Tag Archives: Indian makeup and beauty blog

Join Garnier Men India In The Nationwide Movement

Join Garnier Men India In The Nationwide Movement to #SayNoToBars and #SayYesToOilClear

Men will be men! No matter what the situation, this statement will always hold true for them.

Take a minute to think this through…
How many men have you seen who pay attention to grooming? Well, we know your answer – barely any, right! That’s true for most men. As the brand that cares about men and their grooming, Garnier Men India is out on a mission to change this.

Join Garnier Men India In The Nationwide Movement to #SayNoToBars and #SayYesToOilClear

Don’t you think its gross to use the same soap you use ‘everywhere’ on your body, on your face too ?! And, the skin on your face is definitely thinner and more delicate than the rest of the body. Plus, also more exposed to the sun and pollution. We, (including men) should take extra care of our facial skin. But, men do not understand this basic, simple thing, as if its some deep science ! #StupidThingsMenDo, I tell ya.

I really like this #SayNoToBars campaign and if guys get convinced to ditch those soap bars and try a face wash, it would be really cool and effective. Whenever I see a guy carrying a facewash, I love it. It is also one of the way of showing yes,we too care about ourselves and our skin and do not ignore it !

We believe, behind every successful man there is a woman – who helps him with what to wear and what to do. So, what could be a better way to make men change their attitude towards grooming than get the women to lead this initiative with us?

This is why, Garnier Men, in this Nationwide Movement ask men to Say No To Bars. Yes, they mean – Say No To ‘Soap’ Bars. Wondering why? Here you go –

1. Soap bars are unhygienic as the same bar is used for multiple purposes. Instead, why not switch to a face wash which is for a defined purpose?

2. Soap bars are history now! Modern men prefer to use face wash that is customised to suit their skin’s needs. So, why not be the man of today who loves modern facilities?

3. Soap bars are inconvenient and not practical to use at all. Then, why not be smart and switch to a face wash which is easy to carry?

Keeping these advantages of face wash in mind, they ask men to take a pledge against the use of soap bars. They instead recommend men to use the Garnier Men Oil Clear Face Wash for a deep cleansing action which removes excess oil without drying your skin while ensuring a day-long oil-free feel. If you are a guy, take the pledge NOW! HERE http://saynotobars.thegarnierman.com

And if you are a girl, make sure you get your guy to use a face wash and make him pledge against soap bars ! No More Bars !!

To make sure, they get the message clearly, here’s a fun song which tells you why it’s time to #SayNoToBars and #SayYesToOilClear 

So go ahead, bring a change in the men you care about!

Revlon India Introduces Cheek Boutique

Revlon India Introduces Cheek Boutique- New Powder Blush and Highlighting Palette

A collection of blush, bronzers and highlighters for perfect pops of color!

Revlon, The Color Authority, is bringing big news to the blush category with the launch of what we are calling our ‘Cheek Boutique,’ offering three new ways to enhance your cheek bones and play up your beauty look. Step inside the dressing room and try on any of these new beautiful shades!

Revlon Powder Blush is an ultra-soft, silky powder blush that adds a natural flush of color to you cheeks.

The Revlon Highlighting Palette is a captivating brick highlighter. The sophisticated palette has complimentary shimmer shades that blend to enhance complexion for a natural sun-kissed look.

Revlon Powder Blush

·         4 NEW SHADES: Naughty Nude, Classy Coral, Haute Pink, Wine Not

·         SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: Rs.550/-

Revlon Highlighting Palette

o   3 NEW SHADES: Peach Glow, Rose Glow, Bronze Glow

o   SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: Rs.950/-

I am loving the looks of the highlighting palette..I anyways lovee highlighters. Also, have never tried a Revlon blush yet..and both look interesting enough.

Have you guys seen the new Revlon Blush and Highlighting Palettes ? Excited to try ?

