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Best of 2014- Skin and Hair, Indian Makeup and Beauty Blog, newlovemakeup, Favourite products of 2014

Best of 2014- Skin and Hair

Best of 2014- Skin and Hair

Happy New Year guys ! I am back with this year’s best and my favorites..Check out 2011′s best of skin and hair HERE, 2012′s best of skin and hair HERE and 2013’s best of skin and hair HERE.

Also check out a list of 18 everyday skincare and makeup products within a budget of Rs.5000/- with their reasons HERE

Coming to 2014’s best in skin and hair. Will do the best of makeup in the next post.

Skin:

Face Wash: Himalaya Neem Purifying Face Wash (Himalaya Neem is my HG and will be in my favorites forever), Organic Harvest 3 in 1 Face Wash

Cleanser/Makeup Remover: Bottega di LungaVita Acqua Micellare Cleansing Solution (Best Makeup Remover ever!) , Colorbar Fresh Start Water Cleanser

Toner/Mist: Avene Thermal Spring Water, Forest Essentials Pure Rose Water, Kama Ayurveda Pure Lavender Water

Moisturiser: Lacto Calamine, ZA True White Day Protector

Sunscreen: Vichy Capital Soleil SPF50+ Velvety Cream, Lakme 9 to 5 Super Sunscreens, L’Oreal Paris UV Perfect  Aqua Essence SPF 30 PA+++Avene Very High Protection SPF50+ Spray (for body)

Serums : The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum in OilKaya Brightening Serum

Face Scrub: Omved All Skin Types Ubtan

Face Pack: Aroma Magic Oxy Pack, Nature’s Lacto Tan Clear Bleach

Face Oil: Iraya Kumkumadi Tailam, Look Beyond Sirona Dark Circles Oil Serum

Night Cream: Za Perfect Solution Restoring Collagen Cream (I use it as night cream since its quite rich), Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Hand Cream: Nyassa Under the Ocean Hand Cream

Body Wash: Look Beyond Hebe Bath Gel, Aloe Veda French Lavender Shower Gel

Body Scrub: The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Body Scrub

Bath Accessories: The Body Shop Bath GlovesThe Body Shop Facial Buffer, Natural Scrubber made with vetiver and bottle gourd roots.

Body Lotion: Parachute Body Lotions, Clavelina Nourishing Cream, Vivel Cell Renew Body Lotion

Lip Balm

Tinted: Lotus Lip Therapy, Maybelline Electro Pop in Pink Shock , EOS Lip Balms
Non Tinted: Kiehl’s Lip Balm No. 1, Chapstick Lip Shield 365, Forest Essential Sugared Rose Petals Lip Balm, Burts Bees Lip Balm

Other: Kaya Purifying Spot Corrector, Lactacyd Perineal Wash, Proactiv Refining Mask (zaps pimples instantly), Biotique Chlorophyll Gel (Post waxing), Colorbar Stay the Day Finishing Mist (Keeps makeup intact and skin looking fresh whole day), La Roche- Posay Thermal Spring Water

Entire Set: Herbalife Skin Set

Hair:

Oil: Figaro Olive Oil, Dabur Amla Hair Oil, L’Oreal Paris 6 Oil Nourish Oil

Shampoo: L’Oreal Paris 6 Oil Nourish, TRESemme Split  End Remedy, Schwarzkopf BC Cell Therapy Repair Rescue Shampoo, Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition, BBlunt Perfect Balance Shampoo

Conditioner: L’Oreal Paris 6 Oil Nourish, Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition, BBlunt Intense Moisture Conditioner

Deep Conditioner: Pantene Total Damage Care Hair Mask, Schwarzkopf BC Cell Therapy Repair Rescue Mask

Serum: Moroccanoil Light, Streax Pro Lovely Hair Argan Secrets SerumKerastase Resistance Fibre Architecte Serum

Hair Growth Mask: Iraya Keshvardhak Lepa

Dry Shampoo: BBlunt Back to Life Dry Shampoo

That’s it..Phew :p I did not experiment much in skin care or did not try any new face scrubs, face pack, body wash, body lotion, etc . I think this year I have used many things for my hair instead of skin. And some new experiments await for the hair in 2015 too 😀

How about you ? What did you like the most in skin and hair in 2014 ? Your favorites ?

