Tag Archives: Indian makeup and beauty blog

How to Fight Under-Eye Discoloration Naturally?, Beauty Tips, Dark Circles Cure

How to Fight Under-Eye Discoloration Naturally?

How to Fight Under-Eye Discoloration Naturally?

By Nidhal

Eyes are the windows to one’s heart. So true! But they are a lot more than that. They are also indicators of your health. Given the kind of lifestyles we all are living, we frequently tend to cross paths with dark circles, patchiness, discoloration, puffy eyes and what not. The first stage is of denial when we see signs of these pesky woes. Conveniently and more aptly sceptically we wring up our hands in disbelief brushing aside those signs.

A few more days roll by and then those signs begin drawing unwanted attention for people point it out. That sends the ‘Oh-No- Something’s-Wrong’ flag soaring high. Petrified, we wade across over-the-counter measures and what not to allay them but more often than not, such products do not throw positive results. Disappointed, we fall into a whirlpool of pessimism. But hey, worry not. We have a treasure trove of pocket-friendly recipes-none invasive, painful or costing you an arm and a leg at your disposal that’ll leave you heaving a sigh of respite.

1. MALAI/MILK CREAM- Milk has great lightening abilities for the skin and can be a very affordable option for dealing with dark circles under the eyes, which can have great results. Milk cream is a derivative of milk. Being a powerhouse of fats, malai is what you need if you suffer from under-eye discoloration.

PROCEDURE- Simply dab and massage a tbsp. of fresh milk cream using your ring finger (for it is the gentlest in massaging) carefully on your under-eye area. Do not let it enter your eyes. If it does, wash off immediately. That’s it. Sleep with it. In the morning, you can wash it off. Let it work its magic overnight. Continue every night for at least a week. It shows results and how! I vouch for this method provided it is followed painstakingly and regularly. And yes, it softens the area too. Double-whammy, did I hear you say that?

2. ALMOND OIL- Here comes the weapon that has been relied upon since times immemorial to banish those dark circles- Almond oil. Shouldn’t there have been drumrolls in the background as I introduced it?

Coming to its virtues, almond oil is anti-inflammatory, thus it reduces puffy bags under the eyes and dark circles. It is a good source of vitamin K, which improves clotting, reducing discoloration under the eyes.

PROCEDURE- Application is simple. Simply slather and massage the under-eye area with almond oil (few drops) every night dedicatedly without fail for at least a fortnight. Sleep with it and let your skin repair itself overnight.

3. EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL- If almond oil has made an appearance on this list, can EVOO (Extra virgin olive oil) stay far behind? EVOO is the best grade of olive oil for it is least processed and contains maximum nutrition. It comes in glass bottles and is higher than all other variants. It works wonders in allaying wrinkles. Ladies approaching their twilight years can still shed a few years of age off their skin with the help of this wonder oil.

PROCEDURE- Massage a few drops of it on your under-eye area. Please note that massaging is important. That is what matters else the oil will merely sit on your skin and not nourish it the way you want to. Do this every night for 5 minutes gently for at least a fortnight. You will be spellbound with the positive turn of events.

4. GREEN TEA BAGS- Packed with a number of antioxidants, green tea helps banish dark circles and keeps them at bay for as long as you continue sipping (or as I do, gulping) it.

PROCEDURE- Put two green tea bags in the refrigerator for at least an hour. After that, keep them on your eyes. It’s alright if it’s not entirely on your under-eyes. It nourishes eyelashes too so, you have the best of both worlds there.

5. CUCUMBER JUICE- Not only is the cool cucumber (you surely would have heard the phrase ‘as cool as a cucumber’) rich in vitamins and minerals which helps to hydrate, nourish and tone skin, but also brighten the under eye area, so that you can say ‘good bye’ to those pesky dark circles permanently. What needs to be done?

PROCEDURE- Mince a cucumber into a few slices. Actually, two would do. Freeze them for half an hour and then, keep them on your eyes. Bid farewell to all those woes pertaining to your under-eye area.

Editor’s Note: Those are fab tips Nidhal. I swear by almond oil, I am currently using the Cold Pressed Sweet Almond Oil and 3 drops are more than enough! Also just wanted to add, be careful when using the oil, make sure you don’t go too close to the eyes or it doesn’t enter inside, it kind of blurs vision for the entire night :/ Also I recommend the Rogan Badam Shirin, it’s the most economical and easily available option when it comes to purity.

Image Sources: 1,2,3,4,5

Have you tried any of these for under-eye discoloration? What do you swear by?

