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Pixi Beauty Skincare Review

Pixi Beauty Skincare Reviews

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Pixi Beauty Skincare Reviews

Hi guys,

I have been trying out a few products from Pixi Beauty since the past few weeks, I think I am half done with both the day and night cream and here are my thoughts on the complete range..

Glowtion Day Dew Cream

Claims: A lightweight, radiance-boosting moisturizer that soothes while blurring imperfections & giving a lit-from-within glow.

Advanced illuminating skin-perfector nourishes & soothes while giving a boost to dull skin
• Featherlight and hydrating, this moisturizer imparts a natural-looking radiance to skintone
• Makes skin look healthier & more even
• Lavender oil calms, kaolin purifies, and mica brightens
• Not tested on animals

How To-Apply

• Use: In the AM
• Step 1: Apply a thin layer to cleansed, toned skin
• Step 2: Dab an extra layer anywhere more glow is desired

Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Glycerin, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Titanium Dioxide, Cetyl, PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Sodium Chloride, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Mica, Calcium Titanium Borosilicate, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Tin Oxide, Silica, Kaolin, Silica Silylate.

35 ml/ 1.18 fl.oz.

Price: £24.00

Beauty Sleep Night Cream

Claims: A nourishing night treatment to comfort and soothe skin

This fast-absorbing, nutrient-rich nighttime essential helps to protect, nourish, and hydrate skin while you sleep
• With 100% natural mango butter
• Oils of lavender, lemon & bergamot
• Cream calms and balances skintone
• Not tested on animals

How To-Apply

• Use: PM
• Step 1: Apply a thin layer to cleansed, toned skin
• Petra’s recommendation: For best results, layer on top of Overnight Glow Serum

Ingredients: Water, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Hexyl Laurate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Glacier Water, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Squalane, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethanolamine, Potassium Hydroxide, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Gentiana Lutea Root Extract, Artemisia Absinthium Extract, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Allantoin, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Butylene Glycol, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Octyldodecanol, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Disodium EDTA, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, BHT.

35 ml / 1.18 fl.oz.

Price: £24.00

Both the Glowtion Day Dew and Beauty Sleep Cream come in a sleek and long tube packaging but has a nice, pump dispensor with a cap on top. I carried both of them when I was travelling and they are perfectly safe for travel and very handy.

I quite like the packaging, very convenient and easy to use.

Coming to the product, Glowtion Day Dew is a white colored cream with very fine shimmer particles in it and a lot of them! That is the reason it gives that day glow. I like using it under a makeup base though, when used on it’s own, it gives a shine to the entire face and it can look oily at times.

Even though the Day Dew has mica and kaolin which absorbs oil and it is on the drier side, i.e. the cream is not very rich and feels dry on the skin, the shimmer gives that shiny look. Dry skin girls will like using this because of the dewy finish it gives, might not work for oily skin on it’s own. But this is excellent as a makeup base and I am using it every single time!

The Beauty Sleep Cream on the other hand is very light weight and blends and absorbs in a jiffy. I love the mango butter feel and lavender oil scent, it smells really good and I love using this each night! It does moisturize but it is nothing like rich night creams, so if you are used to those, you might needed an added oil for extra hydration.

I sometimes just add the Glow Mist on top. It is one of the lightest night creams I have used.

Both have a different colored pump, so it is easy to identify as their body packaging is similar.

The only con for both of these would be the quantity, 35ml I feel is quite less for the price. Even though the brand is premium, a little extra quantity would have been great.

24K Eye Elixir

Claims: An anti-fatigue peptide serum that that massages away puffiness as it smooths and refreshes the eye area

• This multitasker is infused with powerful age-defying ingredients to refresh eyes & prevent signs of fatigue
• Collagen helps to repair the delicate eye area, peptides plump fine lines, and raspberry tones skin
• Cooling rollerball applicator soothes & encourages circulation around the eye

How to Apply

Use: AM & PM
• Step 1: Gently roll applicator under eye, from inner to outer corner, 2 to 3 times
• Step 2: For extra de-puffing, chill before use

Ingredients: Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Allantoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Arginine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Trideceth-10, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol, Iron Oxides (CI 15985, CI 17200), Steareth-20, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrolyzed Collagen, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Potassium Sorbate, Gold, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Chrysin, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7.

10ml/ 0.34 fl.oz.

Price: £22.00

This is very handy and easy to use, I love these roller ball eye elixirs/pens. It has a steel roller ball and dispenses very little product, enough for one roll from left to right and then from right to left. There is no wastage of product.

Now this doesn’t claim anything related to dark circles, it is for puffiness and fine lines. So don’t expect it to work on dark circles, it won’t. I don’t have fine lines, so can’t talk about that. But I haven’t had puffiness under my eyes or under eye bags, since the time I am using it.

If you suffer from bloating or have excess salt at times, there would usually be puffy bags under your eyes. And if you have those often, I would suggest getting this and keeping it in your fridge and using it morning and night. You will notice an immediate difference.

I quite like it, works as per claims.

Glow Mist

Claims: All-over glow mist for a radiant, dewy effect.

