I’ve been a loyal lipstick user over years, it all started when I was 5 and I started applying my mother’s lipstick however back then I use to paint my entire face with lipstick and it was a ugly messy sight but I officially had my hands on lipsticks when I was in college, there are many things which are hidden and I’m going to reveal it for my lovely readers! These ideas and tricks are from my personal experience which will make your life so much easier. I feel every woman deserves to know these simple useful tricks!
1. New shade : Once your addicted to lipstick there is a constant urge to buy new shades, no matter how many lipsticks you own it’s still less! But here’s a simple trick, merge lipsticks! Use a darker shade lipstick as a base coat then apply a lighter shade you will end up with a different shade each time! You need to use a couple of lipsticks and find the right pair.
2. Matte lipsticks : Matte lipsticks are the new trend but do you know you can get matte look with any lipstick you have? Apply 2-3 generous coats of your regular lipstick now stick a thin layer of tissue on your lips dust some baby powder on a make up brush and rub over the tissue. After removing your tissue you’ll end up with matte looking lips.
3. Get a lighter shade : Love your lipstick but sometimes you wished it was a bit lighter? Apply your lipstick then apply a nude coloured lipstick, mix the colour well on your lips. If you don’t have a nude lipstick go ahead and use a foundation!
4. Avoid teeth stains : Imagine, you’re with your guy and he tells you there’s lipstick on your teeth!!! This would be such an embarrassing situation. Here’s a trick, This may sound kind of yuck but it’s worth it! Pout your lips then Insert a clean finger in your mouth slowly remove it out, the excess lipstick which is inside the mouth will be removed by the finger.
5. Use lipstick as blush : Running out of blush? Use your favourite pink lipstick apply some on your fingers and blend it over your cheeks, secure it with a compact powder.
6. Pop your red lips :Ever wondered how stars get that perfect red lips? Apply foundation over your lips and surrounding areas, to get perfect red lips you need to apply a lip liner, merge the lipliner on your lips then apply your red lips, this way your lips will pop on your face, when you go loud on lips apply light makeup on eyes and cheeks.
7. Fix Broken lipstick : Accidents happen! If your lipstick is broken, use a lighter to melt it then stick it back seal it with lighter again. be carful to melt it just as required or else you’ll end up melting the entire lipstick.
8. Avoid melting : Refrigerate your lipsticks to avoid it from summer time melting.
9. Long lasting colour : Blot your lips with tissue paper in between your lipstick application, doing so will remove excess oil from your lips, when you apply the second coat the colour grip will be stronger and it will stay longer. You can blot twice in between application.
10. Go larger : Larger lips always look sexy, the best way to achieve it at home is to use a concealer on your lips and surrounding area now reshape your lips by applying lip liner just slightly outside your natural lip line. Merge the colour with a brush or your fingers then apply your lipstick this way you’ll have bigger looking lips instantly.
‘Hypocrite’ is the word that explodes in my mind instantaneously when I see/read/hear people say that they do not care about fairness and then in the very next breath pass a hurtful jibe about someone’s complexion or suggest ‘best skin whitening/lightening products’. It is known fact that we Indians aren’t a fair bunch of people. We are capable of passing the most demeaning of barbs on someone who is not as fair as a Caucasian. Women in particular have since times immemorial have been pressurised and unduly so, to look eye-pleasing round the clock! One of the main reasons why ‘Fair and Lovely’ remains the brand that I always detested was the fact it drew mileage of this obsession of Indians.
It is not a question of whether fair is lovely or not. The point is that fair isn’t what is ONLY lovely. Whenever I see the daft-to- death advert of ‘Fair and Lovely’ with Yami Gautam looking as pale as an LED, I’m provoked to change the channel. But the final nail in the coffin comes when I see my younger cousins with ‘Lovely warm hues’ of skin that soothe eyes desperately surf the net to look for ‘Skin lightening tips’, all I am provoked to do is slap Yami and Fair and Lovely as hard as possible! You brainwashed the coming generations and lulled them into a whirlpool of inferiority complex.
The counter-argument would be that all actress, or at least a great many have at some point in their career endorsed skin whitening products. But it is “Fair and Lovely” that clearly uses ‘Fair’ as well as ‘Lovely’ in one sentence as if they’re synonyms. The corollary to it, will then be ‘Dark and Ugly’,right? That is why, I have always detested this brand. It instills self-doubt, inferiority complex and poor view of oneself if one does not cater to “their’’ view of beauty.
