstix! Lipstick in Rebellious Red. When you need a pick me up, this bright red hue is enough to make you feel invincible. Step out and take on the world, nothing is stopping you!

Nykaa Paintstix! Lipstick – Hearts n Kisses : Let the love reign, and let your lips give the sweetest kisses with Nykaa Paintstix! Lipstick in Hearts n Kisses. This red with pink undertones is the prettiest red that you ll ever wear. Go ahead, pucker and pout!

Nykaa Paintstix! Lipstick – Grunge Brown : Back up and wind it with the Nykaa Paintstix! Lipstick in Grunge Brown. This deep brown shade is sure to give you that trendy, 90 s grunge look! C mon turn the stereo on and swing to the finest 90’s tracks with this delicious, irresistible shade.

Why Should You Make It Yours :

These cute, lipsticks are all you need to make your look little more fun, little more glamorous! This cruelty-free, and high-pigment formula gives you a soft, cushiony matte finish. The unique formulation ensures that your lips stay comfortable, colored up and matte-smooth all day long. Another bonus: These vivid, full-coverage hues are hand-selected and named by our In-house Nykaa Panel, just in time for the most-trendiest season. The best part, these fun hues won t break the bank! Go ahead, stock em all!

MRP: Rs.425/- (Buy HERE)

To start with the packaging, it has color coded matching outer cover and black body. The packaging is similar to the MAC Liptensity lipsticks and looks very classy from the outside. The inner part however is flimsy and plasticky, it’s not very sturdy and the body shakes a bit. Also the bullets are not very sturdy, one of my lipstick bullet came off on it’s own. I had not even started swatching them or using them, just opening and twisting, maybe one was already broken.

But if you drop them once, the lipstick bullet will break and come off. I like the So Matte magnetic packaging more as it was sturdier comparatively. You have to be very careful with this one.

Also the shape of the lipstick bullet is flat and I hate applying lipsticks which are flat on top as application on the edges of the lips is very difficult and the lipstick goes everywhere :/ You have to use the tip on the edges, but the flat shape often goes outside.

Formula though is pretty good! These are super pigmented, all these hand swatches are 1.5-2 swipes each like I didn’t even need to go two full times over them. Same for my lips, in two swipes you get complete, opaque coverage. See in the swatches video, I wanted to show that specifically.

These have a semi matte finish again, but are more pigmented and rich in colour compared to So Matte. These stay for 4-5 hours, and even longer without eating or drinking. With eating, it will fade from the center but leaves a strong tint behind which stays on throughout. I like the staying power

These are very moisturising nad comfortable on the lips. I love the shade selection they have, everything from nudes and pinks to deep purples and browns. A perfect shade range, also the affordable price tag!

I have divided them into six each, 1 to 6 and 7 to 12 for convenience.

01 Nude Spice is a cool toned nude

02 Cool Girl Nude is a more deeper nude brown, again cool toned

03 No Chill Orange is a bright, warm orange

04 Peaches N Cream is a beautiful peachy pink mix

05 Tender Rose is a cool toned bright rosy pink

06 Chick Flick Pink is a deep pinky brown

07 Rock N Roll Pink is a bright fuchsia pink

08 Purple Monster is a bluish purple

09 Bombshell Berry is a deep berry

10 Rebellious Red is a bright cool toned red, reminds me a little of MAC Ruby Woo. Of course formula wise, completely different

11 Hearts N Kisses is a warmer red

12 Grunge Brown is a deep, dark chocolate brown

Here are all the swatches on me..

Also another con would be the shade name is only mentioned on the outer box, I had to remove those stickers and stick them on the lipstick, as the actual lipsticks only have numbers.

My favourite shades are Cool Girl Nude, Peaches N Cream, Tender Rose, Chick Flick Pink, Rock N Roll Pink, Rebellious Red and Grunge Brown. I know I have many favourites 😀 Even like the first Nude Spice, perfect everyday shade. Even Peaches N Cream and Tender Rose are good everyday wear shades.

Let me know your favourites in the comments below 🙂

Fenugreek (Methi) for All your Skin Issues

DIY, Face Mask, Skin care, Women, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fenugreek (Methi) for All your Skin Issues

By Nidhal

Mortified of those pesky pimples making a peek-a- boo every time you have to get ready and paint the town red or when you have an indispensable event and you just can’t miss it? Exhausted with trying every over-the –counter trick or product on those acne scars of yours that have sworn never to leave your skin? Dissatisfied with every spot/blemish removal cream in the market which promises you flawless skin within minutes but ends up burning a hole in your pocket in a minute instead of doing what it actually promised to?

