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PAC Cosmetics Eyeliners & Kohls Review, Swatches, Indian Makeup and Beauty Blog

PAC Cosmetics Eyeliners & Kohls Review, Swatches

Eye Liners, Eye Pencils, Kajal, Kohl, Makeup, Makeup Brushes, PAC Cosmetics, Reviews, Swatches, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

PAC Cosmetics Eyeliners & Kohls Review, Swatches

Hi guys,

So I got a few things from PAC Cosmetics and have already reviewed the beauty blender before. While it did tear in the first wash which I updated in that review, but it is still very much usable and I am quite loving it, just that I did not expect it to tear in the first wash :/

But today I am reviewing their eyeliners and kohls. They have two liquid liners and two kohl pencils. What I liked about them is that they are manufactured at Schwan Stabilo Cosmetics in Germany which is where Lakme Absolute, Colorbar, Faces, Kryolan and all of the major brands are manufactured. I am assured of the quality, plus the pricing is more affordable and comparatively cheap.

Starting with the liquid liners, they have a normal brush liquid liner and a pen liquid liner, though both are called pen, maybe coz of the stiff pen like applicator.

PAC Cosmetics High Shine Liquid Liner Pen

What the Company claims: The HIGH SHINE Liquid Eye Liner is long-lasting and does not smudge, crack, flake or peel. With its high definition  felt tip applicator, one stroke is enough to define a fine or thick line. Fast drying, Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner is suitable for sensitive eyes and those who wear contact lenses too!.An eyeliner that should last you all day long

MRP: Rs.395/- for 1.7ml (BUY HERE)

Ingredients:

It comes in a liquid liner tube packaging, the brush is quite thin but stiff and easy to use. It is super glossy as the name suggests. It does dry quickly but it is not completely waterproof and also fades off in about 4-5 hours i.e. not very long lasting too.

PAC Cosmetics Liquid Liner Pen

What the Company claims: PAC LIQUID LINER PEN  is a unique product which is perfect for defining your eyes  without any application difficulty. Its professional flexible brush offers great accuracy to line and define the eyes, ensuring an even application. Enables ease of use with the optimal control to give jet black color.IT DRIES UP QUICKLY AND OUR CONSUMERS HAVE SAID THE BELOW RESULTS-

1-81% SAID IT IS WATERPROOF

2-90% SAID IT WAS LONG LASTING

3-87% PERCENT SAID IT WAS EASY AND QUICK TO APPLY

MRP: Rs.450/- for 1ml (BUY HERE)

It comes in a sleek pen form and the tip is quite fine and stiff, super easy to use and do winged liners with. You must have seen me using this a lot in my recent YouTube videos.

I love how pigmented this is, also it settles to a semi-matte finish, gives a deep, dark, defined line and stays put almost the whole day and until you remove it with a cleanser. It is not completely waterproof but it doesn’t fade or come off, though easy to wash off with a cleanser.

It is absolutely perfect, I have never liked any other liquid eyeliner pen after using the Maybelline HyperSharp and later their Colossal Liner. I stick to the Colossal Liner only, but I am glad I tried this, I quite like it. It’s a tie between this PAC Liquid Liner Pen and the Maybelline Colossal Liner for me. Comparing the two, Colossal doesnt’ stay that long and transfers a bit on the lids if it is too humid but easier to apply. PAC does stay put whole day and does not transfer but I would still prefer Colossal for ease of application, a tad bit more. So equal points 🙂

Top: High Shine Liner
Bottom: Liquid Liner Pen

If you like glossy liquid eyeliners, you can go for the High Shine one, but otherwise I would absolutely recommend the Liquid Liner Pen.

Coming to the kohls, they have the Intense Auto Kohl and the Long lasting Kohl Pencil.

PAC Cosmetics Intense Auto Kohl

What the Company claims: A retractable pencil which is an intense auto kohl kajal pencil. A pencil that will take your worries of sharpening the pencil again & again of your mind. The intense colour & matte texture of the pencil will add definition & drama to your eyes. The pencil has a waterproof property & does not transfer. Just because the pencil is intense & jet black. Hence it can be used as : A kajal AS WELL AS An eye liner

MRP: Rs.350/- (BUY HERE)

It is a retractable kohl with a smudger on one side. You can either use it just on your waterline or use it on the upper lashline and smudge for a soft, smokey effect.

It is quite dark and very smooth in texture, glides on easily. I have very watery eyes and no kohl stays long on me, this stays for about 3-4 hours before fading bit by bit. Pretty decent, I would say.

PAC Cosmetics Long Lasting Kohl Pencil

What the Company claims: The kajal pencil which is never going to make a tear fall out of your eye. You were always worried about your kajal smudging & spoiling your make-up look but this kajal is a answer to your all problems.

MRP: Rs.350/- (BUY HERE)

This is in pencil form and again with a smudger behind. You can wear it similarly for your waterline or a smokey effect on upper lashline. The only problem with pencil is you need to sharpen and a lot of it goes waste. But also this is more hygienic as the germs get sharpened and you get a fresh layer before using.