Illamasqua Velvet Blusher Flirtatious Review, Swatches

Illamasqua Velvet Blusher Flirtatious Review, Swatches

What the Company claims: New for Summer 2014, create a flush of intense colour with this long-lasting, matte blusher in Flirtatious. The lightweight cream texture delivers a velvet soft cream to powder finish. Apply to the apples of the cheek, or across cheekbones to enhance and define. Build and blend with fingers or an Illamasqua brush for added colour-intensity.

MRP: £21.50 for 5 g / 0.18 OZ (Approx. Rs.2200/-)

Flirtatious is a lightweight velvet soft powder which delivers a matte finish. Apply to enhance your cheekbones, use over foundation for impact.

Key Benefits:
1. Blends effortlessly
2. Velvet soft powder matte finish.

Application: Build and blend with fingers or an Illamasqua brush.

It comes in the trademark Illamasqua packaging. Looking at it first, I could’nt make out its a cream finish coz it looked just like powder.

Its a cream to powder finish. As soon as you blend it, the color is completely dry and matte and stays put throughout the day.

This is not those creamy, melt in your face or give a soft, dewy look kinda blush. Its matte and looks as good as any powder finish blush.

Flirtatious is a perfect peachy, pink shade. It gives that nice, healthy glow to the cheeks. This is one shade and finish, which would work for all skin tones and on all skin types, be it oily or dry.

I am in love with it..and eyeing more from this Velvet Blusher range. Other shades available in the Velvet Blusher range are Conviction, Sleek and Peaked.

Unblended- Blended

Pros:

1. Love the Illamasqua packaging.

2. Beautifully pigmented.

3. Matte finish.

4. Once blended, stays put throughout the day.

5. Perfect texture and works on all skin types.

6. Shade gives a nice healthy, peachy pink flush and would work on all skin tones.

7. Blends easily.

Cons:

1. Expensive.

2. Available online. You can buy it HERE.

Overall, I would say, I love this new Velvet Blusher range and their finish. And also all the 4 shades which are a part of this range look amazing. I think these are just perfect. Highly recommend them.

Rating:

Quality: 5/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

Have you checked out the new Illamasqua Velvet Blushers ?

 P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review.

Style Tips for Summers

Style Tips for Summers

So the monsoons were supposed to be officially starting in India, but they just showed us a teaser and ran away, to never return 😀

Well, untill we get those nice rains and showers, we definitely need some cool attire for ourselves in this sweltering heat of Mumbai. Here, are some summer style tips for you guys..

Outdoor

1. Cotton, Cotton, Cotton: Yes, do not forget. Wear only cotton in a hot and humid climate like Mumbai. Coz no other cloth material would absorb the sweat and humidity as well. Also, its more skin friendly and will not make you feel irritated even when you are out in the sun. You can also go for linen.

2. Whites: All whites keep you cool and relaxed. White ensembles do not absorb heat and are hence more suitable for summers.

Outdoor/Casual

3. Breezy, airy clothes: Shorts, skirts, dresses, sleeveless tops. All clothes that lets your skin breathe and gives it some air. We hate tight denims stuck on our skin in the summers, don’t we ?!

Casual

4. Sunglasses, scarves, hats: All that and more, whatever you need to protect yourself from the sun. A good pair of sunnies can make or break your outfit. Also, you can use a scarf, hat or umbrella when outdoors to cover your head and hair.

5. Comfortable footwear: Open and comfortable footwear, be it your slippers or sandals..or our very own kolhapuris. Also, you can go for wedges, if you need height.

Party

6. Sunscreen: A good high SPF sunscreen is a must in summers..and also do keep reapplying every 2-3 hours when you are out in the sun.

I have shared some sleeveless, airy tops and dresses that you can wear in summers..be it a casual look, outdoor look, party look or a festive look.

Here is mine Party #SleevelessSelfie Look..

Also, a good deodorant is something that you need all the time. The new Nivea Whitening Sensitive Deo not only smells amazing, but also helps whiten your underams for all those sexy, sleeveless, summer attires. I am currently using that and loving it..would be reviewing soon.

Btw, also love the new Anushka Sharma’s ad for the same..

You can also participate in this #SleevelessSelfie contest on the Nivea India facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/NIVEA.in/app_721803454524727 and win some great prizes.

