With each passing year we witness a sea of newcomers making inroad into the glitzy, glamorous and glittering world of Tinseltown. Some sparkle with their author-backed roles while some fizzle point-blank in addition to taking the audience for a ride (a ride they would never sign up for even if offered a free ticket)! Amongst all those who venture into Bollywood, there are some whose sense of dressing and taste in fashion compels us to sit back and take a notice after all, they might just be the next ‘Fashionistas’ of B-town 🙂
On that note, here is a compendium of those B-town ladies, some of them yet to be launched while most new-comers, who have it in them to be the next Fashionistas of Tinseltown.
1. KRITI SANON- A towering height? Check. An enviable body? Check. Glossy mane? Check. Pert and ebullient attitude? Check. A gorgeous face? Check. Anything left? Oh yes, an impeccable sense of style. This Delhi girl makes sure that even if she swathes herself in the simplest of attires, heads would turn. A newbie in Tinseltown who looks effortlessly stylish in even a simple pair of jeans and tops/tees, Kriti’s style is easy-going, fun and vivacious. Certainly, one lady for whom all the boys would do Heropanti to win her over!
2. VAANI KAPOOR- She scorched the silver screen with Shudh Desi Romance in 2013 as Gayatri but went missing from the big screen thereafter. She is back this year with the quirky Ranveer Singh in YRF’s Befikre and we couldn’t be any happier for the chirpy lady’s laidback sense of style is what we are going to be treated to.
3. KHUSHI KAPOOR- Now, comes a lady who hasn’t be formally launched but thanks to Instagram, we get to glimpses of this gorgeous lady who is making the right waves with her sartorial choices. The daughter of Bonny & Sridevi Kapoor and the cousin of the reigning Fashionista of Tinseltown- Sonam Kapoor, Khushi Kapoor is one lady whom we are eagerly looking forward to w.r.t. the style department. Doesn’t this picture of hers exude oomph and aplomb as she unleashes her gothic avatar? 🙂
4. MALAVIKA MOHANAN- A newbie in the Malayam film industry, Malavika Mohanan is the best out of the lot for me. There is something about her that makes me go “Ah! She is so sophisticatedly sensual” every time I see a picture of her. Be it ethnic wear or Western apparel, she is rules the roost and how! An expression of her creative energies- The Scarlet Window, her Tumblr blog is a treat to the eyes of fashion connoisseurs.
5. ATHIYA SHETTY – By now a favourite of a number of leading fashion connoisseurs, Athiya Shetty experiments confidently with clothes like no other. From figure-hugging gowns to grungy attire, from heavily embellished anarkalis to dunagrees, Athiya takes dressing seriously and that shows every time she makes an appearance.
6. DIANA PENTY- Essaying the character of Meera in Cocktail with utmost sincerity and subtlety, Diana struck a chord with audiences instantly. Unfortunately, we couldn’t see more of this leggy lass after that but she’s soon going to reappear on the silver screen. A former successful model, Diana’s style is very easy-going, laidback and comfort-driven. But that doesn’t mean the lady can’t carry other outfits. She can very well let her hair down and transmogrify into the drop-dead gorgeous diva at her own sweet will.
7. POOJA HEGDE- About to make inroads into Tinseltown opposite Greek God- Hrithik Roshan in Ashutosh Gowariker’s period drama- Mohenjodaro, Pooja Hegde is a known name down South. With her sharp Indian features, luscious locks and experimental streak, we are sure to get treated to a whole new range of eclectic styles with time 🙂
Here I am back with yet another post. With the advent of so many online shopping sites at our disposal makeup and skincare has become a rage. We are aware of the best of high end as well as drug store makeup products. Even the brands which are not available in India are on our fingertips. But many of us can’t get access to those brands. So, what to do in that situation?? Worry not here I am with some of the dupes of high end makeup products. These are the products which are not that easily available in India.
What’s Similar : Both of them come with a tapered brush which gives an edge to the lashes. They help in separating and elongating the lashes.
What’s Not : Dior mascara comes with a quick dry formulation which turns the lashes thick in some time.
2. Benefit High Beam (INR 2665) vs E.L.F. Essential Shimmering Facial Whip (INR 85) –
What’s Similar : Both of these highlighters have a gorgeous, pink sheen which gives a very younger looking dewy skin.
What’s Not : The E.L.F facial whip comes in a tube packaging which is very easy to use. But the finish of the E.L.F. one is very shimmery which is not perfect for day time usage.
