What the Company claims: The Eye Shadow is a pigmented powder that gives the eyes a shine and pearl-like effect. Ultra fine in texture, it is easy to blend while its moisturising agent keeps your eyelids soft and smooth. This product is long lasting and fade resistant.MRP: INR 300.00 for 3g (They were priced at Rs.250/- before) Colorbar eyeshadows are very good in pigmentation..and staying power is good too..more so with a primer..at Rs.300/- these are surely worth for..I have swatched some of my favorites here..
What the Company claims:
BEAUTIFUL MATTE PERFECTION
AIR-SOFT FEEL
MATTE FINISH
Why You’ll Love It
• Formula is jet-milled into ultra-fine particles for an air-soft, ultra-silky texture
• The suede-touch puff smoothes onto skin evenly, effortlessly, for the most beautiful matte perfection
For Best Results
Apply Dream Matte® Powder to your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin with the provided puff using gentle downward strokes. Build coverage gradually.
MRP: Rs. 475/- for 9g
Shades Available:
Cream Light
Sand Medium
Beige Medium
Honey Medium
It comes in a light brown see through packaging with a slide across lower compartment which has a mirror and stores a puff..amazingly designed..it sure deserves the most well thought of compact powder title..
The powder is very finely milled and super soft..it blends into the skin easily..and does not look cakey or any obvious effect..the puff is different..made of sponge..and picks up the right qty and goes over well on the face..but it gives light coverage.
As claimed, it actually is mattifying..it gives a completely matte look..and is a boon for oily skinned girls..I generally use it on my T zone..
The shade Sand Medium is a perfect match for me..
Pros:
1. Amazingly designed..this is perfect to carry along anywhere.
2. Super finely milled powder..blends well
3. Gives a completely matte finish.
4. Four shades to choose from.
5. 9g is a lot of quantity.
Cons:
1. Dry skin may find it too matte.
Overall I would highly recommend this to oily skinned girls..this is the answer to your prayers :p For dry skinned, do check it out at the counters first..I am combination..and I use it mostly on my T zone and for touch ups and love it..
Rating:
Quality: 3.75/5
Value for money: 3.5/5
Availability: 3.75/5
Overall Rating: 3.75/5
Would I buy it again: Yes
Have you tried the Maybelline Dream Matte Powder ?
Wedges and Heels Ah…don’t we all have a weakness for shoes and bags..nothing is too much for us when it comes to clothes, shoes and bags 😀 I recently was just surfing and found this super tempting deal on Yebhi.com..they have this last size thing..where everything from clothes to shoes which are the only piece in one size left, they offer at a good discount..And the best part of Yebhi is their Try n Buy where you order stuff and opt for Cash on Delivery and pay only if the thing fits you ! Now, is’nt this something we all would love..no tensions of whether the size is perfect and then have to return and all..no hassles..
I found 3 pairs of shoes..two from Aiva and one Globalite and ordered those..and they came in within 2 days..
Tried them..found the Aiva ones to be fitting well..though both are of different size..and one thing I have noticed off late in the last one year, that my right foot is a little smaller than the left..and the same size shoe is a little loose on the right..have anyone of you ever experienced that ?
So the Globalite one was a pretty turquoise blue and rubber ballets kind..casual ones which would be perfect for the rains..but those were a little tight..and mom said rubber does not expand..so I skipped those..
Got these purple wedges with red satin curls and tan peep toes..I had selected the royal blue wedges but they were picked off super quickly..
Sleek MakeUp Be Beautiful Blemish Balm Review, Swatches Full Coverage Blemish Balm Cream with SPF 15 “be beautiful Blemish Balm”
Proving that it’s not just us girls who can multi-task!
Skincare meets make-up: What product can be used as a primer, tinted moisturiser, contains spf15, is highly moisturising, conceals blemishes, has anti-aging properties and provides full coverage? …
Sleek MakeUP’s Be Beautiful Blemish Balm.
Created to protect, moisturise, conceal and prime the skin the Sleek MakeUP Be Beautiful Blemish Balm is undoubteldy the multi-tasking goddess of the product range that aims to brighten your complexion and leave your skin looking, smooth and radiant.
