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The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet Review

The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet Review

The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet Review

What the Company claims: An instant cooling sensation for all day hydration. This silky-soft moisturiser hydrates and refreshes skin with an ultra-light light formula. Learn More → Quenches skin’s thirst Feels like a burst of freshness on skin Enriched with wheatgerm oil Enriched with Community Fair Trade Shea Butter

Directions: Apply to face and neck after cleansing and toning using fingertips.

MRP: Rs.1195/- for 50ml

Ingredients:

It comes in a glass jar packaging and is light pink in color. Has a very weird smell though :/

I like water based gel creams and this is exactly that. Super light in texture and absorbs in a jiffy. It feels cool and soothing on application. It does hydrate the skin, but feels a little silicony. It would make as a great primer underneath makeup.

During the current winters though, I do need extra hydration at times,above this. I feel it launched here at a wrong time. This is the perfect summer product. Though Mumbai is humid and we do not see winters here, so it works.

As you can see in the ingredients, wheatgerm oil, soyabean oil, Tocopherol, Parkii Butter are the hydrating ingredients and Vitamin E part.

But I would recommend this for oily skin and/or for use in summers. I would switch back to this in summers. For now since the chill is just beginning to set in, I would switch to a heavier cream.

Also it contains alcohol as per the ingredients which dries skin more, so dry skin would not particularly like this,especially right now. If you have dry skin but live in a humid place like Mumbai, this would still work.

Overall, I would say its a good product. Only issue would be the smell and the alcohol. Would recommend using it for summers.

Rating: 3.5/5

Have you tried The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet ?

Faces Canada Hydro Range-Makeup Remover,Cleanser,Toner Review

Faces Canada Hydro Range-Makeup Remover,Cleanser,Toner Review

What the Company claims: Faces Hydro Makeup Remover: This gentle, water based formula works quickly and gently removes face and other makeup. It is an excellent antioxidant agent which prevents skin from free radicals & improves tone to give you a perfectly cleansed & rejuvenated face.

Faces Hydro Cleanser: This extremely hydrating formula cleanses skin and maintains it’s natural moisturizers. It is a deep cleanser that gently protects your skin while keeping it fresh, clear and radiant.

Faces Hydro Toner: This gentle and soothing toner hydrates the skin keeping it perfectly clean & soft. It tones the skin and defines pores for a clearer complexion.

MRP: 

FACES Hydro Makeup Remover- Rs. 399/- for 100 ml
FACES Hydro Cleanser- Rs. 399/- for 100 ml
FACES Hydro Toner- Rs. 399/-  for 100 ml

Ingredients & Directions:

All three come in a white bottle with a tight cap packaging. The cap is very tight and although that makes it good for travelling, a little difficult to shut it close daily when using it. The Makeup Remover and toner have spray nozzle and the cleanser has the small pump dispensor.

Makeup Remover is a watery liquid in spray form and does remove the makeup effectively. All three a part of the same regime and are followed one after the other. Removing makeup is the first step of course. Only issue is the eyes need to be shut tight and the lips too, or else it tastes horrible bitter when goes anywhere near the lips and stings a bit near the eyes. I use a separate makeup removing cream for eyes.

Makeup Remover, is followed with the Cleanser. Its a white colored lotion like a cleansing milk, which is just massaged on the skin and wiped off with a moist cotton. It helps in removing any extra dirt or makeup left behind from the makeup remover and cleanses completely well. Its not a foaming cleanser but just a cleansing milk, which aids the process of deep cleansing or removing any residue.

Last step is the toner, which is just sprayed all over the face. (You can either use it directly or spray on a cotton first) And then at the end I soak everything up by just pressing a tissue on the face. A Clarins skin care expert told me never to let toners or face mists dry on the skin as I usually did before, as that leads to more drying skin. It needs to be blotted out and never left to dry. The toner is very very mild and alcohol free. It tastes bitter too when goes near the lips, so mum your lips when spraying.

Overall, its a nice three step system that works decent and good to carry around too. I am not much of a toner person, but the spray ones still make me give them a try and I liked this one. The quantity of 100ml would last a good time and they are not very highly priced. Economical, and also make good travel companion.