This is quite deep and dark, much more pigmented than the Auto Kohl. Glides on like butter and stays put once set, for about 6-7 hours at least. It doesn’t smear and hardly smudges. The shape and size, packaging is exactly like the Lakme Absolute Kohl Ultimate which is my most favourite and the most long staying kohl on me. Both are manufactured at the same place too, performance wise also they are quite close, I would say they are like 98-100% . While the Lakme Absolute one is priced at Rs.725 (usually around 544 post discount), this one is pretty affordable at Rs.350/-

Top: Longlasting Kohl Pencil
Bottom: Intense Auto Kohl

While both the kohls are priced at Rs.350/-, I would definitely recommend the pencil unless you only prefer retractable ones and hate wastage of product.

I totally recommend the PAC Cosmetics Liquid Liner Pen and Long Lasting Kohl. Very affordable and total value for money!

PAC Cosmetics 378 Brush: The solution to all your woes about contouring your face perfectly. This brush is expertly crafted using Superior quality bristles that place and blend the contour perfectly. Achieve a defined, chiseled and sculpted look by contouring your face to precision.

MRP: Rs.775/- (BUY HERE)

I am also using the PAC 378 brush for contouring, I love the slanted shape and it deposits the product exactly at the contours, where you need. And it works well both with cream/liquid and powder contour. If you are looking for a brush for contouring, I definitely recommend trying this one.

It is slightly expensive at Rs.775 but it’s totally worth it coz using a fluffy brush won’t deposit your contour in one line but spread it around, if you know what I mean. And it is one of the more affordable and value for money options in the makeup brushes category.

Have you tried any of the PAC Cosmetics Liners, Kohls or Brushes yet?

Whitetone Face Powder Review

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WHITETONE FACE POWDER REVIEW

By Nidhal

Finishing touches… Just like a sculptor’s finishing touch to his oeuvre makes it a masterpiece, a dancer’s perfect pirouette evokes a sigh of admiration from his/her audience and a writer’s final words strike a chord, in the similar way, finishing touches to one’s skin simply prep one’s appearance up, don’t they? A little powder dabbed carefully on one’s skin not only controls excess sweating but also sorts out uneven complexion. In line with this thought, I zeroed in on WHITETONE FACE POWDER one fine day.

Let me clarify my stand on an issue before proceeding. I have no fascination for fair/white/pale skin. I never have and never will. I didn’t grab it because the word “White-tone’’ was embossed on its package. It’s funny in fact bordering on hilarious how a mere powder can leave one with fair skin. If smeared in excess, it will cast a very unnatural white tone which I am sure looks very hideous to most. My purpose of buying it was to see if it adds that finishing touch my appearance which I just talked about above. Well, then it is time to see its report card, right?

PRICE- Rs 100/- for 70g

DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Apply on face and neck in required amounts.

INGREDEINTS-

WHAT IT CLAIMS- Nothing

MY EXPERIENCE-

Packed in a plastic bottle with a flip-top cap, the packaging of Whitetone face powder is sturdy, hygienic and travel-friendly according to me. Of course, if not shut properly, the powder will obviously spill put but then, the cap provided is sturdy enough to avert such a situation. In a nutshell, even though it is nowhere eye-catching or fancy, yet it is fine for me.

It is finely powdered with a visible white colour and a very mild aroma. The aroma is temporary. It will vanish within seconds of application but sadly the colour is a major put-off. No one is as white as a whitewashed wall! Indians are predominantly dusky and making a powder that complements the warm Indian skin shades is what is expected and appreciable.

When applied on one’s skin, it gives a very unnatural white appearance. In fact, one looks as if a bag of flour has been dropped on them! During sweltering summers when we sweat, the distinction between our natural complexion and this white colour becomes all the more obvious. For this very reason, I do not find it useful at all. Moreover, it wouldn’t be of much use to those with dry/extremely dry skin since their skin is already sapped off moisture. Using a powder which works to seal the pores (which is how, powders ‘control sweating’) will worsen the condition.

The final nail in the coffin comes in the form of its ingredients’ list which has nothing natural. The worst part being it has silicones (dimethicone) and artificial fragrance (under the garb of which toxic chemicals are added).

GOOD-

  • Readily available
  • Economical pricing
  • Fine packaging

BAD-

  • Casts an unnatural white complexion which shows on Indian skin shades.
  • Unsuitable for dry and extremely dry skin
  • Instills a sense of inferiority in the minds of an average Indian who anyway is way too obsessed with fairness, by selling something under the name of “Whitetone”.
  • Contains silicones and artificial fragrance.

RATING- 0.5/5

Editor’s Note: Oh God, such a dud! Knew from the name, and the fancy advertisement they do on TV :/ Nice review Nidhal 🙂

Have you tried the Whitetone Face Powder? Please don’t if you haven’t :p

Top 10 Faces Cosmetics Products in India, Prices, Buy Online

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Top 10 Faces Cosmetics Products in India, Prices, Buy Online

By Sanchita

Hello everyone, I am back with another Top 10 list from a very well-known brand in recent times. Even if you would have asked me 2 years back to do a Top 10 with FACES Canada, I would have found it really difficult. Now, the scenario is totally changed and they have plethora of products to choose from. Over these years, they have really upgraded the quality of products and they are quite reasonable too. I have also noticed that the availability is good and easily accessible from online stores too. There are some of the products from FACES Canada that have become my HG ones.