What is up for grabs ?

  • The weekly winners on FB receive Anushka’s dresses.
  • The consolation prizes are 1000 Rs Myntra vouchers.
  • The Grand prize winner gets Make My trip vouchers

Have you taken part in the contest yet ? You definitely should ! Anyone has tried the new Nivea Whitening Sensitive Deo ?

Revlon Introduces Two New Nail Art Duos in India

Revlon Nail Art Introducing two new nail art duos for on-trend textures and finishes

Revlon introduces two new additions to the Revlon Nail Art collection: Revlon Nail Art Sun Candy and Revlon Nail Art Shiny Matte. Inspired by the leading trends in fashion and beauty, both dual-ended nail polishes contain everything you need to create unique textures and finishes for your nails.

Shiny Matte

Revlon Nail Art Sun Candy builds on the popularity of Revlon Nail Art Moon Candy, offering sunny colors with sparkling topcoats for a dazzling solar effect. Available in 6 brilliant shades.

Revlon Nail Art Shiny Matte allows you to achieve the shiny/matte trend with matte and metallic enamels. The dual-ended nail enamel has a sophisticated matte base coat and shiny coordinating top shade with a skinny nail art brush to create glam designs with the matte/shiny textures. Available in 4 runway-worthy shades.

Sun Candy- Shades

FEATURES/BENEFITS/KEY INGREDIENTS:
• Two new varieties of dual-ended nail enamels contain everything you need to create unique textures and finishes
• Revlon Nail Art Sun Candy has a bright base coat and iridescent top coat for a dazzling solar effect;
• Revlon Nail Art Shiny Matte has a matte base coat and shiny top coat in a coordinating color with a skinny nail art brush. Matte base has a frosted vial to easily identify matte shades.

Sun Candy- Shimmering Sunset

SHADES:
• Sun Candy: Sun Burst, Sun Shower, Northern Lights, Shimmering Sunset, White Hot, Lava Flame.
• Shiny Matte: Pinstripe, Tortoiseshell, Leather & Lace, Emerald Suede.

SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: INR 375/-

AVAILABILITY: June 2014 retailers nationwide

Sleek Makeup CC Cream Light Review, Swatches

Sleek Makeup CC Cream Light Review, Swatches

What the Company claims: Boost radiance and mattify shine with our long-lasting complexion corrector cream that treats and conceals imperfections.

  • Buildable medium coverage
  • Contains vitamin C which helps to protect skin against damage caused by free radicals, reduces fine lines, wrinkles and improves skin elasticity
  • Moisturising formula nourishes skin and combats dull and uneven skin tones; leaving a beautifully fresh and even complexion
  • Unique colour adaptive technology adjusts to your skin tone. It also works to brighten and enhance skins natural radiance, whilst fighting against shine
  • SPF 29 protects skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays

Price: $13.49 (Approx Rs.800/-) for 25ml

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Cyclopentasiloxane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Glycerin, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, C30-45 Alkyl Methicone, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Isopropyl Myristate, Polybutene, Sodium Citrate, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Chlorphenesin, Methylparaben, Aluminum Hydroxide, Methicone, Dimethicone/Methicone Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Ascorbyl Glucoside, BHT, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-t-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, [+/- May contain: Mica, Tin Oxide, CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), CI 77492 (Iron Oxides), CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide)].

Shades: Fair, Light, Medium, Dark

Ok, so as most of you know, we already have the CC Creams now after the BB creams..and the rest till Z will follow soon 😀

Coming to this Sleek MakeUP CC cream, it comes in this white and black cap packaging and has a small nozzle dispensor which just dispenses just the required perfect amount..no wastage here!

The shade Light is like my second skin! It suits me so perfectly, or its the CC cream’s color adaptive technology that makes me feel so. But I don’t feel there is anything on apart my skin, it blends and feels so seamless.

