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Best of 2017 - Skin & Hair, Indian Beauty Blog

Best of 2017 – Makeup

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Best of 2017- Makeup

Hi guys,

So I have done my 2017 skin and hair care favourites already, read HERE. Now it’s best of 2017 – makeup time 😀 I was checking all my 2017 blog posts and I have predominantly done all makeup posts, especially lipsticks and swatches. Ya, a girl needs her lipsticks and I have way too many now 😀 Hence, this post will be long, especially the lipstick category :p

Since the past two years I had mentioned in my favourites post, that I was stuck in winged liner and matte lipsticks phase. I am still stuck with matte lips but ditched the winged liner this year, for oodles of mascara and fluttery lashes with dewy, highlighted skin. I mostly use only concealer or a BB/CC Cream as base as I prefer my base to be as light as possible. I don’t like wearing foundation everyday, it’s only for makeup tutorials and special events.

See my previous years’ favourites here:

Click on the links to read reviews or see swatches..

Face:

Primer: PAC Pore Primer, Make Up For Ever Smoothing Primer

Foundation: Maybelline Fit Me Foundation, Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation , Givenchy Matissime Velvet Radiant Mattifying Fluid Foundation

Loose Powder: Colorbar Loose Powder, Faces Ultime Pro Loose Powder

BB Cream: Pond’s BB Cream, Sugar Goddess of Flawless BB Cream

CC Cream: New Lakme 9 to 5 Color Transform CC Cream

Concealer: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer, Maybelline Fit Me Concealer, MAC Conceal & Correct Palette Medium Deep

Pressed Powder/Compact: Lakme 9 to 5 Primer + Matte Powder Foundation, Wet N Wild Mega Glo Contouring Palette in Caramel Toffee (yellow powder to set)

Blush: Maybelline Cheeky Glow Blush , Marks & Spencer Limited Collection Blush Damson, MAC Blush in Mocha, Makeup Geek Blushes

Contour: Wet N Wild Mega Glo Contouring Palette, Makeup Geek Contouring Powders

Bronzer: Lakme Absolute Sun Kissed Bronzer

Highlighter: PixiXAspynovard Santorini Sunset, BeccaXJaclynHill Champagne Pop, theBalm Mary-Lou-manizer

Face Palettes (for blush, contour and highlight): Faces Ultime Pro Face Palette, Sugar Cosmetics Contour De Force Palettes, PixiXMaryam Strobe & Sculpt, Strobe & Bronze Palettes

Eyes:

Eyeshadows:

Palettes: Too faced Chocolate Bar Eyeshadow Collection, Lakme French Rose Palette, Sugar Blend the Rules Eyeshadow Quads, PAC Cosmetics Matte Eyeshadow Palette, PAC Sprinkle Eyeshadow Palette, PixiXItsjudytime Eyeshadow Palette, theBalm Meet Matt(e) Trimony Palette

Cream/Crayons: Faces Ultime Pro Eye Shadow Crayon, Colorbar Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick, Make Up For Ever Aquamatic Eyeshadow Crayon

Powder Singles: Makeup Geek Eyeshadows

Eye Liners:

Gel: L’Oreal Paris Gel Intenza Gel liners, MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack, NYX Cobalt Blue Gel Liner & Smudger

Liquid/Pen: Maybelline Colossal Liner, PAC Liquid Liner Pen, Faces Ultime Pro Matte Play Eyeliner in Blue and Black

Pencils: Colourpop Creme Gel Liner in Honeydude (Nude)

Kohl/Kajal: Plum Naturstudio Kajal, MAC Modern Twist Kajal Cat’s Meow

Mascara: MAC In Extreme Dimension Mascara, Givenchy Noir Interdit Mascara, Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara, PixiXAspyn Lower Lash Mascara

Eyebrow: Givenchy Brow Pencil & Mister Brow Filler, Make Up For Ever Pro Sculpting Brow, PAC Cosmetics Eyebrow Palette

Lips:

Lip Liners: PAC Colorlock Longlasting Lip Liners

Chubby Pencils: New Shades of Sugar Cosmetics Matte As Hell Lip Crayons, LakmexMasaba Lip Pouts, Nykaa Mattelicious Lip Crayons