Anyway, let us sweep this issue aside for a minute. After long I tried a product from this brand. Why? Because one of my relatives was seen fiddling with it so, in order to put an end to her naive thoughts about the efficacy of Fair and Lovely, I thought of being a lab rat to let her see for herself. Let us see how it fared.
PRICE –Rs 25/- for 20g
DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Gently massage on wet face and rinse well.
INGREDIENTS- Made from glycerin, myristic acids, and water, the multi vitamin enriched face wash ensures a brighter and cleaner.
WHAT IT CLAIMS- Fair & Lovely fairness face wash gives you the 3 step expert action, which Cleanses, Exfoliates and Massages with Multi Vitamin formula.
MY EXPERIENCE-
Packed in a plastic tube with a cap on top, the packaging of Fair and lovely advanced multi-vitamin fairness face wash is fine. It is spillage-free, easy to carry and sturdy. As a result, it is up to the mark in terms of packaging.
The face wash has a creamy texture with a grey colour. Once smeared on one’s wet face, it produces a fine lather. It can worked up easily. However, the smell to me, is way too strong. I have always had an aversion towards the smell of most Fair and Lovely products and this one is no exception. It smells exactly like Fair and Lovely fairness cream. The smell increases a little more while being massaged. After massaging it for 3-4 minutes, as I rinse it, surprise surprise! There is no trace of fairness which was expected. So, to all to those looking at it with sheep’s eyes to whiten themselves, this one thankfully, falls flat on its topmost claim.
My skin is dry and this one sucked moisture all the more from my skin. It does whiten my skin in the sense that my skin becomes very dry and forms hideous white patches to soothe which, I need to apply a liberal dose of a deeply hydrating body butter. Yes a “body” butter!
Then, comes the cherry on the cake. Its ingredients’ list is firstly not even provided in case of the smallest package and when looked up online (on its website), it’s not completely furnished too. The bottom line is that it just a weapon of self-confidence destruction. Chuck it.
GOOD-
1. Readily available. (Sadly, this is a con in my opinion for everyone can lay their hands on something that instills inferiority complex in them)
2. Available in different sizes with the price varying according to the size (This again to me, is a con for people of all economic strata can now avail it hence, feel inferior with what they are born with)
3. Fine packaging
BAD-
1. Stokes in the feeling that dark/dusky/warm skin shade is ugly and it is only fair skin that is lovely and desirable. Highly disgusting!
2. Laden with chemicals. The package that comes in small size does not even mention the ingredients. At least there should be uniformity in such vital aspects.
3. Overly drying in nature. It whitens your face. How? It sucks up all the moisture hence, your skin automatically starts appearing white. Mission accomplished Fair and Lovely, right? NO.
4. Aroma is exactly same as that of its cram which I have always found puke-inducing. This is subjective but to me, the smell is strong and repugnant.
RATING-0/5
Editor’s Note: Totally agree Nidhal, it would be great if some girls read this review before buying such stuff and decide not to! It does absolutely nothing for anyone!
Do not buy the Fair & Lovely Advanced Multi-Vitamin Daily Fairness Expert Face Wash.
I was on the lookout for a natural, economical skin toner to add to my night routine since I kept reading about the importance of a good CTM routine (cleansing, toning and moisturizing) and the wonders that it can do to your skin if, followed religiously. Out of the toners available in the market aroma magic toner appealed to me the most since, only natural ingredients were used in making this toner and considering the price it seemed like a good bet. So, without further ado I went ahead and purchased my very first toner from Purplle. To know my views on the same continue reading.
Directions for use: Spray onto face directly or on a small piece of cotton and dab onto face. Avoid the eye area. Use me morning and night after cleansing. Follow it up with the oily skin oil.
Free of alcohol, parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, artificial fragrance and color.
Cleanses and tones without drying out the skin.
Renews the skin cells and increases the circulation in it.
Prevents moisture loss.
Acts as a natural astringent that calms and balances the skin.
Delivers vital nutrients and vitamins to the skin.
Price and quantity: Rs 170 for 200 ml
Shelf life: 3 years from the date of manufacture.