To tackle all these woes, let us simply turn back to Nature. The wonder ingredient that we would be relying upon today to preen ourselves is none other than the 5 lettered word whose benefits would surpass your imagination- METHI.

1. METHI POWDER, CURD & ROSE WATER MASK

Apart from reducing cholesterol, preventing diabetes and increasing breast milk, fenugreek aka Methi seeds and leaves are widely used in Indian households. Curd works well to remove dryness, tan and dullness off your skin. Rose water works wonders as a toner. And do I need to say more on its heavenly aroma? Naah! You guys might already by picturing it being sprayed on your skin while you unwind during your weekend spa (or at-home spa session) by now, right?

PROCEDURE- In a clean and dry blender, grind 4-5 tbsp of methi seeds till a fine powder is obtained. In one heaped tbsp. of methi powder, add a tbsp. of curd and adequate rose water to liquefy the concoction slightly. Do not add rose water in excess because curd too has whey which being a liquid will make the process of application arduous if rose water is added with abandon.

Mix well, apply on your face and neck. Avoid eye area. Wash off after 15 minutes with ample cold water. This pack will give you instantly brightened skin.

2. METHI POWDER & NEEM DECOCTION MASK

Vitamin A housed in fenugreek (methi) and incorporated in cosmetic products can treat a variety of skin disorders like acne, eczema, psoriasis and blackheads. Neem, by the virtue of having antimicrobial, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties helps you bid adieu to pimples and acne. Guess what a combo of the two can do to your skin?

PROCEDURE- In a heaped tbsp. of methi powder, add sufficient neem water and mix well to form a smooth paste. Preparing neem water is a piece of cake. How? Just boil 8-9 Neem leaves in half a litre of water on the stove. When the colour of the water changes to dark green, switch off the stove. Let the water cool. Strain the water and discard the leaves. You water is ready! Told you it was a cakewalk.

Apply the mask on your face and neck. Let it dry. Wash off with cold water. Repeat once daily. This mask is a Holy Grail mask for those with oily skin.

3. METHI POWDER, BESAN FLOUR, HALDI & MILK MASK

The antioxidant properties of vitamin C in methi can help you from UV rays and prevent aging wrinkles. Fenugreek is rich source of vitamin K. Assorted properties in vitamin K help to treat stretch marks, spider veins, fade scars and reduce dark circles. Besan works to sort sallow complexion and Haldi (I recommend Amba Haldi and Kasthoori Manjal for both of them are specifically meant for skin care and not for cooking). Milk is enriched with lactic acid hence, helps in lightening one’s scars, spots and marks.

PROCEDURE- In a heaped tbsp. of methi powder, besan and a pinch of haldi, add adequate amount of milk to forma consistent paste. Mix well. Apply on your skin. Let it dry and then wash off with cold water.

Editor’s Note: These are some really good DIY masks, would surely try some.

Do you use methi for your skin?

Lakmé Absolute White Intense Skin Cover Foundation Review

Foundations, Lakme, Makeup, Reviews, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Lakmé Absolute White Intense Skin Cover Foundation Review

By Sanchita

INTRODUCTION – I have been hunting for a good drugstore foundation for a long time. A friend of mine suggested me this range and I immediately took the plunge. I was little confused whether to go for this or the illuminating range, but finally settled for this one. I have been using this foundation for the past 3-4months and I am quite happy about it. Read on to know more about the product.

 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION – A flawless face is now your everyday gift with this one of a kind Lakmé Absolute White Intense Skin Cover Foundation. An ultra-light, water-based, oil-free foundation with Vitamin B3 & SPF 25 guards the skin against harmful rays leaving it visibly fairer, polished & vibrant with 16 hours of complete skin coverage. Say hello to flawless skin –all day, every day!

PRICE – Rs. 700 for 15ml

MY REVIEW

Packaging – Lakme Absolute White Intense Skin Cover Foundation comes in a pump bottle which is dark steel gray in color and with a click shut cap. The foundation has to be taken out through the pump and for travelling, this is one of the most convenient packaging I have seen so far. It is sturdy, light weight and very easy to travel with. However, from the opaque packaging you can’t exactly tell how much product is left behind. Except for this, the packaging feels quite good to me.

Shade – The shade range is slightly disappointing as it has only 6 shades and most of them are suitable to fair to fair-medium. I picked up the shade 03 Golden Medium which was the closest match to my skin tone (I am NC41) and under tone but slightly lighter. I generally mix a darker foundation to make this work for me. I feel the shade range should have more yellow undertone than pinkish or neutral ones.