• Gives a glowing, luminous and smooth complexion
• Enriched with 13 natural oils plus propolis, aloe vera and fruit extracts
• Hydrates, protects and nourishes
• Sets makeup, adds a dewy finish and protects skin
• Refreshes makeup, hydrates and adds glow
• Suits all skin types
• Not tested on animals

How to apply:

• Use: In the AM and PM or when needed
• Step 1: Shake to mix
• Step 2: Close eyes and mist over face & neck

Ingredients: Water, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Propolis Extract, Niacinamide, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Betaine, Sodium Hyaluronate, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Panthenol, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit Extract, Adenosine, Rose Flower Oil, Tagetes Minuta Flower Oil, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Oil, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Leaf Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil.

80ml / 2.70 fl.oz.

Price: £16.00

I think the Glow Mist is my most favourite out of all these four products and also something I have used the most.

I use it morning, night, after makeup, etc., and each time gives a nice, dewy, glowy finish to the skin. After my skincare routine and after my makeup too.

It takes away all the powdery-ness when used after makeup, and sets it in place. It can also be used mid time to refresh your makeup.

Since this is not just thermal spring water and has a blend of different essential oils in it, it hydrates and nourishes and that’s what helps in that glowing skin.

I absolutely love this and highly recommend this.

My favourites/must haves are the Glow Mist and the Beauty Sleep Cream, followed by the Eye Elixir and the Glowtion Day Dew.

Pixi Beauty products are available on their website pixibeauty.co.uk and pixibeauty.com, Target and they also have their own stand alone stores.

Have you tried Pixi Beauty Skincare before?

P.S: PR Samples. Honest Review.

Valentine’s Day Matte Pink/Plum Makeup Tutorial

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Valentine’s Day Matte Pink/Plum Makeup Tutorial

Hi guys,

Since Valentine’s Day is coming up and I wanted to create a look with my theBalm Meet Matt(e) Trimony Palette, I thought of this matte pink/plum makeup look.

Products used:

I went with a bright pink lipstick and the whole look complimented well. I like how it turned out. My false lashes were not cooperating and were coming from all sides, so I finally just took them off :/

I hope you like the look, do let me know in the comments below.

The Body Shop Vanilla Chai Range Review

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The Body Shop Vanilla Chai Range Review

Hi guys,

The Body Shop had come up with three limited edition ranges this Christmas, one was Spiced Apple, Frosted Berries and this Vanilla Chai one. I had these three products from the Vanilla Chai range and here are my thoughts..

The Body Shop Vanilla Chai Body Butter

Claims: Our Limited Edition Vanilla Chai Body Butter is a rich and delicious-smelling festive treat for softly-sweet skin. The Vanilla Chai scent is warm and inviting, filled with creamy milk and addictive vanilla

– Leaves skin feeling softer and smoother
– Buttery texture
– Seasonally Sweet Vanilla Chai Scent
– Limited Edition

MRP: Rs.1495

Ingredients:

The Body Shop Vanilla Chai Shower Gel

Claims: Bring a squeeze of seasonal sweetness to your shower with our Limited Edition Vanilla Chai Shower Gel; a deliciously-scented shower gel bursting with vanilla chai fragrance. This warm and inviting scent infused with creamy milk and addictive vanilla, envelops the senses for a relaxing experience.

– Lather- rich
– Soap-free
– Seasonally Sweet Vanilla Chai Scent
– Limited Edition

MRP: Rs.595

Ingredients:

The Body Shop Vanilla Chai Foam Bath

Claims: Add a hint of holiday magic to bath time with our Limited Edition Vanilla Chai Bath Foam. The warm and inviting scent, infused with creamy milk and hand-picked vanilla from Madagascar, creates an indulgent spa experience.

– Foaming bubble bath
– Leaves skin smelling beautiful and feeling refreshed
– Seasonally Sweet Vanilla Chai Scent
– Limited Edition

MRP: Rs.1495

Ingredients:

This range comes in a pretty light yellow packaging with the Christmasy print on it. The smell is warm and woody, more of chai than of vanilla. It’s not the light vanilla scent, the strong chai scent is overpowering the vanilla.

But I still love the warm and spicy scent and it’s perfect for the winter season.

I have the Body Butter, Shower Gel and Foam bath. Now I don’t have a bath tub, hence cannot use the Foam Bath in that way, but I add it in a bucket and use it that way. Also it is great for manicures and pedicures at home, those pampering days.

I love the Shower Gel and Body Butter combo, the smells lasts longer when both are used simultaneously. The body butter is slightly thick and rich for my taste and hence it is perfect for current winters. I don’t like using heavy body butters in summers or monsoons in Mumbai.

The shower gel foams and cleanses really well, and skin does not feel overly dry or stretchy. I would recommend trying out this range right now as it is perfect for the season. I am not sure if it is still available, but if it is, do grab the Vanilla Chai range!

Have you tried the Vanilla Chai Range from The Body Shop?