Rating: 3.75/5

Have you tried the new Faces Canada Hydro Skincare Range ?

P.S: PR Samples. Honest Review.

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Eyeshadow Collection Review,Swatches

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Eyeshadow Collection Review,Swatches

What the Company claims: The Chocolate Bar experience begins as soon as you open the palette and the smell of sweet chocolate envelops you. The eye shadows are pigmented with pure, antioxidant-rich cocoa powder and includes 16 matte and shimmer shades of natural browns, delicate pinks and luscious plums. Includes our signature how-to Glamour Guide with three looks to get you started.

Too Faced Co-Founder and Creative Director Jerrod Blandino was inspired to combine the power of antioxidant-rich cocoa powder and makeup while having a chocolate facial and learning about the benefits of cocoa at a Hawaiian spa. Based on this inspiration we created our best-selling bronzer Chocolate Soleil and then Milk Chocolate Soleil and have now added the Chocolate Bar Eye Shadow Palette.

New Shades:
Glided Ganache
White Chocolate
Milk Chocolate
Salted Caramel
Black Forest Truffle
Triple Fudge
Marzipan
Semi-Sweet
Strawberry Bon Bon
Candied Violet
Amaretto
Hazelnut
Creme Brulee
Haute Chocolate
Cherry Cordial
Champagne Truffle

MRP: $49

You can buy it HERE.

Finally the review. Its the most beautiful and gorgeous palette I won! And trust me, I own many :p But what can beat chocolate?! It looks like a chocolate bar and all the eyeshadows smell like chocolate too! Like what more would one need.

It has 16 shades from the nudes,beige to browns,purples,etc. The pigmentation is beyond amazing, I just touched the eyeshadow for swatches and I got real powder pigment coming out. The metallic and satin finish needed just a small touch not even a complete swipe for swatch. Matte shades in any palette are not usually very pigmented. But not here, the mattes are rich and pigmented too especially the browns. 1-2 matte shades out of the entire 16 would be a bit less pigmented. But none are chalky or dry, all the shadows are super creamy.

It comes with a guide for three different eye makeup looks.

They stay for a good 6-7 hours even without a primer and more so with a primer. I think this palette has all the shades one would ever need, unless you are a ‘brights’ person. I am a neutral lover and this one is just perfect for me. I reach for it all the time even though I have other palettes including Too Faced Palettes.

Shades:

Left:

Gilded Ganache: Satin finish darkened chocolate brown with gold shimmer

White Chocolate: Matte pale beige for highlighting the brow bone

Salted Caramel: Matte medium peachy brown

Marzipan: Warm peach with frosted metallic finish

Semi Sweet: Matte medium brown with red undertones

Hazelnut: Medium golden bronze with metallic finish

Creme Brulee: Darkened molten gold with rich,metallic finish. One of the best in the palette

Haute Chocolate: Dark chocolate brown with red undertones and frost finish

Right:

Milk Chocolate: Matte medium brown, its almost my skin shade. Good for blending.

Black Forest Truffle: Burgundy brown with burgundy and bronzer shimmer

Triple Fudge: Matte deep dark brown

Strawberry Bon Bon: Matte cool toned light pink

Candied Violet: Smoky violet with blue and pink shimmer

Amaretto: Frost warm toned medium brown with red undertones

Cherry Cordial: Matte plumy brown with some flecks of shimmer

Champagne Truffle: Off white with a golden sheen and metallic finish. Perfect for inner corners of eyes.

I think this is one perfect palette for everyone and a must have. All the necessary shades you will ever need. Carry only this for your holiday, weddings,etc and you are sorted. Highly recommended!

Rating: 4.5/5

I would update this post or do a separate post with EOTD’s.

Did you like the Too Faced Chocolate Bar Eyeshadow Collection?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review.

