Tag Archives: Indian makeup and beauty blog

PepperTap: A New Way To Shop Groceries

PepperTap: A New Way To Shop Groceries

About PepperTap: PepperTap is changing the way people buy groceries. We are replacing your visits to the super market with a few taps on phone. We started our operations in November 2014 serving a limited area in Gurgaon. Focussed on accurate and on time deliveries, we are now available throughout the city. Simplicity and effectiveness are the key drivers of our products and service. We believe buying groceries online should not be just for early adopters and We strive to make our service more accessible so anyone can free up their time to do what they love.

PepperTap: A New Way To Shop Groceries

There have been so many apps to shop groceries out now in the market. But I think Peppertap’s claim to deliver in 2 hours in unbeatable!

You get 20% off on your first order using ‘TAP20’ maximum upto Rs.200/- I am glad that one can see this message and use the 20% off discount, because majority of the times the coupon code is available online or on their social media and one has to search. If you are not very social media friendly, you could miss out on the coupon code but Peppertap displays it on your login.

I tried to shop from Peppertap and it was a breeze. The interface and layout is amazing. I have tried 1-2 other grocery apps and for buying stuff worth Rs.1000 took me 3 hours! I was so surprised and happy to see the amazing layout and easy navigation of the Peppertap app.

As you can see above, there are categories like Popular (most sold), Food & Drink, Staples & Spices, Fruits & Vegetables, Breakfast & Dairy, Bath & Body, etc. And then there are sub categories like Flour, Oil & Ghee, Rice, Salt & Sugar, etc. within Staples & Spices.

They list all brands and types of flour available with the price, quantity, discount, etc for each item. This was so convenient coz I have spent a lot of time on other apps using the ‘Search’ option as it was not bifurcated that well.

 

They have some items like broccoli, babycorn, mushrooms, etc. but still don’t stock red cabbage, olives, etc. I hope they add more products to their kitty.

They have free shipping above Rs.250/-, below which they have shipping charges of Rs.50/-

On checkout, you get two options for Delivery Time and Payment Type. If you want the order to be delivered ‘NOW’ i.e. in 2 hours or a later time where you select a time slot. And Payment Type, whether Cash on Delivery or Paying Online.

Peppertap App is available both on Android and iOS.

I definitely suggest you guys try the Peppertap app. And you get your order delivered in just 2 hours which is the best part, because even when you go out to buy stuff, picking up stuff, standing in queue to pay and returning back carrying all those heavy bags will take you 2 hours or perhaps more!

Save your time and efforts and your weekend, if you are working by ordering all your groceries on your phone at the comfort of your home or even while you are travelling.

Peppertap definitely gets a big thumbs up from my side and I will be ordering from them more often, what about you? What do you guys think of the Peppertap app?

Illamasqua Glamore Lipstick Kin Review, Swatches

Illamasqua Glamore Lipstick Kin Review, Swatches

What the Company claims: Colour intense, sophisticated burnished red lipstick enriched with moisturising Vitamin E. Lipstick in Kin provides a long-lasting satin finish in a smooth, hydrating formula that glides onto lips without compromising on colour pay off.

Sophisticated Burnished, Satin Finish

MRP: Rs.2093/- for 4g (Available HERE)

I have tried a few lipsticks from Illamasqua before, also the Glamore ones, see HERE and HERE. This shade ‘Kin’ is from the new Illamasqua Earth Collection.

It has the classic black Illamasqua packaging. The finish is creamy and it is quite pigmented like all other Illamasqua lipsticks, you just need one swipe with this.

The shade Kin is described as burnished red, it is like a light muted wearable berry brown shade. It instantly glams up your face and perfect for night too.

The only thing I did not like much about this lipstick in particular is the staying power, it stayed just 3-4 hours on me and that too without eating or drinking. All other Illamasqua lipsticks have always stayed longer, not sure if it is something with this particular lipstick.

It fades away evenly and easy to carry along and apply. Here it is on me..

The only con I would say is the availability and also Illamasqua lipsticks are a bit pricey. But they have such amazing pigmentation and quality, have always loved all Illamasqua lipsticks, I only wish this one stayed longer though.