All Nykaa So Matte Fall/Winter Lipsticks Review, Swatches

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All Nykaa So Matte Fall/Winter Lipsticks Review, Swatches

Hi guys,

I had reviewed the Nykaa So Matte Lipsticks earlier HERE. They came up with 8 new shades in the Fall/Winter collection later on, I had these since quite some time but couldn’t review as was on bed rest then.

Recently they have also launched the new matte nude collection, again beautiful 8 shades. I can’t wait to try those.

Let us see the Fall/Winter shades today.

MRP: Rs.399/- (Buy HERE)

Shades:

  • Mulled Wine
  • California Merlot
  • Sugar Plum Martini
  • Spiced Cabernet
  • Cranberry Sangria
  • Irish Coffee
  • Hot Shot Espresso
  • Caramel Margarita

The packaging, price, formula is all the same. It has matching stickers behind the lipsticks with the shade names this time.

These are creamy, comfortable matte and not proper ‘matte’. So don’t expect these to be complete dry and powder finish, these are creamy and moisturizing and you may see some shine on the lips initially in quite a few shades. It will blot down later on, but these are very easy to wear unlike the drying matte lipsticks. And also these do not accentuate lines or dryness. I love the formula and pigmentation of these!

They stay for around 4-5 hours and deeper colors even longer, without eating or drinking. With eating, this will fade and will need touch up.

L-R: Mulled Wine, California Merlot. Sugar Plum Martini, Spiced Cabernet
L-R: Mulled Wine, California Merlot. Sugar Plum Martini, Spiced Cabernet

Mulled Wine is a deep berry wine

California Merlot is a cool deep red

Sugar Plum Martini is a medium plum

Spiced Cabernet is deep mauve pink

L-R: Cranberry Sangria. Irish Coffee. Hot Shot Espresso. Caramel Margarita
L-R: Cranberry Sangria. Irish Coffee. Hot Shot Espresso. Caramel Margarita

Cranberry Sangria is a medium red

Irish Coffee is a cool toned nude, very Kylie Jenner shade

Hot Shot Espresso is a warm medium rust orange

Caramel Margarita is a warm nude brown, again a great MLBB

My favourites are Irish Coffee, Spiced Cabernet, Caramel Margarita and Hot Shot  Espresso

I love how they are adding more and more browns/nudes and beautiful everyday shades which no other brand in India usually does. I have always seen reds and pinks and oranges and I am so fed up of those. Pretty happy with the color range Nykaa offers each time!

What do you think? Your favourite shade?

Faces Ultime Pro Second Skin Foundation, Pressed Powder & New Matte Lip Crayons Review

Compact, Faces Cosmetics, Foundations, Lip Crayons, Lipsticks, Makeup, New Launches, Pressed Powder, Reviews, Swatches, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Faces Ultime Pro Second Skin Foundation, Pressed Powder & New Matte Lip Crayons Review

Hi guys,

So Faces recently added 11 new shades to their already 12 existing shades in Ultime Pro Matte Lip Crayons and I have 4 of them with me. There are some very pretty nudes and I have all 3 of their nudes.

Also they launched the Ultime Pro Primer, Second Skin Foundation and Pressed Powder. I have been using the second skin foundation and powder since quite some time now and here are my thoughts..

Claims: FACES Ultime Pro Second Skin Foundation with its new breakthrough color technology is an ultra-lightweight, liquid-to-powder formula that works like magic on your skin. A serum based foundation, it is super luxurious on your skin and has anti-ageing properties. It gives seamless adjustable coverage and a natural matte and velvety smooth finish that looks and feels like your own skin. As it melts into your skin like a serum, the result is a noticeably brighter more youthful appearance. Available in a unique packaging with a glass bottle and dropper, and in four shades of Ivory, Natural, Beige and Sand, FACES Ultime Pro Second Skin Foundation matches specifically with the Indian skin tone and comes with SPF 15.

MRP: Rs.1499/- for 30ml

Faces Ultime Pro Second Skin Pressed Powder

Claims: A powdery finish compact makeup, Faces Ultime Pro Second Skin Pressed Powder creates even-toned skin instantly, delivering natural finish to your skin. Step out confidently into the sun as Ultime Pro Second Skin Pressed powder comes with SPF 15 feature, protecting your skin throughout. With an incredibly luxurious texture, medium coverage and being light weight, it is perfect for your daily makeup. Choose your shade as this pressed powder comes in four different shades of Ivory, Natural, Beige and Sand.

MRP: Rs.899/- for 9g

Both the foundation and powder come in black and silver packaging, the packaging is very classy and nice. Especially the powder with the silver band at the center giving it an asymmetrical look.

I was pretty excited to try the foundation as it is serum based and very thin yet promises good coverage. It comes in a glass bottle with a dropper exactly like serums.

The foundation is very thin but not very runny like water. It spreads easily on the skin and I need just one drop to cover my entire face. You can always build it up and since it is very thin, it doesn’t look cakey at all anytime.

It blends really nicely with fingers without giving a streaky finish. In fact, I would suggest using fingers for this as the brush/blender would soak up some product and you anyway need very little product with this. You might need 1.5-2 drops if you use a brush or blender.