Look Beyond Hebe Bath Gel,Sirona Dark Circles Oil Serum Review

Look Beyond Hebe Bath Gel,Sirona Dark Circles Oil Serum Review

Look Beyond – A health and wellness venture, started in 2011 is the brainchild of Dr. Seema Anand.A health & Wellness venture has come up with their wide product range. By utilizing age-old knowledge and new research into its sphere, Look Beyond started its mission with an intent to provide holistic wellness to its patrons. Look Beyond’s products’ strive on 100% natural ingredients, with no use of chemicals and they are entirely environment friendly.Dr. Seema envisioned a place that would be open to all, where the individual could look at their overall wellness and find ways to improve it. The brand is devoted to creating services and products that aim to heal one’s mind, body and soul. The intention of the center is to inspire well-being, personal growth, peace, harmony and happiness for all and provide the tools that can help people achieve the same.

The products are segregated into three categories: those for the body, health, and for the home.

The three year old brand boasts of a varied product line that includes:

Liquid soaps (100% natural liquid soaps are infused with a blend of essential oils)
• Linen Sprays (It brings the fragrance to ones linen by using our 100% all natural Linen sprays)
Oil Serums (Oil Serums are infused with the healing ability of nature through essential oils)
• Sound Healing Cds (It brings forth a healing by listening to our frequency corrected, therapeutic and meditative tracks)

Look beyond believes that an integral part of their wellness mission is to give back to the society. A percentage of their profits are used towards providing vocational training and a means of livelihood to those in need through their “Pay it Forward Program”.

About Hebe Bath Gel : Hebe – Youth

Hebe, daughter of Zeus and Hera, is the Greek Goddess of Youth.
Eternal is Hebe, the goddess of youth.
Pouring nectar from the ageless flower,
Gifting everlasting youth with every shower
A special blend of oils has been infused in this bath gel to fulfill the desire of eternal youth. The natural property of rose is combined with other essential oils to smoothen the skin and give it a natural, youthful, glow.

Ingredients:

It comes in a small pump dispensor packaging. It dispenses the right amount of product and foams well. I am in absolute love with the smell!! It smells amazing! My whole bathroom smells amazing whenever I use Hebe Bath Gel. I love essential oils, so any product with essential oils naturally attract me, especially lavender oil. Skin feels soft,supple and hydrating. No sliminess as with some body washes. I loved this and absolutely recommend it.

 

Though the only con would be its available only online on lookbeyond right now. Buy HERE

Rating: 4/5

150 ml / 5 fl.oz MRP. Rs. 395

About Sirona: Sirona – Dark Circles (Night)


Sirona is the Celtic Goddess of Healing.
Lightly apply this serum on a clean face, prior to applying any other cream, to start the process of lightening dark circles over time. This serum is meant for use during the night.

10 ml / 1 fl.oz MRP. Rs. 445

Ingredients:

Its a small blue genie bottle shaped packaging. At first, you would think it would have a dropper pipette which oils and serums usually have. But no! Its a roll on. Yes, the first oil serum I have seen in a roll on form. And what an idea! I love it. It perfectly fits into the contours of the under eyes where we apply the creams,etc for dark circles.

I think the packaging is genius. And this makes it travel friendly too. I don’t have too many dark circles to begin with. So I did not see a dramatic result as such, but definitely some improvement. And also the skin stays supple and no dryness around the eyes. Oils are always welcome in winters for me. And this too smells awesome!

Rating: 3.5/5

Have you heard about Look Beyond Products ? Do you use skincare products with essential oils ?

P.S: PR Samples. Honest Review.

Schwarzkopf BC Cell Therapy Repair Rescue Range Review

Schwarzkopf BC Cell Therapy Repair Rescue Range Review

I have been using this Schwarzkopf BC Bonacure Cell Therapy Repair Rescue Range (that was quite a mouthful!) since a long time now. And also other styling products and serum from Schwarzkopf.

Here is the review..

BC REPAIR RESCUE

For Damaged, Distressed or Porous Hair

100% hair replenishment
100% resilience
95% less hair breakage

High Concentration of Proteo-Lipids

The secret to BC REPAIR RESCUE lies in our highest concentration of breakthrough proteolipids, a powerful combination of hydrolyzed keratin and lipid components, that restore the protective layer of virgin hair. The Amino Cell Rebuild, with Amino Acids and Panthenol, acts to perfect the cortex, rebuilding the architecture of the hair from the inside out, restoring strength and elasticity, while adding vital moisture. The Cell Perfector Technology provides additional care – repairing the hair by filling structural gaps, restoring elasticity and imparting deep shine throughout.

