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Biotique Bio Papaya Revitalising Tan Removal Scrub Review, Indian Beauty Blog

Biotique Bio Papaya Revitalising Tan Removal Scrub Review

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Biotique Bio Papaya Revitalising Tan Removal Scrub Review

By Archana

Am sure most of you are familiar with the brand Biotique. Their products are based on Ayurvedic recipes and are organic and preservative free. It is also againt animal testing. Plus Biotique products are very affordable as well and easily available everywhere. I was recently sent few Biotique products to review. Today’s post is on one of their most popular and raved about products ‘Biotique Bio Papaya Revitalising Tan Removal Scrub’. Read on to know more.

Products claims:
This Revitalizing Tan-Removal scrub is blended with pure papaya fruit to dissolve dead surface cells, unclog pore openings and smooth the way for clear skin to surface. Gentle refining action uncovers skin’s natural brightness for a younger-looking complexion.

Ingredients:
Papita (Carica papaya), Kela (Musa sapientum), Khajoor (Phoenix dactylifera), Neem (Melia azadiradrachita), Methi (Trgonelia foenum graecum), Yasad bhasm (Zincum), Ban haldi (Curcuma aromatica), Aam beej (Magnifela indica), Bees wax, Gun acacia (Acacia arabica), Moongphali (Archis hypogea), Himalayan water Q.S.

Price and quantity: Rs.199 for 75g.

Directions to use:
Massage on wet face and neck with fingertips. Avoid eye area. Remove with water or damp washcloth. Use daily or as needed.

Packaging:
The scrub comes in a small white tub packaging with a green lid. There is an inner lid for protection and to prevent spillage. They have revamped the packaging now. Earlier it used to be all green with a sleeker tub. But still I feel a tube packaging would have been better than a tub.

Texture and fragrance:
It is a muddish-gray colored scrub with a thick consistency. The granules are tiny and black in color. It has a lovely fruity fragrance of papaya.

My experience:
This is neither a regular cream based scrub nor gel based. It is actually a clay based scrub which makes it perfect for a face pack also. The granules are medium, not very coarse nor very mild, perfect for exfoliation. But if you have very sensitive skin, be gentle and apply only little pressure. It removes dead cells and deep cleanses pores, making skin smooth and polished. Being clay based, it also absorbs excess oil and tightens skin. Regarding its tan removal claims, they are absolutely true. I could see the difference right in the first use. It managed to remove majority of the tan and made my skin bright. I also use it on my arms and feet to get rid of tan. Although, it is mentioned in instructions that it can be used daily, I think it might be little harsh for everyday use. Two or three times a week would be fine.

Pros:
* Removes dead cells and deep cleanses pores.
* Makes skin smooth and polished.
* Absorbs excess oil.
* Removes majority of tan in just one use.
* Affordable.
* Nice fruity fragrance.
* Organic, preservative free, cruelty free.

Cons:
* Tub packaging is unhygienic.

Rating: 4.9/5

Verdict: Biotique Bio Papaya Revitalising Tan Removal Scrub is an amazing scrub for exfoliation as well as tan removal. It is suitable for all skin types. For the very affordable price and also being organic and preservative free, I would definitely recommend this scrub to everyone.

Editor’s Note: I have used this and loved it! Definitely getting it again. Nice review Archana 🙂

Have you tried the Biotique Papaya Scrub yet?

DIY Anti-Tan Face Pack For Oily Skin

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DIY Anti-Tan Face Pack For Oily Skin

By Sanchita

Hello everyone. I am back with a DIY this time which, I am sure, would be very useful to all the oily skin types in the upcoming scorch summer. The thing is, when we go out in the sun, our skin produces extra melanin to protect the internal layers of the skin and thus we end up with deeper complexions i.e. tan. The tan is unescapable and no matter what product we apply or the protection we take – we always end up with a discolored complexion after a day’s turmoil. With sun tan comes the pigmentation and early signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles that contributes to the dullness of our whole outlook. Due to my acne prone oily skin, I always stay away from chemical laden face pack and instead make my own with the help of certain ingredients easily available anywhere. This face pack has helped to restore my skin’s complexion and texture for all these years and I cannot simply live without it. So, here’s the ingredients and steps listed below to make the Anti-Tan face pack for oily skin.