P.S: Image from Google

OOTD: Off Shoulder Black Printed Midi Dress

OOTD: Off Shoulder Black Printed Midi Dress

Hey guys,

Another OOTD, this time from the Andamans, Havelock to be specific. Our hotel Emerald Gecko was at Vijayanagar beach and had this private beach area (which most of the decent hotels in Havelock do). I clicked lots of pics there and the breakfast/dining area was also bang opposite the beach. You just feel like lying there whole day.

I wore this dress on my birthday. I know its too dressy for the beach, but we were heading out and it starts getting dark at Havelock around 4-4.30 and after 5 its like pitch dark. So we clicked the pics before heading out.

I love how this dress fits beautifully and is super comfortable. The off shoulder looks nice and the printed lower half with two pockets also works perfectly, though it looks like a separate top and midi skirt. I paired it with a statement necklace and a statement belt.

With my Daniel Wellington watch and black suede ankle strap wedges. And my favourite MAC Ruby Woo <3

Later we went to Kaala Patthar beach too which was very near to our hotel, we went there two days out of the three we were at Havelock. Kaala Patthar hardly had any crowd and was serene unlike Radhanagar which was quite crowded.

Leave everything behind!

Dress: StalkBuyLove
Shoes: Shown HERE and HERE
Belt: Shown HERE and HERE
Necklace: Shown HERE and HERE
Watch: Daniel Wellington

I hope you liked the outfit. Do let me know in the comments below

The Mumbai Bride Diaries: Bride in the Making Pics

The Mumbai Bride Diaries: Bride in the Making Pics

Hey guys,

Remember I had announced in my previous post that Cory Walia is my Bridal MUA who is a part of Lakme Absolute Bridal Dream Team.

Let me tell you I was very nervous. I thought he would be very moody types or something but I was so so wrong. He was very very sweet and warm. A very down to earth and jovial person. We both are Sagittarians :p We chatted a lot and he made me feel quite comfortable.

Starting with the goof ups, he and his team members Poonam and Priya already reached the venue at 9am even before we reached :/ And I still had to sit for the pre wedding mandva puja which took another 40 minutes or so. We had ample time to get ready so that was not an issue, but still I did not want to make him wait. He was very calm though and had his breakfast peacefully.

Later on when we started with the makeup, my jewellery box went missing. I was going nuts :/ My friends and family took rounds to home to check while all the time it was in the same bag right in front of us and no one could find it :/ Yes, all this usually happens on the day of your wedding. Something similar happened with my bhai’s sherwani on the day of his wedding 😀

Finally we found it, and untill that time we did the basic makeup,etc. Jewellery was required before hair for the maang tikka etc placing.

I also learned some tips and tricks for him. He said I am the first bride he is working on who knows so much about makeup and makeup brands and is so knowledgeable,that he loved doing my makeup 🙂

Here are a few pics of ‘in process’ :p

After the base, Cory used the Lakme Absolute Face Stylist Compact to set the base. He used the Face Stylist Blush Duos and Lakme Eye Quartet.

He made a slight wing with the Lakme Absolute Kohl Ultimate and lined the waterline too with it. (I love it too..was carrying only this liner/kajal for my honeymoon)

A small nazar ka tikka too with the Lakme Absolute Kohl Ultimate.

And last but not the least mascara..

We did not have flowers and Cory wanted to add them to the bun, so he went and got some flowers from the wedding mandap 😀

And with the jewellery..

I will show you the complete look with the two sarees and the dupatta and more pics with him in the next post 🙂

OOTD: On the Streets of Hong Kong

OOTD: On the Streets of Hong Kong (Lavender Sweater, Pastel Blue Blazer)

Hey guys,

Finally I am resuming work slowly. Still settling down though,hopefully in a week or so I would be back to my regular posting. For now, here is one of my outfit posts on the streets of Hong Kong.