BC REPAIR RESCUE Deep Nourishing Shampoo
What is it: An intensively caring shampoo for extremely damaged normal to thick hair. Cleanses, nourishes & detangles extremely damaged hair. The formula with new cell perfector technology and higher restore the inner structure for natural strength and elasticity.

How to use:
Apply to wet hair
Massage through
Leave for 1-2 minutes
Rinse thoroughly
Suitable for daily use

MRP: Rs.750/- for 250ml

Ingredients:

BC REPAIR RESCUE Conditioner
What is it: Intensive creamy conditioner for damaged hair.Repair rescue conditioner with new cell perfector technology and higher concentration of Proteolipids to detangle the hair while intensely sealing the hair cuticle, restoring natural strength and elasticity to damaged hair at a cellular level.

How to use:
Apply to the mid-lengths and ends of towel-dried hair and work through
Comb through
Work the product into the hair
Leave for 2 minutes
Rinse thoroughly
Suitable for daily use

MRP: Rs.750/- for 200ml

Ingredients:

BC REPAIR RESCUE Deep Nourishing Treatment (Hair Mask)
What is it: The most intensive BC treatment for extremely damaged normal to thick hair.

How to use:
Apply to the mid-lengths and ends of towel-dried hair and work through
Comb through
Leave for 5-10 minutes
Rinse thoroughly
Use 1-2 times per week

MRP: Rs.900/- for 200ml

Ingredients:

I love the red and white packaging. The first can shaped packaging shampoo I own, its different. Though not very travel friendly coz of the size.

Entire range is white in color and smells nice like a salon treatment does. The shampoo is runny but foams well. Cleanses scalp amazingly well, gets rid of all the dirt and grime. It is not drying and detangles hair. Its perfect for daily use too.

Conditioner is slightly runny. I like my conditioners rich and creamy. I did not find the conditioner rich or hydrating enough. My ends need more hydration and runny,liquid type conditioners do not work for me, This conditioner might work for someone with oily hair and scalp.

Coming to the hair mask, its the best in this range! Its thick, rich and creamy. It hydrates the hair really well with no heaviness. Hair does not weigh down. It is like a deep conditioning spa at home. I use it once a week or so coz it requires extra time and I am usually late and running :p But still whenever I use it, hair is super soft and smooth. No frizz or weighing down.

Overall, I would say I loved the shampoo and mask in this range. I did not like the conditioner much and when I use the three together, the results are amazing coz the last thing is the mask.

Rating:

Shampoo- 3.75/5

Conditioner- 2.75/5

Hair Mask- 4/5

Have you tried the Schwarzkopf BC Cell Therapy Repair Rescue Range? Or any other Schwarzkopf Professional Range? Your favourite?

P.S: PR Samples. Honest Review.

Bata Store and Collection Review,Haul

Bata Store and Collection Review,Haul

So I went to the Bata Store at Viviana Mall which is the largest Bata showroom in Asia! Its hugee.

Bata stocks all the brands of shoes outside Bata and Marie Claire too, they had a huge variety in each section. They also have lots of bags now. I wanted to gift mom one bag and I was spoilt for choice, got so many options and ended up confused.

I loved the sunglasses,belts and scarves too. From mirrored to normal aviators to so many different designs.

Love the studded ballerinas

How cute are those small bags!

I wanted to buy flat shoes for I have to walk a lot during my 1st half of the honeymoon. So I got these mint slip ons, they are so so comfortable, I don’t feel like I am wearing any shoes at all coz they just adjust to the shape of my feet. Also I was searching for these floral sneakers and finally found them! I love them! <3

Shoe Making Process

I got this red Celine inspired Marie Claire bag for me. How small and cute is it. Plus I loved the bright red.

 

The studded ballerinas and the tan studded bag were my favourites. Loved the mirrored sunglasses too. There was a clearance sale size wise. Its an huge store where you will find everything you need related to shoes. Also the formal shoes collection was really good.

Have you checked out any new Bata stores recently or shopped from Bata?