Top 10 PAC Cosmetics Products Available in India, Prices, Buy Online

Top 10 PAC Cosmetics Products Available in India, Prices, Buy Online

By Sanchita

PAC is brand which I first saw on this blog itself and I loved the way Bhumika reviewed the Beauty Blender sponge which looked exactly like the Original Beauty Blender sponge. Ever since that I have been following the brand on Instagram and I love the new launches they are into. Most of the time the products turned out to be an excellent ones from various bloggers and experts across India and in fact, their products are also very high in demand. I believe they have a store in Andheri, Mumbai where you can easily access all the products and apart from that, the brushes are available on Flipkart and many other products are also on Amazon India. The only thing I don’t like is that I have to pay shipping charges for each and every product and the product are of very limited availability. The quality is impeccable which is why I really think they should expand the branches and make it more easily available for us. Another thing I would like point out is that their products are very different and something which won’t get in the Indian market easily.

So, let’s get on with the list.

1. PAC Beauty Blender Sponges – Pink Sponge (485 INR) Black Combo (745 INR) Mini Blenders (285 & 385 INR) (Buy HERE & HERE)

This is one of their bestselling product and a very close dupe of the Original Beauty Blender sponge. It is red and black in color. They also have quite a variety when it comes to sizes. Firstly, the big sponges have two variants – one with the tear drop shape and the other with the RT sponge shape. Also, the mini sponges are available in two variants as well. They have soft in texture and bloat in size when you squeeze under tap water. However, Bhumika has already updated that sponges are to be dealt very carefully as too much roughness will tear it out easily. It blends smoothly without absorbing too much product and a great option if you don’t want to invest on the expensive Original Beauty Blender.

2. PAC Brushes and Master Stroke Brushes (Price varies from product to product) (Buy HERE)

Brushes are as important as good quality makeup and I absolutely adore the collection they have. Most importantly the range is huge – from eye brushes, lip and face brushes, they have it all. Most of the brushes are also a close dupe of MAC brushes (which will cost you a fortune!) and the quality is no less. They have soft bristles, properly trimmed and blends everything like a dream. Also, they have a whole collection of Master Stroke brushes, which are available as a set and also individually. These brushes are the dupe of Artis Oval brushes and the bristles are smooth and soft like a dream. Overall, the brushes of PAC are the best investment for makeup tools.

3. PAC Eyeshadows (250-350 INR) (Buy HERE)

There are very few Indian brands which has single eyeshadows and also the variety of colors are insufficient and incompetent compared to the MAC ones or Makeup Geek. However, PAC has these single eyeshadow refills (which you can easily put it in a magnet palette and make your customized eye palette) available in a very affordable price tag. These have shimmery, frosty, pigment and matte finish along with good pigmentation and smooth blending ability for a great eye makeup look. The wear time is also nice. It is great for beginners as well as professionals.

4. PAC Lip Pots – 485 INR (Buy HERE)

These are the little lip pots which comes in small tub like packaging. The packaging includes a lip brush which will help you to apply the lips colors properly and you won’t have to use your fingers. They glide on the lips very easily and the texture is smooth and creamy. It gives a satin matte finish to the lips a very comfortable to wear for dry lips. It lasts quite long on the lips. The colors don’t fade too much or feather or bleed at all. The only thing is that it transfers slightly.

5. PAC Long-Lasting Kohl Pencil – 350 INR (Buy HERE)

The Long-Lasting Kohl Pencil has a sharpenable functionality with a smudger at the end. It has a super pigmented feature, creamy texture that glides on the eyes very easily. It gives a rich pigmented layer with a couple of strokes and great for regular kohled eye or smoky look. It doesn’t smear and hardly smudges. The kohl has a very good lasting power, around 6-7 hours with minimal fading. For the price, it is surely cost effective.

6. PAC 2 Way Big Eye Mascara – 595 INR

The PAC 2 Way Big Eye Mascara is surely an innovative one at that. It is a dual ended mascara with a slimmer wand for lower lashes and bigger one for upper lashes. It gets the job does quicker, better and easier. It adds both length and volume which is surely a great one. It hold the curls well and the unique design of the bristles help the lashes a lot. It is surely one of the best mascaras in this price and great for everyday wear.

7. PAC Eye Lashes – 165 INR (Buy HERE)

PAC has an array of Eye Lashes which is surely something to look forward to. The eye lashes look very natural yet dramatic enough to perk up your eye makeup look. They are very much reusable with a little care and carefulness. The eyelashes are very affordable and the bristles are soft. Overall, these are one of the must haves.

8. PAC Intense Duo Eyeliner Pencil – 585 INR (Buy HERE)

PAC Intense Duo Eyeliner Pencil comes in an attractive silver pencil with the retractable functionality. The texture of the pencil is extremely creamy and smooth which glides on the eyes like butter. This is surely a versatile product as you can easily use this an eyeliner and kajal. The finish is satin matte and the pigmentation is surely one of the best for the price range. The black color is rich and dark for an intense look. The staying power is also impressive.