As you blend it through the skin, it gives a matte, powdery feel and evens out the skin tone really well. It gives a velvet matte finish as claimed and you wouldn’t even need to set it with powder. However for the very same reason, you need a rich, hydrating moisturizer underneath this or it will cling to all dry patches.

It has SPF 15 and is mineral oil free, hence non comedogenic and wouldn’t clog pores or break you out.

I love how just one little drop covers my entire face and gives medium coverage, it is full of pigment and covers pretty well. Though if you looking for full coverage, you will need an additional layer.

Since it is very thin and natural looking, it photographs really well. It doesn’t feel like foundation at all since it is super light weight and I am using it almost every day currently. Only reaching out for this foundation.

It is expensive though and also not very travel friendly coz of the glass bottle packaging. It would have been great if Faces had 2 more shades in this, since these 4 shades are not enough for all skin tones.

I have the shade ‘Natural’ and I was confused between Natural and Beige, thankfully Natural works perfect for me.

I have the pressed powder too in the shade ‘Natural’. I absolutely love the travel friendly and handy packaging.

The powder comes with a separate compartment on top for the puff and the steel like mirror finish on both the sides of the compartment, below the puff and in the 2nd compartment above the powder. The powder is very, very smooth and silky to touch and gives decent coverage. The coverage is good enough for people with fairly decent skin for everyday use. It mattifies the skin well, and still doesn’t feel dry.

One drop of the serum foundation and the pressed powder on top, and I am good to go with the base. That equals pretty good coverage.

Pressed Powder, Foundation both in ‘Natural’

I definitely recommend the powder, the price point is decent too. But again, more shades would have been better.

I would love to see a serum like concealer in this same Second Skin Range.

Coming to the new shades in the Faces Ultime Pro Matte Crayons, the packaging, pricing, etc. is the same. You can check the detailed review on these HERE.

MRP: Rs.799/- each

Pigmented and creamy, and give a nice matte finish. These are very comfortable to wear but will accentuate fine lines, so make sure you exfoliate and moisturize lips well as with all matte lip products.

Last time they launched many bright shades and I was longing for some nudes. And this time they have many nudes and I can’t be happier! 😀

I love the color coordinated packaging and they all come with a separate sharpener as well.

L-R: Pink Pout, Blushing Nude, Spiced Latte, Cashmere

I have the shades Pink Pout, Blushing Nude, Spiced Latte and Cashmere.

L-R: Pink Pout, Blushing Nude, Spiced Latte, Cashmere

Pink Pout is a neutral warm carrot pink, very everyday/wearable pink.

Blushing Nude is a dusty mauve

Spiced Latte is a cool toned brown

Cashmere is nude peachy brown, can see the peach in it compared to Spiced Latte

I absolutely love all four and especially the three nudes, I won’t be able to pick one favourite. Cashmere is a must have though, perfect everyday shade.

L-R: Pink Pout, Blushing Nude
L-R: Spiced Latte, Cashmere

They stay for almost the whole day with minimal fading, though they are not transfer proof but they don’t go transfer completely as they are matte.

I do recommend each of these three new launches, Faces Cosmetics is doing pretty good with all the new makeup launches.

What do you think of these new Faces launches? Your favourite?

Sivanna Colors Shining Star Shimmer Brick Review, How to Use, Where to Buy

Highlighters, Reviews, Shopping, Sivanna Colors, Swatches, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sivanna Colors Shining Star Shimmer Brick Review, How to Use, Where to Buy

By Sanchita

INTRODUCTION

Highlighters have becomes an addiction. No matter how many I have – be it in liquid form, stick or pressed or powder, all I want is that blinding glow on my face. The only thing missing from my collection was the infamous Shimmer Brick. Shimmer Brick is surely a multi-purpose product which can be used in various ways – like blush, bronzer, highlighter, eyeshadow, etc. I didn’t want to splurge on Bobbi Brown or Revlon in that case and decided to pick up the dupe in Sivanna Colors. Here’s my review on it and the various ways I use this Shining Star Shimmer Brick.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION – Be a radiant star by applying to cheek bones or light dusting all over.

  • High quality ingredients with silky glossy shine color.
  • Can be used as an eye shadow or blush when you swirl it together.
  • Best in class professional cosmetic brand.
  • Perfect for both professional use and personal use.

PRICE – Rs. 400 for 7g (Price varies from store to store)

MY REVIEW

The packaging is exactly like the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick. It comes in a matte black cardboard box with a transparent top which enables you to see the shades for yourself while purchasing. The Shimmer Brick is encased in a sleek glossy, sturdy black square box with a transparent lid. There are 5 rows of shimmery colors which you can use individually or swirled together. The packaging is very basic but not travel friendly as it has no mirror or applicator at all. Otherwise, it looks pretty decent.

When all the colors are swirled together, it gives a light warm bronze color which is perfect for highlighting the medium to dusky skin tones. You can also use the shades individually as per your choice. The single shades are as follows –

1. This is white gold color. When you blend it slightly, it looks like a beautiful champagne color and when blended even more, it turns golden.