Lipsticks: Sugar It’s A Pout Time Vivid Lipsticks, Sugar Plush Hour Matte Lipsticks, Lakme 9 to 5 Primer + Matte Lipsticks, Maybelline Colorsensational Creamy Matte Lipsticks, Guerlain Kiss Kiss Matte Lipsticks

Matte Liquid Lipsticks: MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipsticks, Lakme 9 to 5 Weightless Matte Mousse, PAC Retro Matte Gloss V2.0, Wet N Wild Liquid Catsuit, Kat Von D Liquid Lipsticks (Lolita & Lolita II), Colourpop Ultra Satin Liquid Lipsticks

Tinted Lip Balms: Pixi Beauty Shea Butter Tinted Lip Balms

Nails: LYN Vegan Nail Paints, Lakme Primer + Matte Nail Paints

Makeup Setting Sprays/Mists: Pixi Glow Mist, PAC Micro Finish Makeup Fixer

Perfumes/Fragrances: CK All, Roberto Cavalli Uomo, Bvlgari Goldea The Roman Night, Roberto Cavalli Paradiso Assoluto, CK Eternity Intense

Makeup Techniques: Highlighting, Baking, Matte Lips, Dewy Skin

Tools: YBP Makeup Perfector, Sigma Brushes, Sedona Lace Brushes, PAC Brushes

I guess that’s all. This will be my last post for 2017.

Happy New Year guys, hope we all have a fabulous and awesome 2018!

What are your 2017 makeup favourites ? Do we share common favourites ? Let me know in the comments below.

Clean & Clear Pimple Clearing Face Wash Review #BreakUpWithPimples

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Clean & Clear Pimple Clearing Face Wash Review #BreakUpWithPimples

Hi guys,

Today I am reviewing a product which would help every teenage/college girl out there. Actually anyone who suffers from those unexpected zits/pimples, but that happens a lot during teens, so this one is especially for them.

What it claims: Neem and Lemon work together to give you a much needed breakup from acne!

For: Those who are stuck in an unhealthy relationship with acne or pimples.

How it works: CLEAN & CLEAR® PIMPLE CLEARING Face Wash is a gentle yet effective way to cleanly breakup with your pimples. This ensures that you and pimples never get back together. The neem-lemon formula works well on skin prone to pimples, and within 7 days, will set you on the path to a far healthier relationship with clear skin!

Directions: Apply a small amount on wet palm and work into a rich lather. Gently massage onto face, avoiding the eye area. Rinse off thoroughly. Use twice daily for skin that’s beautifully clean and clear!

Ingredients: Water, Triethanolamine, Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose, Fragrance, o-Cymen-5-ol (Isopropyl Methyl Phenol), Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT), Benzophenone 4, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf extract, Passiflora Edulis Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Alcohol Denat., Azadirachta Indica Leaf Extract (Neem), Yellow 10 (CI47005), CI 61570

MRP: Rs.55/- for 40g, Rs.99/- for 80g (Buy HERE)

It comes in a ombre green tube packaging with a slight curve at one end. It has a flip cap and is quite easy to use and travel with. The neem and lemon symbol and the bright green color of the tube make it quite attractive and easy to identify among other tubes.

It is transparent and gel like in color with a green tinge, neither thick nor runny. It has a refreshing smell, a mix of neem and lemon but not too herbal.

It foams pretty well and removes the basic dirt, grime and makeup. Also it does not dry out the skin or leave the skin stretchy craving for a moisturizer.

We all face those occasional nasty zits that come uninvited, especially during that time of the month and spoil a big event or a special day! Pimples are basically like bad boyfriends and we need to break up with them and come out of that bad relationship. Been there, done that. We cannot avoid stepping out or travelling which comes with dirt and pollution and it’s share of harmful effect on the skin, major being pimples.

But we can definitely keep them at bay and get a clean break up from them using the right products. Clean & Clear Pimple Clearing Face Wash is one such product and I am so glad I got to try this. I was getting 1-2 small zits on the sides of my nose and I didn’t want them to spoil my Diwali. Within 1-2 days of using this face wash, those zits dried up completely!