My experience with the product
The product comes in a transparent bottle with a flip cap. Even though, it says on the bottle that one can spray the toner directly onto the face but it is not necessarily possible to do that, with a flip cap. The cap is not that sturdy and is prone to leakage so I wouldn’t recommend carrying it around while travelling. The name suggests that the toner is aromatic but to my dismay it has an extremely mild fragrance and I am not a big fan of it.
The toner has water like consistency so one has to use a cotton pad to apply onto the face. I apply this toner at night on cleansed face especially, avoiding the eye area as said on the bottle because the under eye area being even more sensitive is prone to drying. After applying the toner I leave it on for a few minutes to dry and then, follow it up with a moisturizer. The colorless toner does clean the skin but cannot double up as a makeup remover.
Since, I have oily skin I bought the one meant for the same but, it doesn’t control the oil secretion or reduce breakouts. However, it does tighten the pores and soothes the skin which is fairly good for a toner at this price range. Considering the fact that the product is a bit drying and is meant for oily skin I don’t see any reason why people with dry skin should use this toner.
I would like to conclude by saying that this economical toner doesn’t do much apart from tightening the pores and I would definitely not repurchase this since, I would like to try the new ones in the market and find the one that best suits my skin.
Pros:
Tightens pores
Calms the skin of any irritation
Free of alcohol, parabens and petrochemicals
Not tested on animals
Easily available
Economical
Cons:
Not travel friendly
Doesn’t control oil secretio
Can be a bit drying
Extremely mild fragrance (contradictory to the name)
Rating: 3.5/5
Final word
All in all, this toner hasn’t been one of my best buys but, people looking for a decently priced toner can give this a shot and find out how it works for them.
Editor’s Note: Nice Review Monika, I usually like Aroma Magic products, this one seems to be ok. I have tried most of their face packs though, love them.
Have you tried Aroma Magic Aromatic Skin Toner yet? Which is your favourite toner?
What is cellulite? Cellulite is dimpled skin popularly known as orange peel occurring mostly on thighs, buttocks and stomach area, every women has cellulite so you don’t need to feel embarrassed about it, its completely normal and natural. There are several reasons for cellulite some of the most common reasons include unhealthy eating habits, hereditary, hormonal, genetic factors and lack of exercise. There is no proven way to get rid of cellulite completely, however the tips given below will help you to reduce it. Keep reading!
1. Eat healthy : Diet plays an important role, the fat you consume will be stored in your body as cellulite, consuming clean healthy food will help you to stay fit, foods like grains contains fibber which will help you to remove waste and toxins from the intestine also shedding off cellulite stored as fat in your body. Along with this drink plenty of water as consuming water will also remove toxins and excess fat from the body.
2. Workout : Cellulite is a very stubborn fat, you have to understand that it will take time to get rid of it, however to speed it up it’s important to do cardio as often as you can. As cellulite is nothing but stored fat, burning those fat through cardio and leg exercises would be a wise decision.
3. Exfoliate : Exfoliating helps to promote blood circulation and sheds off dead skin cells, to see visible results it’s advised to use a coarse exfoliator before showers every day. If your skin is too sensitive give it one day rest so that your skin is repaired.
4. Massage : Massaging enhances the blood circulation in the body and provide oxygen to the cells, it helps the body to reduce cellulite in its own natural way. You can massage it with grapefruit essential oil, hazelnut essential oil or jojoba oil. Add 3 to 4 drops of the essential oil of your choice to a tablespoon of almond oil and rub and massage into your skin for a hydrated and firmer appearance. Do this every day for best outcomes.
5. Dry brushing : Massage your skin for a minute before you start dry brushing. Use a soft bristled brush, apply few drops of oil on the affected area then brush in small circular motions directed towards the heart until the skin sucks up all of the oil or till your skin turns red. Repeat the procedure every day to see visible results.
6. Use coffee grounds : Caffeine breaks up the fat deposits as you massage into the skin. It also tightens your skin making it firm. Drinking coffee daily will also help to eliminate fat. Prepare a wrap with coffee and olive oil mixture, heat one-half cup of coffee grounds and a little extra-virgin olive oil in the microwave for 20 seconds. Spread the warm mixture on the cellulite and cover it with plastic wrap. Leave it on for 30 minutes, and then rinse it off with Luke warm mixture. Repeat this 3 times a week to see visible results.