INGREDIENTS

Besan (Bengal Gram)
Fuller’s Earth (Multani Mitti) (BUY HERE)
Sandalwood Powder (even sandalwood paste would work) (BUY HERE)
Rose Water
Clean bowl and spoon.

STEPS

1. In a clean bowl, add 1tbsp. of Besan.

2. Add, 1tbsp. of Multani Mitti to the mixture.

3. Next, add ½ tbsp. of sandalwood powder (or 1tbsp. of sandalwood paste).

4. With the help of a spoon, add all these dry ingredients thoroughly.

5. Pour the rose water, 1tbsp. at a time to get the medium consistency of a face pack.

6. Leave the face pack for about 30-40mins and rinse with cold water. Pat the skin dry.

BENEFITS

Besan (Bengal Gram) – A common household ingredient that contributes to the healthy texture of the skin. It has the ability to naturally cleanse the skin and remove every layer of impurities from the pores and also tightening them to a large extent. It is also a very gentle exfoliator for oily skin which can’t resist harsh scrubs. Most importantly, it helps is removing the tan, brightening the skin and also helps in eliminating acne and sudden breakouts.

Fuller’s Earth (Multani Mitti) – This is the Holy Grail for every girl with oily skin. Apply any face pack with multani mitti will not only make your skin oil free but also prevents the acne as well. It diminishes every layer of discolorations, pigmentation, scars and blemishes on the face with regular usage. It is further known to improve the elasticity of the skin, thereby reducing the signs like fine lines, wrinkles, etc.

Sandalwood Powder – This is one gorgeous ingredient that contributes to skin lightening by removing every ounce of impurities from the skin. I am not saying it will make you ‘fairer’ (because that never happens) but it will make you fall in love with your complexion. It enhances the skin’s texture to a large extent. The ant-tan properties soothes sun burns and removes it and also the antibacterial properties works on acne prone skin like a miracle. It tightens the drooping skin tissues with the intention of providing a youthful appearance to the skin.

Rose Water – when nothing works on your skin, rose water is the best astringent to go for. The product revitalizes aging skin and keeps fine lines and wrinkles at bay. Maintaining the skin’s pH balance, it hydrates, refreshes and moisturizes the skin, thereby making it smooth. The antioxidant properties of rose water help to strengthen skin cells and restore skin tissues.
So, definitely try this out and let me know how this worked for your stubborn acne prone oily skin.

Editor’s Note: I absolutely swear by multani mitti and sandalwood powder, loved this DIY Sanchita.

Have you tried this at home DIY to remove your tan yet?

Parachute Advansed #KhulkekheloHoli Contest – 5 winners

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Parachute Advansed #KhulkekheloHoli Contest – 5 winners

Hi guys,

Holi is coming up and I have so many good childhood memories attached with this festival. From prepping up previous day with balloons and pichkaris and finding all amazing colors to waking up early at 6-7 am and enjoying it with friends and family untill afternoon. It was so much fun! While the previous two years, I had my friends come over and we did have some fun with colours. But nothing beats the childhood fun, right.

This video totally refreshed my Holi memories.

#KhulkeKheloHoliYe Rang Hai Gaadhe Rishton Ke,
Inhe Pheeka mat padne do.

Iss baar, Holi Khul Ke Khelo.
#KhulKeKheloHoli

Posted by Parachute Advansed on Monday, 14 March 2016

Holi is all about love, joy, family time, togetherness and applying colours. Khul ke khelo Holi doesn’t mean we waste water, water conservation is an important issue currently and we should always try our best to not waste water. Holi can be played with colors and is equally fun!

I have a contest for Holi for you guys 🙂 I have teamed up with Parachute Advansed Hair Oil where we will be giving away 5 Holi hampers to 5 of you.

All you have to do it share the above video on facebook, link HERE and tell us about your favourite childhood Holi memory in the comments below. That’s it. Just make sure to tag my page when you share the video on facebook so that I can verify the entry.

The contest starts right now and ends on Sunday 20th March, the winners will be announced on 20th itself, so that the winners can receive the hampers before Holi. It is only open to residents of India.