So, here’s my list of Top 10 products that surely deserves to be included in your list of makeup. Let’s have a look at it.

1. FACES Ultime Pro Metaliglow – (799 INR) Review & Swatches HERE

Starting with this amazing and gorgeous highlighter that I literally use it every time when I am stepping out of the house. It comes in three shades – Opal (fair skin tones), Champagne (fair to medium skin tones) and Topaz (dusky skin tones). It has a gel-like texture that blends into the skin without much effort but you have to do it quickly because it has the tendency to settle down sooner than you can imagine. You can also mix with any foundation to get that luminosity and its looks totally natural. Bhumika has reviewed the shades Opal and Champagne and this one is a highly recommended from her side as well.

2. FACES Ultime Pro Matte Lip Crayons – (799 INR) Review & Swatches HERE (BUY HERE for 675)

Chubby lip crayons are new trend and every brand has their own versions. FACES Canada, too, brought forward their versions and the quality is impeccable. It is available in 10 shades for now and the shades Peach Me, Midnight Rose and Sugar Coated has already been reviewed in detail on NLM, so surely check it out. The texture is soft and creamy which glides like a dream and settles down with a matte formula. The shade Midnight Rose is a must have from their collection.

3. FACES Magnet Eyes Kajal – (175 INR) (BUY HERE)

One of the best, creamiest and long wearing kajal in the Indian market today. It comes in a retractable red plastic body and looks very chic and pretty. The texture is soft and creamy and glides on the eyes without tugging or pulling at all. The formula is water proof and smudge proof with a staying power of around 6-7hours easily. The pigmentation is great and makes the product really stand out. It gives a jet black color when applied on the water line as well. Overall, the price makes it great for a daily wear kajal.

4. FACES Canada Ultime Pro Mineral Loose Powder – (699 INR) (BUY HERE)

With an innovative non-comedogenic formulation which offers protection from harmful UV radiation, the FACES Canada Ultime Pro Mineral Loose Powder comes in a very unique and convenient packaging with a sponge attached to the lid. The powder gives a soft blurry effect to the pores and smoothens out the skin tone with its light to medium coverage. The finish is matte but doesn’t clings on to dry patches. The powders are mostly neutral tones and thus doesn’t makes you look whitish or chalky. The oil control is around 4hours and after that you might need touch ups.

5. FACES Hi-Shine Nail Enamel – (199 INR) Review HERE

Available in more than 70 shades, the FACES Hi-Shine Nail Enamels are truly superb in quality. It comes in a thick glass bottle and delivers a glossy and high shine formula to the nails. The nail enamels contain a blend of non-harmful plasticizers which modify the nail enamel film to be flexible, thus resisting chipping and cracking. It also provides proper hardness, gloss and adhesion to the nail. These lacquers are TOLUENE & DBP, Camphor and Formaldehyde free and won’t damage the nails in the long run.

6. FACES Long Wear Eye Pencil – (449 INR) Review HERE

The FACES Long Wear Eye Pencils are considered to be one of the best eye pencil with a reasonable price tag. It is available in 9 shades and each of them has a beauty of its own. The texture is soft and creamy and hence you can easily create smoky eyes with it. It gives a matte finish after setting down within 5-10mins and has a water proof and smudge proof formula. Free of preservatives, dermatologically and ophthalmologically approved, the eye pencil are great for water line too. The shade Black and Navy Blue are the raved ones in the collection.

7. FACES Ultime Pro Velvet Matte Lipstick – (649 INR)

FACES Ultime Pro Velvet Matte Lipstick claims to be an exclusive lipstick with an unbeatable gliding quality and unique satin finish. It comes with a sleek matte black packaging with twist up function. The texture is truly creamy and glides like anything on the lips. It is one of the most comfortable matte finish that doesn’t dry out the lips sucking life out of it. However, do make sure to scrub and prep your lips before you apply the lip color. The staying power is commendable and you are a matte lippy lover, you have to try this out.

8. FACES Ultime Pro Eyeshadow Crayon – (799 INR) Review HERE

The FACES Ultime Pro Eyeshadow Crayons are one of the recent launches from the brand and truly an amazing one. It is available in 6 shades for now with pretty names and comes in a sharpenable chubby pencil packaging along with a free sharpener. The color coded packaging is extremely good and the eye shadows are pretty long wearing. The texture is smooth and creamy which makes it perfect to blend and layer as much as you want. The pigmentation is also great and application is so easy that a beginner can also use these.

9. FACES Prime Perfect Foundation – (699 INR)

The foundation is considered one of the best foundations for the oily to combination skin for the summers. It comes in 5 shades although dusky complexions might not find a good match. It is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid that delivers deep hydration & keeps skin nourished with sun protection and anti-ageing formula. The texture is creamy but it sets very quickly hence needs to be blended fast. The coverage is medium to buildable but gives a great finish of satin matte to the skin. For the price, I would say that this is a great foundation for daily wear with a wear time of 5-6hours.