Texture – The texture of the foundation is medium – neither too runny nor too thick. It feels light weight unlike any other medium consistency foundation. Having said that, the foundation isn’t very hydrating and thus it will work better for oily to combination skin type. You have to make sure that the skin is well prepped and hydrated for the foundation to work better. If you have dry or dead skin, it has the tendency to accumulate and look patchy. The texture makes it slightly time consuming to blend in winters. However, if you are using a moisturizer and primer, the job becomes easier. It has SPF 25. Further, it is enriched with the goodness of Vitamin B3.

Application – I am not very good with brushes and I stick to my YBP Makeup Sponge for foundations. I generally use my fingers to apply the product all over the face and blend everything out with the sponge. I feel the brushes doesn’t give the exact finish I want. Also, use a buffing motion every time with this foundation as dragging the sponge will give you an uneven finish. Also, work quickly as the foundation sets very fast.

Coverage – The coverage of the foundation is medium to buildable. If you try to build up to full coverage, it looks cakey. The coverage is good for a drugstore foundation and evens out the skin really good. It does cover pigmentation and faded marks but for heavy acne scars, it may require color corrector. For events and parties, the coverage is pretty good. If you apply and blend the foundation well, it adds a bright layer to the skin.

Finish – The foundation gives a natural matte finish. It does not make a huge difference if you have open pores but does good job in concealing and smoothing out the skin. I like the fact that this foundation does not settle into lines or pores of the skin. The foundation doesn’t clog the pores or break you out.

Photography and Oxidation – The foundation flashes back and I would not recommend this for photography at all. It great for daytime and normal events but when you are going to be photographed, especially flash photography, I would advised against using this foundation. The foundation never oxidizes on me, which is a good thing.

Staying power – The foundation is long wearing but not exactly 16 hrs, as claimed. It stayed on me for around 6-7 hrs and after that I noticed fading and also the T-zone looked oily. You need touch ups every 5-6 hrs to make the foundation long lasting on the face. The price justified for a drugstore foundation and also it is on discount on most of the sites.

WHAT I LIKED

1. Well designed, sturdy pump packaging.

2. Medium consistency and blends well.

3. Easy to work with texture.

4. Medium to buildable coverage.

5. Even and flawless look.

6. Matte finish.

7. Enriched with Vitamin B3 and has SPF 25.

8. Does not settle into lines or pores of the skin.

9. Doesn’t oxidize.

10. Long wearing, around 6-7hrs.

11. Well priced.

WHAT I DISLIKED

1. Shade range can be better.

2. Flashes back in photographs.

3. Not suitable for dry to very dry skin.

4. Missing ingredient list.

RATING – 4/5

OVERALL – Lakmé Absolute White Intense Skin Cover Foundation is a medium coverage foundation with a soft matte finish, medium consistency and easy to blend. It gives an even, flawless skin and best suitable for normal-oily skin. it doesn’t break out, enriched with SPF 25 and is decently long wearing foundation. However, this doesn’t photograph well.

Have you tried the Lakmé Absolute White Intense Skin Cover Foundation?

All Nykaa So Matte Nudes Collection Lipsticks Review, Swatches

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All Nykaa So Matte Nudes Collection Lipsticks Review, Swatches

Hi guys,

So many of you wanted the new Nykaa Nude Collection Review, so here it is..

Claims: Meet your new favorite nude lipstick! The creamy, long-lasting texture gives you pout-worthy lips in one stroke. It effortlessly glides on your lips, giving you a gorgeous soft matte finish. Nykaa brings you a collection that offers you eight stunning nude shades that you won’t be able to keep your hands off! Pucker up and party with our delectable nude mattes!

Plush, pigment-rich formula.
Intense colour pay-off.
Smooth texture.
One stroke application.
Luxurious, effortless glide.
Soft matte finish.

Nykaa So Matte! Lipstick Nudes Collection Includes :

Nykaa So Matte Nude Lipstick- Caramel Mocha 21M : Nykaa So Matte Lipstick in Caramel Mocha is all you need to start your day right! This delicious light nude hue is as delicious as its name. Swipe it on and conquer the day girl!

Nykaa So Matte Nude Lipstick- Royal Honey 22M : All you’ll do win, no matter what with the Nykaa So Matte! Lipstick- Royal Honey. This warm toned nude shade is as majestic as it gets! We promise you won’t be able to get enough of this lovely light nude!

Nykaa So Matte Nude Lipstick- Hot Cocoa 23M : Girl, all we are saying is that simple is better! Show off your true self with the Nykaa So Matte Lipstick in Hot Cocao. This pinkish toned nude shade will ensure you are summer-time fine even in December!