Good Luck guys and Happy Holi 🙂

Update: The winners are:

Shilpa Bindlish

Neha Thagela

Mansi Tokla

Shweta

Divya Gattani

Also hubby has picked winners this time for an unbiased third person view 🙂 Congrats winners! Please mail me at bhumika_thakkar (@)yahoo.co.uk with your complete mailing address and number soon, will have to send it ahead tom afternoon so that the hampers reach before Holi. If I do not get the details by 1pm tom, I will need to pick another winner.

Thanks a lot for the participation 🙂

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Night Spa Review

Face Mask, New Launches, Night Creams, Reviews, Skin care, Vichy, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Night Spa Review

Hi guys,

I am reviewing this innovative product today which is a sleeping mask cum night cream, you can use it both ways. Just apply a thick layer, massage well (blood circulation on the face) and leave on for 10-15 minutes and wash off or let it stay whole night like a night cream.

What the Company claims: SKIN CONCERN: Dryness, Dullness, Hydration

Inspired by the Vichy Thermal Spa, this ultra-comfortable, velvety sleep mask infuses the skin with hydration overnight, when skin is most receptive to treatments. Skin is soft, soothed and supple by morning.

INGREDIENT INNOVATION
Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and Aquabioryl™ known to replenish the skin with hydration and form a protective film. Contains conditioning oils for intense overnight hydration. With exlusive fortifying and soothing Vichy Thermal Spa Water. Paraben-free.

EFFICACY
Bring home a piece of the Vichy Thermal Spa and experience the benefits of an intensive hydrating treatment in a convenient overnight formula. Skin feels deeply hydrated, soothed and suppler after just one night. Wake up to fresher, more radiant-looking skin.

TEXTURE
Ultra-comfortable cream-gel texture leaves skin velvety soft upon application. Formula is non-sticky, non-greasy, and easily absorbed into skin, making it ideal for overnight wear.

TOLERANCE
Allergy-tested. Suitable for sensitive skin. Tested under dermatological control.

How To Use:
• Apply a thick layer to face and neck and massage into skin with an upward smoothing motion.
• Place your thumbs on the temples and the ring fingers in-between the eyebrows and apply a relaxing pressure.
• Close your eyes, and let this fresh aqua-gel infuse the skin for 10 to 15 minutes. Breathe in and take the time to appreciate the refreshing feeling of the product.
• Repeat 1-3 times per week.

MRP: Rs.1690/- for 75ml (On Amazon HERE)

Ingredients:

It comes in this deep bluish purple tub with a white cap. It has a light blue tint and a faint aqua smell. As mentioned, the texture is more gel like and not like a cream.

It blends easily but it does not get completely absorbed into the skin. It sits on the skin and hydrates the skin as it’s more like a mask. But it will dry quickly and won’t be visible after few minutes. When you wash it off, you do feel you are washing off something slippery.

This was my go-to for winters, dryness and dullness is a common problem in winters. Skin looks patchy with those white flakes peeling off. I just used this on nights when I felt my skin was looking very dry and patchy and the next day, after washing it off, skin was soft and supple.

It is advised to use 1-3 a week, there is no harm in using it regularly too, if you feel like. Coz it has no harmful ingredients and it’s perfectly fine. I usually use it 1-2 times a week or whenever I feel like. It’s like a mini spa for your face, either use to give your face a good massage or if you don’t have the time for that, just apply and leave it on for the night.

It is slightly on the expensive side but the quantity is pretty decent and since you don’t need to use it everyday, it will last pretty long!

I definitely recommend this, especially for people with dry skin. This is really good for days when skin feels over dry and flaky.

Rating:

Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money : 4/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Have you tried the new Vichy Aqualia Thermal Night Spa yet?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

The Body Shop Japanese Camellia Cream, French Lavender Massage Oil Review

Body Butter, Body Lotion, Creams, New Launches, Oils, Reviews, Skin care, The Body Shop, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Body Shop Japanese Camellia Cream, French Lavender Massage Oil Review

Hi guys,

Today I am reviewing two products from The Body Shop’s new Spa Of The World Range. The French Lavender Massage Oil I have been using since quite some time now and the Japanese Camellia Cream I have been using since about 2 weeks.

Both of these products are from the Relaxing Ritual which has 3 more products,a total of 5, i.e. African Ximenia Scrub, Himalayan Charcoal Body Clay and Egyptian Milk & Honey Bath. And there are two other rituals i.e. Revitalizing and Blissful which have different body massage oils and scrubs and 3 products each in that range.