9. PAC Studio Finish Primer – 885 INR (Buy HERE)

This Studio Finish Primer is a silicon based primer which has a thin clear gel like texture. It goes on the skin very smooth with its light weight formula. The weightless texture doesn’t feel oily or sticky at all and blends wonderfully into the skin. It also blurs out the pores as well. It helps the base makeup to go on very smoothly without any creasing for a good amount of time. The primer would suit bot dry and oily skin.

10. PAC Color Lock Long Lasting Lip Liner – 385 INR (Buy HERE)

PAC Color Lock Long Lasting Lip Liner has a sharpenable functionality with a beautiful texture. It is extremely creamy which doesn’t tug or pull at all and glides well on lips. it is better to exfoliate the lips beforehand. The pigmentation of the colors are impeccable and gives a beautiful matte finish which is comfortable to wear. They are long lasting, prevents bleeding or feathering of lip color and well-priced as well. The only con is that the shade range has too many reds and no other colors.

Editor’s Note: I liked the pink blender when I first used it, but it tore in first wash which I updated in the blog post. Also when I tried YBP, I realized YBP was much better! But double the price, so in the price range of INR 500, this is surely good. I haven’t tried their duo sponge pack yet. Neither any of the eye shadows or eye lashes. Love some of their makeup brushes, really good! You missed their Eyeliner Pen, which is my absolute favourite

Have you tried PAC? What is your favourite?

New Luxury Beauty Box: VanityCask | Review & Unboxing

New Luxury Beauty Box: VanityCask | Review & Unboxing

Hi guys,

I have come across a new luxury beauty box in the market which is VanityCask. I tried their skincare box this month and here are my thoughts..

About: VanityCask is a beauty box that gets delivered to your home periodically. It contains samples of luxury beauty brands, handpicked by experts, to suit Indians. Our first box, for example, contains 5 skincare samples from international brands such as Clinque, Vichy, Votre, Kama and Thalgo.

MRP: Rs.999/- per box (Buy HERE)

This is their first skincare box, next they are coming up with haircare and bath & body box.

It comes in a sleek, black box packaging with a magnetic fold. They have their logo in pink on top. The box is quite sturdy and nice, the contents inside are in a pink cloth tie up bag.

Products I got:

  • Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream
  • Kama Ayurveda Rejuvenating & Brightening Night Cream
  • Thalgo Ultra Hydra Marine Mask
  • Votre Absolute Hydration Moisturizer
  • Vichy Capital Soleil SPF50 Sunscreen

Now I like the fact that they have not included sachets, but good decent sized samples. Especially Clinique & Votre are very good sizes. Even Kama Ayurveda night cream is pretty decent size. I would have liked 2-3 more tubes of Thalgo and Vichy though.

The box comes with a booklet which has more details about each box, including the key ingredients and directions to use. Also they have a few offers at the end, like this time they have the Anjali Mukherjee’s Rs.1000 voucher.

They claim to have luxury beauty brands only and each box will have 5 items. So that’s a plus point, as we know there would be no unknown brand and 5 items for sure.

I would have liked the price to be Rs.800-850 though, as Rs.999/- is a little expensive, but if I get a few more tubes of each sample, then I guess it’s fine. Also if they come up with a luxury makeup box, then I definitely don’t mind Rs.999/-. I hope soon 😀

Things I liked:

  • Decent sized samples
  • All luxury brands
  • Free Shipping & Payment on Delivery
  • Assured 5 items
  • Discounts & offers
  • Detailed booklet

Things that could be better:

  • Priced a little lower
  • More quantity of smaller tubes

Overall, I would say it’s a nice box to try if you love luxury beauty brands and would like to try more samples first, before investing in full sized products. Especially for people who don’t live in metro cities and do not have easy access to the stores to go and check out the testers or get samples. Now you can sit at home and try out these luxury beauty samples, and then order the full sized online, if the product works for you.

Have you heard of VanityCask? What do you think?

October 2016 Fab Bag Review & Unboxing

October 2016 Fab Bag Review & Unboxing

Hi guys,

I just got the October Fab Bag and recorded a video, here is the unboxing and a small review..

Read my previous Fab Bag reviews:

MRP: Rs.599/- per month (Buy HERE)

It’s the Festive/Diwali edition and the bag was a metallic gold clutch this time. I like the clutch but I wish the quality was a little better and it was stiffer.

Products I got:

  • CAL Finish Up Compact C02: INR 650
  • Votre Lip Gel Scrub (10g): INR 300
  • Kaya Brightening Serum (5ml): INR 1490 for 30ml
  • Vedaearth Cleansing Facial Oil: INR 350
  • Stay Quirky Nail Polish: INR 165 for 6ml

Total value of the products: INR 1715

I am quite happy with the CAL full sized compact and cleansing oil. Also liked the serum and nail paint, not a fan of the smell of the gel lip scrub, though I would use it. I hope the smell doesn’t bother much.

