Tag Archives: Makeup Blog

Colorbar Take Me As I Am Lip Color Swatches

Colorbar Take Me As I Am Lip Color Swatches

Remember the Colorbar Take Me As I Am..the big fat lip pencils..check out my review of Flirtatious Pink HERE

What the Company claims: Take me as I am lip color is a unique multifunctional product which provides the application of a lipstick combined with the convenience of a pencil in a jumbo crayon design. It is an extra creamy and soft feeling lipstick formula with excellent color pay-off and coverage. Viscous oils and esters create the beautiful shine. Skin conditioning ingredients like Shea butter and vitamin E further enhance the comfortable wearing properties. Be worry-free, take this gorgeous pencil and create the prettiest lip – creamy, ready for shine and flirty fun.

MRP: INR 699.00 for 3.94g

Here are some swatches for you all..would help if you want to purchase online..available for Rs.629/- on medplusbeauty

1. Mysterious Nude
2. Seductive Tan
3. Lip Smacking Cherry
4. Bare Dare Pink
5. Flirtatious Pink
6. Sensuous Red

After Flirtatious Pink, I love Sensuous Red, Mysterious Nude and Bare Dare Pink..I know the Lip Smacking Cherry is not at all cherry :/ Dunno why they named it such..

Your favorite ??

Kaya launches 15 new products to celebrate 10 years of skin brilliance

Kaya launches 15 new products to celebrate 10 years of skin brilliance

Introduces five specialized skincare ranges providing advanced and complete beauty solutions

Kaya Skin Clinic, India’s largest chain of skincare clinics, completes 10 years of beautiful transformations in the country and celebrates this landmark achievement with the launch of 15 new specialized products under 5 new skincare ranges. Catering to face, body and hair for both men and women, these specialized Kaya products are designed to address specific skin concerns such as acne, dull skin, anti-ageing and dryness, along with a daily skin care range. The launch of these specific ranges is in line with Kaya’s commitment of providing total skin care solutions to the discerning Indian consumer.

Designed to be personal skincare guide to consumers for various skin types, the new products are categorized under 5 new specialized ranges. Hydra Surge 360 degree, Super Orange Bloom, Intense Clarify HD, White Resilience and Youth ExCell are the new ranges which will address every skin type’s beauty needs while working synergistically with Kaya’s beauty services. Each product has been researched and developed by dermatologists and made using the finest proven active ingredients for lasting results.

Hydra Surge 360º

The new Hydra Surge 3600 range provides total essential hydration for dry and sensitive skin. The unique products under this range are enriched by ‘White Lily’, which is grown organically in Switzerland and known for its hydrating and soothing skin benefits from the ancient times. This revolutionary range helps replenish NMF (Natural Moisturising Factor) and restore the balance between water and lipids of skin, to keep it looking plump, radiant and beautiful for longer. The Hydra Surge 360º range consists of the following products: –

 

Balancing Cleansing Gel is an instantly refreshing mild cleanser that effectively cleanses dry and sensitive skin without stripping the skin of its natural oils. The moisture complex of hydrating White Lily, Vitamin B5 and Phospholipd (derived from natural Safflower oil with anti-irritant properties) nourishes skin and maintains its moisture balance, leaving it clean, soft and supple.

Priced at Rs. 450 for 100 ml  

Rebalancing Mist is a non-alcoholic toner which is enriched with botanical extracts of hydrating White Lily, cool cucumber and soothing witch hazel. It helps reduce the pore size and soothes red skin caused by exposure to UV rays and dry weather, leaving it relaxed, soft and delicately scented.

Priced at Rs. 400 for 100 ml

Calming Moisturiser is a light textured, non-greasy cream that offers an extra dose of nutrients and hydration to dry, itchy and sensitive skin. It is enriched with refreshing, soothing and calming extracts of White Lily and Rose, along with sweet almond oil to replenish and nourish skin, leaving it soft and supple.