At the same time, its a little rich and hydrating..it plumps up my skin. And gives that soft, dewy, hydrated, glossy skin. I have combination skin, but I love base products that give me dewy skin. I am not a matte skin lover..I like it dewy and natural. So, for me, this formula works perfect. For oily skin, you will definitely need to powder up with this and touch up later.

It stays on me for a good whole day when I am out..has stayed 6-7 hours easily. And does not transfer much, a little on tissue, when there is too much humidity. You know I live in Mumbai and we all sweat like pigs once out of the house !

And as far as the coverage goes, its amazing..medium buildable coverage..and I need only a pea sized amount ! Its my go to everyday !

Here is an FOTD with only this CC cream and some kohl and lip balm.

Pros:

1. Amazing coverage.

2. Skin is moisturized and hydrated, you do not even need a separate moisturiser.

3. Gives a dewy, plumped up, healthy looking skin.

4. Stays for 6-7 hours.

5. Does not transfer much.

6. SPF29 UVA+UVB

7. Good for daily use..feels light like second skin.

8. Shades adapt to skin tone and look completely natural.

9. Travel friendly packaging with a perfect small nozzle which prevents wastage.

10. Also has Vitamin C which helps protect skin against skin damage.

Cons:

1. Availability is an issue.

I don’t think I can think of any other cons..I am so in love with it, right from the first use. Its my current staple. I hit ‘tube-end’ on my favorite L’Oreal Paris BB Cream and was planning to repurchase when this arrived ! And I sooo love this..in my Holy Grail now. Though there are only 4 shades, the Color Adaptive technology helps it match your skin tone. I highly recommend this ! Though oily skin and people who love matte skin, do need to powder. For normal to dry skin, this is a must have.

Rating:

Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money: 4.5/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall Rating: 4/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

Have you tried any CC Creams ? Your favorite ?

 P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review.

OOTD: Studded White Top, Coral Slit Maxi Skirt

OOTD: Studded White Top, Coral Slit Maxi Skirt

Hey guys,

Back with an OOTD. Most of you love my striped skirt and sandals in my previous OOTD. I love them too !

Also, I love this high waisted coral half sheer maxi skirt with a thigh high slit. Its so summery and I love the coral color <3.

I paired it with a white studded top..studs on the pocket and shoulders. It can be formal and/or casual depending on how you team and wear it..very versatile.

Merged the two with a broad stretchable black statement belt with gold detailing on the front. Kept the accessories minimal..went for this black choker necklace with little danglings and a gold hollow out cuff. I went for a sleek, low ponytail with middle parting.

Since its white and coral, I added some animal print touch with my leopard print sandals.

 

See my tan? How I hate it :/

Top: Possimus
Skirt: Romwe
Belt: Stylefiesta
Necklace: Youshine
Sandals: Shown HERE

I hope you liked the outfit..do let me know in the comments below 🙂

Makeup Apps from Maybelline

Makeup Apps from Maybelline

Looking to mobile for expert makeup advice

Guest Post

Makeup is supposed to be a girl’s best friend, yet that’s only the case when it’s used properly. Many women have fell victim of sloppy makeup techniques and incorrect shades, so it’s about time that we educate ourselves with the right makeup products for our skin tones. A trouble-free way to teach ourselves is by using mobile makeup apps, specifically ones offered by Maybelline.

Ever since the introduction of mobile applications in 2008, which was shortly after the release of the first iPhone, the world has been enthralled with the variety and versatility of apps, affecting industries from beauty to even gaming. Accessibility and convenience have also played a part in the popularity of mobile apps, which is why there were equal percentages of female and male mobile gaming users across all age groups according to AlchemyBet, maker of notable mobile casino pocketfruity.com. Because mobile apps are quite easy to use, makeup brands such as Maybelline decided to launch a mobile platform for beauty tips and tricks for all women.

Searching for the right makeup products can be a hassle, but your luck might just improve with the use of Maybelline’s mobile apps listed below.

FitMe

A lot of the time, women fail to choose the right colors that fit their complexion. For some, it has taken many trial-and-error sessions to discover their perfect shades, but with the help of this Maybelline app, the ladies won’t have to undergo an extended period of experimentation with their makeup. FitMe cleverly matches the correct shade of concealer, foundation, powder, blush and even bronzer.