Overall, I quite like this shade and the Earth collection is all about ‘Fall’ shades and browns, berries, etc. This shade ‘Kin’ is also fall appropriate. If you are looking for a wearable berry shade which is not too bright or vampy, then this would be perfect. It will work with majority skin tones.

Rating:

Quality: 3.75/5
Value for money: 3.75/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall Rating: 3.75/5

Would I buy it again: Not this shade, but would love more of Glamore Lipsticks

Have you tried Illamasqua Glamore Collection Lipsticks? Which is your favorite ?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

Maybelline Fashion Brow Duo Shaper Pencil Review

Maybelline Fashion Brow Duo Shaper Pencil Review

Hi guys,

I am so glad that brands in India are coming up with something for eyebrows which was forever ignored until now. I know so many women who make do with either black/brown eye pencil for eye brows. But now no more! We got the Fashion Brow Duo Shaper pencil by none other than Maybelline India.

What the Company claims: The Fashion Brow is the ultimate duo shaper with a natural mineral powder finish on one end and a 0.2mm micro lead tip pencil on the other to give you an ultra-soft precision for perfectly defined eyebrows up to 12 hours. It fixes gaps and blends seamlessly for smooth, stunning brows. If you’re not born with brows that are naturally full and shaped to perfection, Fashion Brow will guarantee you to get the best look for them.

Here’s why you will love it:
– Available in two variants, Brown and Grey.
– Duo shaper with a natural mineral powder finish.
– 0.2mm micro lead tip pencil.
– Double ended eyebrow pencil.
– Perfectly defined eyebrows up to 12 hours.
– Priced at Rs. 245 for 0.61g

I also love the fact that it is everything dual from two shade options i.e. Brown and Grey coz not every woman’s facial hair is of the same color. Brown is what usually works for everyone, but many a times brown looks stark and grey looks more natural. Try out both and what works best for you.

Powder on one side and Pencil on one

Also it has both powder and pencil in one, i.e. one side id mineral powder with a sponge tip applicator and one side is a very fine tip retractable pencil.

Now I have the ‘Brown’ one and the pencil part still looks a bit grey and is not completely brown. The pencil is a bit hard and you have to go with multiple soft strokes to define the shape. I am glad it is not creamier or too pigmented coz then it either melts off if creamy and one goes overboard if too pigmented.

L- Pencil, R- Powder

There is a very thin line between defined brows and artificial looking too much filled bushy brows! It is very easy to make out and the over-filled ones look very bad, trust me! The pencil is quite thin and perfect for defining the shape and adding just the required color. I use the pencil at the front and define the shape and then fill the outer half and the gaps with the powder side.

It stayed on me whole day with minimal fading! I quite like the Fashion Brow Pencil and also it is priced very economically, but the quantity is too less. You will finish the pencil part soon and the powder you just cannot see how much is used/left.

L- Powder, R- Pencil

I am not someone who fills eyebrows everyday or regularly. I have thick brows and I usually skip doing brows, though there are certain gaps I need to fill, but I am usually too lazy. I am glad I can now by carrying just a pencil, since it is very travel friendly too, now you can do your brows anywhere without carrying brow powder/brush, etc.

Here is my Before- After

Before – After

Absolutely love it and recommend it!

Rating:

Quality: 3.75/5
Value for money : 3.75/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall rating: 3.85/5

Have you tried the New Maybelline Fashion Brow Duo Shaper yet?

Beauty Fest at Westside with StudioWest

Beauty Fest at Westside with StudioWest

Hi guys,

Westside, Trent has recently announced the launch of StudioWest, an extensive range of make-up and bath & body products in July.

They had a ‘Beauty Festival’ at their Infiniti Mall, Andheri store where there is a dedicated area for all things makeup, beauty and hair! You can find all the brands here from Lakme, Colorbar, BBLUNT, LYN, Maybelline, L’Oreal Paris and of course StudioWest.

I absolutely loved how StudioWest was presented in a circular kiosk with all their products arranged beautifully section wise.

We had the celebrity makeup artist Pallavi Symons who demonstrated a few looks using the StudioWest products. She has also created a series of makeup videos for StudioWest in association with Glamrs.com, some of which you can see HERE, HERE and HERE.