7. Anti cellulite cream : There are many creams targeted for cellulite, below is the list of best cellulite creams available.
Top 10 Volumizing Mascaras Available in India, Prices, Buy Online
By Sanchita
You know the saying, ‘Inner beauty is great but a little mascara never hurts.’ Well, I say the more the better. I saw more of a kohl girl than mascara one mostly because I couldn’t remove mascara properly before. Well, one day I tried out a mascara for an event and I was astonished the way it has turned my eye makeup. And from that day onwards I never skipped mascara. I loved all those tutorials where the bloggers use the beautiful falsies but honestly speaking, I could never get the hang of it. Maybe one day I will or maybe not, but for now I have the super voluminou mascara. They define your lashes and enhance the eye makeup tenfold. So, I have combined the best of the best voluminous mascaras available in India. Read on to know more about it.
One day when I was picking up some random makeup products from the Maybelline counter, the SA insisted me to choose The Falsies Volum’ Express Mascara. I was in double minds but somehow ended up picking it and I never had to try any other mascaras again because this was a gem. An amazing product that not only add volume but length to the lashes as well. I was having problem with false eyelashes and couldn’t get the hang of it. But, after I saw how this mascara actually give you the ‘falsies’ effect, I use it both regularly as well as for special occasion. Most the waterproof and washable variant are outstanding and for the price, it is one gem of a product.
2. Maybelline The Magnum Barbie Mascara – 399 INR (BUY HERE)
This is one of the very recent launch of Maybelline and compared to the price, it is again voluminous mascara as well. The wand is slightly curved that gives a proper curled effect to the lashes. The bristles are perfect to provide even amount of volume boost on the lashes to create that doll-like fluttery eye lash look to the eyes. Further, the mascara is sweat proof, waterproof, and smudge proof and hence keeps your eye makeup intact, all day long. In fact, it can be a great one for contact lens wearers. The mascara dries up easily and great for thin eyelashes as well.
3. L’Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes Extra-Black Mascara – 795 INR (BUY HERE for 596)
A favorite mascara for every makeup artist in India. Although it does falls in the higher range category but every penny is worth spending on this beauty. It is such a kind of mascara which will give you everything – curl, length and volume boost that too in the most dramatic way possible. If you don’t want to go for false eyelashes on any special occasion and yet wants such lashes, go for this one and you will never get disappointed.
4. Lakme Absolute Flutter Secrets Dramatic Eyes Mascara- 725 INR (BUY HERE for 510)
Lakme has this Flutter Secrets Dramatic Eyes Mascara from their dramatic range that gives an opulent curl and dramatic volume effect, true to its name. It is a great long wearing mascara with water-proof and smudge resistant formula. The texture of the mascara is semi-thick and dries up pretty good and doesn’t flake from the lashes with the passage of time as well. it gives a decent volume boost which makes it great for day wear and wand is great for application.
L’Oréal Paris has introduced for the 1st time sculpting-fibers in a mascara. It has been augmented with undetectable and ultra-supple 4mm fibers, hence, the formula builds up lashes by moulding, re-shaping and sculpting to give defined look. It has a beautiful wand which is tapered and slightly bent and also coats the lashes evenly without clumping and smudging the eye makeup. The formula is waterproof and gives a soft, fluttery look for daytime. Further, it doesn’t dry out the lashes as well.
This is the queen of all mascaras and that price tag is surely not for faint hearted ones. It comes in a luxurious deep ink blue packaging with a glossy and alluring gold body. The wand is slightly tapered and densely packed fibre bristles. It is comparatively slender it makes it perfect for application. The texture is light weight and wet formula but it doesn’t take much time to dry on the lashes. It also prevents clumping and adds an enormous amount of volume to gives the perfect ‘extreme’ look you desire. Further it doesn’t smudge or flux and comes off easily with an oil based eye makeup remover.
7. Colorbar Zoom and Whoosh Mascara – 650 INR (BUY HERE for 594)
Colorbar has the Zoom and Whoosh Mascara which comes in a beautiful cylindrical packaging of black, silver and pink. The unique thing is the two kinds of wand – for lengthening and voluminizing the lashes. For use the lengthening one and then the voluminizing to see what beautiful dramatic lashes it gives you. The formula is waterproof and color is jet black. It holds the curls well and also makes the lashes soft and comfortable all day long. It hardly clumps and great option for sensitive eyes as well.