Priced at Rs. 850 for 50 ml

Recharging Moisture Concentrate is an excellent formula for intense and long-lasting moisturisation for skin which is dry, irritated and sensitive. Due to the extracts of White Lily and Mourera fluviatilis – an aquatic plant found in Amazonian rivers, this Serum carries a distinctive soothing effect for healthy and silky smooth skin Priced at Rs. 950 for 50 ml

Super Orange Bloom:

Busy lifestyle, constant application of make-up and the weather conditions can really play havoc on your perfect complexion and make your skin look dull and lifeless! To rejuvenate and reinvigorate your skin, Kaya has launched the Super Orange Bloom range, a special skin care line consisting of multi-vitamin complex that revives dull and lifeless skin, effectively making it bright and radiant. This unique and revolutionary formula awakens and purifies the skin with a refreshing feel of orange bloom, anti-oxidant and moisturizing benefits. The Super Orange Bloom comprises of the following products: –

 

Skin Awakening Rinse is a multi-vitamin shimmering cleanser that is designed to wash away make-up and impurities without altering skin’s natural moisture balance. The perfect combination of Multi-Vitamin Skin Awakening Complex like Vitamins B3, B5, C and E helps in enhancing dull and tired skin thereby giving it a fresh bloom

Priced at Rs. 490 for 100ml

Overnight Skin Replenisher is a light, rich-textured night cream that contains effective Skin Awakening elements like Vitamins B3, B5, A, C & E suitable for all skin types. This specially formulated cream offers anti-oxidant and skin renewal benefits that work best during night time. It not only helps to revive and revitalize dull skin but also boosts skin texture and gives clarity.

Priced at Rs. 890 for 50 ml

Skin Awakening gel provides a pleasant cooling sensation and moisturizes your skin without any greasy after feel. Designed for all skin types, this complexion booster is formulated with encapsulated vitamins B3, B5, A, C, E and F, which instantly get absorbed into the skin, thereby returning it to its natural fresh, smooth and healthy state.

Priced at Rs. 1490 for 50ml

Intense Clarify HD

The Intense Clarify HD range from Kaya is the ultimate solution for uneven skin tone and hyper-pigmentation. This advanced product range comprises highly effective active ingredients which are popularly used by dermatologists to treat pigmentation. The exceptional blend of active ingredients in the products brighten skin, treat cellular discoloration and improve skin clarity. The Intense Clarify HD comprises of three expert products as follows: –

 

Brightening Serum by Kaya helps in reducing freckles and age spots, thereby giving you a luminous, healthy and even-toned complexion. This cutting-edge formula contains Ferulic acid and Waltheria indica extracts that target spots at every process of melanin formation and prevent future pigmentation.

Priced at Rs. 1490 for 30 ml

Brightening and Firming Eye Serum is a synergetic combination of soy & rice peptides, yeast protein, Hyaluronic Acid and Seaweed Extract. This breakthrough product helps in reducing the appearance of puffiness and discoloration of skin around the eyes. When used daily, this preventive product will help in enhancing firmness and combat signs of fatigue to restore a fresh, vibrant appearance around the eyes.

Priced at Rs. 990 for 10 ml

Youth ExCell

Inspired by breakthrough research in plant stem cells, Youth ExCell is designed to fight the signs of ageing on your skin right from the root. This advanced skincare line uses the extract of stem cells from the Argan tree, which is one of the oldest and rarest plant species in the world. Selected for it exceptional ability to protect and reinforce the regenerative capacity of skin cells, it helps to give you tighter, firmer and deeply rejuvenated skin that glows with a youthful radiance.

Derma Stemness Benefactor is developed with the help of breakthrough research in Plant Stem Cells and the understanding of their unique ability to regenerate and renew. This rich, velvety cream contains plant stem cells and oil of Argan tree, one of the oldest tree species in the world that helps to stimulate human stem cell growth and offer healthier and younger looking skin.