What’s Similar : Both of them have highly pigmented 10 metallic and 2 matte shades.
What’s Not : MUA shades are slightly chalky. Also, the UD brush applicator is from cruelty free collection; whereas the MUA brush looks pretty cheap.
4. MAC Prep & Prime (INR 3200) vs Rimmel Stay Matte Primer (INR 1250)
What’s Similar : Both come in similar matte finish which helps the makeup stay longer. Also, they form a smooth base for the skin in order to prep it with the foundation after that.
What’s Not : MAC Prep & Prime stays on for much longer than the Rimmel one. But the Rimmel one is a bit more moisturising than the MAC one. MAC one is meant only for the oily skinned beauties.
5. MAC Ruby Woo (INR 1500) vs Rimmel Kate Matte lipstick in Kiss of life 111 (INR 500)
What’s Similar : Both are deep red with blue undertones in them.
What’s Not : RUBY WOO is very matte with slightly drying formula whereas Rimmel one is a bit moisturising. Also, once ruby woo sets it is impossible to smear.
What’s Similar : Both come in the form of a pen packaging. The formula is creamy which targets to brighten the under eye area.
What’s Not : YSL has a huge shade option of 10 whereas Maybelline has only 3 shade options. Also, touché éclat has limited coverage as compared to the Maybelline one.
7. Smashbox Photofinish Primer (INR 5625) vs NYX Studio Perfect Photo Loving Primer (INR 2450)
What’s Similar : Both help in minimizing the appearance of pores and filling them. This makes the makeup look refined and smooth. Even the ingredient list of both of them are somewhat identical.
What’s Not : The Smashbox one makes face greasy after some time. Whereas the NYX one ensures that your makeup stays perfect even by the end of the day.
8. Beautyblender (INR 1999) vs Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (INR 380)
What’s Similar : Both of them are designed in an ergonomic manner to give your foundation a much more even finish.
What’s Not : The Real Techniques one has flat end which makes the application around the eye area easier. Whereas the beautyblender blends foundation way better and quicker that the other one.
9. MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation (INR 2800) vs Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder (INR 195)
What’s Similar : Both of them are so finely milled that excess product also will not make your face look ashy or powdery.
What’s Not : Rimmel one is a bit drying as compared to the MAC one. In winters you cannot use the Rimmel one even with a moisturiser underneath as it will accentuate your pores and cause dry flakes on your face.
What’s Similar : Both of them have similar ingredient list and thus the formula is similar.
What’s Not : The MoroccanOil Treatment is more moisturising for dry hair. It imparts shine and lustre much more than the Organix One.
These were my list of high end makeup dupes. Let me know if you like the post in the comments down below. Also, let me know any other high end dupes you have come across in your makeup journey.
Editor’s Note: That was a very nice list Pallavi. I would like to add two more. Sleek MakeUP Blush in Rose Gold and Makeup Geek Blush in Romance are the dupes of Nars Orgasm Blush! And the Maybelline Gel Liner Black has the exact same formula at less than quarter the price of Bobbi Brown Gel liner Black Ink.
Today I will be sharing an anti-ageing skin care routine with the brand Biotique. It is important to start with an anti-ageing regimen after you cross 25 as its the time when the first signs of ageing starts appearing. Fine lines on forehead, crow’s feet, wrinkles on hands are all the starting symptoms of ageing. Recently, Biotique had sent me some of their products and I have started using them. If you are looking to start with a simple and affordable anti-ageing regimen, then Biotique is your best bet as its organic, preservative- free and cruelty-free. The regimen includes a serum, day cream, night cream and sunscreen lotion. I will be reviewing each of the products separately in forthcoming posts after using them for 20 days, but today let’s see Biotique’s 4-step anti-ageing skin care regimen.
Biotique Bio Dandelion Ageless Lightening Serum:
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.
Biotique Bio Saffron Dew Youthful Nourishing Day Cream:
Saffron is one of the world’s most beloved and precious spices, a natural source of vitamins, minerals and nutrients with rejuvenating properies. This light-feeling moisturizer is blended with pure saffron, almond and pistachio oils, as well as turmeric and wild turmeric extracts, to replenish and help sustain skin's dewy fullness of youth. Dry lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced with regular use.