Overall, pretty decent bag. You can pick any makeup product of your choice, I went with the compact. Recommend this month’s Fab Bag.

Did you get your October Fab Bag? What did you pick?

Himalaya Herbals Tan Removal Orange Peel-Off Mask Review

Himalaya Herbals Tan Removal Orange Peel-Off Mask Review

Hi guys,

If you follow me on social media, you would have seen this summer kit I got from Himalaya Herbals few days ago including this Orange Peel-Off Mask. I have used something like that ages ago, so I was quite excited to try it again as peel-off masks are fun! 😀

So here are my thoughts on it..

Claims: Himalaya Tan Removal Orange Peel-Off Mask is an effective blend of the natural skin lightening extracts of Orange Peel and Honey which help reduce skin tan from the very first use. Orange Peel works to control melanin synthesis with the peeling action helping to remove skin tan and lightening the skin tone. Honey soothes and moisturizes skin.

Key ingredients:

Orange Peel effectively lightens skin tone and can be very beneficial as it eliminates excess facial oil without damaging the skin. The Vitamin C and antioxidants present in Orange Peel work collectively to provide even-textured skin while acting as natural cleansers.

Honey contains superior antibacterial, probiotic, and healing properties and is extremely nourishing and hydrating.

Directions for use: Apply Himalaya Tan Removal Orange Peel-Off Mask evenly over cleansed face and neck, avoiding the area around the eyes. Allow the mask to dry for 10-15 minutes. Gently remove the peel from the side of the face. Use once or twice a week, based on skin type. Do not apply on broken or inflamed skin.

A patch test is recommended before using on the face for the first time. Apply the mask in a 2×2 cm area on the inside of the hand below the wrist 24 hours before facial application. Follow the directions for use to ensure skin tolerance.

Ingredients:

MRP: Rs.130/- for 100g (Buy HERE)

It comes in a standard Himalaya Herbals white tube packaging with a green flip cap. The smaller 50g tube is very handy and travel friendly.

It has a prominent orange citrusy smell and looks and feels like a gel. Though it is slightly tacky and dries pretty fast, so be quick in application. You need a very thin layer and it glides on the skin easily.

It dries completely in about 10-15 minutes (thin layer 10 minutes, a little thick 15 minutes), and then comes the fun peeling part. Be mindful of the mask completely drying or else it won’t peel off.

Orange peel is full of Vitamin C which not helps in giving healthy, plump skin but also helps in fading scars with time and evening out the skin. Honey is anti-bacterial, so helps against acne and also moisturizes the skin. The peel-off action basically removes all dead skin cells, and hence with gradual use, removes tan.

Also peeling off helps in blood circulation on the face coz of slight stretch and that gives a nice flush/glow on the skin.

Skin feels fresh, glowing but matte, post the mask. It does not crave moisturizer.

I love using peel-off masks and currently enjoying this. It will help in getting rid of tan with regular use i.e. about twice a week. Recommend this 🙂

Have you tried any peel-off masks? Which is your favourite?

Grab these spices from your kitchen to whip skin recipes

Grab these spices from your kitchen to whip skin recipes

By Nidhal

“What goes on your skin, goes in your skin” is the mantra that we Indians swear by when it comes to skin care. Naturally, we believe in ‘feeding’ in our skin. And since nutrition is best derived in its unprocessed, raw and virgin state from nature with minimal processing, it is small wonder that we Indians nourish our skin to the bounties of nuts, fruits, herbs and everything natural!

On that note, let’s give all Non-Indians a sneak-peak into the spices that Indians incorporate into their skin care regimen. Sounds a good idea or should we better keep our treasure trove well-guarded? Let us be benevolent for a moment and spill the beans today.

1. TURMERIC- I am pretty sure there’d be hardly any Indian mother who wouldn’t have prepared/recommended/forcefully slapped a mask predominantly yellow in colour on their kid’s face while the poor child would’ve either succumbed to her persuasion or hid himself/herself to avoid being daubed that weird-looking and (apparently) unpleasant-smelling mask. Ask any Indian mother on the virtues of turmeric and brace yourself for information will flow at a pace that even Google would hide in shame!

Let me summarize why turmeric is our go-to spice. Turmeric helps one bid adieu to skin hazards such as acne, wrinkles, fine-lines and imparts a bright skin tone. Face packs made up of turmeric not only help to clear acne scars and inflammation, but also diminish excessive oil secretion by the sebaceous glands. It should then not come as a surprise that, Hindu weddings have a ceremony devoted to haldi application in order to impart a winsome glow to the bride as well as groom’s face.