Unlike it’s predecessors on the UK High Street Sleek MakeUP’s high coverage, Be Beautiful Blemish Balm range includes shades specifically for fair and darker skin tones.
What’s inside the BB Cream: Enriched with red algae extract which provides anti ageing properties and protein peptides that work to repair the skin, this tube of wonder contains Vitamin C that
brightens the complexion leaving your skin with a youthful and luminous finish whilst the Vitamin E protects the skin from early stages of UV light damage and reduces the the formation of free radicals that could lead to premature ageing. The jojoba oil provides a moisturising formula that creates a smooth and flawless base, concealing imperfections whilst preventing discolouration and dehydration lines.
Containing SPF15, this multi-functional BB cream not only works hard to nourish and conceal imperfections it also protects the skin from harmful rays.
How to use: Use as a primer or tinted moisturiser to provide an even skin tone and dewy base or build the Be Beautiful Blemish Balm to use as a high coverage foundation.
Tips and tricks: Apply the BB cream and wait for cream to settle before applying a second layer: Apply one layer of BB cream for medium coverage and two layers for high coverage.
The BB Cream can be used as a concealer. After applying the BB cream, spot apply to areas that require more coverage (redness, dark spots, acne marks etc) and lightly pat into your skin to blend.
Available in 4 shades: Fair, Light, Medium and Dark.
It comes in a sleek black broad tube packaging with a flip cap..I have the shade Medium which is unfortunately too dark for me..I look toasted in the sun with this shade 😀
But I am amazed with the coverage..it is indeed a high coverage product..and as mentioned can be doubled up as a concealer too using second layer..it stays on for a good 6-7 hours and skin does not feel oily or shiny..you just need to touch up the T zone with powder if you have oily skin..
Here is it..as you can notice the color difference..
Unblended, Blended
The difference may not be much visible..but it looks too orangey in person..
Pros:
1. Provides medium to high coverage..you can skip your concealer and foundation.
2. Stays for a good 6-7 hours..and gives a dewy finish..only the T zone is required to be touched up for oily/combination skin.
3. Has SPF 15.
4. Has red algae, jojoba oil and a few other good ingredients.
5. Does not have a pink or grey tint like the true BB creams and no whitish cast too.
6. 50 ml would last long.
7. Works as a primer too as claimed..it does give a smooth finish and lets the foundation stay a little longer.
Cons:
1. The product gets collected at the opening.
2. Only 4 shades available..and Medium is too dark whereas Light may be a tad lighter..there are 2 more shades required between Medium and Light.
3. Available online.
4. Has parabens.
Overall I do like the texture, smoothness and coverage of the product..one of those high coverage products that give a smooth finish…and can be used as a primer, concealer, tinted moisturiser, foundation..as you like it..I would surely love to try the Light shade, if its not too light for me, that is. I wish SleekMakeUp came with more shades in this..
Rating:
Quality: 3.75/5
Value for money: 3.5/5
Availability: 3/5
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Would I buy it again: Yes
P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review Have you tried Sleek MakeUP bases ?
Lakme Hair Serenity Service (Straight Hair with Cysteine) Review, Photos
Ok..when I got the opportunity to try the Hair Serenity Service (Straight Hair with Cysteine) at Lakme Salons, I was a little wary since its semi permanent..and I have never colored, treated or done anything to my hair..in fact blow drying and straightening is also very rare..as I find that a little torturous for the hair..so I had to do my small little research..
I had shared about Hair Serenity before here and the difference between this and Keratin treatments..
I found out more and sharing with you guys here..
Why is Formaldehyde Dangerous?
Understanding the Reasoning
The danger comes when formaldehyde comes in contact with our bodies. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, but it’s so much more than that. Exposure to formaldehyde can lead to skin, eye, nasal and throat irritation, respiratory illnesses and severe allergic reactions, even from small, unspecified amounts found in products like a keratin treatment. This can lead to headaches, fertility problems in women, lesions on the body, abdominal aches, vomiting and even death. Obviously, a chemical that in small to moderate quantities can lead to a variety of health issues is bound to create some controversy. That’s why there are regulations on formaldehyde in everything from building materials to your everyday hair products.