Biotique Bio Wheat Germ Youthful Nourishing Night Cream:
Wheat Germ Oil is one of the most sensitive oils in the botanical world, a natural antioxidant with more Vitamin E than any other natural oil. This rich-feeling, firming cream is blended with pure wheat germ, sunflower and almond oils, vitamins A, B, C, D, E and extracts of carrot and galangal to moisturize and strengthen skin for a more vital, resilient, younger appearance.
Biotique Bio Morning Nectar 30+ SPF UVA/UVB Sunscreen Ultra Soothing Face Lotion:
Nectar is the sweet fluid that flowering plants produce each day, used to sustain ageless beauty from the beginning of time. This nourishing and brightening lotion is blended with pure honey, wheatgerm and seaweed. Replaces natural oils and replenishes lost moisture. Softens and brightens skin for a noticebly fairer complexion. Protects skin with SPF 30 UVA / UVB sunscreen.
Maybelline India Blushed Nudes Palette Review, Swatches, Tutorial
Hi guys,
I have been playing with The Blushed Nudes Palette and also created this look you see here.
What the Company claims: With all the things you’ll love about the new Blushed Nudes Palette, here are a few more:
– 12 rose-gold infused shades
– Easily blend-able
– Creates countless looks
– Compliments every skin tone
MRP: Rs.899/- for 9g
They have 13 different eye shadow combinations given behind, same like in the original Nudes, and that’s a very interesting idea. I can’t wait to try some of these looks.
The packaging of the palette is exactly like the original Nudes Palette and the pricing is also the same. It comes with a small applicator which has a sponge tip on one side and a brush on one side. The brush is pretty good for using in the inner corners or highlighting brow bone.
The palette is quite handy and small to carry along. It does not come with a mirror sadly, I would have loved a mirror.
The original Nudes Palette had all warm shades and more of browns, this palette has more pinks and grays and all cool toned shades. While the original Nudes Palette was supposed to pretty similar shades wise to the Urban Decay Naked Palette, this one the Blushed Nudes is very close shade wise to the Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette.
If you follow me on Snapchat (bhumika_t), you must have seen a comparision of this palette with the same one in US and the shades are quite different, a lot of you took screenshot of that image coz the palette was quite different. I believe the US palette has more pinks and mauves and lighter shades and those shades might not show up on all Indian skintones, so they kept more of greys and darker shades in the Indian palette.
There are mostly satin finish shades, with one deep plum shade being shimmery and there are two mattes. One is a greyish taupe shade which is not that pigmented and the other is a matte white shade which is pretty decent.
Most of the shades are pretty pigmented while few are not that good and need a lot of layering for the colors to show up. But they stay on pretty good throughout the day once applied, more longer with a primer. They do not crease but the finish is not as fresh and slightly fade at the end of the day.
Here are the swatches:
TOP ROW:
The top row has all whites, peaches and pinks
BOTTOM ROW:
The bottom row has greys, taupes and purples.
I created this pink smokey eye look with this palette..
Overall I would say, this is a decent palette and worth checking out. We do not have many palette options available in India, and hardly any cool toned or pink-gray based. For the price, this is definitely pretty good. I do recommend this.
I hope you liked the look, do let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Have you tried the new Maybelline Blushed Nudes Palette yet?
Who would have thought that a leading Bollywood lady would don a bikini given the holier-than-thou and ultra-conservative setup of our society in the 60s- a time when even the vamp’s (dressed in a saree) viciousness had to be manifested by the rhythmic raising of her brows?
It took Sharmila Tagore a Filmfare shoot to mellow down the shame/discomfort in sporting one. A trailblazer in the truest sense of the word, she took everyone by storm when she sported a tow- piece on the cover of Filmfare. It was in 1967. Roughly, half a century later and we have B-town actresses sporting bikinis well relative ease 🙂 A great many of them not just sport it but in fact, sizzle in it compelling both men and women to drool uncontrollably. On that note, let us have a look at those B-town ladies who manage to set temperatures soaring with their bikini avatars.
1. DEEPIKA PADUKONE- Touted as the ‘Bollywood Actress with the Best Body’, it is no surprise that Deepika makes it to the list. Do I even need to expatiate a bit on why? Just look at her. Isn’t her body typically what we call “body goals”? Sculpted to perfection, chiselled with grace and carried with elan, Deepika raises temperatures with her bikini act.
2. LISA HAYDON- This towering lass who is a former model by profession, is blessed with luminous skin, well-defined features and a body to kill for. Naturally, it goes without saying that she carries off a bikini with sheer aplomb.