These shots are taken on the road below our hotel, at The Sky Terrace i.e. the highest point of Hong Kong and Madam Tussauds 😀 It was super fun clicking pics with few of the wax statues.

It was around 12-13 degrees there with cold breeze which was slightly intolerable for me. I needed layering and this sweater + light blazer was the perfect combo to keep me warm. Everyone in general in Hong Kong and Macau wore sweaters/jackets/trench coats/sweat shirts or some or the other kind of layering.

I accessorized with a pearl and spiked bracelet which I more or less was stuck to on most of the days since it looked good and worked with everything 😀 A classic Daniel Wellington Watch and a neon diamante statement necklace.

Since we walked a lot, I chose flats on most of the days and these mint Bata slip ons (shown HERE) stayed with me on all the days. They were so so comfortable, I cam back to these after trying 1-2 others in between.

I loved the pastel on pastel combo and the neon necklace and the bright lipstick adds a pop to the outfit. The blazer is cotton chambray and super light and comfortable, still keeps you warm and the folded floral sleeves look so chic!

I am a wax statue 😀

Sweater: Romwe
Blazer: StalkBuyLove
Statement Necklace: Shown HERE
Shoes: Bata
Watch: Daniel Wellington

On Lips: L’Oreal Paris Infallible Lipstick Always Apricot

I hope you liked the pictures and the outfit. These are taken with my new DSLR baby and I so so loved some of the clicks. Still a novice and trying to learn, hopefully I can be a little better with it 🙂 I will include more Madam Tussauds pics in a separate post later 😀 (wait for those)

New Braun Face, the world’s first 2 in 1 facial device

 New Braun Face, the world’s first 2 in 1 facial device

BREAK FREE FROM SKIN IMPERFECTIONS AND SWITCH ON A FLAWLESS GLOW

With the NEW BRAUN FACE, THE WORLD’S FIRST 2 in 1 FACIAL DEVICE

Braun Face Launch Event happened at Asilo at Palladium Hotel on the 18th of December and I could not attend since I was on my honeymoon.

New Braun Face, the world’s first 2 in 1 facial device, delivering pore-deep cleansing and high precision facial epilation for pure, radiant beauty, whether you want to go make up-free or create the perfect canvas to try the latest trends. This revolutionary new beauty device from the world’s No.1 epilator brand is an investment in better-looking skin. Expect your complexion to look visibly smooth, fresh and beautifully flawless at the flick of a switch.

BARE SKIN IS IN
From the runway to reality, we all know that nailing that elusive youthful, dewy glow is the beauty holy grail. Barefaced beauty means feeling confident in your own skin and knowing you always look your best. Easy to use, innovative and boasting proven results, Braun Face helps you to break free from impurities and easily create the perfect foundation for all your favourite beauty trends or a natural-looking, model-esque glow. Think healthy, fresh-faced beauty ‘au natural’ every single morning.

No fuss, no hassle, just a flawless glow.

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re going for a red carpet look, or want a day without any make-up on; we need to be able to count on beautifully cleansed skin as our foundation. Braun Face gives women the confidence and freedom to either wear make-up or not”

Jessica Alba
Braun Beauty Ambassador

SWITCH ON A FLAWLESS GLOW
It’s not just the biggest beauty trend for 2014, a flawless glow makes everyone look and feel gorgeous. Now you can break free from any reservations you have about showing the world effortlessly beautiful skin by taking beauty into your own hands with the 2 in 1 beauty device everyone is talking about – new Braun Face. The world’s first facial epilator and cleansing brush combined means you can be 100% beauty ready at the flick of a switch, revealing smooth, radiant and healthy-looking skin.

START WITH PRECISION EPILATION
Discreet and efficient, the slim epilator head removes even invisible hairs and delivers absolute precision on the eyebrows, upper lip and chin. This new beauty tool is a must-have for all women who make achieving smooth skin their ultimate beauty quest. With 10 micro-openings for super- efficient epilation, Braun Face offers up to four weeks of smooth skin. Epilation with Braun Face is 200 times faster than with manual tweezers and can remove hairs four times shorter than wax. In seconds it gives women smooth, hair-free skin that lasts for weeks.