Why You Should Go Formaldehyde-Free
Be simply inhaling formaldehyde fumes, both you and your stylist are exposed to higher risks of lung cancer.
While formaldehyde treatments had ecstatic customers singing its praises, plenty of women experienced dramatic hair loss from the treatment.
Formaldehyde is a dangerous, carcinogenic substance and should not be used lightly.
About Cysteine: Luckily, a new generation of hair straightening treatments have come along that are safer and more cost effective than previous keratin treatments. One treatment, known as cysteine Brazilian therapy came out fairly recently in the middle of 2011.
As the name implies, this straightening treatment is also from Brazil, but it is not a keratin straightening treatment. Instead, the treatment uses a naturally occurring, essential amino acid called cysteine to straighten the hair, making it a safer treatment than formaldehyde based straighteners. Cysteine is also more naturally absorbent, eliminating the need for a formaldehyde coating to seal the product in. As a result, this hair straightening treatment doesn’t contain any complicated chemical formulas that keratin treatments require.
How It Works: Cysteine & Its Effects
As far as treatment goes, cysteine Brazilian therapy is considered semi-permanent at best. However, several professionals state that treatments containing cysteine instead of keratin can, in fact, last between two and three months minimum.
Overall, cysteine provides a safer options for those looking for straighter tresses. Everyone, from type 3s and 4s to pregnant women, can use this formaldehyde-free hair straightening treatment.
So after being convinced that it won’t affect my hair (I am a little finicky about my hair), I tried to give it a shot..so I went to Lakme Salon in Mulund..
The first step being consultation with the expert..I bombarded him with questions..the usual me still having some doubts :p My biggest concern was whether the new hair that grows would be normal..and would the huge difference show up..I don’t like that half curly half straight look..and he said this does not go inside the roots of hair..and is just used over the hair..and the effect fades away slowly and the whole hair is normal as before again in around 3 months..so I was relieved..this is not straightening..its just smoothening hair and relaxing the frizz..the overall effect is very natural..since my hair is naturally straight with some waviness at the ends..it was not a dramatic difference for me..or such that someone would point out that I have got my hair straightened..
Step 1: Hair is washed thrice with a clarifying shampoo..
Step 2: Hair is blow dried and the Cysteine Complex is applied on each strand on 80% dry hair.
Step 3: The hair is wrapped with thin cling and kept for 35-40 minutes.
Step 4: Each strand is then blow dried..and then ironed with a flat iron..there are some fumes..but not much..
Step 5: Hair is supposed to be relaxed for 20 minutes. And then they are again washed..and a conditioner and serum are applied.
Step 6: Hair is then blow dried again without the heat..just to style and the acai oil is applied.
And tadaa..its done !!
Here is a short video to show the procedure:
The whole process takes around 3-4 hours depending on the length and thickness of hair as each strand is to be worked on individually.
They use the Amazon Series Range for the whole procedure..It was called Cysteine Infusion before..and they have named it Hair Serenity now..
The cost: Rs. 6499/- for below shoulder hair Rs. 7499/- for above shoulder hair Both excluding 12.36% service tax..
Ya its expensive..but the effect stays for 2 months..and it all safe and natural plus does not damage the hair during or after in any which ways..
Post treatment care: I have been told to use Sulfate Free Shampoos..so here goes my SLS shampoos for the time being..I am going to use Vedantika and Neev..thinking of getting the Lass Naturals Range..
I did surely recommend the hair serenity service for people who want natural looking, frizz free, straighter manageable hair without the side effects or after effects of formaldehyde..
Jennifer Aniston revealed some of her top skincare secrets in a recent interview, and we’re surprised to hear how beautifully basic they are!
Though eternally sporting a youthful golden glow, Jen confessed that her most effective wrinkle-fighting regime consists of little more than ice water and Vaseline.