8. Deborah Milano Absolute Hi Tech Mascara – 625 INR (BUY HERE) Review HERE
Deborah Milano Absolute Hi Tech Mascara has the revolutionary formula featuring 3D DH Complex for three-dimensional performance and lashes with unrivalled volume, length and definition. It also claims to be enriched with Triple Carbon Black DH Complex for dramatically pure color, and lash-strengthening Keratin. The bristles have a zigzag formation which prevents clumping yet gives you the right amount of volume and length. The bristles are soft so good for those having sensitive eyes.
9. Inglot False Lash Effect Mascara – 850 INR
Inglot is often compared to high-end brands and this mascara is another charmer from their collection. It has lump-free formula allows to reach a desired effect in just one sweep and the wand gives you the perfect precise application without smudging. The smudge proof formulation ensures the mascara will stay where it belongs, but is easily removable. The volume boost it gives is beyond one can fathom and along with the lengthening effect. It is also great for contact lens wearers.
10. Avon Super Shock Mascara – 599 INR
The wand of Avon Super Shock Mascara is a beautiful one which picks up the right amount of product and gives absolutely clump free application. It has a medium consistency and dries off rather quickly on the lashes. It makes the lashes soft and feathery without the hard and dry look. The result is very well defined and volume boost lashes with a uniform look. It is also waterproof and can be used as a great daily wear mascara. Further it is hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested.
Editor’s Note: I loved this list Sanchita, I would like to add Maybelline Colossal Volumewhich I have used previously for years! And also Essence Lash Princess Mascara which is pretty good and economical. Rest from this list, L’Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes, Lakme Absolute Flutter Secrets and Deborah Milano one are my favourites.
Which is your favourite volumizing mascara? Do let us know in the comments below.
It’s a bright yellow colored box, I love the color and the whole tropical print. It comes in a outer white box and as soon as I opened the package, it had a strong citrus smell, and I knew it’s something good.
Let’s see what all I got:
Island Kiss Lip Moisturizer in Puerto Berry Blush- Full sized (Rs.499/- for 14g)
Votre Botanical Toning Mist- Deluxe sample 50ml (Rs.800/- for 100ml)
Roots And Above Lemon Essential Oil – Full sized (Rs.375/- for 10ml)
Gulnare Seaflo Face Wash- Full sized (Rs.350/- for 120ml)
Kiehl’s Special Consultation Gift Voucher
To start with the Island Kiss Lip Moisturizer, I have all three and really like them. I have reviewed them on my Instagram HERE. You must have seen them all over the net already, Puerto Berry Blush is my favourite of the three and these are indeed quite good.
Votre makes some good skincare stuff, and I love using mists in place of toners, being a toning mist, it’s just perfect. Looking forward to trying this one out.
Lemon Essential Oil from Roots And Above, was the one giving the box, this awesome smell. I am all about essential oils and you can mix them with your skincare, hair oils, etc. There are number of ways to use them and I am surely going to try this one soon.
Gulnare is a new organic and hand made brand in the market. I got their Pumpkin face wash too, in the May SugarBox, and this Seaflo one is the 2nd product from them. This one has a combination of cucumber, wheatgerm and grapeseed oil. Sounds good.
Also a Kiehl’s gift voucher is really good for someone who hasn’t tried Kiehl’s yet. I have got skin consultation there, a number of times. There are experts in every Kiehl’s store who will check your skin texture, condition, problems, etc. and accordingly suggest you Kiehl’s products and would give a lot of samples, good enough to try for a week.
They also have a Rs.500/- off on May Jewellery Box coupon code card, ‘MAYJB’ is the code.
The value of the products in the box come to Rs.1675/– which is pretty good, also I have a 15% off discount code for you guys, you can use ‘NLMBHUMIKA’ at checkout and get the box at Rs.722/– which is a steal!
I do recommend the May My Envy Box, I am quite happy with the full sized products.
What do you think of the May Tropical Beauty My Envy Box?