TRANSFORM YOUR DEVICE INTO A CLEANSING BRUSH
With a simple swap of heads, the Braun Face epilator becomes an efficient deep pore cleansing brush, providing spa-quality results in minutes. Up to 6 times more efficient than a manual face scrub, the sonic cleansing technology gently but thoroughly sweeps away make-up, pollution and impurities. It also helps prepare the skin to absorb beauty products more efficiently, leaving you with instantly smoother, softer and visibly more beautiful skin.

SUPER CHIC DESIGN
Sleek-looking, ultra-chic and handbag-friendly, this must-have, lust-have tool is a revelation in beauty technology. It’s ideal for being taken on holiday, away for work or simply being on hand for any stray hairs, which need immediate attention. The future of flawless, supple, skin begins with Braun Face.

MRP: Rs. 4999/-

Face facts: Looking naturally flawless has never been this easy.

Isn’t the concept amazing. And it  compact enough to carry along too. I would be trying it out soon and reviewing it later 🙂 I hope its amazing!

 

Dettol Multi-Use Wipes Review

Dettol Multi-Use Wipes Review

What the Company claims: The all new Dettol Multi-Use Wipes protects you from germs – wherever, whenever. They not only help protect your skin from germs, but also keep surfaces germ free.

Whether you’re at home or on-the-go, Dettol Multi-Use Wipes provide convenient, and easy protection against germs. Being pH neutral, the wipes do not affect your skin’s natural protection, and the emollients present in the wipes keep your skin moisturized.
Go ahead, and use Dettol Multi-Use Wipes at home, in the car, at your office, or while on a holiday.

This product is suitable for:
1.Personal: Hands: face and neck
2.In the kitchen: worktops, refrigerators, microwaves and other similar devices
3.Home surfaces such as: tables, door knobs, children’s toys and chairs, and other similar surfaces

Read more HERE.

We don’t use photocopiers, We use Xerox. We do not use disinfectants, We use Dettol. Dettol is what we used when our knees bled as kids. Dettol is what we used when we got any scratches and bruises. Dettol disinfectants, handwash,sanitizers and soaps are a regular feature in our homes. Now Dettol has once again pioneered a new way of improving hygiene at the right time (bang when our country needs it most).

The product details are as follows:
MRP: INR 115/-.
No of wipes/uses: 30
Weight: Very Light, Less than 200 gms.
Suitable for carrying in a hand bag: Yes. Compact. Size of your mobile phone.
Certifications/ Accreditations: Recommended by National Integrated Medical Association (NIMA)
Available here: Amazon

Packaging: It comes in a standard green and white colored wipes packaging with a sealable opening to remove the wipes which can be resealed again.

Ingredients:

Note: Product not suitable for: Carpets, Upholstery, and Fabric

SIZES: 10’s pack, 30’s pack

Prima facie, these wipes are a must-have for kids and pets. However, there is more to these wipes than meets the eye.

Pros:

1) Light, easy to carry around and fits in your handbag.
2) Being pH Neutral, it moisturizes the skin and does not leave it dry.
3) Alcohol free, hence gentle on skin.
4) Can be used for everything, hands, face, surfaces, etc.
5) Use it on the go. In car, in your office, carry for your vacation, picnics, etc.
6) Works for removing light, basic makeup too.

Cons:

1) Slightly expensive.
2) It would have been better if it had individual packaging inside which would have made it more travel friendly.

Overall, I would say it’s a Swiss Army knife in the world of hygiene and a must have in your household. It’s a staple in my handbag right now and I am definitely repurchasing it. The pack of 10’s is good for carrying in the handbag. It would be ideal for Mumbai’s sweltering summers.

Rating: 4.5/5

Which wipes do you use? Have you tried the new Dettol Multi Use Wipes?

Kaya Insta – Brightening Micro Mask Review

Kaya Insta – Brightening Micro Mask Review

What the Company claims: Insta Brightening Micro-Mask is a light silky gel, transparent rinse-off mask with a unique combination of botanical extracts of Scutellaria Baicalensis, White Mulberry, Saxifraga Sarmentosa and Grape that work together to give you visibly brighter and radiant skin in just 20 minutes. The unique Micropatch technology releases the whitening active into the skin even long after the mask has been removed.