2. It is a pale pinkish shimmery color. A great highlighter for pale to fair skin tones.

3. This is a light reddish shimmery bronze, which can be a shimmery bronzer for fair skin tones.

4. A warm shimmery champagne color. Great for highlighting warm skin tones.

5. A dark shimmery bronze color. This is the perfect highlight for deeper skin tones.

The pigmentation is surely commendable. I hardly require double swipe using this as a highlighter. The formula of the product is soft and has the creamy to powder kind of a touch.

Thus, the product is extremely soft to touch. It blends into the skin like a dream and the glow is unbeatable. It doesn’t feel chalky or gritty on the skin at all. The shimmers are slightly loud and this isn’t a highlighter for regular use unless you can use it sparingly. On the other hand, the highlighter is the perfect pick for night outs, events, bridal occasions and photography. It gives a blinding glow to the skin and works like a charm.

The staying power is also good. It stayed on me for around 5-6hours and the best thing is that, it never smears or transfers onto the full face and thus you won’t look like a disco ball. It is extremely easy to use and blends well. It is also easy to remove as well.

The 4 ways of using the highlighter –

1. As a shimmery eyeshadow. You get the option for 5 gorgeous shimmery shade.

2. As a bronzer for different skin ones.

3. Mix little bit of shimmer with moisturizer or liquid foundation to get that glowy skin. However, use it sparingly.

4. Dab the shimmery color of your choice on the lips to have the ‘metallic’ lips effect.

Where to buy –

Kolkata – New Market, Shop ray and Shahoo, B14

Delhi – Impressions, Karol Bagh

Instagram – Fashionstorm 321

WHAT I LIKED

  • Compact packaging.
  • Great dupe for Bobbi Brown/The Body Shop/Revlon
  • Multipurpose
  • Gives a blinding glow to the skin.
  • The shade 02 is best for medium to deeper skin tones.
  • Good color pay off.
  • Soft and smooth texture.
  • Blendable formula.
  • Good staying power.
  • Affordable.

WHAT I DISLIKED

  • Availability is an issue.
  • No mirror or applicator.
  • Excessive application will make you look like a disco ball.

RATING – 4.5/5

OVERALL – The Sivanna Color Shining Star Shimmer Brick is surely one of the most affordable and quality highlighter for beginners and those who doesn’t want to splurge. It has various uses and I would highly recommend the product for the quality it delivers.

Editor’s Note: This looks so good! Many of you have been asking for a highlighter below INR 500, I guess this is absolutely perfect!

DIY Vegan Hair Mask for Soft & Healthy Hair

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DIY Vegan Hair Mask for Soft & Healthy Hair

Guest Post by Louisa

We all know that eating foods which are rich in vitamins and minerals is essential to achieve healthy looking hair. But you can also give your strands a boost by applying natural fruits and oils on your hair. See how easy it is with my simple vegan hair mask.

As traditional shampoos contain harsh detergents and chemicals, I only use the best organic shampoos and conditioners to make sure I’m using gentle cleansing agents made with natural ingredients. This way I’m not undoing any of the goodness delivered by my hair mask treatment.

Avocado

Using avocado in a hair mask is a great way of infusing your hair and scalp with moisture. It has so many beneficial properties they are difficult to count, and include potassium, amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

If you’ve noticed any new hair takes a long time to grow, it could be due to a nutritional deficiency. Avocado is the perfect way to nourish hair cells, strengthen roots and encourage new hair growth.

Banana

Adding banana to a hair mask is a great way to rejuvenate your hair. They are as good for your hair as they are for you to eat, and can help soften hair and protect its natural elasticity.

Bananas deliver Vitamin A, B, C, E, potassium, zinc, iron and magnesium. These nutrients can help repair and condition hair, making it softer and more manageable, as well as helping to protect from damage caused by heat styling or harsh weather.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk has excellent moisturising properties, and acts as a natural detangler. It contains healthy fats which can be beneficial for stimulating hair growth, as well as repairing hair that feels dull or damaged.

Massaging coconut milk into your scalp can help improve blood circulation and promote healthier roots. It also has natural antifungal properties which can fight Malassezia, one of the main causes of dandruff.  

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the best multitasking hair care products around. It can help strengthen hair, condition your scalp and even stimulate new hair growth. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and lauric acid, and effectively penetrates the hair shaft to deliver these nutrients.

Applying coconut oil before exposing your hair to heat or chemical treatments can help protect it from drying out, and also acts as a natural sunscreen. It’s the perfect ingredient to use in a moisturising hair mask, and will make it easier to brush out any tangles and control frizz.

Olive Oil

Olive oil contains oleic acid, palmitic acid and squalene, which are natural emollients with softening qualities. Many products contain synthetic versions of emollients, but they aren’t as effective in penetrating the hair shaft to help retain natural moisture.

Undernourished hair can be hard to style, and often breaks when you’re trying to work through tangles. Olive oil can smooth cuticles and split ends, which helps to reduce frizz and makes hair more manageable.

Ingredients

– 1/2 Avocado

– 1/2 Banana

– 50 ml Coconut Milk

– 2 tbsp Coconut Oil

– 1 tbsp Olive Oil

Method

Blend all the ingredients together until you have a very smooth mixture. This will make it easier to spread throughout your hair, and won’t leave any annoying clumps behind when you wash it out later.