3. SAPNA PABBI- This Khamoshiyaan actress may look like a typical girl-next- door thanks to her effervescent and pert features, but transforms into a sultry, sizzling and sensual diva the moment she dons a bikini. We are left panting, Ms. Pabbi!
4. BIPASHA BASU- This Bengali bombshell sets the silver screen on fire with her bikini act EVERY TIME she makes an appearance in that two-piece. The sheer confidence she exudes is unparalleled. Didn’t we drool helplessly as she strutted down the beaches in Dhoom 2 and Players? Oh, yes we did.
5. NARGIS FAKHRI- Spare me a minute to compose myself. Those long, unending legs are droooool-worthy. This half Czech- half Pakistani leggy lass is a former model and carries off outfits with aplomb. Period. We had a little sneak-peek of her bikini avatar in Main Tera Hero’s song ‘Galat Baat’ but here is a full-blown visual of this smouldering lady who is sensuality incarnate.
6. ADITI RAO HYDARI- Cuteness is the epithet for Aditi any day. With a heart-warming smile, doe-shaped eyes and pert persona, Aditi resembles a typical girl next door but she magically turns into the seductive diva as she dons a bikini. That is one heck of a transformation but who’s complaining? 😀
7. LARA DUTTA- If there was anything remotely memorable about the movie- Blue, it has to be the visuals of the sultry and exotic Lara Dutta sauntering beaches and swaying underwater. Her sun-kissed skin added an exquisite touch to her bikini avatar. Sensual, exotic, sultry, mesmerising, captivating… keep the adjectives coming. It’s Miss Universe Lara Dutta after all!
Editor’s Note: Deepika Padukone in Cocktail and Bipasha Basu always are my favourites. I also like Priyanka Chopra in the gold bikini in Dostana, Shilpa Shetty in the same movie in the Shut Up and Bounce song.
Medimix Essential Herbs Ayurvedic Face Wash Review
What the Company claims: Medimix ayurvedic face wash gives your skin all day natural care and protection. The unique blend of turmeric, aloe vera and neem gently cleanses and rejuvenates skin. The divine herb lodhra reduces skin inflammation and improves complexion, kushtha and manjishtha helps in enhancing skin texture. The birth of Medimix dates back to a time when the cholayil family used viprathi oil as a cure to ailments of the skin.
The year 1969 proved pivotal in the family’s legacy as Dr. Sidhan combined a timeless tradition with a sharp acumen for business to develop a green bar of soap that could nourish and protect the skin. Medimix, over time, grew synonymous with skin care, the natural way. Strongly rooted in ayurveda, this amalgamation of 18 herbs has been on a constant endeavor to spread the happiness that comes from having young and healthy skin.
For generations, women and indeed entire families have placed their trust on Medimix and this is testimony to the magical properties that it holds. Currently available in 3 variants of soaps and a face wash, Medimix is all set to expand its range and further its vision of ayurvedic happiness for all.
Ingredients & Directions:
MRP: Rs.60 for 50ml (Buy HERE), Rs.100 for 100ml (Buy HERE)
It comes in this small, easy to carry, convenient flip cap tube packaging. This 50ml tube is perfect for your handbag and travels too.
I love gel based face wash as they do not foam much and do not dry out my skin. I always prefer gel based face washes over foam based ones, especially the ones with neem.
It is gel like in texture but not very runny, has a strong herbal smell, you can smell the herbs immediately. This face wash not only has neem which is my favourite ingredient, but a blend of other 5 very good herbs. Let me tell you the benefits of each..
Nimba i.e. Neem is anti bacterial and widely used for skin disorders
Haridra i.e. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and antiallergic. It also enhances the complexion and skintone.
Kumari i.e. Aloe Vera calms and soothes the skin and is the only herb that can penetrate deep into your skin.
Lodhra is cooling and helps with acne as it is a mild astringent
Kushtha is antiseptic and known as a complexion enhancer. It is also widely used in treating many skin diseases.
Manjistha is known to soothe the skin and treat acne. Again a complexion enhancer too
All these herbs are widely used in skincare, to heal, soothe and treat many skin diseases and for improving the skin’s texture.
I love the fact that Medimix refrains from using unnecessary, extra ingredients or harmful chemicals in their products. Also it is free from animal fat. It is SLS and paraben free!