10. FACES Sparkle Dust Stackable – (899 INR) Review & Swatches HERE (BUY HERE for 722)

The Sparkle Dust Stackable are stack of 6 color sparkles comes in 4 different family of shades. These are fine milled glitters with powdery texture and Bhumika has already shown in her review that these can be used as eyeshadow, eyeliner, glitter nail paint, highlighters, blushes, etc. So have your fun and experiment with these amazing glitters for a very reasonable price.

Editor’s Note: I absolutely love some of the Faces Products, and they keep launching something new. Currently they are revamping all the old stuff into new packaging and formula. The Faces Eye Pencils are the best, have been using them since they were priced at 249, they have increased the prices a lot now! Also would like to add their skincare range, new Faces Ultime Pro Matte Lip Crayons and their Moisture Rich Lipsticks. Even their blushes are quite good.

So, what is your favorite product from Faces Canada?

Sedona Lace Vortex Synthetic Professional Makeup Brush Set Review

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Sedona Lace Vortex Synthetic Professional Makeup Brush Set Review

Hi guys,

Today I am reviewing the Sedona Lace Vortex Brush Set which I have since quite some time now, I got it around the time when I was shifting and I kept them safely somewhere. And the place was so safe that I just couldn’t find them :/ Happens with you too? Let me know in the comments below.

Anyhoo, I finally found them and have been using them since some time. I have even used them in a makeup tutorial which will be coming up soon.

What the Company claims: The Synthetic Vortex Collection exclusively designed by Renelyn Monteloyola of Makeup by Ren Ren for Sedona Lace. This pro line of brushes takes makeup application and technique to the next level. All of the brushes are multi-purpose and versatile. The pink and black colors on the bristles is a registered trade mark of Sedona Lace

MRP: $109.95

You can get the zipper belt at an additional cost of $10. So the brush set with zipper belt costs $119.95 (Buy HERE). I also have a special coupon code (without expiry i.e. lasts lifetime) for you guys where you can get $4 off on a minimum order of $15 on www.sedonalace.com , so if you want to buy just 1-2 brushes, still you can use that. The coupon code is ‘newlove’

I absolutely love the pink and black color to start with and that is a registered trademark of Sedona Lace. You get 13 brushes in total out of which one i.e. the angled brow shaper and spoolie is dual sided.

The brushes are all odd numbered from F01 to F23. Let’s start with the Face Brushes first.

FB01 is a jumbo fan brush which is the softest brush I have ever used! I just cannot stop touching it and it is perfect for dusting your powder or just cleaning your face or to apply highlighter on the high points of face, or your blush or contour.

FB03 is Tulip Contour Brush which is the perfect brush ever for contour coz it will perfectly fit in the hollow of your cheeks. Also this brush is great for diffusing your over done blush or highlighter or just give a final finish to the face.

FB05 is Dome Contour brush. It’s a multi tasking brush, apply your blush, contour or powders or powder foundation or buff in your high coverage cream/liquid foundations. This one will work with everything.

FB07 is a Flat Top Buffer Brush. Now flat top buffing brushes are perfect for foundations, be it cream/liquid/powder. Set your concealer with powder or use it on places to bake for precisely placing powders. Again multi purpose but best for foundations.

Coming to the eye brushes now,

EB09 is the Universal Blender brush which is good for applying shadows all over the lid and even blending for softer, diffused looks. Like a soft everyday brown eye makeup look or times when you just want to use one shade and sweep it across and blend the same.

EB11 is the Flat Synthetic Brush for applying metallic, glittery shadows and pigments on the lid i.e. mostly for patting shadows and not blending or sweeping them. Or even for applying your eyeshadow primer/base and concealer under the eyes. Also works to contour the sides of your nose.

EB13 is the Synthetic Blender brush. It has more dense and tapered bristles, it is absolutely perfect to blend your crease colors and create those dark smokey eyes.

EB15 is the Pointed Crease brush. It can be used for your cut crease looks or for looks where you don’t want to over blend or merge colors but just a softer edge.

EB17 is the Brow Spoolie Duo. Apply powder on the brows using the angled side and brush through with the spoolie to set it in place or diffuse the powder for a softer brow.

EB19 is the Bent Liner Brush. Now we do get it separately too in a few brands here like in Inglot and PAC Cosmetics. I had done a DIY long back with my Audrey Liner Brush by bending it a bit and the bent shape helps a lot in lining your eyes easily without getting in between the lashes.

EB21 is the Detailed Shader brush which is good for highlighting the brow bone or the inner corners or even smudging shadows on the lower lashline.

EB23 is the Angled Detailed Brush which can be used for gel liners or applying powder eyeshadows as liners on upper and lower lashline.

 

And lastly LB25 the Capped Lip Brush, it comes with a separate steel cap and can be folded and carried along. You can just remove the cap and place it below and use it like a normal lip brush. Good to carry along and precisely apply your lip colors especially the reds and deep berries which need precision.

So these were all the 13 brushes in the Vortex Synthetic Kit. I highly recommend getting the zipper belt if you are a makeup artist, coz the belt snuggly fits around your waist and you can pick up any brush you want and place it in the belt while working on a client.