There is an inexplicable joy in stroking one’s fingers down lustrous, satin smooth and long locks that cascade like a waterfall. In fact, if we take walk down the lanes of Bollywood, then that scene in Rangeela where Urmila (named Mili in the movie) stroked and played with her hair sensually while grooving to the beats of the coquettish and peppy number ‘Tanha Tanha yahan pe Jeena’ is one that stays afresh in my memory even after so many decades. Oh boy, Urmila defined sensuality in that song and how! Okay, let YouTube be of help to you in case you are unable to recall that iconic song sequence 😛 Relive that era once again and don’t forget to drool over Urmila.
Coming back to hair, thanks to the fast-paced lives that we live today with dirt, pollution, dust, grime, chemical-laden products pumped into our mane at the drop of a hat and stress, our mane looks anything but gorgeous (of course, there are some exceptions but let us turn a blind eye to them for a minute and focus on the wider, general populace). Naturally, hair fall is what we face and dread. To combat this pesky woe, Livon had introduced its Hair Gain tonic. Honestly, I was wary of it since hair growth is influenced by a number of factors such as- diet (protein and iron rich), weather, quality of products used, type of comb used, sleeping pattern and duration, and so on and so forth, so I picked it up unwillingly. That said, I have used it a couple of times keeping my inhibitions aside. So, that calls for us to glance at its report card, right?
DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Apply directly on the scalp with the bottle’s nozzle or fingertips. Begin from the centre of the affected area and spread all over the scalp. Rub the tonic with your fingertips gently. DO NOT MASSAGE.
WHAT IT CLAIMS- Livon hair gain tonic contains root energizers which are enriched with hair re- growth molecules. It is clinically tested to accelerate hair growth and control hair fall by revitalizing hair follicles from the roots and improving hair quality.
MY EXPERIENCE-
Livon Hair Gain Tonic comes packed in a cylindrical plastic bottle with a cap on top. There is a nozzle inside that is covered to prevent spillage. On account of packaging, it is hygienic to use, leakage-free and travel-friendly. Since it fulfils all the requisite parameters of evaluation for me, I do not find anything worthy of modification. Hence, is up to the mark in terms of packaging for me.
The tonic has a liquid texture. In fact, one could mistake it for water had it not been pumped with an artificial fragrance and a yellow colour. The colour, however, isn’t visible when poured from the bottle. It does not leave any sticky or oily feel after being applied unlike an oil. In fact, it leaves a cooling sensation. I do not suffer from hair fall thankfully but some of my family members do and after using religiously for over a month, they did note reduced hair fall. They didn’t note any growth which is of course, tacit since I mentioned in the beginning that hair growth is impacted by a number of factors and no product, howsoever effective it may claim to be, can help one’s hair grow. What it can do at the best is arrest hair fall and this is exactly what Livon hair tonic does.
On the flipside, it comes laced with an alarming number of toxic chemicals such as- PEG, Propylene glycol, fragrance (under the garb of which a number of noxious chemicals are added), silicone (dimethicone) and coal tar dyes. So, using it would be like playing with fire. This point is subjective. Some people are comfortable with using chemical-laden products. Some are not. That said, if you are using it/desirous of using it, then at least do not develop a hang of it because so many chemicals if added to your scalp on a regular basis, will eventually wreak havoc in the long run.
GOOD-
1. Readily available
2. Arrests hair fall unless it is severe
3. Cooling sensation
4. Non-sticky feel
BAD-
1. Contains way too many chemicals such as- PEG. Silicones, fragrance, propylene glycol and coal tar dyes.
2. Artificial fragrance is irksome for me
3. Expensive
RATING- 3/5
Editor’s Note: Sounds ok, I think it’s good for someone having severe hairfall, can atleast control that. Don’t think it would help in hair gain though.
Have you tried the Livon Hair Gain Tonic or something similar?
Summers are full of adventure, beaches and sweat. Sure we all love summer holidays and other stuff but there is something which I hate about summers, The back acne! As summers are sweaty I end up with these crazy acne all over my back and forearms, Thank God I am not the only one facing it, the good news is, it can vanished! Every year in forced to keep a check on the tips given below to keep my back free from acne. Keep reading to know more!
1. Salicylic wash : Salicylic acid is popularly advised by dermatologist for acne and pimple prone skin, it is also know for its deep cleansing and rejuvenation properties, it also provides exfoliation and reduces dark spots caused by acne. Using salicylic acid on your back twice daily can have visible effects.