My skin feels soft and smooth, and not dry and stretchy after every use, I do not reach for the moisturizer immediately. I haven’t got any new breakouts since the time I am using this, even during that time of the month when I usually get 1-2 always!
Neem and turmeric are helping control the acne by killing the bacterial germs. Aloe vera is soothing and hydrating the skin while Lodhra, Kushtha and Manjistha are improving the skin’s texture.
I definitely recommend this face wash, it is my current Holy Grail and I am sure you will love it too, especially if you have oily to combination, acne prone skin. This will work for sensitive skin too, as it soothes and calms the skin and does not irritate it as there are no harmful chemicals.
Medimix also has a Anti-Tan variant i.e Medimix Ayurvedic Anti Tan Face Wash with Tanaka. I would be trying that too, soon.
While we sing paeans in the honour of eyes for they are appositely called “The windows to one’s soul”, there is another part of ours that exudes sensuality in an unprecedented way. Be it the slight slit of a crop top that gives a peak-a- boo to those chiseled muscles running all the way down or the 9-yard long saree which lets one flaunt that sculpted back the way you have always wanted to, there is no denying that backs are sensual and if flaunted rightly, they can set temperatures soaring 🙂 Tinseltown too, has a fair share of ladies whose backs leave us drooling every time we spot them in attire that flaunts their covetous possession. So, why not have a look at them and get that much- needed boost of inspiration that makes us hit the gym right now?
1. SHRIYA SARAN- Indubitably, the epitome of an Indian beauty for me, Shriya’s facial features are as enviable as her drool-worthy back which augments the grace of her backless blouses all the more. Dove-shaped eyes, fuller lips, glossy tresses, luminous skin, an enviable back that flaunts the skimpiest of blouses tastefully and there you have it, our very own Desi Jasmine
2. VIDYA BALAN- Can there seriously be anyone who does not admire this lady? She is audacious, intrepid and ridiculously sexy. And yes, she knows it too 🙂 Vidya Balan again is one Indian lady whose back makes for a nice piece of art to look at in sheer admiration and envy (if we confess)! Gawk… Drool… Sigh… repeat.
3. DEEPIKA PADUKONE- If offered to, I will without any iota of doubt switch bodies with her. Who wouldn’t? 😀 Her physique can carry off even a curtain if she’s told to! And while we may sigh over her almond-shaped eyes and toned legs, it is her back that raises mercury levels high. Cue? Watch Ram Leel’s Ang Laga De. The grace with which her waist sways and back arches makes her look feminine and enchanting simultaneously.
4. KATRINA KAIF- To those who don’t know, in De Dana Dan (an Akshay-Katrina starrer comedy flick), a special song was added (yes, the ones whose stills you are feasting your eyes to) to bank upon this on-screen couple’s sizzling chemistry. While the lesser we say with regards to the flick, the better but we surely do not disapprove the person(s) whose idea it was 🙂 After all, we got to see that this Hong-Kong born lady has a back that tantalises one to the T.
5. NARGIS FAKHRI- Miss Fakhri who is all the way from The States, has a pout that is the shutterbugs’ fancy to capture. A former model, Nargis posts about her diet and exercise routines on her Instagram account and fortunately, we now ken what that chiseled back of hers is a result of.
6. ANUSHKA SHARMA- Ms. Sharma who redefines pertness, vivaciousness and ebullience is not just a storehouse of energy and youth but also the proud owner of a sultry back that is well- flaunted here by her.
7. PRIYANKA CHOPRA- We, Desis particularly the ladies have some unique possessions just like women across the globe are blessed in some departments. And when swathed in Desi apparel, those possessions get highlighted like never before. Take a cue from the Desi Girl whose back here, can leave one both awed and amazed thanks to the way the saree is highlighting her curves.
Summers are here and sadly, showing no signs of mercy especially up in the North. Oh, wait… Who am I trying to fool? The entire India seethes as if set on fire during the inclement summers, right? 😛 While one would have checked their beauty armoury and stashed all essentials needed to brave the unforgiving summers, yet those of us who have highly chapped lips would be in a dilemma for the thirst of intense hydration of their lips would weigh on their minds. While at the same time, investing in a lip ‘butter’ (I know you might be wondering as to who’d invest in such ‘heavy’ lip products in summers) might sound impractical. 2 states… Not the flick but of your mind are having their own tussle and you are left puzzled!