And if you are just a beginner, you can go for this set without the belt. These brushes are all you will ever need for any makeup look. If you have these, you are pretty much sorted. I highly recommend these brushes and the quality is fabulous too. Super soft and the bristles hardly shed hair, majority of the brushes which I own as part of brush sets shed hair crazily!

Thumbs up from me, also if you can wait, they keep having offers on Black Friday, etc., where they sell these sets at half the price!! All the brushes from the set are pretty useful and it is total value for money. I did not have to pay customs on this. Shipping cost varies on distance and weight but they usually use USPS.

I personally love these and have been reaching out for these brushes quite often. I have 2-3 brush sets and none matches the Sedona Lace quality wise. It is very essential to have one good quality makeup brush set in your stash coz good quality brushes will make or break your entire makeup look. And if you invest in expensive makeup and the tools you use do not justify that, then the end result would not be good, trust me.

Let me know your thoughts on the Sedona Lace Vortex Synthetic Brush Set in the comments below.

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

Lakme 9 to 5 Lip Color Pink Bureau Review, Swatches

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Lakme 9 to 5 Lip Color Pink Bureau Review, Swatches

By Sanchita

INTRODUCTION

It is all about matte now-a-days. Although I am a big fan of chubby lip colors and the ultra-matte liquid lipsticks, I always find my way back to lipstick bullets when I am heading out to college. For daytime, I always stick to the mundane soft pink lip colors and Lakme 9 to 5 is the apt range for this. They have around 38 shades of various browns, reds and pinks to offer. I have used 2-3colors from this range few years back and was pretty impressed. This year I picked a beautiful pink color for daytime called Pink Bureau. Here’s my review on the product.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION – Lakmé Nine to Five brings you a range of 38 shades that sit on your lips all day long. Enriched with Vitamin E; it conditions your lips & softens them with wheat germ oil. So, perk those soft, smooth lips with a touch of matte.

PRICE – 400 INR

MY REVIEW

Packaging – The first and foremost reason I am attracted to this range of lip colors is their gorgeous packaging. The rose gold colored lipstick bullets is something like a beautiful possession in my handbag. Kudos to Lakme for blending two beautiful things women adore – rose and gold. The lipstick comes in a light weight rose gold body with the twist open function. It shuts really tight and hence easy to travel with. The lipstick is further encased in a cardboard box of tea rose color.

Shade – The shade is a soft rose pink with micro golden shimmer particles. The color has a natural warmth to it and is specifically tailored to suit each and every complexion. For fair skin tones, it will comes out as a lively pink (not loud though), for medium to dusky skin it will appear as nice soft coral pink while for deeper complexions, it will be an MLBB pink. The gold shimmers are not very visible but their presence gives a duo chrome touch to the lips under sunlight.

Pigmentation – The pigmentation is really great. With single swipe you can get an opaque layer. It successfully hides and conceal every blemishes and discolorations on lips and you won’t even need a lip concealer underneath. It applies evenly on the lips and there isn’t any patchy layer at all. The color doesn’t bleed at all and you won’t even require a lip liner underneath to bring out the dynamism of the lipstick.

Texture – Texture wise, I would call it powdery matte. The texture reminds me so much of the beloved Chambor Powder Matte I have used before and glides on the lips with a velvet touch. Although there are shimmers but it doesn’t feel even tad bit abrasive at all. Now, the downside is it feels dry. It isn’t very forgiving at all if you have dry lips. So make sure you have exfoliated and well-nourished the lips with a nice and hydrated lip balm underneath. Also, the texture is smooth but if you try to go more than two coats, you will realize that lipsticks can look super cakey.

Finish – the finish is soft matte from the very beginning. I wouldn’t call it as dry as lip creams but the enriching presence of Vitamin E gives a nourished look. However, do not expect it to hydrate your lips at all. The gold shimmers starts being prominent once the color loses it vivacity with the passage of time. It won’t look gaudy but slightly shiny. The lipstick also transfer a lot to cups and spoons while eating.

Staying Power – the staying is definite not 9 to 5 as claims but it does survives around 4-5hours easily. It can subsist even after small snacks or brunch but definitely not a full course meal. After meal, you would need a slight retouch by dabbing the color onto the lips. It fades off leaving a trail of pinkish golden hue to the lips and I realized there isn’t any patchiness even though the lip color felt dry. For the price, I think they have beautiful texture and staying power.

OVERALL – the Lakme 9 to 5 Lipstick Pink Bureau is a gorgeous and muted pink to worn at any time and it gives a soft touch of pink during daytime. It has a wonderful powder matte texture with amazing pigmentation and fairly long staying power.

WHAT I LIKED

  • Gorgeous rose gold packaging.
  • Lakme 9 to 5 Lipstick Pink Bureau is a soft rose pink with micro golden shimmer particles.
  • It will suit each and every complexions.
  • A single swipe of the lipstick gives a proper saturated color.
  • It has powdery matte texture.
  • The color doesn’t bleed at all.
  • Soft matte finish for a daytime lip color.
  • It does survives around 4-5hours easily.
  • It fades off with an even pink hue to the lips.
  • Reasonably priced.

WHAT I DISLIKED

  • Formula is drying and unforgiving for dry lips.
  • It may look cakey if too many layers are applied.
  • The shimmer becomes prominent once the color starts fading.