Starting with the Camellia Cream,

What the Company claims: Camellia oil has been used by Japanese women since the 8th century to gently soften and moisturise skin. The exquisite scent of this pure and elegant flower allows mind and body to reconnect with a moment of profound peace. Use this rich body cream with a light, velvety texture as part of our relaxing ritual when you’re in need of a fast-track to tranquillity.

– Velvet moisture body cream
– Makes skin feel beautifully hydrated and delicately scented
– Relaxes body and mind

How to use: Smooth on from décolletage to toes until fully absorbed. Expert tip: “Before applying Spa of the World™ Japanese Camellia Cream, warm hands under running water, take a bit of the cream and massage your hands together to warm the cream. Japanese Camellia Cream is ideal to use every day as a body moisturiser.”

MRP: Rs.2995/- for 350ml

Ingredients:

When I saw the tub, I was surprised, coz it’s huge! Super huge! But it’s made of plastic and quite light weight, also there is a thin transparent layer in between so it looks bigger than it actually is. Entire Spa of the World range come in this brown and black packaging. And all bottles and tubs are plastic, more convenient for oils as the bottles may break easily.

I don’t generally like body butters unless they are quite light weight like the Fuji Green Tea one was. This looked quite rich to me when I first opened the tub and saw it. And as soon as I dipped my finger in it to get the product, I was surprised! This is nothing like a body butter, not at all thick. It’s exactly like whipped cream or mousse. Soft, airy and fluffy. I absolutely loved the texture and as soon as I apply it on the body, it immediately melts in contact with skin and blends super easily. The best part is gets absorbed so quickly that by the time you finish using it all over your body, more than half of it is already absorbed. It feels super light and even in the Mumbai summers, it does not feel sticky or greasy at all.

I love the soft, refreshing smell. I am not sure how Camellia flowers smell but it does have a soft hint of floral. I also like the other ingredients i.e. mango seed oil and shea butter apart from the camellia seed oil.

Skin stays moisturized whole day and no need to re-apply or apply anything else. If you have normal to oily skin or live in humid city, I will definitely suggest getting this one. And if you have dry skin or have harsh winters, the Hawaiian Kukui Cream would work better for you.

It is definitely very pricey but this tub of 350ml will surely last me ages! Not a lot of product comes out when you try to scoop it out since it slips, but then a little goes a long way with this cream, so you don’t even need like huge dollops every time.

And now coming to the French Lavender Oil,

What the Company claims: In the 14th century, King Charles VI of France demanded pillows filled with lavender to soothe him to sleep. Lavender essential oil has a natural relaxing scent which promotes a sense of well-being. Use this calming massage oil as part of our relaxing ritual when you’re in need of a fast-track to tranquillity.

– Relaxing massage oil.
– Soothes body and mind
– With lavender from the south of France.

How to use: Focusing on tense areas, massage onto skin to help relax body and mind. Try using with the Spa of the World™ Thai Wooden Massager to enhance the experience. Expert tip: “Bring this product when you travel, it can work as a body moisturiser and the lavender scent will help you relax before you sleep.”

MRP: Rs.1695/- for 170ml

Ingredients:

The body massage oils come in this small round bottles with a black cap. The dispensing hole is not too huge nor too tiny and dispenses the perfect quantity of oil required at one go.

I absolutely love lavender and if I have to ever pick only one scent for ever, I will go with lavender. Also lavender oil is very relaxing and calming and will also solve insomnia issue. I can’t generally sleep on time, I would lying on my bed for hours but can never sleep early. That’s when I make sure I use this oil.

It has a base of sweet almond oil and sesame oil with jojoba, lavender and few other essential oils combined. I love sweet almond and sesame oils as base coz they are very light and get absorbed quickly. Where as olive or coconut are quite on the heavy side.

Since the ingredients are all oils, you can even use this on your face i.e. if you use oils on your face. I do and sometimes just blend the leftover on my face post using it on the body.