Hold on. What if there is a lip butter that works to soothe your chapped lips deeply while not making them feel greasy/oily/heavy all the while it has been put on? Oh, and what if it is 100% natural, free from chemicals and vegan? I know I have ignited your interest you Obsessive-Compulsive- lip-balm- addict 😛 Scroll down to read my verdict on Raw Rituals Orange Lip Butter.
WHAT IT CLAIMS- Pamper your pucker with our lip butter daily to keep them moisturised, soft and supple.
MY VIEWS-
Packed in a plastic tube with a see-through cap on top, the packaging of this lip balm is simple, hygienic and handy. The cap has not lost its grip even after a month of regular use. On that account, it is up to the mark in terms of packaging for me.
The lip butter has the smoothest possible texture I have cover across till date. It glides so effortlessly that at times, I swipe it more than what is required simply because I enjoy the ease with which it glides 😛
It is neither waxy nor greasy that we expect most lip ‘butters’ to be. It is lightweight and when applied feels very natural. The staying power is good at 4-5 hours and so is the moisturisation ability. No wait, let me correct it. The moisturisation power is phenomenal! Your lips feel deeply…intensely… hydrated. And even after it gets wholly absorbed, you can note that it just did not sit on your lips all this while. It worked to heel them. For this reason, I’d recommend it to all those with severely chapped lips.
The aroma, although transient, refreshes you for it isn’t artificial and quite mild. It is so deeply hydrating that you can wear the most ‘drying’ lipsticks with sheer abandon if you have coated your lips with lip butter in the first place. With light meals, I haven’t experienced the need of a touch-up while with heavy ones, there is. I can turn a blind eye to it for that’s a minor flaw.
On the flipside, there is only shortcoming with this lip butter which I cannot ignore and that is its inability to impart any colour/tint. It is colourless which is why, those with pigmented lips may not be able to cover the darkness of their lips. So, that is the only input from me to Team Raw Rituals. All else for me falls in place. Pout without a doubt if you have this lip butter by your side 🙂
GOOD-
1. Commendable moisturisation power. Keeps lips well hydrated for 4-5 hours. Duration may vary depending on the condition of the lips but the point remains that it has an amazing moisturisation ability. Even after it gets absorbed fully, your lips feel softened.
2. Heels the cracks well.
3. Natural aroma. I am glad it hasn’t been pumped with artificial aroma. And the faint aroma of orange essential oil is refreshing. It isn’t long lasting but for the time it stays, you don’t feel that you have murdered your nostrils with a fake fragrance (under the garb of which many chemicals are added)
4. Packaging is on par. Stick packaging is handy, hygienic and avoids contamination.
5. Well-priced. It is budget-friendly.
6. 100% Natural
7. Chemical and preservative free
8. Made in India
9. Works wonders for the most chapped lips. Again, duration of healing may vary but it is a wondrous choice given its efficacy, ability, price and content.
10. A single stick lasts a good 3 months.
11. Can be purchased through Amazon India.
BAD-
1. No tint/colour imparted. Thus, unable to cover pigmentation/darkness of lips.
RATING- 4.75/5
Editor’s Note: I haven’t tried Raw Rituals products, but they seem good. Will definitely try something.
New & Improved Avon Glimmersticks Eyeliners Review, Swatches
Hi guys,
I have reviewed some of the Avon Glimmersticks variants before, today I am reviewing their new and improved Glimmersticks, they have improved the formula and here are my thoughts
What the Company claims: All New Formula, Bolder Color in One stroke, Continuous Waterproof Lines whole day
MRP: Rs. 329/- for 0.28g (For Rs.259 currently) (Available online on Nykaa)
Shades available:
Emerald Green
Blackest Black
Cosmic Brown
Majestic Plum
Starry Night Blue
They do keep adding shades or some Limited Edition shade for a new collection, they had added Textured Teal and Nocturnal, two new shades in 2012 with their Urban Jungle Collection, I have reviewed the Nocturnal shade HERE
They have a lot of different ranges in Glimmersticks, there is Ultra Brights (Reviewed HERE), Diamonds (more shimmery), Cosmic, Liqui- Glide, Flick eyeliner. And then there are Lip Liners and Brow Definers.
The pencils have color coordinated base which makes them easier to identify. I always prefer retractable pencils as I do not like wastage of product with sharpeners.
I can definitely notice the better formula in the first stroke, they were always easy to glide on and use, these are even more pigmented! I have mentioned in my earlier review how they use to break and are very soft, this time they didn’t break much. As you see in this swatch, the black broke a bit while swatching, but they are definitely more firmer.