RATING – 4/5

RECOMMENDATION – with 38 shades to choose from, the Lakme 9 to 5 range of Lipsticks surely deserves recommendation. The price are perfect and often on discounts. The colors are soft and perfect for daytime and the texture and finish are on point. I would highly recommend this color as well as the range for the versatility of soft daytime shades.

Editor’s Note: Totally agree on the gorgeous packaging, I have no idea why they have added gold shimmer to the beautiful matte pinks. I have the shade Peony Goal which is again a beautiful nude pink but even that has shimmer, I do not like shimmer in my lipsticks.

My Current Makeup Wishlist

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My Current Makeup Wishlist

Hi guys,

I do have a secret makeup wishlist like all girls, obvious no. So I thought of sharing my makeup wishlist with you all today. Of course these items are not ‘need’ coz I have so many other alternatives in my stash already, but ‘want’ 😀

1. theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer

Now this is on my wishlist since a long time, but it it so expensive here in India, it’s more than double the rate. Definitely getting this when I or someone close flies outside. It is supposed to be the best highlighter ever! And I love highlighters

2. Lorac Pro Palette

I have heard so much about this and it looks beautiful with all the super pigmented warm colors, but I have already own lots of palettes, like way too many! Umm..confused about this, but wouldn’t mind if someone gifts me this 😉

3. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

I don’t anything from Nars yet and this concealer is raved about by all the YouTubers, definitely would love to try this.

4. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick

Matte, long lasting, comes in 28 shades, comfortable, 100% cruelty free, what’s not to love!

5. Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick

Same as above but comes in 22 shades. Liquid lipsticks are all the rage and Kat Von D and Anastasia ones are I believe the most famous and raved ones. I would love to try them and experience for myself.

6. Colourpop Lippie Stix/Ultra Satin/Ultra Matte

Colourpop is one brand that is creating a stir in the makeup/beauty world since the past 1-1.5 years. I want to try their Ultra Satin, Ultra Matte Lip colors especially the Kathleen Lights shade and the Lippie Stix too.

7. Makeup Geek Eyeshadows/Blushes

Not that I don’t have eyeshadows, I have gazillion, but the Makeup Geek ones look really nice. Again a case of ‘want’ and not ‘need’, so stopping myself from splurging.

Ya I think that is pretty much it for now 😀 I will add things or make a new wishlist if I have enough things in my wishlist, haha.

What is on your wishlist? Let me know in the comments below.

March 2016 ‘More Power To You’ Fab Bag Unboxing & Review

Body Scrub, Fab Bag, Lipsticks, Nail Paints, Nyassa, Nykaa, Reviews, Shampoos, Wella, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

March 2016 ‘More Power To You’ Fab Bag Unboxing & Review

Hi guys,

I just now got the March Fab Bag, it’s the ‘More Power To You’ Women’s Day/Month theme.

Read my previous Fab Bag reviews:

MRP: Rs.599/- per month (Buy HERE)

It’s a metallic silver textured bag and I knew the Sugar Cosmetics Matte Lipstick is a part of the bag coz I saw it on their Instagram page and assumed it would be this brand.

Let’s see what all I got:

  • Sugar Cosmetics ‘It’s A Pout Time’ Matte Vivid Lipstick in 03 Mad Magenta (Full sized)- Rs.599/-
  • Wella Professionals Elements Shampoo (30ml)- Rs.175/-
  • Wella Professionals Elements Conditioner (30ml)- Rs.200/-
  • Nykaa Strawberries & Cream Nail Enamel (5ml)- Rs.149/- for 10ml
  • Nyassa Tiramisu Body Scrub (30g)- Rs.900/- for 200g

I really like the Wella Pro Elements Range, read my review HERE. It is SLS and paraben free and perfect for colored/treated hair, this deluxe sample size is perfect to try out and/or for travel.

I am loving the Sugar Matte Lipstick, love their Matte Crayon too, so was looking forward to the lipstick. Quite excited to try that out. It comes in this magenta pink shade, a muted berry, a nude and a coral.

I have 3-4 of Nykaa nail paints and they are quite decent, I love this summery shade and would definitely be wearing it.

The Nyassa Tiramisu Body Scrub smells amazing, but since it’s a body scrub, this 30g sample would only work once.

Overall, I would say it’s a mixed bag, not a must have but pretty decent if you are into matte lipsticks and wanted to try the Wella Pro Elements Range, a nail paint and bag are added bonus 😀

The value of the products come to around Rs.1200/- which is still not bad and the deluxe sizes are decent too.

What did you get in your March Fab Bag? Do let me know in the comments below.

Nature’s Essence Sun Ban Sunscreen Lotion SPF-30 TPI-60 Review

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Nature’s Essence Sun Ban Sunscreen Lotion SPF-30 TPI-60 Review

By Archana

Hi all,

Today, I am reviewing a sunscreen from the brand Nature’s Essence. They have a wide variety of products at very budget-friendly prices. All their products are made primarily with natural ingredients. This is possibly one of the cheapest sunscreens available in the market. Read on to know how the ‘Nature’s Essence Sun Ban Sunscreen Lotion SPF-30 TPI-60’ fares.