5 Simple Tips That Can Make Online Saree Shopping Easy and Fun

5 Simple Tips That Can Make Online Saree Shopping Easy and Fun

Guest Post

Going Saree Shopping? Wait a minute. Have you decided on the type of saree you would want to pick? If yes, it is within your budget? And above all, where are you planning to buy it from? Answer all of these questions and you still have a few more at the back of your mind.

Online Saree shopping can make things a lot easier. With an extensive range of Sarees in store, you are most likely to end up with one that you have been looking for. Online stores are also known to offer heavy discounts throughout the year.

However, if you have never shopped online before, things might seem a bit tough. Here are 5 simple tips that can make online Saree Shopping Easy and Fun.

Compare them all
Go to Google and simply type in, “Best Online Saree Store”. You will be left with innumerable options to choose from. A slight comparison can help you pick the right one. This is when online testimonials can largely supplement your research.

Browse till you get it
Once you have chosen an online store, it’s time to browse through the collection. It may take a few minutes, or may be an hour if there’s something too precise you are looking for. But, that’s ok. After all, you would not like to pick something that’s not on your list, would you?

Discounts make you happy
Find out if the Saree you have chosen is eligible for a discount. Some online Saree stores let you apply a specific discount coupon code to every purchase you make. Interestingly, a few discounts are capable of saving you up to 40% on your total purchase value, which is truly amazing. While checking out, you will be prompted to use coupon codes, in case you have any. If you do, simply enter them in the space provided, and the discount will be applied to the final cost.

Use your credit card, why not?
Those not fully aware of the online transaction mechanism are of the opinion that online payments are risky. Well, not so. Online stores have highly secured systems in place ensuring complete security of every transaction made over the network.

Don’t worry, get it replaced
If for some reason you are not quite satisfied with the delivered product, you can always apply for a refund. However, it is crucial that you do it within the refund period set by the store.
Online stores nowadays offer wide range of exclusive and designer sarees from leading fashion designers. Hence you have a plethora of collection to choose from. So, when you can shop online sitting right in your couch comfortably and at the same time surf various sites for your desired saree, why to drive miles and hunt for stores outside? However, you also save a huge amount of time and of course a lot more extra bucks. Indeed online Saree shopping was never so easy and fun.

Iraya Kumkumadi Tailam (Facial Oil) Review

Iraya Kumkumadi Tailam (Facial Oil) Review

What the Company claims: Kumkumadi Taila in it’s purest form. Ideal for facial massage.

For normal to dry skin

Prescribed in Ayurveda as a ‘Miraculous Elixir’ for the skin, Kumkumadi is an absolute classic! This revered formulation contains pure Saffron and 25 precious Ayurvedic herbs that have been relied upon through the ages to lighten and brighten the complexion. It evens skin tone, clears blemishes, minimises fine lines and surface imperfections and also helps improve skin’s texture.

Usage: Take a few drops on your fingertips, massage gently into skin using upward, outward movements. Best to use after cleansing and toning. Regular application gives a luminous complexion. Massage is recommended once or twice a week.

Ingredients: Pure Saffron and 25 precious Ayurvedic herbs

MRP: Rs.995/- for 10ml

I love using facial oils i.e. a mix of essential oils or herbs,etc. I had heard a lot about Kumkumadi Tailam which is an old ayurvedic preparation and many brands have their own version of it. It is basically sold in almost every store down south.

I tried this Iraya Kumkumadi facial oil and here are my views on it.

It comes in a small blue tinted glass bottle with a dropper packaging. I have been using this every night since a little more than 2 weeks now, around 3 weeks.

It does not have a strong or pungent smell as I had heard with other Kumkumadi oils. Its almost transparent with a slight brown tint. You need just 2-3 drops of it. I warm it well by rubbing on my palms and fingers and massage on my face for about a minute.

After the Parachute Art of Oiling event, we learnt some new facial and head massage techniques. I used to do 1-2 of those for a few seconds every night with this oil.

The oil gets absorbed quickly, there is hardly anything left after the massage. Next morning skin is supple and soft. Not one morning I have seen dry or flaky skin after waking up, even in this winters, thanks to this oil.