Priced at Rs. 1990 for 50 ml  

Derma Stemness Reviving Serum helps in protecting the skin’s regenerative cells. This intense oil-free formula contains Argan Plant Stem cells with advanced liposome technology. This world-class formulation penetrates deep into the skin layers, thereby resulting in cleaner, deeply rejuvenated and youthful radiant skin from within.

Priced at Rs. 2490 for 30 ml

Derma Collagen Intense Solution contains highly concentrated collagen to lift and tighten the skin. It helps improve skin elasticity, to keep skin moisturized, bright and smooth.

Priced at Rs. 1990 for 15ml

White Resilience

Kaya’s White Resilience skincare range combines the exotic youth renewing extracts from two of the most beautiful flowers found in nature – Purple Orchid and Japanese Cherry. The potent whitening actives found in these flowers render a flawless, fairer and a younger look to your skin. The unique ingredients polish away dead skin cells and smoothen the skin texture by reducing dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles to reveal a spotless complexion. The White Resilience range comprises of four exquisitely designed products as follows:

Refining Mist is an alcohol free toner that refreshes skin without stripping its natural pH balance. Enriched with a unique combination of Purple Orchid and Japanese Cherry extracts, it gently removes impurities and reconditions skin for a healthy and natural glow.

Priced at Rs. 490 for 100 ml

Overnight Brightening Nourisher combines skin whitening, youth renewing actives and extracts of Purple Orchid & Japanese Cherry to repair and rapidly help reduce the appearance of uneven and dull skin tone. Enriched with extracts of Imperata Cylindrica root (a subtropical plant containing natural osmo-protective compounds), this light nourisher penetrates deeply into the skin, improving skin elasticity and revealing radiant, firm, smooth and toned skin.

Priced at Rs. 1590 for 50 ml

All Day Brightening Cream is a perfect blend of whitening and youth renewing actives that repair and renew the skin. The distinctive features of each and every ingredient in the cream offer boundless protection against harsh external elements and deliver a luminescent, smooth and flawless complexion.

Priced at Rs. 1590 for 50ml

Also as part of the brand’s 10 year celebrations, Kaya announced the launch of ‘Kaya Skin Bar’ – a new retail format offering a wider array of products, backed by select beauty services. The ‘Kaya Skin Bar’ is a product forward store, backed by highly trained and certified skin counselors, to provide customers with a customized and effective offering.

The 5 newly launched specialized skincare ranges will be part of the newly launched Kaya Skin Bars as well as all Kaya Skin Clinics across India.

So gear-up to celebrate 10 years of beauty with Kaya, pamper and surprise yourself with the new revolutionary product range, and love what you see!

L’oreal Paris Super Liner 24H Gel Eyeliner Review, Swatches

L’oreal Paris Super Liner 24H Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Brown Review, Swatches

Product Description:
The Super Liner Gel Eyeliner from L’Oreal which every woman would love to own. The gel eyeliner comes along with a special high precision applicator brush that helps to draw thick, sultry flicks with great ease. It also ensures a uniform application. It lets you create different shapes with ease and add dramatic effect to your eyes.

Shades:

01 Black
02 Brown

MRP: Rs.825/- for 2.8g

Ingredients:

Directions:

Dip your brush into the jar to select the right amount.
Wipe off excess gel on a tissue if required.
Use the high precision brush like a pencil to draw the line along your lash line.

It comes in a small glass pot packaging and with a brush..a little similar to the one Maybelline gel liner has..but does a very neat job in lining..

Brown is a deep burgundy chocolate brown with some golden shimmer..gives a metallic kinda sheen…

The texture is so super creamy and it is soo easy to use…glides on like butter..and makes lining eyes so easy ! I am totally loving it..it is super pigmented and stays put for a good 7-8 hours..with very little fading..


Pros:

1. Super creamy and buttery texture.
2. Very easy to use..even for a newbie.
3. The brush is quite good and does its job well.
4. Deep brown with shimmer looks good on everyone..not too harsh yet gives that prettiness..
5. Does not dry fast like cream liners.
6. Did not irritate when used on waterline too.