Apply the mixture all over your hair and scalp, making sure your skin is saturated so it can benefit from all the essential nutrients. As the ends of your hair are driest, you can start at the tips and work your way up.

Leave the hair mask on for 15 to 20 minutes. You can put a towel over your shoulders to avoid getting messy, and then use a shower cap to avoid any dripping.

Wash your hair with a natural shampoo, making sure you thoroughly rinse out the mixture. It’s best to use lukewarm water to protect your skin’s natural oils, and seal in its moisture.

You can use your usual conditioner as well, and your strands should feel soft and easy to detangle. By infusing it with protein, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids, you should have noticeably healthier looking hair.

About The Author: Louisa Rose is from Cologne, Germany. She runs Body Health Love, where she blogs about health and beauty advice for young women.

Top Natural Face Serums in India, Prices, Buy Online

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Top Natural Face Serums in India, Prices, Buy Online

By Nidhal

Given the amount of pollution, grime, grunge and contaminants our skin is subjected to on a quotidian basis, smearing a chemical-laden cream/lotion/moisturizer would exacerbate the fettle of our skin. That’s truism, duh! Even opting for a chemical-free cream/lotion/moisturiser 24*7 may not be the sanest of choices if one has oily/acne-prone skin.

Going minimalist by zeroing in on a facial serum which does away the need to spruce one’s face every now and then, seems a viable option, doesn’t it? On that note, given the torrent of facial serums inundating the markets today, you can steer clear of them and instead opt for the following chemical-free all-natural facial serums to satiate the needs of your skin!

1. Khandige Organics Kumkumadi Tailam – Operating from Electronic City of India aka Bengaluru, Khandige Organics has certificates in galore under its belt to boast off. Offering not just cosmetic products which presently span over hair oils (such as- Bhringamalkadi Tail, Doorvadi Oil, etc) and a kumkumadi face serum, you can unleash the conscious foodie in you while checking out their enticing range of edibles such as- Chawanprash, Ashvagandha Rasayana, Brahmi Rasayana, Amlaki Rasayna, so on and so forth.

The Kumkumadi Tailam from Khandige’s range is by far, the most budget-friendly oil in India given its efficacy. With a deep orange hue that works wonders for Indian skin shades, a month long use is bound to clear one’s complexion notably provided you don’t suffer from serious skin infections. A subtle aroma lulls you into a good night’s sleep while the awe-inspiring ingredients in it work their magic. Felicitous for use by all skin types, it is free from fillers, chemicals and preservatives of any kind. Formulated with pure saffron, this luxurious oil helps in smoothening out fine lines and fading spots/blemishes overtime. An indispensable beauty treatment to indulge in, one needs to give it a shot for sure!

PRICE- 375/- INR for 50ml (Buy HERE)

2. Tarika Night Oil Saffron- One may run out of reasons on why Tarika Ayurlabs is inimitable but all those reasons even when clubbed won’t do justice to how efficacious, ethereal and addictive their all-natural, chemical and toxin-free products are! Operating from the picture-perfect Pondicherry, years of experience, and hours of single-minded dedication as well as brainstorming on how to blend and what to blend go into the preparation of each of their product.

Coming to their facial serums which are offered in four variants at present namely- rose, lavender, saffron and jasmine, it is Tarika Night Oil Saffron that swept me off my feet. Thanks to the timely recommendations by the team that runs this toxin-free brand, I tweaked my skin care regimen and could see the results within a week! Isn’t it incredulous?

Healthy, luminous and clearer skin vis-à- vis what it was a week ago, I need to say this that I would kill for another bottle of this magical elixir! It is truly praiseworthy. That said, let me clear the air that my skin care regimen has been completely free from chemicals for years, so it is tacit that I would note results sooner vis-à- vis a person who loads chemicals on their face/neck.

All in all, the bottom line is that this brand has churned out yet another winner (something they have a habit of doing) and deserves hats to be doffed at it for treating us to quality- products. Kudos!

PRICE- 695/- INR for 30ml (Buy HERE)

3. Brown Boi’s Jojoba oil- To all those getting confounded with each passing minute thinking what to add to your shopping carts head to Brown Boi! A leading essential oil manufacturer, this vibrant enterprise may be the youngest kid on the block (merely a few months old!) but it has in itself to give all the big fishes a run for their money. Offering pure therapeutic grade essential oils, their range of carrier oils- all cold-pressed and packed aesthetically, are a sight to behold (as well as covet).

The simplest of all, Brown Boi’s Jojoba oil is ‘Food for Your Skin’. Overflowing with Vitamins B and E, it helps lighten dark spots and minimize the appearance of pores. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help fight dandruff, dry skin, acne and wrinkles. Obtained via the cold-pressing of jojoba nuts, it has a thick consistency and an uplifting aroma. Ideal for use by all skin types and also in DIY preparations/remedies, it is the simplest, most no-nonsense and soothing face elixir you can envisage. Add essential oils from the same brand or use it individually, with Brown Boi in your beauty arsenal, your skin is going to be pampered to the hilt! Bask in its virtues. Psss…It won’t cost you an arm and a leg too.