I have combination skin and dry cheeks and more so in winters, but this time I got no flaky or dull skin.

I got one pimple just 10 days before the wedding which left a scar, but with regular use of this oil, it faded by 50-60% in a week or so.

I am going to continue using this especially all winters. I think this is the only product I would need at night during winters and I am sorted. No need of any other serums or night creams.

For summers if you live in a humid place, this might be tad bit oily. Also, for day time use, just use a drop, you can use 2-3 drops during night time.

I recommend this for oily skin too, can be used at night. It’s a myth that oily skin should not use facial oils. Facial oils are very very good and beneficial.

Overall, I would say its a must try. Since you need just 2-3 drops, 10 ml would last a long time and justifies the price tag too. Highly recommended! Only Iraya is not available everywhere is an issue. But online shopping has eased our lives.

Rating: 4.75/5

Have you ever tried Kumkumadi Tailam? Your views on it?

Avon Ultra Color Lipsticks SPF15 Review,Swatches

Avon Ultra Color Lipsticks SPF15 Review,Swatches

What the Company claims:

Be the show stopper with rich enchanting lips. With True Color Technology, the rich color you see on the lipstick is the same color you see on your lips. Capture attention with a plethora of shades that make you beautiful.

1. Lip-Nourishing formula with Shea Butter, Omega Oil, Arctic Berry & Vitamin E to make lips feel smooth and moisturized instantly.
2. Vivid colors stay true with Self-renewing Pigments formula
3. See the shades instantly through the clear view window

Available in 20 shades

Grammage: 3.8g

MRP: Rs. 375/- (Mostly on discounts)

They also come in a matte range with a similar packaging.

It has a black square tube packaging with a see through cap towards the top. Not that you can see the shade from the top to identify the shade :/

But its shuts tight and does not mess or break easily. Travel friendly. To start with, I love how crazily pigmented these are! Pretty moisturizing and stay for 3-4 hours and leave behind a soft stain.

I am reviewing the shades Buttered Rum, Lava Love and WineBerry. I absolutely love WineBerry, followed by Lava Love. I am not a fans of browns, so do not like Buttered Rum much.

Buttered Rum is a soft brick brown

Lava Love is a bright coral red

WineBerry is actually a mauve rose brown, very flattering shade.

L-R: Lava Love, Buttered Rum, WineBerry

Here are the swatches..

L-R: Lava Love, Buttered Rum, WineBerry

And here is how they look on moi..

L-R: Lava Love, Buttered Rum, WineBerry

I would love to check out more from this range. These are very moisturizing, pigmented, have SPF15, stays for 3-4 hours and all the qualities a good lipstick should have. Highly recommended. Only availability is an issue with Avon since you need a representative.

Also I would love to try the Matte range in this next.

Rating: 4/5

Have you tried the new Avon Ultra Color Lipsticks SPF15 ?

P.S: PR Samples. Honest Review

International Giveaway: 2 Winners

International Giveaway: 2 Winners

Hey guys,

Last giveaway of the year 2014. A lot will change now, I will be married 😀 So tom is the mehendi and this is probably the last post for now. I have quite a few scheduled posts for you guys.

I am doing this small giveaway where we will have 2 winners. One winner will win the makeup by day look stuff and one will win the makeup by night stuff.

Prizes for each winner:

Lakme Absolute Colour Illusion Limited Edition Nail Paint worth Rs.200/-

Lakme Absolute Illusion Eyeshadow worth Rs.750/-

Lakme Absolute Gloss Stylist worth Rs.700/-

This time it’s open internationally. It starts today and ends on 31st December i.e. last day of the year. All the rules in the Rafflecopter widget. Please complete all the mandatory entries to qualify for the giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck 🙂 See you all soon. I would be updating my social media with pictures from my wedding and honeymoon, so do follow me there 🙂

P.S: This giveaway is NOT sponsored by Lakme.

Update: I am really very sorry as I could not announce the giveaway as this got over when I had met with an accident and was hospitalized. I was caught up with other things later on. The winners have been announced and they are Simar Chugh and Praseena.

Simar wins the Makeup by Day set and Praseena wins the Makeup by Night set.

Thanks a lot guys for being so patient!