Image courtesy of Google Play

ColorShow

In 2012, augmented reality app maker Blippar teamed up with our favorite makeup brand in creating a virtual option for Maybelline customers to “try on” nail polish before making a purchase. Before this app, we had to go through the tedious process of painting the testers on our fingernails, but now with a snapshot of your hand, you can test out the entire collection without having to reach for the polish remover.

Image courtesy of Blippar

Makeup Express

The latest in Maybelline mobile apps is Makeup Express. Like FitMe, this app features the “Shade Finger” which assists its users in finding the right products for their skin tone. Makeup Express also provides Maybelline buyers with an interactive in-store experience so that consumers can browse the shop while reading about product details, ratings, and tutorials. Backstage secrets can be discovered by capturing the M: Interactive symbol in-store or on advertisements, which will then lead users to the augmented reality portion of the app.

Image courtesy of Google Play

Instead of wasting time testing one product after another, try using these apps for the most accurate, efficient, and convenient makeup shopping experience.

Have you tried any of these Makeup Apps from Maybelline ?

Vichy Capital Soleil SPF50+ Velvety Cream Review

Vichy Laboratoires CAPITAL SOLEIL SPF50+ Velvety Cream Complexion Refining Action Review

SKIN TYPE: Normal to Dry Sensitive Skin
ACTION: Optimum protection thanks to a formula enriched with MEXORYL which helps protect the genetic capital against sun damage, brown spots and sun induced premature skin ageing.
RESULT: The very high protection – UVB, UVA and Long Wave UVA. Skin is protected against sun damage and improved skin quality.skin is smoother – In the sun. Skin is protected from photoageing (anti wrinkles and spots)


HOW TO USE: Apply the Velvety cream just before exposure. Re-apply frequently and generously to maintain protection, especially after swimming, perspiring or toweling.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Broad spectrum filtering system with Mexoryl® : anti UVA-UVB, reinforced against long range UVA (3/4th of UV) to offer more protection and more beauty benefits for the skin.
TEXTURE: Soft and silky texture with Hyaluronic Acid: melts in the skin and immediately replumps it. Skin is smoother, softer, suppler.

Ingredients:

MRP: Rs.1090/- for 50ml

First of, it was priced at Rs.890/- 2-3 months back and on the Vichy India site, it still shows at Rs.890/-. I don’t know why the 2oo bucks jump suddenly :/

To start with, it comes in this pretty yellow packaging which many brands are coming up with these days for their sunscreens. It has a simple flip cap tube packaging.

The sunscreen is white in color and has a soft floral kind of smell. It looks thicker in consistency but is quite easy to spread and blend and is creamy. Does leave a whitish cast though.

Its slightly rich for oily skin. As it even claims to be normal to dry skin. I have combination skin..and my T zone definitely feels oily..but its rich for my overall skin too in summers..I definitely need touch ups with this.

I like that it has SPF 50 and very high protection..I am not using it everyday, but only when I am going to be out in the sun. Indoors I do with SPF30-35 with medium protection. Its been a little over 2.5 weeks since I am using it..I still wanted to wait before reviewing but since monsoons have already started, I wanted to review this before the rains are coming full-fledged.

Its the 2nd sunscreen from L’Oreal Paris with Mexoryl, one more being the new L’Oreal Paris UV Perfect Aqua Essence.

Pros:

1. High Protection.

2. SPF50+ with Mexoryl and Advanced protection against UVA and UVB rays.

3. Hyaluronic Acid plumps up the skin giving it a softer and smoother look.

4. Travel proof packaging.

5. Prevents skin from tanning or burning.

6. Gives a dewy looking skin..and dry skin would love this !

7. Water proof and sweat proof..stays through even in the humid Mumbai summers.

Cons:

1. Is quite rich..and not meant for oily skin or use in summers.

2. Leaves a slight whitish cast.

3. Expensive..and more so with the new increase in price!

Overall, I would say if you have dry skin, you can definitely try this out..and people with oily skin can try this in winters..coz its definitely a very good sunscreen. High protection from sun and tanning..and is quite water resistant too (sweat proof!). And is paraben free and hypoallergenic. Only other sunscreen from L’Oreal Paris with MEXORYL. Recommended.