Products claims: SUNBAN is a moisturizing sun protection lotion which provides full spectrum protection to the skin from UV rays. The natural added extract protects the skin against suntan. Good for all skin types. Can be used on all skin types.

Key Ingredients: Aloevera juice, Turmeric extract, Basil Oil

Directions to use: Apply Sunban lotion on face, neck and other exposed parts of body before going out. Avoid contact with eye area.

Packaging: The sunscreen comes in a yellow squeezable tube packaging with a flip-open cap. Nothing fancy in the packaging but a basic functional one. Its convenient to be carried around in your handbag without any fear of leakage. But one thing though, the cap seems to be flimsy and it broke within few uses as you can see in the pics.

Texture and fragrance: The sunscreen is sandal-colored with a slightly thick and creamy consistency. It has a mild herbal fragrance which is not bothersome. The fragrance proves that it contain natural extracts unlike other sunscreens I have used which usually have a chemical smell.

My experience: I have always chosen sunscreens based on the SPF factor. But till now I have never heard of TPI factor. So I googled around a bit and found that TPI is Tan Protection Index. Basically SPF helps to protect the skin against UV rays, cancer and sun burns. Whereas TPI specifically helps to protect the skin from tanning. This was a new info to me.

So coming back to this sunscreen from Nature’s Essence, this has both SPF and TPI. It takes a little time to blend it in completely. Though it appears tinted, after applying there is no tint whatsoever and it gives a natural finish. Unlike other sunscreens, this doesn’t leave any whitish cast. I have oily-combination skin and I find it little heavy and greasy for use nowadays as summers have started. Within 3-4 hours, my face starts becoming oily. I think it might be more suitable during winters. Dry skin people can use it year around.

Now the strange thing that I have observed is, although it claims of TPI 60 and SPF 30, I am still getting tanned. I don’t know if it is just me or anyone else too felt it, but overtime of trying out different sunscreens, I have observed that those from higher end brands like Avene, Vichy, TBS, etc. or even mid-range brands like Neutrogena, Plum, Christine Valmy, etc even if they have lower SPF of 20, they seem to prevent tanning to a large extent, while those from budget brands, though they claim of higher SPFs, they fail to prevent much tanning. Am not sure about it, but I feel sunscreen is one product where the ones with completely natural ingredients might not really be effective. While we can opt for natural products in face washes, face packs, shampoos, etc., when it comes to sunscreens I don’t think they are much effective. Its just my observation. Please share your views and experiences with natural sunscreens in the comments below.

Pros:
* Doesn’t leave any whitish cast.
* Has TPI along with SPF .
* Contains goodness of natural ingredients like aloevera, turmeric and basil.
* Suitable for normal-dry skin.
* Very affordable.

Cons:
* Might not suit oily/combination skin.
* Not much effective in preventing tan.
* Complete ingredients list missing.

Price and quantity: Rs.95 for 60ml.

Rating: 3.7/5

Verdict: Nature’s Essence Sun Ban Sunscreen Lotion SPF-30 TPI-60 is a very budget-friendly sunscreen with natural ingredients. But the results are average and its not very effective in preventing tan. Maybe if you are spending most time indoors, you can try it. But skip it if you spend more time under sun or going on a vacation or beach holiday.

Editor’s Note: That’s a fabulous review Archana, from whatever little I have read, heard and interacted with dermatologists, they all say sunscreens are good for protection but they cannot prevent skin from tanning. I am not sure how TPI works but I haven’t heard of any full proof sunscreen which prevents absolute tanning when you are out in the harsh skin for a long time. I remember using the Avene SPF50 spray all over my body during the Beauty & The Blogger shoot and we were out in the super harsh summer sun from 11 to 3 and I get tanned super easily, the area of the skin within the clothes and the area exposed to sun went black and white literally, that tan took almost 8-9 months to go away completely! So to prevent tan, one has to be covered and protected all the time, sunscreen will only help in protecting and this one sounds good for winters or for dry skin.

Sorry for the long rant 😀

Have you tried the Nature’s Essence Sun Ban Sunscreen Lotion SPF-30 TPI-60?

Essence XXXL Long-Lasting Lip Gloss Matt Effect Velvet Rose Review, Swatches

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Essence XXXL Long-Lasting Lip Gloss Matt Effect Velvet Rose Review, Swatches

By Ishleen

Hello girlies!

Starting this post with a quick question! Apart from the conventional Indian market brands, have you tried any German based brands, and if yes, were there any that you fell madly, deeply, strongly in love with? Well, if someone asked me this, I would scream at the top of my lungs that I am heads-over-heel sin love with Essence! And I am so thankful to Indian markets for having accepted this cute little brand so warmly and making it available for us Indian makeup addicts! I mean they are so affordable, such good quality and have such a vast range of products that you just cannot ignore it!

So today I am reviewing one of my most beloved lip creams from the house of Essence!

Product Description: Essence describes this gorgeous artefact in the following expression. “Matt=a must! If you love this lip trend, the velvety-matt, long-lasting lip glosses are ideal for you! The light, mousse-like texture lasts on your lips for several hours without drying them out. Particularly easy to apply, thanks to the flat applicator.”