They had a Beauty Spin Wheel with five different looks and Pallavi recreated the Cat Eye on Sonal Sagaraya and the Summer Brunch look on Samyukta.

StudioWest line consists of two ranges : Pure Passion and Maaya
– Pure Passion: With its lightweight textures, vibrant hues and flawless finishes encourages women to experiment with makeup and reinvent their look
– Maaya: with its gorgeous shimmer textures, dazzling hues, is perfect to add glamour to all your special occasions.

Studiowest entails an array of beauty products and fragrances mentioned below:
– Dramatic Eyes: Intense Kajal, Crystal Eyeshadow, Luscious Mascara and Dramatic Eyeliners
– Luscious Lips: Lipsticks, Lip Glazes, Lip Liners and Lip Glosses (Matt or Glossy)
– Flawless Skin: Lightweight foundations and Compacts (4 shades each) designed for the unique Indian complexion and climate
– Nails: Variety of unique colors for every occasion.
– Fragrances: Ibiza Power for him and her, Maaya and Dark Valour, Deodorant Body Sprays
– Bath & Body: Soaps, Shower Gels, Body Lotions, Face Wash

Store details: Currently StudioWest is present in 3 stores in Bangalore and Mumbai. They would be present in 27 Westside stores in the country along with 20 kiosks. But the Beauty Playground is only at the Infiniti Mall Andheri store.

Let me also show you some of the products we received:

Lakme Matte Lip Pouts

Maybelline & L’Oreal Paris mix of products

LYN Nail Colors

One of each StudioWest Makeup products and 2 skincare ones.

Prices & Shades of the makeup products:

StudioWest Maya Radiance Blush – MRP: Rs.425/-
StudioWest Pure Passion Intense Kajal – MRP: Rs.195/-
StudioWest Pure Passion Extreme Eye Liner – MRP: Rs.295/- (5 shades including black)
StudioWest Pure Passion Crystal Eyeshadow Trio – MRP: Rs.395/-
StudioWest Pure Passion Luscious Mascara – MRP: Rs.375/-
StudioWest Pure Passion Flawless Finish Makeup – MRP: Rs.550/- (Available in 4 shades: 01 Light Beige, 02 Honey, 03 Golden, 04 Amber)
StudioWest Pure Passion Flawless Finish Compact – MRP: Rs.495/- (Available in 4 shades: 01 Light Beige, 02 Honey, 03 Golden, 04 Amber)
StudioWest Maya Luminous Lip Glaze – MRP: Rs.395/-
StudioWest Pure Passion Long Lasting Lipstick – MRP: Rs.450/-
StudioWest Pure Passion Irresistible Lipstick- MRP: Rs.295/-
StudioWest Pure Passion Dramatic Liquid Eye Liner – MRP: Rs.295/-
StudioWest Pure Passion Cashmere Chubby Stick – MRP: Rs.495/-
StudioWest Pure Passion Vivid Nail Color – MRP: Rs.145/-

I already have reviews of the Lakme Lip Pouts and LYN Nail Lacquers on the blog. I would be reviewing the StudioWest products soon 🙂

I love the fact that WestSide has launched complete range of makeup products and that too at an economical price.  And Pallavi Symons told us that they would be adding gel liners, palettes and all of those pretty soon! Yay for that 🙂

I only hope that they retail online too, so that can be more easily available.

Have you checked out StudioWest by Westside yet? What do you think of the products?

September 2015 My Envy Box Review

September 2015 My Envy Box Review

Hi guys,

If you remember the previous month’s My Envy Box, it was a bomb!! It was the best My Envy Box I had ever received. So I had very high expectations from this month’s My Envy Box, did it stay upto the expectations? Read on to know..

Read more about My Envy Box HERE and check out all the previous reviews HERE.

MRP: Rs.850/- (Buy HERE)

I received September’s My Envy Box today, and I also filmed a video and edited it all today 🙂

This month’s box is a silver colored one. It has the September card and the product details card, which has a few makeup tips on the back side of the card.