I use it post shower or before sleeping or anytime I feel like. Absolutely love the relaxing lavender scent and how light weight the oil is. The two other massage oils in the Spa of the World Range are Tahitian Orchid and Thai Lemongrass. Where as the Tahitan Orchid is blended with ylang ylang and patchouli and would be quite strong, Thai Lemongrass one is good for body massages, if you get them done at home. But for normal day to day use, if I have to suggest you one, I would say the French Lavender one.

Even the oils are on the little pricier side, but then again it’s 170ml than usual 100ml. I would have loved if The Body Shop had come with smaller variants and pricing too. And that would have been travel friendly versions too, coz these definitely aren’t.

Overall I love both the products and they are absolutely amazing, definitely on the pricey side, but quality super! No doubts about that, the Spa Of The World range is out in the stores now and also available online on The Body Shop India website.

What do you think of The Body Shop Spa Of The World Range? Any favourites?

Faces Sparkle Dust Stackable Glitter Review, Swatches, Ways to Use

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Faces Sparkle Dust Stackable Glitter Review, Swatches, Ways to Use

Hi guys, If you remember Faces Cosmetics had stack of pigment eyeshadows, they had a different name earlier, they have relaunched it with a new name and they are called Stackables now, since you can stack 4-5 shades one upon the other.

These come in 4 different families of colors, Wild i.e. more greens and blues, Zeebra i.e monochromes grey, white, black, Whish i.e. loads of bright colors and finally Glitter which are all glitter pigments and mostly metallic.

I am reviewing the Glitter one today.

What the Company claims: This concentrated shimmer is especially handy when you want shimmery, sultry eyes or to create unforgettable drama. Available in stacks of inspired color themes to help you create the most unique and stunning look.

MRP: Rs. 899/- (Available for INR 764 on Nykaa but currently OOS)

While the rest stackables have 5 shades and are priced at 799, the Glitter one has 6 shades and priced at 899.

I love how they are perfectly stacked one upon the other and you cannot misplace any shade as all have to be together since the base of one pigment jar is the cap of the other. Which also means you cannot carry them individually :/ I would have loved if they came with additional separate 4 caps to carry them individually too.

I absolutely love each and every shade in this Glitter Stackable, there are numerous options you can do with this.

Silver- True cool toned silver

Gold – Warm bronzy gold

White – My favourite, pure white with blue green duochrome effect.

Sky Blue – True Sky Blue mixed with a bit of silver

Plum – Aubergine Plum with gold

Deep Navy Blue – Deep Navy Blue with silver

What I love most about these is that the glitter is very finely milled and not at all chunky, it’s not like thick glitter much visible to eye and you cannot feel this. This feels soft and almost like a powder, even though it’s a glitter.

L-R: Navy Blue, Plum, Sky Blue, Silver, Gold, White

Numerous ways in which you can use these pigments:

1. As an eyeshadow obviously. You can dampen your brush with a makeup setting spray, take the pigment and apply directly on the lid.

2. Use glitter glue/Duraline and make an eyeliner with it, you can make 6 different colored eyeliners.

3. Mix with clear nail paint to get colored glitter nail paint. I would suggest taking some in an empty nail paint bottle or some base as you don’t want to mix the complete nail paint with single glitter option when you can try multiple options every time 🙂

4. Make only one figure glittery like the ring finger, I love doing this and as you can see I have done that above.

5. Try glitter french manicure by applying clear top coat on the tips and dipping them in glitter.

6. You can also use the white glitter one as highlighter, the matte sparkle dust in pinks/plums as blushes.

7. Use the white to highlight cupid’s bow too and mattify your pink/purple lipsticks by just dabbing some matte pigment on top. It will also make the colors look vivid and makes the lipsticks stay longer. A makeup artist tried that once on me during a shoot and the lipstick stayed much longer and I loved how vibrant and matte it looked.

There are endless possibilities with pigments and glitters in makeup. Experiment and have fun, my most favourite ways of using are definitely as eyeliner and single nail with glitter.

I would definitely recommend getting the Faces Stackables, the color option is something that depends on your personality and kind of makeup you look. If you are more into basic smokey, go for Zeebra. If you love colors, go for Whish while the Glitter one definitely has multiple uses and can work for everyone. Also I would suggest buying it from Nykaa only when it is on discount, coz  INR 764 is a great deal.

What about you? Do you like playing with pigments?