Lemon & Neem extracts work on the pimple from the very first wash & fights the core of the pimple problem i.e. the bacteria causing the pimples! Neem is anti-bacterial and it works directly on the bacteria, so that the pimple dries up and also doesn’t spread around. Lemon also helps with acne scars, so that the nasty zits do not leave any marks. Aloe vera extracts moisturize the skin and don’t allow the product to be too harsh on the skin. It also has passion fruit extracts and glycerin which again act as a moisturizer.

I am using this daily and would continue doing so, it’s very gentle for daily use and teenage skin. This product is perfect for teenage girls. Highly recommended.

So go ahead and #BreakUpWithPimples! Thank me later 😀

Best 10 Face Washes for Acne/Breakout Prone Skin Available in India, Prices, Buy Online

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Best 10 Face Washes for Acne/Breakout Prone Skin Available in India, Prices, Buy Online

By Sanchita

Who doesn’t want a clear acne free skin? Well, Indian weather is mostly tropical and most of the habitable areas are prone of hot and humid conditions. Therefore, the skin breaks out pretty bad. However, if you take good care of the skin and use the skin care products which aims to help the breakout situation, then you can surely keep them at bay. First and foremost, you have to keep the dirt and impurities away to avoid breakouts. We have listed out the best 10 face wash for acne or breakout prone skin available in India and includes both budget friendly and high end options.

1. Clean and Clear Foaming Facial Wash – Price Rs. 110 for 100ml (Buy HERE) (Review HERE)

The Clean and Clear Foaming Facial Wash is one of the popular budget friendly face wash available in India. It comes in a simple transparent bottle with a flip open cap system. The face wash has a gel like light consistency, slightly thick and orangish in color. It foams really well and cleanses the skin without making it dry and parched. It helps in drying out the acne only and keep the skin clean and unclog the pores as well. It has salicylic acid which helps the acne to dry out and leaves skin feeling clean and beautifully clear.

2. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash – Price Rs. 499 for 175ml (Buy HERE)

Neutrogena is surely one of the trusted brand when it comes to skin care. It has a very convenient packaging and the product is extremely gentle on the skin. It contains Salicylic acid which is known to get rid of acne and prevents future break outs. The removes the layer of oil and dirt from the skin and since it is gel based, it will not dry out the skin. It is also a great one for sensitive skin and dermatologically tested. The skin is healthy and rejuvenated.

3. Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Face Wash – Price Rs. 140 for 150ml (Buy HERE) (Review HERE)

Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Face Wash is surely one of the popular choice for acne prone skin. It is a soap free face wash filled with herbal ingredients that helps you remove every layer of dirt, oiliness and grime clogged in the pores and prevents the breakouts. It is formulated with neem which is well-known for its anti-bacterial properties, kills problem causing bacteria, and Turmeric effectively controls acne and pimples. It takes some time to show the result so you have to be a little patient with the face wash. Also, it may dry out the skin slightly.

4. NEW Pond’s Pimple Clear Face Wash – Price Rs. 125 for 100g (Buy HERE)

Pond’s has launched the new Pimple Clear  Face comes in a white opaque tube with a suitable flip open cap. It has Thymo-T Essence which works much better on skin in controlling pimples than salicylic acid. It claims to work on acne in flat 3 days! The herbal clay helps in absorbing oil and keeping pores clear.

5. Lotus Herbals Tea Tree and Cinnamon Anti-Acne Oil Control Face Wash – Price Rs. 175 for 120g (Buy HERE)

Lotus Herbals Tea Tree and Cinnamon Anti-Acne Oil Control Face Wash is another great face wash for oily acne prone skin. It has a thick gel consistency with minute beads which are very mild on the skin. It clears out the skin very well, controls oil without drying out the skin at all. The skin feels extremely refreshing. The ingredients are really powerful which as tea tree oil which is anti-microbial, anti-acne, antioxidant, fights skin infection. The cinnamon and oak bark will also help the skin a lot.