A word of caution from my side. Please use either Amba Haldi or kasthoori manjal/haldi only for skin care. They are exclusively meant for skin care. The one in your masala daani is meant for pakoras not packs. Kasthoori haldi/manjal (whatever you prefer to call it) can be easily purchased online. I would recommend Dhathri’s Kasthoori manjal that is, priced at 25 INR for 50 grams.

2. CLOVES- In order to incorporate cloves in one’s beauty regimen, one has to invest in clove oil for that is how its bounties are harnessed. Clove is highly potent for obviating acne and removal of scars left by the same. It is to be applied topically to the affected areas. It is often blended with face packs or massage creams for application on the skin. It gives a tingling sensation when applied. The reason behind this tingling sensation is the potent nature of clove oil.

Skin woes, such as blackheads, whiteheads, scarring, pimples and scaly skin are signs that characterize the skin ailment known as acne. Acne commonly happens during adolescence due to hormonal imbalance. So, if you’re pestered by acne, ditch those over-the- counter medicines and invest in an organic brand of clove oil or you can crush some cloves, add a heaped tbsp. of besan and rose water and voila! Bid adieu to this pesky skin woe!

3. CINNAMON- Next comes the saviour of acne-prone skin. It is tingling but boy, it is effective to the hilt. Cinnamon (Dalchini in Hindi) delivers fantastically when it comes to speeding blood circulation which makes your skin breathe thereby removing acne. This is done by drying the skin and bringing blood and oxygen to the outer skin surface. Thanks to its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, cinnamon helps enhance one’s complexion.

However, please always use only a pinch (one-eighth a tbsp.) of cinnamon as a little over that can sting your skin excruciatingly. Personal experience corroborates this. So, do not go overboard 🙂 Just add a pinch of it to all your face masks and you will be good to go.

4. GINGER- Being a potent antiseptic and cleansing agent, ginger helps in keeping the skin clean, smooth and free of blemishes. Besides that, it also invigorates and stimulates one’s skin. It is the best natural acne-fighting weapon as it minimizes the rate of acne formation and eruption by killing and clearing the acne-causing bacteria. Acne-prone ladies, did I see your eyes dilate on discovering the perfect weapon to kick away those acne scars?

The next time you go grocery shopping, you have your reasons to add ginger to your shopping cart, right? Do not just brew it in your tea, let your skin savour its virtues externally too 🙂

5. SAFFRON- Now, comes the spice from the Northern corner of our country which we fondly call ‘Heaven on Earth’- Kashmir. Although this spice is going to be a bit straining for your pockets, yet its beauty benefits will compel you to turn a blind eye to its price at least once. Okay, enough of this ‘Guess my name’ game.

The spice I am talking about is kesar and this is an elixir for our skin. Is there seriously anything that this wonder spice doesn’t do? From imparting an enviable glow to one’s complexion to treating acne, blemishes and blackheads thanks to its anti-fungal content, from softening skin to making it supple, this spice is a must-have (at least 1 gm) in our beauty stashes.

Feel free to add 2-3 strands of it in whichever pack you whip. Let it stay undisturbed for half an hour and once the colour changes to yellow, it is a prefigure to not only slather it on your skin but also that you have bought authentic saffron.

Image Source: 1,2,3

Editor’s Note: Loved this post Nidhal. Have used Cinnamon, turmeric and honey a lot!

Do you use these spices for DIY skincare recipes?

Givenchy Eyebrow Pencil, Mister Brow Filler Brunette Review, Swatches, FOTD

Givenchy Eyebrow Pencil, Mister Brow Filler Brunette Review, Swatches, FOTD

Hi guys,

I have always had full eyebrows except the in between phase when you go to some other salon and the lady over threads and makes them super thin :/

I never used to fill my eyebrows but I have been doing it since almost 1-1.5 years now and I am obsessed. They completely change the way your face looks and makes your face look more polished and defined. Thick eyebrows also make one look younger 😀

I have been using these two brow products from Givenchy since about a week now and I am in love! From the very first use, I absolutely loved these!

Givenchy Eyebrow Pencil Brunette

What it is: A powdery matte-finish eyebrow pencil

What it does: This pencil offers precise and natural brow definition. Perfect application is guaranteed with an ultra-slim, gliding tip for perfectly defined brows. The formula, developed using talc and intense pigments, leaves a powdery matte finish, and the easy-to-apply texture creates immediate payoff. The pencil also features a brow brush on the opposite end for an all-in-one brow tool.

What it is formulated WITHOUT: Parabens

Shades Available:
01 Brunette
02 Blonde
03 Dark Brunette

Suggested Usage:
-Brush brows to reveal their natural shape.
-Use the brow pencil to define the edges and fill in for a natural look.