MRP: Rs.1800/- for 15 ml

Ingredients : Aqua, Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol, Morus Bombycis Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Disodium Sulfite, Sodium Metabisulfite, Pueraria Lobata Raat Extract, Methyparaben, Algin, 2-Phenoxyethanol, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum

How to Use – Apply generously over entire face and neck post cleansing. Leave it on for 20 Minutes and then rinse with water.

It comes in a white pump packaging with a transparent cap. First of all, the quantity of 18ml is very very less for a mask and at that price point coz you need a good amount to cover your face with a mask completely. And if you use it every alternate day, this would hardly last a month or so.

Its a thin gel form, which spreads easily all over the face. There is no stretchiness and its not those clay based like masks. It has a terrible smell! And to bear it for 20-25 minutes is also a pain.

It claims to give visibly brighter and radiant skin within 20 minutes. I have been using it for more than 2 weeks now, but do not see any such difference. It just refreshes the skin and gives the softer, smoother feel which most masks give. But no radiant skin as such.

Its expensive and I did not notice any breathtaking results. It worked like a pretty basic mask for me.Would not really recommend.

Rating: 2/5

Have you tried the Kaya Insta – Brightening Micro Mask ? Which is your favourite face mask ?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

Faces Canada Ultime Pro Lip Creme Review,Swatches

Faces Canada Ultime Pro Lip Creme Review,Swatches

What the Company claims: ULTIME PRO LIP CRÈME is an absolutely super soft, smooth and moisturizing lipgloss that promises one stroke hi shine coverage. It is completely opaque, highly pigmented, does not transfer, bleed or feather and stays on for hours at a stretch. Inspired by the colors of mesmerizing cocktails, LIP CRÈME gives you the color intensity of the lipstick and luster of a gloss.This non-sticky LIP CREME comes with a doe-foot sponge applicator. It picks up the right quantity of the product.

MRP: Rs.649/- for 4.6ml

Shades Available: 6

  • Fuchsia Sparkler
  • Grape Martini
  • Hawaian Orange
  • Red Mary
  • Nude Mojito
  • Pinka Colada

Ingredients:

I am reviewing the shades Fuchsia Sparkler and Grape Martini today. It comes in a normal transparent round gloss packaging with a doe foot applicator.

Its like a liquid lipstick in texture. Super pigmented and rich, you need just one-two swipes for complete opaque color. It gives a glossy look which goes away after some time and the color stays on for 2-3 hours after which it fades away evenly. Its hydrating and does not require separate lip balm, non sticky and feels very light on the lips.

Fuchsia Sparkler is a bright fuchsia pink.

Grape Martini is a gorgeous grape color. (nothing like this in my stash) Unique and pretty.

So the pinks,reds and nudes might be common shades, I definitely suggest getting this for Grape Martini. I haven’t seen Hawaian Orange but that sounds good too.

Top- Fuchsia Sparkler, Bottom- Grape Martini

These are travel friendly too. Also the quantity is superb, though the price is slightly higher. I wish all brands came up with half quantity and price and mini versions, so that we can try to finish the products too,which usually never happens!

Left- Fuchsia Sparkler, Right- Grape Martini

Overall, I love the shade Grape Martini. I like the pigmentation and ease of use of these Lip Cremes. These are indeed like rich,creamy liquid lipsticks. Though the staying power is normal, you can reapply them anywhere with ease. Definitely recommend!

Rating: 4/5

Have you tried the New Faces Canada Ultime Lip Creme ? Your favourite shade ?

P.S: PR Samples.Honest Review.

The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Body Scrub Review

The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Body Scrub Review

What the Company claims: Reveal radiant skin with this rich body exfoliator, enriched with Community Fair Trade wild argan oil from Morocco and argan shell exfoliants.