Cons:

1. A little expensive.
2. I would like more colors too.

Umm…I cannot think of any other con for it..I am seriously loving it..and surely recommend this to everyone ! I have heard people loving the black one more than MAC Black Track too…

Rating:

Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money: 3.75/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

Have you tried the L’oreal Super Liner Gel Eyeliner ??

What/Whom Bollywood brides wore

What/Whom Bollywood brides wore
Regardless of the scale of the wedding, the star couples, especially the brides of Bollywood, have never failed to wow us. Here’s a look at the beautiful ladies in their wedding couture.
1. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan:

Aishwarya looked ravishing in a golden colour Saree designed by Neeta Lulla on her wedding day. The bride was decked in gold, kundan, precious gems and diamond jewellery from head to toe.

2. Esha Deol:

Dressed in a lovely pink lehenga by Rocky S, Esha looked resplendent at the event. Make-up, jewellery, hair were perfectly done keeping subtlety in mind.

3. Kareena Kapoor:

For her D-day Kareena, wore a green punjabi suit, while Saif chose to dress up in a grey kurta-pyjama since they had a simple registered marriage, for the nikaah ceremony she wore her mom in law Sharmila’s old red gharara..restored by Manish Malhotra..and for the reception or Dawaat E Waalima she again wore a Manish Malhotra “old-world” pink gharara

4. Lara Dutta:

Lara picked a gown by Lebanese-born Elie Saab for her wedding which took place in Christian style. Her gown also had a lot of lace, silk taffeta, and organza and a neckline studded with gemstones. What more!

5. Lisa Ray:

Recently married Lisa wore a crystal-encrusted gown by close friend and designer Wendell Rodricks, while for the reception she was seen in an exquisite custom-made Satya Paul sari. That sari sure is gorgeous..georgette sari highlighted with beige and traditional ‘gota patti’ work !!
6. Shilpa Shetty:
Shilpa looked stunning in the shimmering golden coloured dress, designed by Tarun Tahiliani. Complementing her dress was the jewellery which she picked from Anmol jewels.
7. Genelia:
Genelia wore a red lehenga-choli ensemble and net dupatta heavily decorated with golden embroidery and sequins, exuding classic elegance. The red and gold stunning lehenga was designed by Shane and Falguni Peacock. The fitted choli and flairs of the lehenga suited her slim figure.
I loved Lisa Ray’s Satya Paul sari and Genelia’s Lehenga Choli..
Which outfit you liked the most ??
 
Source: 1, Image Source: Google

MUA (Makeup Academy) Haul

MUA (Makeup Academy) Haul

I recently hauled some MUA stuff..see at your own risk :p
Few of these are their latest launches..which they came up with last month..

Love the Artiste Collection Palette..it has 6 brand new merged eye shadows, two powder blushers and a contour shade and highlighter, Brow Kit, Shimmer Kisses Bronzer, 2 Nail Constellations, 2 Cream Blushers, 2 Intense Lip Glosses, 1 Pistachio Pastel Nail Varnish and a BB Cream..they have most of the swatches on their blog HERE which helps deciding on the products..

They keep adding new stuff..they have recently launched lip stains, sheer finish lip glosses and glitter magnetic nail varnishes..

I love the fact that MUA is so economical and at the same time has so many varied products and shades..that one is too confused to choose..

I also wanted the Undressed and Dusk Till Dawn Palettes..but may be next time..

You can buy MUA online from http://www.muastore.co.uk

Do you want me to review anything first..do let me know..

What did you like the most ??

Revlon Colorburst Lipstick Fuchsia Review, Swatches

Revlon Colorburst Lipstick Fuchsia Review, Swatches – MAC Girl About Town Dupe ?

Ok..now this has a story behind it..I am always into more of neutrals..and get scared with bright shades..but from the time I saw this super HOT pink on Bruna Abdullah in the song Tu Mera Hero from Desi Boys..I wanted this shade !!