Price- 199/- INR for 10ml, 249/- INR for 15ml and 399/- INR for 30ml (Buy HERE)

4. Inatur Herbals’ Kumkumadi Tailam – Incepted in 2007 by Ms. Pooja Nagdev, a cosmetologist and an Ayurveda expert, Inatur Herbals (pronounced INA-TUR) is on our list. In its inimitable name, I stands for Innovation and NATUR stands for Nature. NATUR in Spanish also means nature. Offering Silicones, Parabens, Phthalates, harmful or synthetic fragrances-free and GMP/ISO & HALAL certified products, their eclectic range is expanding and that simply gives your skin and hair, reasons to get exhilarated. The aroma of their enticing products is based on pure essential oils.

Coming to their range, the one that caught my fancy was Inatur Herbals’ Kumkumadi Tailam. The 100% natural formulation sinks effortlessly into your skin (given that you massage it well which is a no-brainer), soothes dry patches and leaves your skin well-moisturised for long. It goes without saying that luminous skin can be eagerly anticipated by you once you devote your time and effort to this miraculous oil. Application every night for at least a fortnight will certainly leave your singing paeans in its honour. It is not at all greasy, travel friendly and comes with an easy to use dropper bottle. It can be used directly on the skin (3-4 drops) or mixed with cream/lotion. A unisex beauty oil available readily on Flipkart, Myntra, Nykaa, Purplle, Voonik, MSM, Firstcry, Paytm, Shopclues, Homeshop, Big Basket, etc. it wins my vote of approval.

PRICE- 800/- INR for 12ml (Buy HERE)

5. BLUE NECTAR- As much as their aesthetically-packed products may entice us, we cannot turn a blind eye to how efficacious their deftly and assiduously crafted products are! Offering luxurious hair oils, relaxing body massage oils and nourishing facial serums- all of which are based on Ayurvedic principles, Blue Nectar is here to sweep you off your feet.

Coming to the facial serum from their tempting range, the one that became the apple of my eyes instantaneously was Blue Nectar’s Kumkumadi Serum. For those who have a predilection for relying on our ancient recipes as far as skin care is concerned, Blue Nectar picks up the gauntlet to package and present an ancient Ayurvedic formulation in a contemporary way. Their kumkumadi serum sends you into an illusory world where your olfactory senses are well taken care of, rather I should say cast a spell over and your skin, pampered to the hilt. An inimitable blend of herbs and oils to keep one’s skin youthful and vibrant, it works effortlessly to minimise fine lines. With the mantra of ‘A little goes a long way’ being the cornerstone of their kumkumadi tailam/serum, do not repine for a single bottle needs to be used sparingly.

PRICE- 795/- INR for 10ml (Buy HERE)

Editor’s Note: These are some very interesting finds Nidhal, will definitely try few of them.

Have you tried any of these natural serums/oils?

Chambor Powder Matte Lipstick Review, Swatches

Chambor, Lipsticks, Makeup, Reviews, Swatches, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Chambor Powder Matte Lipstick Review, Swatches

By Nidhal

What are some ingredients to make a diva? Unbridled confidence, acceptance of one’s imperfections, belief in oneself, a ‘Never say Never’ attitude, an aura of mystique and a Chambor lipstick! Okay, the first five surely are needed but can we say the same about the last one? Well, that is exactly what we will know by the end of this write-up.

While lip balms are an instant go-to fix for every occasion be it-a casual day out with one’s pals, a day earmarked for making our credit card cry (read: shopping) and even while sleeping, yet lipstick haven’t lost their charm, have they? They spruce up your glam quotient by leaps and bounds. So, in line with that thought, I grabbed CHAMBOR POWDER MATTE LIPSTICK 166 CORAL ROSE. Let’s prepare its report card today.

PRICE- 595/- INR for 4.5g

DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Swipe on your lips as often as desired

INGREDIENTS- Not mentioned anywhere

WHAT IT CLAIMS- An Innovative Formulated Lipstick which has both Moisturizer + Matte Effect in it. Powder Matte Lipsticks have a Non-Drying Triple Action Formula which: Bright bold perfectly matte. This unique powder matte lipstick provides high impact payoff; an ultra pigmented long wearing vitamin enriched formula glides on effortlessly with comfortable wear. Long wearing application.

MY EXPERIENCE-

The packaging of CHAMBOR POWDER MATTE LIPSTICK 166 CORAL ROSE is effortlessly chic. Not only is it sturdy but also hygienic to use. It comes in a typical lipstick package with the main product ensconced in a retractable tube. The colour is what took me by surprise. It looks fairly deep and dark in the picture but is relatively light on application.

One swipe and you get a natural flush of ‘pink meets red’ hue. Multiple swipes and the intensity increases. It looks natural on pink lips and on those lips with a little pigmentation but for those with highly pigmented lips, it doesn’t conceal it completely. Better bid farewell to the pigmentation by scrubbing it with lemon slices overtime and then, swipe this lipstick. Coming back to the lipstick, it has a very smooth texture and spread effortlessly as you glide it on your luscious lips. It lasts a good 4.5-5 hours on average but needs retouch post heavy meals.