Top 10 Best Toners For All Skin Types In India, Prices, Buy Online

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Top 10 Best Toners For All Skin Types In India, Prices, Buy Online

By Ishleen

Hello munchkins!

I realise how long it has been since I last wrote for you but I am back girlies, and back with a bang! No, just kidding! I am back with a top 10 post for you as of now!

*snarls and giggles in the background*

So all of us have heard the importance of a good CTM routine in our lives, and I partake that all of us know why cleansing, toning and moisturising is so necessary! And most probably than not most of us have somewhat narrowed down our moisturiser and cleanser choices but toners is one thing people stay the most confused about! Thus I am here to sort out your toner dilemma and bring in front of you the best toners available in the Indian market, and yes, I have something for all skin types!

For Oily-Acne Prone Skin

1. Lotus Herbals Basil Tone Cucumber and basil clarifying and balancing toner- INR 265 (BUY HERE for 199)

I don’t really like Lotus toners much, I feel they are very heavy on the skin and weigh it down; and that is the alst thing a toner should be doing! No? But this Lotus herbals basil tone Cucumber toner is such a wow product, especially for oily skin! Yes, it tones the skin well but also takes away even the last most trace of oil and dirt and makes the skin feel very supple!

2. Fab India Tea Tree Skin Toner – INR 135 (On FabIndia site or Nykaa)

This is one my most favourite budget toners available in the Indian market! And why shouldn’t it be, it is cost effective, keeps my sebyum production in check and also helps in keeping the acne at bay as much as is possible! Ten on ten for this baby!

3. The Body Shop Tea tree Skin Clearing Toner – INR 760 (BUY HERE)

I know how the body shop products are a bit expensive for some of us but that does not mean that sometimes we can take the leap and just splurge on something which is indeed very good for our skin! I mean if you are genuinely struggling with extremely oily and highly acne prone skin, just go get it man! Period!

4. Lush Tea Tree Water – INR 500 (approx)

One more such splurge worthy product is this gorgeous little bottle of tea tree toner from the house of lush! Lush cosmetics are famous worldwide for curating the best of the best skincare products, and this toner is no less. Effectively removes any grime or oil traces from the skin, tones it and makes the skin feel smooth and firm! (Lush is not available in India currently though)

For Combination skin

5. Fab India Tulsi Toner – INR 180

Fab India makes some of the finest toners, and despite being oily skinned I have used this toner personally, and also tried it on my combination skinned friend and it suited both of us wonderfully! Though her skin felt smoother than mine hence the classification under the combination skin category! The toner is 100% alcohol free and does not completely dry the skin up! It leaves the skin hydrated but not greasy and is perfect for combination-oily skin types.

6. Himalaya Refreshing and Clarifying Toner – INR 80 (BUY HERE)

We people tend to ignore our entrusted Indian brand Himalaya thinking that the international brands make much better products. But this isn’t true in the case of himalaya’s refreshing and cleansing toner. It tones the skin, but does not leave it stretchy or dry and its natural extracts actually make it feel refreshing on the skin.

For Dry Skin

7. The Body Shop Aloe Vera Calming Toner – INR 595 (for 200 ml)

We all know how much of a trusted brand TBS is, and this aloe vera calming toner is the perfect bet for all your dry skin woes! It is alcohol free, does not strip the skin off any moisture and is indeed very soothing and relaxing for the skin!

8. Neutrogena Alcohol Free Toner – INR 1400 (for 250 ml) (BUY HERE for 1032)

I love neutrogena’s skincare products and by first hand experience I can tell how effective this little bad boy has been on my sister’s flaky dry skin! As the name says it is completely alcohol free, so it does not strip the skin off its natural oils and in return keeps it luxuriantly smooth!

9. Fab India Lavender Skin Toner – INR 180

This transparent toner smells divine, and also works like a miracle on dry skin! But to be honest, it was the mild lavender fragrance which prompted me to inculcate this baby in the list! Not that it does not work well for dry skin, coz it sure does! And the lavender extracts also help the skin to remain moisturised and not dried out.

10. The Body Shop Vitamin E Hydrating Toner – INR 890 (for 200 ml) (BUY HERE)

Vitamin E is a boon for dry skin beauties and TBS is a saviour for incorporating our most required nutrients in our toners so that we do not have to layer up on skincare products! The toner smoothens up the skin, soothes, relaxes and also hydrates the skin very effectively! And the travel size packaging is also really cheap, so you can always try that one first!