Rather than splashing out on fancy creams, Jen apparently prefers to dab some of the classic jelly below her eyes before bed instead.
Then to keep her skin firm and pores under control, the Friends actress is said to dunk her face into a sink full of cold water and ice cubes. Eeish!
While we get the idea – the cold water reduces puffiness, tightens up skin and shrinks pores – an icy dip first thing in the morning sounds a bit intense.
What the Company claims: Waterproof Formula. Provides smooth and even application.
MRP: Rs. 259/- for 0.28g (Rs. 179/- in current catalog)
Shades available:
Emerald Green
Blackest Black
Cosmic Brown
Majestic Plum
Starry Night Blue
Nocturnal and Textured Teal are the two new shades introduced in the new Urban Jungle Collection.
Avon Glimmersticks are matte or metallic finish in a few shades whereas the Glimmersticks Diamonds have a little shimmer.
The whole product
Avon Glimmersticks Eyeliner are mechanical retractable eye pencils..they have a simple black packaging..and a matching shade end..
They are super creamy and glide on very easily..and have great pigmentation..you need just one swipe and once set, they do not budge at all…not smudging or fading..I loved the staying power..
Nocturnal is a deep purple shade with a metallic sheen..
Pros:
1. Very pigmented..you need just a swipe.
2. Smudge proof and water proof.
3. Stays for a good 6-7 hours.
4. Mechanical and retractable..so no wastage.
5. Matching shade at the end to identify.
6. Quite creamy..glide on easily.
7. Economical..especially at the 179 offer.
Cons:
1. Since these are creamy, they even break off..I guess one has to be more careful in summers.
2. Only available through an Avon rep.
Overall I quite liked the Glimmersticks..I always wanted to try them..and quite loving the shade Nocturnal..surely trying more shades..totally recommended..
Rating:
Quality: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 3.5/5
Overall Rating: 3.75/5
Would I buy it again: Yes
P.S: Product sent by brand for review but it has not affected my opinion
“To nourish dry skin, you can simply use the olive oil you have in your kitchen, the same one used to prepare vinaigrette. Olive oil is really good, it will reinforce and nourish the skin and it helps regenerate and protect too. This is an oil you can use from head to toe. You just have to apply it on your body. In Morocco, women use Argan oil because it protects the skin from all weather conditions. It’s a country where it is very hot during the day but quite cold at night. This oil is going to soften your skin, in the same way that olive oil will.”
Oily skin
“Sometimes, you buy more food than you need but don’t throw things out straight away, you can use some food to create beauty products. If you have an avocado which is a little bit too ripe, transform it into a mask. To nourish your skin, just crush the avocado and put it on your face. During summer, when the sun is really hot, mix an avocado with egg yolk for a face mask because it gives more protection.
“If you have blackheads on your nose, use the skin of a banana. Rub it on your nose and it will make the blackheads pop out more easily. You just have to pick them afterwards, which will stop you getting a red nose and a scar!
“Rice flour is another great natural beauty secret when you have oily skin. Everyone knows about rice papers, but they are quite expansive. If you have rice flour in your kitchen, you can make a mask with it. Mix the flour with yoghurt – one which isn’t too fatty – just to add a moisturising element. You can mix rice flour with a mashed up strawberry too, which helps exfoliate skin. And of course, you can add some clay to the mask, which is the perfect product for oily skin.”
The little tip for every skin type
“Everyone says that Chinese girls have beautiful skin, which is true. They’ve got a secret which many stars practice too. They use an egg white as a facial – they spread it on my face. Then let it dry until it looks like clear plastic and take it off with tepid water. It tightens the pores and gives a rejuvenating effect.”
Merck India Event- All About Pigments I attended the Merck Event last week at Amadeus, NCPA, Nariman Point, Mumbai. Merck is a company basically from Germany and has its collaboration in India from the time Rabindranath Tagore went there and had good relations with the Merck family..Performance Materials is one division of Merck out of the many divisions..and pigments form one part of Performance Materials..and not only the colored pigments we use for our eyes..but everything from mattifying powders in pressed powders to the shimmery highlighting powders..the pretty looking body washes and face washes..each and every thing has these pigments..even the paints on the walls and the outer packaging..everything..