They are easy to glide on and you get the required pigmentation in one stroke. I have the shades Blackest Black, Emerald, Majestic Plum and Starry Night Blue.
They stayed on for a good whole day on my upper lashline, for about 5-6 hours on my lower lashline and 3-4 hours on my waterline. I have very watery eyes, so I am still very impressed with the staying power. On the upper lashline, it just didn’t budge unless I took it off with a good makeup remover at the end of the day.
Entire quantity
I definitely suggest checking these out, and for the price, they are total value for money! I would recommend these over some of the other new launches which just break and you end up sharpening the entire pencil with a complete waste of product!
Left – Right: Starry Night Blue, Majestic Plum, Blackest Black, Emerald
The only con with these was they were available only through Avon reps, but now you get them online too, on Nykaa, etc. Though you cannot use the current offers and discounts as these websites have fixed prices.
Have you tried the new Avon Glimmerstick Eyeliners yet?
Cheryl’s Cosmeceuticals Facial Experiential & Home Care Kit Review
Hi guys,
So on the 10th of June, I went for a skin analysis and facial experiential of Cheryl’s Cosmecueticals at L’Oreal India office.
Let me tell you a little more about Cheryl’s Cosmeceuticals first.
Gunjan Jain, National Education Manager, who has been working with Cheryl’s Cosmecueticals for more than 9 years attended to me. She started by giving me a background about the brand and skin diagnosis with various advanced technologies introduced by Cheryl’s. They have a special Skin Scan App for salon experts that helps them understand the client’s skin and suggests a treatment accordingly. Not only that, the Skin Scan App also stores the client’s data. She did my skin scan test where I was asked a few basic questions about my skin type and concern, age, etc. and I had to register with my name, number and email id and if I did like to book an appointment now or later. This is the exact same app which Cheryl’s has at all salons where they provide Cheryl’s services. We went through it like they do with the clients at the salon.
Then they also had a magnifying glass with a light which has both 5x and 7x magnification to see those deep rooted, pesky blackheads which are not visible to the naked eye.
Cheryl’s Hydrameter
The most interesting tool was the Hydrameter which is used to test the moisture and oil levels. It shows the exact moisture and oil present in your skin and if it is below the required 35 to 50%, then it denotes that the skin is dehydrated.
So all these gadgets help scan the skin and zero down on which facial or treatment is needed by the client. There are normal facials and there are specific treatments for particular skin concerns.
I just had dryness and a little redness due to sensitivity, so we went ahead with the Sensiglow Facial. Now each facial kit comes with pre-measured sachets used at different steps.
About Sensiglow: Cheryl’s SensiGlow is a harmonizing facial to address sensitive skin concerns ,
Main Actives in the facial:
1. Sodium PCA, a key water soluble natural ingredient in the epidermis that keeps the skin well hydrated and radiant and
2. Sea Buckthorn Oil, a natural plant ingredient that plays a vital restorative and revitalizing action on the skin. It is very useful in combating and reducing redness on the skin as it is an effective anti-inflammatory agent that reduces the inflammation of blood capillaries.
Cheryl’s SensiGlow is an instant glow treatment that makes the skin lighter and radiant by eliminating dead skin cells. It also contains active herbal ingredients that uncover lighter glowing skin and is suitable for all skin types that are sensitive. It is specially formulated for calming and soothing sensitive skin. Itchiness and sensitivity are drastically reduced and the skin becomes less irritable.
Cheryl’s SensiGlow is a 6 step process which involves cleansing, deep cleansing, toning, massaging, packing and refreshing. The products used in this treatment are enriched with power-packed ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile oil, lactic acid, shiso extract that are specifically formulated to avoid irritations and provide instant glow that makes the skin lighter and radiant by eliminating dead skin cells.
Steps:
1. Cleansing: It’s like a basic cleansing milk, massaged on the skin for a minute and wiped with a cotton ball.
2. Double Cleansing: There is another cleansing step where the cream is massaged on the skin for 2-3 minutes. It is followed by steam. Now since only my nose had a few blackheads/whiteheads, Gunjan covered the rest of the face with tissue while giving steam so that the other parts of the skin don’t get irritated. It is followed by extraction of blackheads, which again were just a few on the nose. And lastly she cleanses again, so that any residue left after the steam and opening of pores is cleansed.