Nykaa So Matte! Lipstick- Praline Cookie 24M : Nykaa So Matte Lipstick in Praline Cookie is the sugar rush to your sweet tooth! Go, ahead and give in to this beautiful brown toned shade. Let your lips look absolutely delish in this stunning hue. If this shade doesn’t excite you, we don’t know what will

Nykaa So Matte Nude Lipstick- Haute Fudge 25M : Baby, you are the It girl with the Nykaa So Matte Lipstick in Haute Fudge. Rock it all night and all day with this brown hue. We promise, this shade is sure to put you in the middle of spotlight! Who’s complaining about that, right?!

Nykaa So Matte Nude Lipstick- Bon Bon 26M : Leave your lipstick stains of the passport and conquer the whole world with the Nykaa So Matte Lipstick in Bon Bon. This rich, chocolate brown shade is sure to make you look like an international diva!

Nykaa So Matte Nude Lipstick- Coffee Mousse 27M : Coffee plus dessert, who can say no to that! Nykaa So Matte Lipstick in Coffee Mousse is what dreams are made of! This light brown-toned nude hue is sure to fashionably kick-start your day! Go ahead, swipe this baby on, we know you can’t resist it!

Nykaa So Matte Nude Lipstick – Chocolate Truffle 28M : Disturb the peace and run your hands all over him, take him to the other side with the irresistible Nykaa So Matte Lipstick in Chocolate Truffle. This rich, dark brown hue is as fun as it gets! So, what are you waiting for? Take the wheel in your hands!

MRP: Rs.399 /- (Buy HERE)

The packaging is same as all other Nykaa lipsticks, black and magnetic with the matching shade name cover on the bottom.

The formula, staying power all being same, let me quickly talk about the shades.

They have numbers 21 to 28 from lighter to darkest nudes. 21 to 24 will work for lighter skin tones and 25 to 28 for deeper skin tones. Though the shades 25 to 28 work well on medium to fair skin tones giving it a deep lip look and not a nude lip colour look.

I have swatched them in 2 parts, 21 to 24 and 25 to 28

L-R: Caramel Mocha, Royal Honey, Hot Cocoa,
Praline Cookie
L-R: Caramel Mocha, Royal Honey, Hot Cocoa,
Praline Cookie
L-R: Caramel Mocha, Royal Honey, Hot Cocoa,
Praline Cookie

Caramel Mocha is a light nude brown

Royal Honey is warmer than Caramel Mocha and has more brown

Hot Cocoa is a nude mauve

Praline Cookie is the darkest from first four, this is where the darker shades start, as the first three are lighter nudes. It is a nude warm brown, deeper than Caramel Mocha and Royal Honey.

L-R: Haute Fudge, Bon Bon, Coffee Mousse,
Chocolate Truffle
L-R: Haute Fudge, Bon Bon, Coffee Mousse,
Chocolate Truffle
L-R: Haute Fudge, Bon Bon, Coffee Mousse,
Chocolate Truffle

Haute Fudge is a light chocolate brown

Bon Bon is a perfect pink brown mix

Coffee Mousse is a brick brown, with a slight reddish tint

Chocolate Truffle is a deep, dark cool toned chocolate brown

Here are all the swatches on me..

The first three lighter shades last a little less than rest of the deeper shades.

I absolutely love Hot Cocoa, Haute Fudge, Coffee Mousse and Chocolate Truffle.

See the Nykaa Lipsticks detailed review and the first 12 shades swatched HERE, the Fall/Winter Collection swatched HERE

Which are your favourites? Let me know in the comments below.

Feb 2017 My Envy Box Review & Unboxing

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Feb 2017 My Envy Box Review & Unboxing

Hi guys,

I got the Feb My Envy Box today, the product card which as the theme name was missing in my box. But I saw it online, it’s the Indo-French Edition theme, so there are Indian and French brands in here.

MRP: Rs.850/- (Available HERE)

Products I got:

  • L’Oreal Paris Magique Bold Kajal
  • Avene Micellar Water sample
  • Gulnare Gold Dust Highlighter
  • Votre Face Serum

There are 2 Indian and 2 French brands (Considering L’Oreal as a French brand)

I have already tried the Votre Face Serum, I had received it in one of my Fab Bag last year. I have two full sized Avene Micellar Water bottles and it’s pretty good. This though is a small sample size, good enough to travel with.

Gulnare Gold Dust Highlighter is a jar full of gold wax kind of thing. I can’t understand the base, but it gives a soft, gold glow. It’s very sheer though. Good for the body.

I do not expect L’Oreal Paris kajal in My Envy Box as it’s supposed to be a luxury box with luxury brands, also this is something which is available anywhere and everywhere, it is not even an international brand.

I did not like this month’s My Envy Box, even though there are three full sized products, none is interesting. I don’t recommend it.

Last month’s box was so good! I had really high expectations :/

What did you get? Did you get something different?