 

Let’s look into the contents:

  • Za Total Hydration Fresh Foamy Cleanser 5g sample- Full size Rs.299/- for 100g
  • Davidoff Cool Water Shower Gel 75ml- Full size Rs.1800/- for 150ml
  • Catrice Ultimate Shine Lip Colour in What’s Apricot Full size- Rs.610/- for 3.5g
  • Trussardi Donna perfume vial 1.5ml

This time there is just one full sized product i.e. the lipstick, one super deluxe sized sample i.e Davidoff Cool Water Shower Gel which is half the original size and two tiny samples which I am not too happy with.

The cleansing foam is only worth Rs.299/- and not something very expensive, so a sample size of at least 20g could have been included. I don’t like perfume samples in subscription boxes or bags, though this one smells nice, but you can get such tiny samples for free at the brand counters.

Catrice Lipstick in What’s up Apricot

My Catrice lipstick was a nice, everyday n*de shade and good to pair with smokey eyes, but it has melted and broken from the base and got damaged in transit :/

Overall I would say this month’s box is pretty ok, I am not too pleased. My expectations were sky high after the super amazing box last month. I would suggest you buy it only if you like the Davidoff Cool Water and the Catrice lipstick.

The price of the lipstick i.e. Rs.610/- and the shower gel i.e. Rs.900/- is a total of 1500/- which is decent for a box worth Rs.722/- (post discount)

I hope your lipstick remains intact though 🙂

Buy the box HERE, also you can use the coupon code ‘NEWLOVEMAKEUP‘ during checkout to get extra 15% off, which would bring down the cost of the box to Rs.722/-!

Did you get your September My Envy Box? Which lipstick shade did you get?

OOTD: Palm Print Crop Top, Denim Joggers

OOTD: Palm Print Crop Top, Denim Joggers

Hi guys,

Time for a new OOTD 🙂 I got this palm print peach crop top from Koovs, it is from Spring Break. I love quirky prints (remember this pineapple print crop top) and light, pastel colors, peach being one. This was again a perfect combination of color + print in a crop top like the pineapple print one, so I grabbed it 😀

And another favourite of mine are these denim jogger pants. These are very loose and so comfortable, it is like wearing denim but still not feeling like denim. These are from StalkBuyLove and called ‘Uber Kool Tencel Pants’. They run slightly loose and hence my normal size is also quite loose for me, so order accordingly.

I completed the look with my current favourites shoes, the silver loafers from Forever 21, black fringed bag and my Daniel Wellington watch.

I wore this look for the Clinique Face Forward Lunch.

Crop Top: Koovs
Joggers: StalkBuyLove
Bag: StalkBuyLove
Shoes: Forever21 (Also shown HERE)
Watch: Daniel Wellington

I hope you liked the look, do let me know in the comments below 🙂

Current Fashion Trends 2015

 Current Fashion Trends 2015

Hi guys,

Today I am talking about some of the current fashion trends. The time period currently between fall and summer is like a mixed one, there are certain summer trends that are still going strong like the Boho dresses and Maxi dresses and there are certain fall/winter trends that are also seen quite a lot already like the Plaid and leather jackets.

For e.g.: Alice Olivia

In denims, it is both the Skinny and the Flared that are doing rounds.

Sports bra or bra tops are also still IN.

In bags, it is the Saddle Bag and the Messenger Bags.

Shoe wise, you can already see a lot of boots, but there are tied up stilettos, etc. also still IN. I love these Stuart Weitzman ones.

So currently it is like a mix of both summer and fall/winter as the fall is just starting yet. I am loving the boho and off shoulder dresses a lot too. Of course here in India, it is mostly the summer trends only throughout especially in Mumbai.

What comes in fall/winter here are just light shrugs or light layering.

 What is your favourite current fashion trend?

Dove Oxygen Moisture Shampoo, Conditioner Review

Dove Oxygen Moisture Shampoo, Conditioner Review

Hi guys,

So Dove has launched new ‘Nutritive Solutions’ (called ‘Advanced Series’ in US) and Oxygen Moisture is their first launch as a part of it.

What the Company claims: The new Dove Oxygen Moisture range comes with an advanced solution that gives your hair the balance of moisture and volume. This new range with innovative Oxyfusion Technology can put an end to your daily dilemma, leaving you with hair that is beautifully nourished, smoother and looks 95% thicker.