  • Lifts away dead skin cells
  • Helps stimulate skin surface
  • Leaves skin feeling softer and smoother
  • Enriched with Community Fair Trade Wild Argan Oil

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau (Solvent), Glycerin (Humectant), PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (Emulsifier), Juglans Regia Shell Powder/Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell Powder (Exfoliant), Silica (Absorbent), Polysorbate 20 (Emulsifier), Parfum/Fragrance (Fragrance), Benzyl Alcohol (Preservative), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative), Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer (Stabiliser/Viscosity Modifier), Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Argania Spinosa Shell Powder (Abrasive), Mel/Honey/Miel (Natural Additive), Sodium Hydroxide (pH Adjuster), Benzophenone-3 (Ultraviolet Light Absorber), Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Ultraviolet Light Absorber), Disodium EDTA (Chelating Agent), Coumarin (Fragrance Ingredient), Denatonium Benzoate (Denaturant), CI 19140/Yellow 5 (Colorant), CI 14700/Red 4 (Colorant).

Directions: Massage over damp skin in circular motions and rinse off. Use two to three times a week for softer, smoother skin.

MRP: Rs. 1095/- for for 200ml

It comes in a standard TBS scrub and body butter tub packaging, has the golden and blue print the Argan Oil Range has.

Its light brown in color and is gel like wobbly in texture. The argan and walnut shells are mild enough for body exfoliation including the sensitive parts. It spreads out easily since not too thick and washes out easily too.

It does not leave a sticky,slimy feeling and does not dehydrate the skin too. The texture is just perfect. It helps exfoliating some ingrowth hair on the legs, etc. (not the deep ones though)

Overall, its a decent body scrub and I quite like it. Recommended

Rating: 4/5

Have you tried the new Body Shop Argan Oil Range ?

Colorbar Darkened Summer Collection Matte Touch Lipsticks Review,Swatches

Colorbar Darkened Summer Collection Matte Touch Lipsticks Review,Swatches

Darkened Summer
Somewhere between dusk and dawn, there is a sky full of magic and myriad hues, capturing this essence.“Darkened Summer” is a Limited Edition range of ‘Fluid Sand Nail Lacquer Minis’ and ‘Matte Touch Lipstick’. A dazzling combination of deep shades and bright feelings have been put together in this range.

What the Company claims: Experience the Darkened Summer Lip Range with our 6 new and exclusive shades of Matte Touch Lipsticks. These lipsticks contain Vitamin E and have semi–matte velvety finish, excellent color payoff, non cracking formula to give you one stroke application with a creamier, softer and more glide-on feel and help your lips stay moisturised. Incredibly wearable yet absolutely matte.

MRP: Rs.475/- for 4.2g

Shades Available:

  • Celebrity
  • Brown Rush
  • Wild Mauve
  • Earthy Brown
  • Legendary
  • Peach Life

Well the time where brands are keeping on increasing their prices and lowering the quantity of lipsticks from 4.2 to 3 and 2.5g, I am happy that we have Colorbar with a reasonable tag of 475 and the old huge qty of 4.2g! Yay 😀 We want more of these Colorbar! Are you listening? :p

I am reviewing the shades 42MPeach Life and 39MWild Mauve.

Coming to the lipstick, its a part of the Matte Touch Lipsticks range. Its the silver colored packaging with a different shape of bullet, I quite like the shape 😀

These are matte but not completely crayon matte, still creamy and hydrating. Rich pigmentation especially the darker shade. You just need 2 swipes for full,opaque coverage. These stay for 3-4 hours and the Wild Mauve for 4-5 hours without much eating or drinking.

Peach Life is a medium true peach shade.

Wild Mauve is a deep,rich pink based purple. Some felt its a dupe of MAC Rebel but that is more on the pink side and this on the purple. Its a very unique and a fabulous shade. Perfect for fall/winter and a must have shade in your stash! Also wore it HERE.

Here are the swatches..

And here are they on moi..

Overall I would say these are perfect value for money. Good in quality,quantity,economical,well pigmented. I absolutely recommend the shade Wild Mauve. Would love to have more such unique shades in this collection.

Rating: 4.5/5

Have you tried the Colorbar Matte Touch Lipsticks or the Darkened Summer Range ?