Btw, it even claims to be for normal to dry, and sensitive skin.

Rating:

Quality: 4/5
Value for money: 3.5/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall Rating: 3.75/5

Would I buy it again: Yes..especially in the rains, coz its water proof (Not that we are not supposed to use sunscreen in monsoons !) Also, its good before swimming.

Have you tried the Vichy Capital Soleil SPF50+ Velvety Cream ?

Za True White Day Protector Review

ZA True White Day Protector SPF26 PA++ Review

ZA (pronounced as zi:ei) True White features three best whitening ingredients – Revolutionary 4MSK Formula penetrates deep within the skin to diminish the formation of excessive melanin, reduce blemishes & dark spots that are visible on the surface giving an even-toned radiance.

Vitamin C Complex with a potent combination of APM (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate) and VC-IP (Tetrahexydecyl Ascorbate) lightens the deep rooted melanin pigments to restore skin’s translucence.

The range is enriched with exclusive SPA ingredients like Natural Spring Water from the foothills of Mount Cazzaro in Tuscany, Italy, Trehalose and White Lily extract to give unparalleled moisture to the skin. Its Prism Enhancer System removes unwanted dead corneal cells and allows for maximum diffusion of light on the skin’s surface making it radiant with brightness.

What the Company claims: Provides comfortable, light-weight yet strong protection against UV rays at daily base. Helps diminish spots and acne marks at the same time. Minimizes the appearance of visible melanin accumulation. Veils skin with a bright, pearly radiance that enhances skin tone for a healthy look.

MRP: Rs.799/- for 35g

Ingredients:

ZA True White Range is based on the new research by the Shiseido skin care team called the  Revolutionary 4MSK Formula where they have combined three best whitening ingredients..

It comes in a slender tube packaging with a small nozzle to get just the right qty for your face and neck.

Its not runny but neither thick..and quiet light in texture and easily blendable. It sinks into your skin. I have a combination skin and did not find it too rich or greasy..it is just about perfect.

Oily skin may require touch up on their T-zone after 2-3 hours..I did not face much of those issues..

It has a light baby powder kinda smell..does’nt stay long and not bothering. I am using this from about 3 weeks..and I do see lightning of my 1-2 acne scars which I had. Though it has SPF26 PA++, its not sufficient and I need to layer it with a separate sunscreen. I wish it had more sun protection..coz its after all a Day Protector.

But, I like the fact that it has both Vitamin C and E along with some other added minerals..Vitamin E helps in fading scar marks and Vitamin C too, to a certain extent. So a combination of too, is like very good in helping the skin regenerate and heal marks faster.

I have not tried the ZA True White Day Cream..but from the reviews I have read, that is more lighter and more suitable for oily. But, if you have normal to dry skin, you can go with the ZA True White Day Cream. Plus this tube packaging is easier to carry.

Pros:

1. Easy to carry tube packaging.

2. Dispenses right amount of product.

3. More hygienic than tub packaging.

4. Is light in texture and absorbs and sinks easily.

5. Helps fade acne marks and skin appears more even toned with gradual use.

6. Has a blend of Vitamin C, Vitamin E,  Minerals and Shiseido’s Revolutionary 4MSK Formula.

7. A little goes a long way..35g is going to last a long time ! I think the price is worth it..and its better priced than Shiseido’s other skin care ranges.

8. Has SPF26 PA++

Cons:

1. Not easily available.

2. Oily skin may need touch up for T-zone after 2-3 hours.

I don’t think I can think of any other cons..I quite liked it and using it regularly from the last 3 weeks. Can already see some difference in the skin. Would definitely recommend the ZA True White Day Protector.

Rating:

Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall rating: 4/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

Have you tried Za True White Day Protector ?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review