6. Garnier Skin Naturals Pure Active Neem and Tulsi Foaming Face Wash – Price Rs. 105 for 100g (Buy HERE)

The Garnier Skin Naturals Pure Active Neem and Tulsi Foaming Face Wash has a transparent bottle with a flip open cap. The face wash has a gel like slight runny consistency which feels mild on the skin. It lathers abundantly and requires a very little amount. It removes every layer of external impurities and provides a clean and refreshed skin. The neem and tulsi is extremely good for oily acne prone skin and makes the skin radiant slightly. The face wash takes slight time though if you have heavy acne formation on skin.

7. The Body Shop Tea Tree Facial Wash – Price Rs. 695 for 250ml (Buy HERE)

This was a God-sent product for my skin and I can’t stop praising it. The face wash comes in a fat bottle which has green colored gel like consistency. It helps to clear out the skin well and removes every layer of dirt, impurities and oiliness. The tea tree formulation is great for acne prone skin and gives a cooling and refreshing skin. It helps to prevent the acne and pimples, controls the oil yet doesn’t dry out the skin and also helps in removing the blemishes. This is one of the most effective and highly recommended face wash for acne prone skin.

8. The Body Shop Seaweed Deep Cleansing Facial Wash – Price Rs. 895 for 125ml (Buy HERE)

Another gem of a product from the house of TBS. this Seaweed Deep Cleansing Facial Wash comes in a tube form with a flip open cap. It has a clear gel like consistency and helps in removing make-up, impurities and excess oil. It also helps in balancing moisture and sebum levels as it cleanses the skin. It is formulated with seaweed that has vitamins and minerals and hydrate the skin without getting oily. It also helps in keeping the acne at bay and gives a healthy matte finish to the skin.

9. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser – Price Rs. 450 for 50ml (Buy HERE)

The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser is best suited for normal to oily or combination skin. It helps in purifying the skin and eliminates impurities and excess sebum while leaving the skin clean and fresh. The product is soap free, alcohol free, colorant free as well as paraben free. It lathers well and works great for sensitive skin as well. Overall, the face wash might be slightly expensive but it is a great one for the acne prone skin.

10. Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser – Price Rs. 397 for 125ml (Buy HERE)

The Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser comes in a small travel friendly bottle and has a clear gel like consistency. It foams well and great for oily, combination, or acne prone skin. It helps in removing surface oils, dirt and make-up without leaving the skin dry. It also cleanses the skin and unclogs the pores. The face wash has a neutral formula and also non-comedogenic.

11. Avene Cleanance Gel- Rs.937/- for 200ml (Buy HERE) (Review HERE)

Avene Cleanance Gel’s soapless base cleanses your skin gently and leaves it feeling refreshed. The glyceryl laurate it contains will regulate excess sebum and mattify your skin.

I had to add Avene Cleanance Gel, it is my absolute favourite! Holy Grail. It is fantastic for acne prone skin and one bottle lasts you 3-4 months, so very economical!

Editor’s Note: I have mostly tried all of these and absolutely agree with your list. I had to add Avene, both Avene and Himalaya Purifying Neem are my Holy Grail, something I would come back to always and keep buying my entire life 😀 Must, must try! I also like the Clean & Clear and Neutrogena one. Currently testing the new Pond’s Pimple Clear, it is amazing! I highly recommend the Pond’s one for acne prone skin.

Which is your favourite?

How To Do A Simple Face Clean-Up At Home

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How To Do A Simple Face Clean-Up At Home

Hi guys,

I don’t generally go to salons for facials and clean ups, I prefer taking care of my skin at home and follow the basic skin care routine regularly. If you spend even 5-10 minutes on your skin daily and the scrub/mask routine once/twice a week, you won’t need any fancy or expensive salon facials/clean ups.

Now a clean-up is important coz sometimes the blackheads and whiteheads are not really visible but they do develop when the pores are blocked or there is dirt in the pores which is not cleaned regularly.

Here is how I do a mini clean-up at home:

1. Wash your face with a face wash. My Holy Grail is the Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem face wash.

2. Cleanse your face with a milk based cleanser. Now there are quite a few options available, you can also try the Himalaya Herbals Refreshing Cleansing Milk. Massage for a minute to two and wipe it off with a damp cotton ball

3. Take steam on the face. If you don’t have a steam machine, just boil some water and bend your face over it covering with a towel. It will do the job equally well.