Dove Oxygen Moisture shampoo is a transparent, lightweight formula comprising of oxyfused moisture ingredients that instantly disperse on the hair. This formula helps to gently cleanse and nourish hair, leaving it beautifully bouncy, and full of natural volume.

Enriched with the Oxyfusion technology, the Dove Oxygen Moisture Conditioner delicately moisturizes dry and dull hair, restores smoothness and leaves hair looking thicker. With the new Dove Oxygen Moisture, you no longer need to choose between well moisturized hair and natural volume. Oxyfusion technology for Dove promises you both! So leave your hair worries aside, and breathe life into dry, dull hair

Dove Oxygen Moisture Shampoo

Directions to use:

1. Apply shampoo through wet hair. Lather and rinse thoroughly.

2. For beautifully smooth and bouncy hair follow it up with New Dove Oxygen Moisture Conditioner

MRP:  Rs.83/80 ml, Rs. 176/180 ml, Rs. 292/340 ml (Buy Dove Shampoo)

Ingredients:

Dove Oxygen Moisture Conditioner

Directions to use:

1. After shampooing, apply along the lengths of wet hair, focusing on ends.

2. Keep for 1-3 minutes and rinse off thoroughly.

3. Use conditioner every time you shampoo for beautiful, smoother hair

MRP: Rs.91/80 ml. Rs. 194/180 ml (Buy Dove Conditioner)

Ingredients:

I have already shared a mini review of this in my August favourites YouTube video HERE. I have been using it since more than a month now. This is the first Dove shampoo that is in transparent, gel form. The packaging of  both the shampoo and conditioner is like the usual Dove range with a flip top cap. This one is white and blue.

Also the transparent gel like formula of the shampoo has a slight blue tint. The conditioner is white and creamy and rich like usual conditioners.

Now I have used Dove quite a lot and it has always worked for me, but many told me Dove gives them major hairfall. The only reason I see is that the Dove shampoos were always very rich and if someone has thin or fragile hear prone to breakage, the richness of the shampoo would be weighing down the hair causing breakage. I have never experienced any hairfall with any of the Dove ranges though. But this range is perfect for all of you did not like the previous ranges, coz this is very light and not that rich.

This shampoo will not weigh your hair down and will not give any hairfall. In fact I love the way it cleanses thoroughly and gives a nice bounce and volume to the hair. The conditioner is rich though but if you apply it only towards the ends, it should work. And the hair will retain the bounce.

I love the fresh smell of both the shampoo and conditioner. My hair is well behaved from the time I have been using this combination. There have been no frizz issues and I get the desired volume and bounce too with the smoothness of course.

Sorry I am unable to find the swatch pics in the folder, would update later.

I am happy with the price point too, and these smaller bottles are good to carry for a trip too.

Overall, I am loving this range and definitely recommend giving it a shot.

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 4/5

Have you tried this new Dove range?

L’Oreal Paris Mat Magique Compact Powder Review, Swatches, FOTD

L’Oreal Paris Mat Magique Compact Powder Review, Swatches, FOTD

Hi guys,

L’Oreal Paris India is on a roll and launching a lot of new products, the latest being the Mat Magique Compact Powder. Just 2 months ago they launched the Infallible range which had the Infallible 24H Powder Foundation too. And now a new range of compact powders 😀 Well, we are not complaining 😉

What the Company claims: With 5 shades, specially created to suit Indian skin tones, Mat Magique compact blends smoothly into your skin to give an impeccable coverage without looking cakey. At a special price point of just Rs. 399, L’Oréal Paris Mat Magique compact is easy to apply and frees you from touch ups, every time you decide to go out. The new compact from L’Oréal Paris is also enriched with SPF 34 PA+++ to help protect your skin from the sun and make it look blemish free, healthy and radiant all day long.

INNOVATIONS & INGREDIENTS
Mat Magique compact – It’s the Matte that does it all! Infused with Volcanic Perlite Minerals Mat Magique compact lets you stay shine-free, worry-free, and flawless for 12 hours.

MRP: Rs.399/- for 6g

Ingredients:

Shades Available: 5

  • G1 Vanilla Ivory
  • G2 Golden Ivory
  • G7 Golden Amber
  • N2 Nude Vanilla
  • N6 Nude Honey

More details HERE

I have the shades G2 Golden Ivory and N6 Nude Honey which are like the closest match for me, G7 Golden Amber is the darkest shade and N2 Nude Vanilla is the lightest.