2. Benzoyl peroxide : This is a another strong ingredient to use on your back acne, as it dries off the skin it’s not recommended to use on your face without your dermatologist advice. If your using a benzoyl peroxide wash let it stay for atleast a minute befor you wash it off. Using a lotion of benzoyl peroxide over your back after the shower will get you faster results.
3. Keep it clean : if you notice back acne mostly occur during summers, sweat is also one of the many reasons for your back acne, shower right after you sweat, after gym or before bed.
4. Retino A : Retino A cream is used for acne and pimple treatment, it is also used for further prevention, you may notice some skin shedding within few days but that’s a normal process as it sheds off the old skin at the same time promotes growth of new skin cells. It also works good for wrinkles, age spots and skin lightening.
5. Don’t re-use worn clothes : Dirty clothes can cause clogged pores and thus causing acne, the best way is to wash your bra and tops after one use, especially during summers when you sweat the most.
6. Apply sunscreen : If your skin has acne scars sun can be your biggest enemy. As sun can make your acne marks last longer. The best way is to wear clothes which covers your acne area. use a oil free suncreen lotion over your back 20min prior of sun exposure. Sunscreen also helps to save your skin from unwanted tan and early signs of ageing.
Editor’s Note: Agree with all these points Shelja, well written. I do get it in summers sometimes.
So I had swatched all the Maybelline Lip Gradation shades earlier HERE and also reviewed my favourite shade from all Mauve1 HERE.
I had mentioned how Coral1 would be my next pick and yes, I got these two.
What the Company claims: Go Bold Or Graded And Sexy On Your Lips With The New Color Sensational Lip Gradation. It’s time to experiment with your lip makeup. For the sexy, bold and adventurous woman, Maybelline New York brings international trends with the newest Lip Gradation. Available in 8 bright, matte shades, this double-sided lip product will inspire you to experiment with your looks and bring out your unique style and personality. The color stick at one end will give a gorgeous pop of color while the cushion blender tool at the other end will give a sexy, graded look. For a complete trend-on look, apply color on the centre of your upper lip and use the sponge smudger to extend the color to the outer edges till the contours of your lips or use it as a matte lip color or a lip liner.
Here’s why you will love it:
8 bright, matte shades
Easy to apply
Fun, flirty, versatile way to color your lips
Innovative product with cutting edge technology
For Best Results: Apply Lip Gradation in the center of lips and blend outwards using the cushion blender.
They come in a twist up crayon packaging and have to be twisted from the end, from where the blender is. There is a white blender on the other side. The crayon has a black cap and the blender has a transparent small cap.
The texture is super creamy, it feels like butter and the pigmentation is amazing too. The glide on easily and you get opaque coverage in one swipe with darker shades and if you have pigmented lips, you might need to layer the lighter shades twice.
You can either apply it to inner half and/or outer half and create a shaded effect with the blender or mix two shades for an ombre lip. I like to use it normally as a lip crayon overall, as I am not a fan of the ombre look with one shade on a day to day basis.
I love the powder matte finish, it is very comfortable and not drying, feels very light on the lips. Stays put for 4-5 hours, but won’t survive full meal, can survive light snacks though.
L-Red2, R- Coral1
Coral 1 is a beautiful peachy coral shade, very flattering on a lot of skin tones. I always get asked what lipstick I am wearing, when I have this on. It gives a fresh, not overdone look to the face. But it being a lighter shade, looks patchy on dry lips. So exfoliate and moisturize your lips before using this.
Coral1
Red 2 is a beautiful cool toned red, one which makes you teeth look whiter. It’s total glam and perfect for night time.
Red2
I only don’t like the quantity for that price, there’s not much product in there. I only wish they have more qty for that price. I remember I had said, I wish they were priced around Rs.400, but you get this for 400 online on Amazon India, so I don’t mind 😀
Other than that, no con. Once again, Maybelline has successful launched something innovative and new.
Rating:
Quality: 3.75/5
Value for money : 3.75/5
Availability: 4/5
Overall rating: 3.75/5
Totally recommend getting them online from Amazon for Rs.400. I love the shades Mauve, Orange, Coral and Red2.
What is your favourite shade out of the Maybelline Lip Gradations?