So which one of these is your favourite?

March 2016 My Envy Box Review, Unboxing

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March 2016 My Envy Box Review, Unboxing

Hi guys,

I just got my March 2016 My Envy Box and Oh My God, the design of the box is fabulous, I absolutely loved the box and I think this is by far my most favourite box!

MRP: Rs.850/- (Available HERE)

The box was super heavy when I received it and I knew 2-3 brands as I had got a teaser mail, when I tweeted about it, the team said we have more than one full sized products this time and I was quite happy and excited.

The products in this month’s box:

  • BBlunt Climate Control Anti-Frizz Leave-in Cream- Full size (Rs.450/- for 150ml)
  • Hedonista Fleur Frozen Ittar- Full size (Rs.1045/- for 20g)
  • Bioderma Photderm SPF50+ Sunscreen – 5ml (Rs.1485/- for 30ml)
  • AVA Body Moisturizer with SPF30 – 50ml (Rs.650/- for 200ml)
  • L’Occitane Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner – 6ml (Rs.1460/- for 300ml and 250ml respectively)

I am glad we have two full sized products and one deluxe sized sample this time, hate the two sachets and the tiny sample though.

I remember getting the full sized Hedonista Oudh Frozen Ittar in the August My Envy Box. I absolutely loved it and now this one again is full sized in ‘Fleur’, love how this one smells too!

BBlunt Climate Control Anti-Frizz Leave-in Cream/Serum has been quite talked about and is quite good, just use some every time post washing your hair and you would have frizz-free smoother hair.

The AVA Body Moisturizer of 50ml is quite a good size and I love the ingredients, it has shea butter and essential oils of jasmine, mogra and vanilla, smells amazing and I am carrying this for my short trip in 4 days, it’s perfect for that.

Not happy with the Bioderma susncreen sample which is a repeated product and the 6ml shampoo, conditioner sachets are not worth talking about. Sachets should be done away with, high time!

Super happy with the rest three products, the value comes to around Rs.1650/- (not counting the two tiny samples.) If you already have the BBlunt Serum, then you may skip the box, if you were anyways wanting to try it, it’s a nice box with the added frozen ittar.

Oh and by the way, the March Designer Jewellery My Envy Box is curated by Cosmopolitan India Editor Nandini Bhalla and includes pieces from Esha Zaveri, Fooljhadi & Zariin. You can also get 10% off using the code ‘JEWEL10’. See my previous Feb Designer Jewellery My Envy Box HERE

What did you receive in your March My Envy Box?

PAC Cosmetics Beauty Blender First Impressions, Demo, Buy Online

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PAC Cosmetics Beauty Blender First Impressions, Demo, Buy Online

Hi guys,

So I got a few products from PAC Cosmetics including this beauty blender. While I am trying out the other products and would review them soon, this beauty blender got me really intrigued and I did the first impressions/demo video with it.

Claims: The unique shape & exclusive material which is edgeless sponge a high definition cosmetics sponge applicator. This sponge will allow the product to sit on the top of the sponge rather then being absorbed. Allowing you to complete your make-up application with less products & less time. When beauty blender is wet it would double in size & become even softer. It would returned to its own size after its dries Top Tip: Use this unique sponge for your cream, liquid or powder foundation. It can also be used contouring, highlighting with cream or powder products.

MRP: Rs.485/- (Buy HERE)

It looks and feels exactly like the original beauty blender and PAC Cosmetics also has a set of two or three tiny beauty blenders for concealers,etc just like the original brand.

There are a lot of beauty blender dupes and brands having similar sponges like from Forever 21 and many, many others. Real Techniques also has a mustard colored Miracle Complexion Sponge which is flat from one end though. That also makes it easier to blend on cheeks or apply powder.

While I have two Sigma F80 brushes and always use the F80 only for blending, this is the first time I am using a sponge/beauty blender. If you see the video, I was subconsciously rubbing and buffing the product like with a brush :/ Err, yes I am that used to a brush. I saw Kandee Johnson’ video on how you have to ‘Push and Roll’ when you use a beauty blender which looks like bouncing when done quickly. I ended up buffing but still it was super easy to blend the foundation with it, I am surely trying to correct method again and it should show even better results.