And man, oh man! Did they exaggerate even once while writing their product claims? I am afraid, not! Ok, agreed that the lip creams do not give the matte effect that the claim talks about, but apart from that—the product is a treat to have!

MRP: Rs.279/- for 4.5ml (BUY HERE)

Packaging, price and Quantity!

The lip creams come in nice long cylindrical tube like packaging which are made of see-through material which makes the shade selection a breeze if you have more than a single shade form the line! Nothing too fancy about the packaging, tbh! Just a regular lip gloss kind of packaging but the fragrance of the product—oh god! I cannot even begin to start praising the sweet vanilla-ish fragrance that this lip cream has! I mean, for 279 bucks you get 4.5 ml of heavenly scented goodness! Trust me I’ll purchase it again and again for the fragrance alone! It is such a mood up lifter, truly!

Shade!

I prefer my lip products very subtle and under stated, and did this particular shade did not let me down even once! On first look (and application) it seemed a bit too light for me and most warm Indian skin tones, but the shade is so workable and can be used as a top-up shade for nude lipsticks which can make the lips look all the more plump and luscious kind of soft! To be honest, the shade is a pale pink with warm undertones and can be used as a perfect nude for lighter skin tones—but for women of colour it can be worked up to lighten your blood lipsticks or to intensify a nude shade!

Texture and Finish of the lip cream!

If you have ever known a soft-matte finish lip cream which is so velvety to apply and feels as if it was whipped up especially to make your lips look luscious—you know what exactly XXXL Long Lasting feels on the lips! The texture literally feels velvety and has a whipped up, almost airy-light-weight formula! One let down to this lip product is that it is not matte—not at all matte! Ok, I can give it a pass by calling soft-matte, almost velvety finish but matte? Not really!

Pigmentation, Coverage and Staying Power!

Not the most pigmented of the lot, but the lip cream is sort of medium coverage! The good point is that it is totally buildable, so there are chances that pigmented lips can give this a try! Though I would recommend using a deep nude lip liner or any lipstick underneath to make the shade work for deeper Indian skin tones!

Staying Power!

To be honest, the lack of mattifying effect, it does transfer very easily so it does not stay put for a very long time! But it can easily get through 3-4 hours with light snacks and drinking (with straw, of course)! The best part is that it fades very evenly, and does not crumble or get accumulated in the corners of the mouth! So this is a win-win! <3

Pros:

Creamy, air-whipped texture
Velvety matte finish
Medium coverage
Stays for 3-4 hours
Makes the lips look lusciously soft and plump
Nice packaging and flat applicator

Cons:

Not the most pigmented
A little pale for Indian skin tones

Rating: 4.8/5

Would I recommend: Definitely yes! If not this particular shade then at least try some other one, but definitely do! The texture and quality is really amazing!

Editor’s Note: I have this one in the shade ‘Silky Red’ and love it, although would have loved better staying power coz I have tried numerous matte lip creams with better staying power later, but for the price it’s really nice. Well reviewed Ishleen 🙂

Have you tried the Essence XXXL Long Lasting Lip Gloss yet?

Starlooks December 2015 Extraordinaire Kit Review, Products

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Starlooks December 2015 Extraordinaire Kit Review, Products

Hi guys,

You have seen previous Starlooks Looksbook Mini Kits on my blog, I have also done a video with the September kit.

This time for the last month of the year and being a party season, the theme was ‘Extraordinaire- You’re A Star’. Also the products were 6 instead of the usual 3 and all are pretty amazing and perfect for the party season.

MRP: $29 (Buy HERE) If you buy the monthly subscription, it’s only $12 per month

Talking about the products I received in the December box, and mind you all are 3/4th of the full sized products which is amazing!

Products:

  • Party Mascara Glitter Gel- It’s a metallic rose gold mascara which can be used on the tips of the lashes for a party look or even on the eyebrows as the glitter/metallic eyebrows trend is quite IN right now
  • Presence Eye Liner- It’s a shimmery champagne colored eye pencil which will work as a highlight under the brow bone, in the inner corners or even on the waterline. I love using this on my waterline and it did not irritate my eyes.
  • BYOB(eauty) Lip Gloss- Again a beautiful, shimmery rose gold lip gloss. It is non sticky, pigmented and perfect. The size is perfect for handbags.
  • Darling Blush- A shimmery, super pigmented copper red blush. It can double up as an eyeshadow.
  • Century Metallic Cream Eye Shadow- My favourite in this kit, it’s a shimmery metallic grey cream eyeshadow. It does crease and needs a primer and shadow on top.
  • Pure Lip Gloss- This is very unique, a super pale lip gloss which has a hint of lavender and it looks lavender on the lips. Quite a different color.

All the 6 products are super interesting and unique and not something I have in my stash, I love how Starlooks always comes up with new stuff and a new theme every month. I definitely recommend the Starlooks subscription as getting 3-5 products every month which are 3/4th the size and at $12 is quite a steal, also like this month, you may get 6 products at times 😀

The value of the products in this month’s box are $72 which you can get for $12 if subscribed or if you want to buy just this month, it’s still $29.

What do you think of the December Starlooks kit?