3. Toner: A toner is dabbed with a cotton ball all over the face to close the pores.
4. Massage: It is followed by a massage cream and Gunjan thoroughly massaged the face and neck for a good 10 minutes. It was very relaxing and I could feel the blood circulation.
5. Face Pack: Later a face pack is applied with a brush which is kept for about 10 minutes, until it dries.
6. Refresher with Anti-oxidants: A moisturizing lotion, little thicker than a toner, is applied after the face pack. Again dabbed with a cotton ball, similar to the toner.
7. Last but not the least, sun block is applied to the skin. They have two sun blocks, one for normal to dry skin i.e. cream form and one for oily skin i.e. spray form. She used the cream one for me.
Price: Rs.1200/- on an average, though varies from salon to salon
Duration: 1 hour + 10-15 minutes for skin scan
Want to know how it felt on my skin?
Before – After
I absolutely loved the results. My skin felt hydrated and fresh. The redness was reduced a lot and the skin was glowing. I noticed even more difference the next day. Since the facial was SensiGlow, it takes care of the redness of sensitive skin and gives a nice glow to the face. It did both of these things for me.
I also got three products as a part of my home care kit and I have been using them since the next day of the facial.
Cheryl’s Dermalite Facewash: A clinically proven gentle and effective cleanser that cleanses and lightens skin. Cheryl’s Dermalite is a powerpacked product with ingredients that exfoliate, hydrate, moisturize resulting in cleansed, brightened and lightened skin.
Price: Rs. 275/-
It comes in a tube form and is light blue in color with gel like texture, you just need one pea sized amount in every wash, so you need very little product. It doesn’t foam too much and that is what I like about it. It doesn’t dry out the skin and yet cleanses it really well. I use it on my cleansing brush for deep cleansing at times and my skin is super soft, smooth and completely cleansed.
I love the minty and cooling smell and effect, skin is definitely cleansed, brighter and smoother with this.
O2C2 Radiance Lotion: Inspired by gene science and stem cells research, a product that is specially formulated with ingredients like:
• Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate that is a potent anti-ageing agent
• Actinidia Polygama Fruit Extract that improves the transparency of the skin
• Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract which is known to enhance the radiance and luminosity of the skin. This is formulated to draw out and enhance the natural radiance and shine of the skin that is more associated with young, youthful and glowing skin.
Price: Rs. 1050/-
So Gunjan told me that O2C2 is her favourite product, but the product specifically mentions not for sensitive and acne prone skin and since she saw a little redness and sensitivity on my face, she told me to try this for 1-2 days and use it only if no redness or irritation.
I was a little apprehensive but I went ahead and tried it and I absolutely love it. Since the face wash exfoliates the skin a bit, using this post cleansing, does feel a little tingly at certain areas, but it subsides in a minute. It is a thick and rich lotion, but quite runny and not like a cream. It does feel hydrating and rich on the skin, and a little sticky, I believe it has glycerine.
It does not sweat the skin or make it greasy though, the stickiness settles in some time. I mostly use it at night and wake up to super soft, smooth and bright skin! I love my skin every morning, post using this.
DermaShade SPF 30 spray – Cheryl’s Dermashade Sunblock: Cheryl’s DermaShade Sunblock is formulated to offer complete sun protection, backed by the latest sun care technology and SPF boosters. It provides the highest protection against UV, lock in moisture so that the skin doesn’t dry out and also provides complete protection against sun damage.
Price: Rs. 600/-
Cheryl’s has two sunblocks, one in a cream format for normal to dry skin and one is in a spray format for oily skin. It is super light and easy to blend on the face. It does not leave the face with a greasy or a whitish cast. Since the lotion is quite runny, I like to pat in on the face. I use about 3 sprays for the face and neck. It is the most light weight facial sunscreen I have used. I have used lighter spray ones for the body, but none for the face yet.
L-R: O2C2, Sunblock,Face Wash
It’s been about 12-13 days post the facial and using the home care kit, and my skin is back to normal! I had a few breakouts in between, and if you follow me on Snapchat, you know about the pimples on the lips too. My skin is soft, smooth and much more even since the time I began using this range.
I absolutely recommend trying out Cheryl’s facials and treatments plus their home care kits! I love the blend of natural and scientific ingredients they have, to get that perfect product.
Have you ever tried Cheryl’s Cosmeceuticals? If not, you can avail these customised treatments at a Cheryl’s salon near you!