But I am blown away by how super soft and squishy this is and makes blending foundation super easy, I blended it within 1 minute and some seconds, this was super quick and it does not go streaky or patchy at all. Also the tapered end is perfect for under eyes and the corners of the nose.

While the Real Techniques one is around the same price, from the few reviews I have read, the Real Techniques one is a little harder and not as soft as this one. For the price of Rs.485/- I am loving it and definitely recommend it, it will make your foundation/base routine change forever. You can use it daily with your BB creams/Tinted moisturizers and it will work just as well. Also saves your time in the morning.

I love it and recommend it, if you try it, do let me know how you find it.

PAC is a professional makeup line, often used by makeup artists and now since the products are easily available online, we all can take advantage of it and buy the professional makeup brushes which perform as good as the MAC ones at half the price. The brushes range from Rs.300 to Rs.800, I have one more brush from them which I will review soon.

Update: My beauty blender tore a bit from two sides in the first wash :/ Not really happy about that, and I didn’t even wash it vigorously. If you follow me on Snapchat (@bhumika_t), you would have seen the pics and video. I will try and update you guys after more uses.

Do let me know your thoughts on the PAC Cosmetics Beauty Blender.

BBlunt Blown Away Volumizing Leave-in Spray Review

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BBlunt Blown Away Volumizing Leave-in Spray Review

By Pallavi

Hello ladies,

Thin hair is a concern for many ladies. And owing to today’s stressed and pollution hair fall is also an increasing trend. But in order to look presentable you need to make your hair also look trendy and stylish. But that’s not possible with such thin lifeless hairs. So, what should we do??? Have you ever heard about Volumizing sprays??? Well, Volumizing sprays are actually a mist or gaseous product which when sprayed on hairs lifts the roots and gives a good amount of volume to hairs. but this increase in volume is only an illusion. There is no real volume.

I have heard a lot about these Volumizing sprays. So, one day while online browsing when i saw a brand called B-Blunt had a volumizing spray in their kitty. I decided to try it. And to cut the long story short here is the product – B-Blunt Blown away Volumizing leave in spray.

Price : Rs.550/- for 150ml

Ingredients:

Directions to use: Turn your hair upside down. Now, apply the spray on roots of your hair. If you have long hairs you can also apply it on your hair length. But try to concentrate mostly on the roots. Apply on semi-wet or towel dry hair.

Colour – transparent

What B-Blunt claims: If big hair is your thing, may we introduce you to your new best friend. This volumizing spray gives you incredible fullness and bounce, that lasts. Go big with confidence.

Details

Ingredients: Hydrolyzed Wheat protein, Meadowfoam seed extract & Provitamin B5
Specially created for Indian hair
Protects from the environment and heat styling damage

My experience with B-Blunt Blown away Volumizing leave in spray

To begin with the product impressed me with its packaging. It comes in a big but slim and stylish yellow bottle. The bottle is transparent so that you can see the amount of product left inside. The bottle has the entire product details mentioned. It has a spray like opening with a tiny tube like structure. . You need to spray it a bit so that the product comes out of the thin yellow tube.
The texture of the spray is clean foam like. It smells heavily of chemicals. When i first pressed the spray a very little product comes out. So, you need to spray the product a number of times to spread it evenly on face. Try to concentrate only on roots. The product does not wets your hair much. After spraying the product well, try to spread it with your fingers on hairs. you can see a beautiful illusion of volume. Try not to comb too neatly. This will give you a messy and voluminous look.

But sadly the volume is not long lasting. It stays only for a while. If you go to a outside wide then the volume will fly away in no time. But of course the volumizing spray makes your pouf more prominent and beautiful. Since a little product goes a long way so a single bottle will last you ages.

Good about B-Blunt Blown away Volumizing leave in spray

Runaway brand
Affordable price
Comfortable and easy to use texture
Gives an illusion of volume
Little product goes a long way

Bad about B-Blunt Blown away Volumizing leave in spray

Not much volume
Volume doesn’t last long

Rating – 3/5

Editor’s Note: Sounds nice when you need instant boost of volume, sad that the effect doesn’t last long.

Have you tried the BBlunt Blown Away Volumizing Leave-In Spray yet?