On the flipside, I feel that it sucks moisture off my lips as my lips look dry and even feel so after a few hours of application. To combat that, I suggest applying a thin coat of any organic lip balm that would work to battle dryness while the lipstick would amp up your glam quotient. After all, there is no point in tarting oneself at the cost of turning a blind eye to our lips’ health.

Another flea in the ointment for me is that its ingredients’ list hasn’t been provided. Had it been organic, the brand would’ve left no stone unturned in marketing it as a Holy Grail lipstick for ladies out there but since its ingredients’ list hasn’t been furnished, I doubt its composition. Barring these two factors, it is a good investment. Works wonders to transform all the Plain Janes out there into Black Widows (okay, I admit Black widow isn’t the perfect example but she’s sultry and I have a soft corner for her) 🙂

PROS-

1. Good staying power

2. Prepossessing tint. Can be increased with multiple swipes.

3. Hides slightly pigmented lips.

4. Available easily these days. In the age of online shopping, we really can’t complain much, can we?

5. Good packaging

CONS-

1. Ingredients’ list is not furnished which raises concerns about its composition.

2. Dries out lips within a few hours of application. Using a lip balm underneath is recommended to prevent dryness.

3. Retouch is needed post heavy meals.

RATING- 4/5

Editor’s Note: That’s a very pretty shade Nidhal.

Have you tried the Chambor Powder Matte Lipsticks?

Shaving vs. Other Methods of Hair Removal

Gillette, Hair Removal, Shaving, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Shaving vs. Other Methods of Hair Removal

Hi guys,

If you have been following my blog since quite some time now, you know how I am a fan of shaving and I have done quite a few posts on the correct method of shaving and on Gillette Venus razor in particular. I absolutely love it and I feel it’s one of the best razors in India currently.

A lot of you ask me why shaving, why not waxing or hair removal creams or any other method. So today I am discussing the pros and cons of all methods of hair removal and why I prefer shaving against all of those.

Shaving vs. Waxing

The most common question and the most frequently asked. The only advantage of waxing is you need to do it once in a month as the hair is uprooted from the roots and it takes time to grow back. And that also is the only disadvantage of shaving that it needs to be done once in 5-6 days. But other than this, everything else in favour of shaving. Shaving can be done anytime, anywhere and you don’t need any appointment at salon or anyone’s help in shaving. It is also much more economical and the main thing is shaving is painless! Waxing is very painful, the heat plus the pulling of hair from the roots is not easy to bear. Especially if you have sensitive skin like me, I get huge red bumps and they stay for 2 days and itch a lot! The white hair follicles from the roots come out from the pores of my skin each time and if I don’t use an astringent to close my pores, I get pus filled painful bumps from waxing and epilating. I am so thankful to be away from all that, shaving has literally changed my life (skin!)

Shaving vs. Epilating

Now the 2nd advantage of shaving was it can be done anytime, anywhere and on your own. Same goes for epilation. But the same disadvantage of uprooting hair from the roots applied to epilating too. It is again very painful and you have to do one area at a time, hence it is time consuming plus epilator covers less area and you have to bear the pain for a much longer time. I get red bumps and itchiness with epilating too, thanks to my sensitive skin. I have hardly epilated a few times in my life and it has been painful. It takes a lot of time for your body and skin to get used to epilation.

Shaving vs. Hair Removal Creams

Hair Removal creams seem like a convenient option on the face of it, but they are the worst in my opinion. I couldn’t wax due to my sensitive skin for almost 2-3 years and I used hair removal creams as I had not started shaving then. This was years ago when I was in college. I still repent that decision, the chemicals in hair removal creams are not very good for the skin and they also darken the skin. Again it’s temporary and the hair grows back in 5-6 days and you have to keep on using those creams, in turn harming the skin.

Shaving vs. Laser

Now laser is permanent and we all would love the permanent option. But it is laser hair reduction and not laser hair removal. Your hair don’t stop growing at all, they just reduce in number plus the growth process is slower. Biggest disadvantage, laser is super expensive! And you need 6-8 minimum laser sessions plus lifetime maintenance sessions. Each session should have a gap of at least a month and 2 months towards the end sessions for the hair to grow. So again it’s time consuming. Also it is painful too, as each hair follicle is burnt with the laser light.

Biggest advantage of shaving compared to all of these methods of hair removal is, it is painless! Also it is the most economical, one razor lasts you forever, you just need to buy new cartridges.

So if you compare all methods of hair removal in a crux, shaving wins hands down! Currently I have got a fracture on my right leg and I can’t go anywhere. I can’t have hairy legs as I have to show my legs to the doctors for swelling, etc. all the time and also I am pretty much in shorts as it’s more convenient and there are no chances of tripping. My Gillette Venus razor has been so helpful in this time, I have only been shaving as usual.

You can buy the Gillette Venus All in One Pack HERE which has a razor, changeable cartridges and the Satin Care Shaving Gel.

What do you feel about shaving?