MRP: Rs.1975/- for 1.1g

It is a long and sleek sharpenable eyebrow pencil with a spoolie brush on one side. It also comes with a sharpener. I love eyebrow pencils which come with a spoolie brush as they are travel friendly and very handy. You just need one pencil to carry along for your brows whenever you are travelling.

The pencil is super pigmented. I was amazed by the pigmentation, just a single, light handed stroke also gives a lot of color. So use it with light hands and make sure you soften the lines with the spoolie brush coz you can easily over fill with this and also without blending in, the color would look harsh.

It is slightly waxy and glides on very easily, it settles to a matte finish. So there is no extra creaminess and it doesn’t bleed all around the eyebrows. The texture is absolutely perfect.

The eyebrows stay in place whole day. I love how easy and quick it is to use, as with most pencils I have to go over quite a few times to fill them. With this, I am just done in one stoke and one brushing!

Since I just need one stroke and hardly use any product, I haven’t even had to sharpen it yet. This will last me really long! Even though it may seem expensive, this would last for a long time, making it very economical for the quality.

I am only using this since the time I have got it and I think I am pretty much sticking to this 😀 I can say, this is by far the best eyebrow pencil I have tried! Highly recommended!

Givenchy Mister Brow Filler Tinted Waterproof Brow Filler

What it is: A gel brow filler that dries into a natural powder finish.

What it does: For perfectly natural-looking brows, Mister Brow Filler fills in any sparse areas and flawlessly shapes the brows. Containing hybrid silicone particles, its waterproof, liquid formula instantly dries down to a powder finish on application. It naturally and evenly highlights the brows. The innovative curved brush follows the eyebrow’s natural shape for an intuitive application that anyone can master. Its waterless texture adheres uniformly to the skin.

What it is formulated WITHOUT: Parabens

Shades Available:
01 Brunette
02 Blonde
03 Granite

Suggested Usage:
-Start from the inner corner and apply following the arch, moving toward the end.

MRP: Rs.1975/- for 5.5g

Now I am more of a eyebrow pencil person and my eyebrows don’t move around a lot, so I don’t use brow fillers. But on days when you are going for a very natural, ‘no makeup’ makeup look, I would suggest using only brow filler.

Not only it brushes and combs the brows and fill them in, but it would dry and keep the hair in place all day long! Also it is water resistant, so you can wear it even during monsoons or on a humid day.

Again, even this is very pigmented and you just need to go over once on your eyebrows. I use both when I have a long day ahead with events, etc. when I want my eyebrows to look perfect and not budge at all.

The shade Brunette in both matches me absolutely well and would work for most Indian skin tones.

Here is my Before-After using both the products..

I prefer my eyebrows natural looking, so I do not outline on top and bottom and overline them and then fill in completely like those eyebrow tutorials on Instagram 😀 (mostly on Anastasia page) I find that very fake and made up. So I have filled them in naturally, mostly towards the inner part as I have more gaps there.

FOTD..

I would suggest going with the Brow Filler if your eyebrows don’t stay in place and move around a lot and/or you are not much of an eyebrow person and want just some natural looking definition.

If you are looking for a good, pigmented eyebrow pencil which is travel friendly and you have sparse eyebrows with more gaps to fill, go for the eyebrow pencil.

If you want your eyebrows to be on fleek all the times, go for both! You will be sorted, trust me 🙂

I absolutely love both, use either or both depending on the event and day. Givenchy is available at Sephora across India and also at few Shoppers Stop outlets.

Do you fill your eyebrows? Which is your favourite brow product?

P.S: PR Samples. Honest Review

Biotique Bio Dandelion Ageless Lightening Serum Review

Biotique Bio Dandelion Ageless Lightening Serum Review

By Archana

Hi all,

If you had read my previous post, you would know that I have recently started with an anti- ageing skin care routine with Biotique products. The set consists of a serum, day cream, night cream and sunscreen lotion. After 3 weeks of using it, am ready with my report and scorecard. Today, I will be reviewing the serum – Biotique Bio Dandelion Ageless Lightening Serum. Read on to know how well it fares.

Products claims: Dandelion is a rejuvenating herbaceous plant known for its ageless properties. This lightening serum is a rare combination of pure dandelion, rich in Vitamin E and minerals, blended with nutmeg oil. Used regularly, it helps brighten skin, fade dark spots and ease away wrinkles for a flawless complexion.

Ingredients: Bihidana Seeds – 10%, Halon (Chansaur) Seeds – 1.5%, Jaiphal Oil – 0.5%, Badam oil – 1%, Surajmukhi oil – 3%, Khamir powder – 8%, Doodhal (Dandelion) Root – 0.2%, Beeswax – 2.5%, Groundnut Oil – 4.5%, Purified Water Q.S.