Read more in this note:
Event: “An afternoon of shimmer and shine”, where Merck [India] revealed the latest trends in beauty and skincare with renowned experts Samantha Kochhar, Ojas Rajani and Dr. Soma Sarkar
When: Friday, 8th June 2012
Where: Amadeus, NCPA, Nariman Point, Mumbai
What happened: Even a humid day in the over-cast weather of Mumbai could not break the excitement resonated around the conclave hosted by The Performance Materials division of Merck [India] to discuss and showcase the latest trends, movements, technology and innovations in the world of beauty and design. Merck is the pioneer and global leader in pearl effect pigments and a key player in setting global trends in beauty, skincare and design. Combining expertise with experience, this exclusive preview also featured the likes of Samantha Kochhar – MD Blossom Kochhar Companies, Ojas Rajani – Ace Bollywood make-up stylist and Dr. Soma Sarkar – renowned cosmetologist and dermatologist, who threw light on the latest advances and inventions in beauty and the importance of effect pigments in the colour cosmetics and skin-care products that we use.
Merck [India] also shared its latest initiative ‘Project effexX’, a first of its kind co-creation platform in the world of product design, architectural design, interior design, aesthetic design, package design, cosmetics and skin care. Through Project effexX, Merck India intends to communicate the value, benefits, and the need for special effect pigments in people’s lives and businesses, along with serving as a knowledge resource for trends, technology, new design and innovation. It’s the perfect destination for aspiring beauty and design professionals to engage with industry experts and seed new concepts and ideas.
It was an afternoon full of shimmer and shine, with Ojas Rajani showcasing the latest looks for Colour Forecast of Autumn/Winter, 2012. This was also followed by an interactive experiential session, where participants got to custom make their own skincare and colour cosmetic formulations using a variety of Merck pigments and actives.
What the Speakers had to say:
· Sharing his views on this initiative Siddhartha Sengupta, Head of Performance Materials, Merck Limited [India] said, “At Merck it is our constant endeavour to educate consumers about the relevance of effect pigments in their day-to-day lives. It is with this objective that we created ‘Project effexX’, an online and offline engagement programme to enlighten, inspire and empower consumers through influencers. This initiative will also help consumers understand the latest trends in the effect pigments space and give them a platform to network within their lines of work.”
· Talking on the occasion, Samantha Kochhar, Managing Director, Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies said, “I’m very pleased to support Project effexX, which I think is a great knowledge sharing platform for budding professionals and other industry players who want to raise the bar in the Hair and Beauty Industry. Companies can benefit from in-depth researched solutions with regards to pigments and ingredients in order to enable them to produce internal quality products and packaging, which do not harm people and the environment. We believe that as a company we are absolutely dedicated to providing natural, honest, credible and effective products. I personally have great faith in Merck products on account of their high quality and focus on safety, and have used their pigments in our latest skincare range, ‘Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic’.”
· Dr. Soma Sarkar was vocal in advocating the need for better skin care, “In today’s fast paced life, it’s important that both, women and men, pay greater attention to their skin care needs. This begins with using quality products which are appropriate for their skin type. I have high regard for a brand like Merck, which has managed to constantly stay on top of the skin care and beauty trends. Merck products not only deliver value for money but also organic world-class formulations that do not damage the skin. Each ingredient is backed by global certifications which are testimonial to their claims of efficacy. I am delighted to be part of Project effexX, which is a great platform for influencers and consumers alike to keep abreast of the latest developments in beauty and skin care, and also network with experts across principles.”
· Praising Merck [India]’s efforts in creating this dynamic knowledge sharing platform for young practitioners through Project effexX, Ojas Rajani said, “Merck has some really innovative pigments, actives and functional fillers, which provide superior quality textures and benefits to many of the colour cosmetic and skincare brands that we use. Project effexX is a great platform to educate consumers on the ingredients that they should seek in their beauty products and help them to take more calculated and informed purchase decisions.”