The one Bruna wore looked like MAC Girl About Town to me..I searched for all Fuchsias and Hot Pinks..would share all the shades I liked out of those I found,in a separate post later..

After comparing the shades online and checking some reviews, I found Revlon Colorburst Fuchsia is indeed super close to Girl About Town..though Girl About Town is a little more deeper and Revlon Fuchsia is a little more cool toned…but they are quite similar..

1 swipe, 2 swipes

Revlon Colorburst Lipsticks come in a black criss cross pattern packaging with the shade color at the top..they are quite smooth and glide on easily..this bright shade is super pigmented..and in one swipe you get enough color..in two it comes out fully..stays for around 4-5 hours without eating or drinking..feels quite light on the lips..

Revlon Colorburst Fuchsia is a cool toned bright pink shade..it looks amazing both as a stain and full blown..this shade would look great on all skin tones..I have seen dusky girls rock bright shades more..

I love how this shade brightens up the whole face..Also seen HERE

Check out the shade Peach and the complete review for Revlon Colorburst Lipsticks HERE

MRP: Rs.610/- for 3.7g

Now these were priced at 550 when they were launched..then they raised it to 580 and now 610 for the new and hot selling shades..I don’t think they should keep on increasing the prices like that :/

Some shades are available at Rs.499/- on Flipkart..check them HERE

Overall I love this shade ! And surely recommend it..if you love bright pinks, you are going to love this..did I get the shade similar to Bruna..I am not sure..her seems more bright coz of the camera and all..but but I am loving this..and have no regrets..all girls should have a hot pink in their stash 😉

Which Revlon Colorburst Lipsticks do you have ??

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder Review, Swatches

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder Review, Swatches
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 ?

Vogue Makeup and Beauty Awards 2012

Vogue Makeup and Beauty Awards 2012
Vogue India celebrated the best in beauty at the third edition of the Vogue Beauty Awards. The glittering awards ceremony honoured the best beauty products, services and professionals across categories ranging from skin care, anti-ageing, make-up, fragrances, hair care and hair styling.Attendees included celebrities, socialites and heads of eminent beauty brands in the country. Hosted by Vogue India Editor Priya Tanna and Vogue India Beauty Editor Parizaad Khan, the event began with personalities from the beauty and glamour industry walking the red carpet followed by cocktails and the awards ceremony. There are a total of 55 awards this year, including 42 awards related to products and services and 13 honouring the best beauty related talent.You can also read them in the Vogue August issue..which has Kajol on the cover..

SKINCARE

BEST MOISTURISER: DAY – Chanel Hydra Beauty Gel Crème + Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief
BEST MOISTURISER: NIGHT – Estée Lauder Time Zone Night Anti-Line/Wrinkle Creme
BEST SERUM – Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex
BEST EYE CREAM – Dermalogica AGE Smart Multivitamin Power Firm
BEST CELLULITE CREAM – Shiseido Body Creator Aromatic Sculpting Concentrate
BEST SKIN TONE CORRECTOR – Lancôme Visionnaire
BEST RANGE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN – La Roche-
Posay Toleriane

BEST CLEANSER – L’Oréal Paris Hydrafresh Instant Freshness Foaming Gel

ANTI-AGEING

BEST MOISTURISER: DAY – Olay Regenerist Regenerating Cream SPF 15
BEST MOISTURISER: NIGHT – Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Moisturizer Night + L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Night
BEST SUNSCREEN – La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Extreme Fluid SPF 50+  
BEST SERUM – Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
BEST EYE CREAM – Clarins Advanced Extra-Firming Eye Contour Serum

MAKE-UP

BEST FOUNDATION – Chanel Perfection Lumière Long-Wear Flawless Fluid Makeup SPF 10, 50 Beige + M.A.C Matchmaster Foundation SPF 15, 5.0
BEST CONCEALER – Make Up For Ever HD Concealer, 355
BEST BLUSH – Estée Lauder Signature Satin Creme Blush, 04 Berry Light
BEST EYE SHADOW – Chanel Illusion D’Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow, 85 Mirifique
BEST EYE LINER – L’Oréal Paris Waterproof Gel Eyeliner, Black (Agree on that..love it ! )