Directions to use: Massage a few drops into cleansed face and neck, before moisturizer, morning and evening.

Packaging:

The serum comes in a tiny translucent plastic bottle with green screw-on lid. On opening there is a tiny hole for dispensing the product. The bottle is housed inside an outside carton which has all the products details on it. For travel purpose, you can just chuck the carton as it is bulky and take only the compact bottle with you.

Texture and fragrance:

The serum is white in color, water-based and gel like with a smooth consistency. It has a faint herbal smell which is not strong and won’t bother sensitive noses.

My experience:

I have been using the serum for the past three weeks. Arounds 3-4 drops is needed to cover the entire face and neck. Being water based, it is very light and gets absorbed quickly without any greasiness or stickiness. Like all serums, you need to follow up with a moisturizer. For the first week, I didn't observe any major difference. Biotique products are based on ayurvedic formulations which take time and continued usage to show results. I have seen many people skip on Biotique products because the results were not quick enough. But ayurvedic products contain natural ingredients which take time to show effects, but the results are long lasting and harmless in the long run.

After the second week, I could see visible lightening of my skin. My tan was removed and it evened out my skin tone. I had few dark spots and acne scars. I could see them lightening too. But not faded completely. I might need to use another bottle or two for it to completely fade.

The serum also revitalised my skin and it looked plumper and healthy. There was a slight glow on my face. My pores were also more refined as I initially suffered from large pores. It helps to tighten and firm skin.

The bottle has finished in three weeks. Am going to repurchase this again to see continued results. If you ask me, this is one of the most affordable serums in the market. And its also organically pure, preservative free and cruelty free. You just need to be patient with the results.

Pros:

* Light and non-sticky. Gets absorbed easily.

* Suitable for all skin types.

* Lightens and evens out skin tone.

* Works on fading dark spots.

* Revitalizes skin and makes it look plumper and healthy.

* Gives a subtle glow.

* Tightens pores and firms skin.

* Affordable.

* Organically pure, preservative free and cruelty free.

* Compact packaging.

Cons:

* Doesn’t work on wrinkles as claimed. I had a few fine lines on my forehead and they haven’t improved. Maybe continuous usage is required.

Price and quantity: Rs.230 for 40ml.

Rating: 4.8/5

Verdict: Biotique Bio Dandelion Ageless Lightening Serum is one of the most affordable and effective serums available in the market. Considering the fact that it is made of ayurvedic formulations, is organically pure, preservative free and cruelty free, what more can one ask for. I would definitely recommend this serum for healthy, clear, bright and glowing skin.

Editor’s Note: This sounds really good, I would give it a try sometime.

Have you tried the Biotique Bio Dandelion Ageless Lightening Serum?

Kama Ayurveda Lavender Patchouli Body Cleanser Review

Kama Ayurveda Lavender Patchouli Body Cleanser Review

By Pallavi

Hiii Beauties,

As you all might know till now that I am a skin care junkie. I like investing in skin care products. But what you don’t know about me is that I am a bath junkie too. I love bathing and thus investing in bathing products is a must for me. And that is the major reason why I shifted to shower gels and bathing gels years ago. Till date I always buy lots of shower gels. Both from drugstore and high end or luxury brands.

And trust me many of you might think that shower gels are a bit expensive. But no they are not. A bottle of shower gel lasts for at least 2-3 months. And that way you can understand that shower gels lasts quite long and are cost effective??? So, till date I have used a number of shower gels. This time I thought of why not trying with body cleansers and thus here follows the review of Kama Ayurveda Lavender Patchouli Body Cleanser.

Product Claims: A wonderful shower gel with Pure Essential Oils of Lavender, Patchouli and herbal extracts. Lavender relaxes the body and Patchouli cleanses and purifies. Aloe Vera nourishes and Sugar adds glow to the skin.

Price for Kama Ayurveda Lavender Patchouli Body Cleanser: INR 595 for 200ml (Buy HERE)

My Views:

Kama Ayurveda Lavender Patchouli Body Cleanser comes in a long, slender plastic bottle which is transparent. You can easily see the amount of product which is left inside. The jar has a cap opening which is quite easy to use. The jar has the packaging quantity, claims, and ingredients written all over it which is quite informative for the customers.

The shower gel is of runny consistency. That is why it tends to spill out from the bottle so you need to take care while storing it. The shower gel is of light green colour and it smells of lavender but the smell is not very strong and disappears as soon as you spread it on your body. When you dispense the shower gel on loofah, you don’t need much water to dilute it and it foams easily on your body. The shower gel is very gentle on the skin.

Also, you require a very little amount per usage. So, a single bottle will last you easily 2-3 months.