Ojas Rajani explained two looks on the models..a day time and a night time..the day time look was more sublte where pistachio and pastel shades were used and the night time look was smokey.
Samantha Kocchar was herself a makeup artist before..if you are a follower of Band Bajaa Bride on NDTV Good Times, you must have seen both Samantha and Ojas on the first season..She tookover as the MD of Aroma Magic a year and a half back after her dad expired and she heads it now. She also told us about the new launches of Aroma Magic..a new line of face washes..which have Merck Pigments..and new innovative packaging..and also that they have worked on the smell of Aroma Magic Mineral Glow Scrub which is their hot seller..but smells blah..
Ojas Rajani uses cosmetics which have Merck Pigments in them. I have got a lilac eye-shadow which has Merck pigments in it ..would review soon..
Merck also has Titanium Dioxide used in Suncreens and many other pigments related to skin care and pearl effect pigments used in makeup..the whole pigments thing was kind of an eye opener..I knew the ingredients used in stuff..but not about how these pigments are sourced from different companies and used in manufacturing and the process, etc..we were also shown a demo of different pigments mixed together..
What the Company claims: A perfect Gliding Application for a professional fashion-show finish! A product characterised by an Ultra Thin Film and by an immediate writing performance.
Viviana™ Lipstick is characterized by an Extra-Shiny Brightness, a pastel delicacy and a Long Lasting comfort. The special formula, rich in purified waxes, ensures a perfect adherence and an Incredible Smoothness.
Plastic Powders: perfect glide in application.
Colour-bright pigments: full colour result.
Silicones and special polymers: lasting shimmering effect.
Jelly Texture: extraordinary comfort sensation.
Vitamina E: anti-ageing action.
Jojoba Oil: emollient action.
Slightly scented.Dermatologically tested.
Light esters: comfortable lasting film
Perfume free.
Lanoline free.
Complying with the CEE, FDA and Japan legislation.
Velvet ester: to give a velvet, evanescent touch.
Shade Card:
MRP: Rs. 329/- for 4.2g
Though they mention matte, these are super creamy and glossy..and are super pigmented..and the staying power is nice too.
Proactively Pretty
The shade card mentions provocatively pretty but on the lippie the shade name goes Proactively Pretty..now I am confused…but whatever the name..the shade sure is a pretty one..its a deep rosy brown..would suit all skin tones..more so dusky skin tones.
Sinful Velvet
Sinful Velvet is a warm mauvey pink..it would suit to medium to fair skin tones more..
T-B: Proactively Pretty, Sinful Velvet
Here is it on me..
Provocatively Pretty
Sinful Velvet
Pros:
1. Super pigmented..the swatches were difficult to remove from my hand.
2. Stays for a good 4-5 hours and leaves a tint behind.
3. These are very very creamy..in fact I feel they easily melt or break if not handled well.
4. There are 12 shades to choose from and both in matte and frost finish..there are browns, pinks, mauves, rosy browns..a shade for everyone.
5. Has jojoba oil and Vitamin E.
6. Perfume free..if one is bothered by smell.
7. Feels very light on the lips.
Cons:
1. Availability is an issue. They are available online at Urbantouch, Good Life and Snapittoday.
2. I don’t know what the jelly texture as claimed means..but these are super creamy..and so soft that it broke while swatching..these I guess need to be stored in the fridge..and are not very travel friendly too.
3. The packaging..very poor and unattractive..plus not even sturdy..the bottom of Sinful Velvet is unattached and it does not swivel or come out..I have to roll the white plastic base of the lipstick inside for the product to come out :/
4. I think it should be priced below Rs. 300/- at this packaging..ya if they make the packaging prettier and fancier, then its justified.
Overall I like the quality, texture ,shades, pigmentation, staying power..only if these were sturdier and had better packaging, these would be awesome..
Rating:
Quality: 3.75/5
Value for money: 3.5/5
Availability: 3.5/5
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Would I buy it again: Yes I quite like the shades..I only wish they were sturdier.
P.S: Product sent by brand for review but it has not affected my opinion