If you have ever had the displeasure or ill-fate of eating it, chances are your face would have turned into the most hideous possible contortions for it is bitter beyond description! It is that ingredient which Grannies have coaxed us into chewing as kids and teens and then, we would pretend to gulp it down while waiting anxiously to look for a basin to spit it out. God forbid if she’d catch us red- handed spitting it, she’d shove double the quantity of those leaves in our mouth (at least mine did) to help us “fight infections and skin problems” (as per her). She, without an iota of doubt was right for Neem (yes, do not twist your face in disgust) indeed is a storehouse of benefits. Neem has antibacterial, antiparasitic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties that not only benefit your health but also can help you get rid of common beauty problems.
Today, I will review a product that has neem as its core ingredient and it is none other than HIMALAYA HERBALS PURIFYING NEEM PACK. Let us see if this deserves a place in our beauty armoury or is an ‘All sizzle no steak’
DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Apply evenly over cleansed face and neck, avoiding the area around the eyes. Allow to dry for around 10-15 minutes. Remove with a wet sponge and wash with cool water. Use once/twice a week. Do not apply on inflamed or broken skin.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS- Neem is an excellent skin care ingredient known for its antibacterial properties. It improves general skin health and immunity, combating bacterial infections such as acne, boils and ulcers. Neem tackles bacteria from the root and prevents the recurrence of pimples and blemishes. Turmeric has been used as an antiseptic for centuries. The herb also has strong anti-inflammatory properties which soothe your skin gently. It also makes your skin soft and supple. Fuller’s Earth is an excellent cleanser. It removes deep-seated dirt and skin pollutants.
WHAT IT CLAIMS- Himalaya’s Purifying Neem Pack brings together the goodness of Neem, Fuller’s Earth and Turmeric, which work together to regulate excess oil secretion, clean clogged pores and prevent the recurrence of pimples.
MY EXPERIENCE-
Himalaya herbals purifying neem face pack comes packed in a simple plastic tube with a flip-top cap. The cap does not lose its grip overtime and sturdy enough to avert leakage/spillage. Overall, as far as packaging is concerned, I find it up to the mark and there is no need to revamp it unless a novel feature is added (which does not mean ‘Change the colour/illustration on the package because there is no novel ‘feature’ in that).
The pack has a slightly thick texture. It has a brown tinge which doesn’t leave the colour on your face thankfully when you wash it off. Once applied, it imparts a cooling sensation and that is music to one’s ears given how blistering summers in India are. It takes 5-7 minutes to dry (my skin type is dry. Duration may vary slightly) and washing it off too, is a cakewalk. It imparts a squeaky clean look and a little glow too but it renders my skin all the more dry. Because of its drying nature, I won’t recommend it to ladies with dry skin. Steer clear off it. It did warn you beforehand by printing “For Normal to oily skin” on its package in the first place so, neither you nor I can pin the blame on it squarely. I can’t comment on its ability to soak up excess oil because my skin type, as you know by now, is dry.
However, I asked two ladies from my family to try this to form a clear idea about its performance. My mother has normal skin while my cousin has oily (not excessively oily) skin. For my mother, the results were the same and she was satisfied with it. But it was my cousin who went gaga over it for this mask soaked excess oil off her. The fact that it is handy spells cheer for her.
All in all,I can say is that it imparts a clear look and glow. However, the glow is transient so please have realistic expectations. Given the fact that is pumped with parabens and DMDM Hydantion (list of inactives), I don’t find developing a hang of it a wise idea for any one. To sum up, it is efficacious but meant to be used sparingly
GOOD-
1. Readily available
2. Economical price
3. Sturdy packaging
4. Imparts a squeaky clean look
5. Adds a subtle glow (it is temporary however)
6. Works wonders for oily/extremely oily skin
BAD-
1. Not suitable at all for dry/extremely dry skin
2. Chemical-laden. Contains parabens and DMDM Hydantion
RATING- 4/5
Editor’s Note: I totally agree with you Nidhal, not for dry skin. I have combination skin which was more towards the oily side during my teens and I have used this a lot! Absolutely loved it, the fuller’s earth would absorb the oil and clear & tighten the pores while the neem and turmeric helped calm down acne or avoid breakouts. My brother who has super oily skin, also loved using it 😀 However the Neem face wash from this same Himalaya range is my HG, and I come back to it always! Can blindly trust that.
Have you tried the Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Face Pack? It’s a must try if you have oily, acne prone skin.