Now, let me tell you how I use this body cleanser on my body. I take out a bit of cleanser on your loofah. Wet the loofah before the body cleanser. Now, apply the cleanser all over your body. Rinse it with normal water after some time.

Coming to the after effects of the shower gel, it is not at all drying on skin. Normal to oily skin types will not require a moisturizer after this. Even the dry skinned people can easily skip a body lotion in summers. But for winters dry skin people will need a heavy body lotion post usage of this body cleanser.

For dry skinned people like me this shower gel is a total thumbs up. I love shower gels which are gentle and not drying on skin. So, that I can easily skip my body lotions at least in summers. And this one is perfect for that.

Pros of Kama Ayurveda Lavender Patchouli Body Cleanser

1. Trustworthy brand

2. Travel friendly size available

3. Easy to use

4. Moisturising on skin

5. Cleanses the body thoroughly

Cons of Kama Ayurveda Lavender Patchouli Body Cleanser

1.  Slightly pricey

Rating: 5/5

Last Thoughts: Every skin type can use it in summers but in winters dry to combination skin types will require body moisturiser.

Editor’s Note: I love lavender and have tried almost all lavender based body wash/cleansers 😀 I am definitely trying this!

Have you tried Kama Lavender Patchouli Body Cleanser yet?

Top 10 Red Lipsticks Under Rs. 1000 in India, Buy Online

Top 10 Red Lipsticks Under Rs. 1000 in India, Buy Online

By Pallavi

Hii NLM lovelies,

NLM has made us addicted to a number of things. Red lipsticks are one of them. Every girl has it’s first love as red lippy. But when you are a lipstick beginner you won’t like to experiment with premium or costly lippies. So, why not begin with cost effective red lipsticks which are equally efficient in terms of performance.

So, here we have prepared a list of best hot red pout lipsticks which you can try under 1000 bucks.

So, let’s begin with the list –

1. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick – Cherries in the Snow (Price – Rs. 550) (Buy HERE)

A deep red with pink undertones in it. It is moistursing on lips so you don’t need a lip balm underneath.

2. L’Oreal Paris Pure Reds Color Riche Collection Star Lipsticks – Pure Scarleto (Price – Rs.995) (Buy HERE for 865)

Such a gorgeous rich red very apt for Indian skin tones. Highly pigmented but with a slight drying texture. So, don’t forget to apply a lip balm underneath.

3. Maybelline Colorsensational Lipstick Pleasure Me Red (Price – Rs. 425) (Buy HERE for 356)

A deep red shade with very strong pink undertones. The colour looks fab on cooler skin tones. Adding to which the lipstick has a gorgeous soft creamy sheen.

4. Lakme 9 to 5 Lip colour – Red Coat (Price – Rs. 400) (Buy HERE)

Such a wearable red for your office. The collection is of office range and wearing a red colour to office is not at all easy. But this is such a fab colour for the office.

5. Lakme Absolute Lip Pout Matte Lip Colour – Raving Red (Price – Rs. 650) Review HERE (Buy HERE for 520)

A gorgeous red shade with matte finish. But unlike other matte lipsticks it feels very soft and creamy on lips. Also, the colour is not very visible so you can easily pair it at day time too.

6. Colorbar Velvet Matte Hearts and Tarts (Price – Rs. 325) (Buy HERE)

Such a fab and wearable red shade. It is a perfectly balanced bright colour and makes it a perfect choice for the day time occasions.

7. Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick Fatal Red (Price – 475) (Buy HERE for 400)

Such a gorgeous red for Indian Skintones. This makes it a perfect choice to brighten your complexion at the day time without going over the top.

8. Lakme Absolute Sculpt Hi Definition Matte Lipstick Red Envy (Price – Rs. 750) (Buy HERE for 600)

Another orangey red but with excessive matte formulae. Such a fab colour for the festive occasion and extremely wearable for the upcoming festive occasions.

9. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick – Love that Red (Price 550) (Buy HERE)


This lipstick is sure to brighten up your complexion And the lipstick looks fab on warmer as well as cooler skin tones too. It is such a wearable red color for the universal skin tone.

10. Colorbar Velvet Matte Lipstick Hot Hot Hot (price – Rs. 325) (Buy HERE)

It is an extremely pretty and hot red shade. Looks awesome and is perfect to brighten your complexion. Even it stays for extra long making it a perfect red lip choice.

So, these were some of the fab red lipsticks which you can try to enhance your pout. And they all are below 1000 bucks. Such a steal deal right.

Editor’s Note: I love the L’Oreal Paris Pure Reds Freida and Aishwarya’s Red. Freida’s Red is universally flattering a perfect red for all skin tones!

Which is your favourite red lipstick under Rs.1000? Do add in the comments below and let us know.