BEST KOHL PENCIL – Lakmé Nine to Five Kohl Ultimate
BEST MASCARA – Dior Diorshow Black Out Waterproof Mascara, 099
BEST LIPSTICK – Inglot Lipstick, 103 (An orange based hot red)
BEST LIP GLOSS – Guerlain KissKiss Essence de Gloss, 460
BEST NAIL POLISH – Butter London Nail Lacquer – Vernis, Snog
BEST MAKE-UP REMOVER – Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover
BEST BRONZER – M.A.C Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, Dark

FRAGRANCE

BEST FRAGRANCE: DAY – Miss Dior Eau Fraîche
BEST FRAGRANCE: NIGHT – Chanel Coco Mademoiselle + Narciso Rodriguez for Her
BEST CLASSIC FRAGRANCE – Bulgari Rose Essentielle
BEST NEW LAUNCH – Valentino Valentina
BEST FRAGRANCE: MEN – Issey Miyake L’Eau D’Issey Pour Homme Sport

BEST OF HAIR CARE

BEST SHAMPOO: NORMAL HAIR – Schwarzkopf Professional BC Bonacure Moisture Kick Shampoo
BEST CONDITIONER:NORMAL HAIR – Philip Kingsley Moisture Balancing Conditioner
BEST SHAMPOO: COLOURED OR DAMAGED HAIR – Kérastase Reflection Bain Chroma Riche Shampoo
BEST CONDITIONER: COLOURED OR DAMAGED HAIR – Kérastase Reflection Masque Chroma Riche
BEST HAIR MASK/DEEP CONDITIONER – The Body Shop Rainforest Radiance Hair Butter

BEST OF HAIRSTYLING

BEST VOLUMISING PRODUCT – TIGI Catwalk Your Highness Root Boost Spray (Seen the effect at the LFW..its fab )
BEST TEXTURISING PRODUCT – Sebastian Professional Texturizer
BEST DE-FRIZZER – Moroccanoil Treatment
BEST DEFINIER FOR CURLY HAIR – Kérastase Nutritive Oléo-Curl Curl Definition Cream
BEST HAIR SPRAY – L’Oréal Professionnel Elnett Satin Hair Spray
BEST HAIR COLOUR FOR HOME – L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss, 323 Dark Chocolate
BEST COLOUR FOR SALON – L’Oréal Professionnel INOA, 5.35 Light Golden Mahogany Brown

BEST OF BEAUTY

MAKE-UP ARTIST – Anil Chinnappa
PHOTOGRAPHER – Suresh Natarajan
MODEL – Angela Jonsson
HAIRSTYLIST – Savio Jon Pereira
HAIR COLOURIST – Rod Anker
SKIN EXPERT – Harshna Bijlani
FITNESS EXPERT – Zarine Watson
NUTRITIONIST – Pooja Makhija

BEST OF BOLLYWOOD

FRESH FACE – Ileana D’Cruz (The Barfii girl opposite Ranbir )
DEBUTANT – Diana Penty (Has to be !)
BEAUTY OF THE YEAR – Deepika Padukone
MOST BEAUTIFUL MAN – Farhan Akhtar
TIMELESS BEAUTY – Kajol (On the cover)

Check out the Vogue Makeup and Beauty Awards 2011 here

Lakme Hair Serenity Service (Straight Hair with Cysteine) Review, Photos

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..

Source: 1

P.S: Services were offered by the brand but it has not affected my opinion. My hair are more precious to me than anything :p

Jennifer Aniston’s Beauty Secrets

Jennifer Aniston’s Beauty Secrets
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.

Source: 1

Do you use Petroleum Jelly or ice cold water ?