At first, I love the transparent and pink round packaging, it looks pretty on your table or in your bag too. The bottom base is also transparent and you have the mirror and a round, white thick sponge in the lower compartment. Now the mirror being in the lower compartment and the product on upper, it would be a bit of a struggle to take the sponge and go up and down again and again. Outside India, it had a rectangular packaging with sponge and powder on each side and mirror on the front.

L- Golden Ivory, R- Nude Honey

I am glad that the shades are all warm and suitable for Indian skin tones! Most of the products including the previous Infallible 24H Powder Foundation were a bit light and gave a strong whitish cast. Thankfully, these ones match Indian skin tones perfectly and do not look white or ghastly at all.

L- Golden Ivory, R- Nude Honey

And SPF34 PA+++ is the highest protection I have seen in a compact powder yet! Kudos to L’Oreal Paris for adding in such high sun protection factor.

Coming to the coverage and staying power, it gives light to medium coverage which is perfect for daily use. It stays on for quite a few hours and absorbs oil and shine for almost 5-6 hours and keeps it at bay, thanks to the Volcanic Perlite Minerals. Post 5-6 hours, you notice a bit of shine but not too much, just a touch up with this and you are again sorted for few hours.

It is not very powdery or not too drying, but it is not creamy either. If you have dry patches on your face and you use this compact without using a moisturiser, then it will cling to the dry patches. But in a hour or two, it won’t feel dry coz it balances with the skin’s natural oils.

The price point of Rs.399/- is amazing!! Absolutely happy with L’Oreal Paris to keep the price low, it is one of their rare 2-3 products that are priced below Rs.500/- 😀

And coming to the shades, I have Golden Ivory and Nude Honey. Golden Ivory is slightly light for me and Nude Honey is slightly dark. But these powders oxidize a little bit during the day and hence Golden Ivory settles to match my skin.

Here are the swatches..

L- Golden Ivory, R- Nude Honey

I am wearing Golden Ivory here.

Wearing Golden Ivory

Overall, I am very happy with these compact powders. They have everything you could ask for in a compact from coverage to staying powder to keeping oil at bay to sun protection to the perfect shades and price. Highly recommend them! And they would work for all skin types.

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 4/5

Have you tried the new L’Oreal Paris Mat Magique All In One Transforming Powders?

OOTD: Two Diverse Outfits (Maxi Dress & Monochrome)

OOTD: Two Diverse Outfits (Maxi Dress & Monochrome)

Hi guys,

If you follow me on my social media, you must be knowing I had attended the Reliance Trends’ Tarun Tahiliani show at Lakme Fashion Week and I had to pick two outfits from the new Reliance Trends collection and wear one of it for the show.

I tried a number of outfits as you can see here..

Finally I went with these two.

First is this super pretty royal blue maxi dress which is from their in house brand ‘Fusion’ and it has an Indo-western feel to it obviously as the name goes.

I love the print on top, the fit, the flowy fabric, the color, everything about this dress and also it is super comfortable! I had been living in this maxi dress for entire day for 2-3 days in a row since it felt so comfortable.

If it would have been available in more colors, I would have bought all of them 😀 And guess the price guys!! It retails only for Rs.799/-!! Beat that. Definitely recommend checking out ‘Fusion’ at your nearest Reliance Trends store and buy this if you spot it! There were some other shirt dresses and halter dresses too which were quite pretty.

I wanted my 2nd outfit to be completely different from the first. Since the first was bright and colorful and Indo-western, I went with a monochromatic black and white semi-formal look in the 2nd.

I chose this textured white boxy top with an embellished neckline with a simple black pencil skirt. I love the waffle print texture and the neckline is super pretty. You don’t need any additional accessories with this top. This top was priced at Rs. 799/- too.

Other accessories seen in these looks are my infinity layered neckpiece and my hamsa hand harness. (Both seen HERE). I wore my silver Forever 21 loafers with these.

Outfits: Reliance Trends
Shoes: Forever 21
Accessories: LucLuc