4. Extract comedones, either use cotton on both of your hands to press the skin and extract it or use a blackhead extractor for deep rooted blackheads. You get it for about 50-60 rupees. Just sanitise and clean it before using and even after using.

5. Scrub your face. I use the Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Scrub when I am breaking out or have 1-2 acne or the Himalaya Herbals Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub if my skin is a little dry or in winters. Scrub for a good 2-3 minutes concentrating more on nose, forehead, chin, sides of nose, etc. Wipe it all off with a damp cotton ball.

6. Toner. You can either use rose water or cucumber water or any alcohol free toner to close the pores. It is very important to close the pores which have opened with the steam.

7. Follow it up with a face pack. Now again I would go with either the Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Face Pack if I have acne or the Himalaya Herbals Fairness Kesar Face Pack if I want to get rid of tan. Keep it for 10-15 minutes and also use cotton balls soaked in rose water over the eyes and just relax. Take it all off with a damp cotton ball. Wash your face with water if you feel like.

8. Moisturize your face with your regular moisturizer.

9. Apply a sunscreen/sunblock

That’s it, you are done. This whole procedure will take about 30 minutes including the face pack. You can do it once a week on a Saturday or Sunday, you can spend at least 30 minutes in a week over your skin, if not, once in two weeks is a must! Also if you do not do it regularly, the whiteheads and blackheads will not be extracted, the skin won’t be exfoliated. Dead skin cells will form a layer and the blackheads will turn to acne.

Regular skin care is important even if you have good skin, to maintain it. Do not take your skin for granted. Your skin gets regenerated every 21 days, so at least follow this simple clean-up at home once every 2 weeks i.e. 14 days.

Few points to remember:

1. Always use products according to your skin type or how your skin is behaving during that time.

2. Do not be harsh on your skin, do not scrub vigorously or over exfoliate.

3. Always end with a sun block/sunscreen even if you are not stepping out

There are a lot of products available in the market if you do not have extra time to DIY at home. I like Himalaya Herbals products and have been using them since my college days. They are affordable and easily available.

You can check out Himalaya Herbals on Facebook HERE and on twitter HERE and also more from their Face Care Range HERE

How do you do a clean-up at home?

Oriflame The One Illuskin Blush Review, Swatches

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Oriflame The One Illuskin Blush Review, Swatches

Hi guys,

This post was in my drafts since a long time, I have been using these Oriflame blushes since a few months and here are my thoughts..

Claims: Versatile duo-shade blush lets you create perfectly contoured cheeks. Darker shade sculpts and defines while lighter, shimmering shade highlights. HaloLight Technology™ for subtle lustre. Light, silky texture and comfortable to wear.

MRP: INR 599 for 4g (On offer: INR 449)

They come in three shades and have a small, tiny square packaging. Very light weight and handy, perfect for travel. They have a mirror inside, they do not come with a brush though.

Luminous Peach: It has a satin finish deep peachy coral blush and a beige and silver highlighter

Shimmer Rose: It has a satin finish peach blush (ya it’s peach and not rose) and a peachy gold highlighter. The highlighter is beautiful, and more like blush actually since it’s peach and can be worn like a blush

Pink Glow: It has a matte coral pink blush and a beige pink highlighter. If you like matte blushes, this one is for you

The best part is you can use them individually or combined, they look good both ways.

L-R: Pink Glow, Shimmer Rose, Luminous Peach
L-R: Pink Glow, Shimmer Rose, Luminous Peach

The names are pretty confusing though coz the rose is also a peach shade and most of them are in peachy coral family. But the plus point is they work beautifully on all Indian skin tones.

You can use only the blush side for day time and combine both for night time or even use both together for day time, since the highlighter is very soft and satiny and not shimmery.

My favourite is Luminous Peach and it will look good on all skin tones from fair to dark. They are pretty pigmented and all these swatches are just one swipe, you do not need too much or do not need to go over many times with this. Staying power is decent, they stay for 4-5 hours. Only disadvantage is you need a Oriflame representative to buy these.

For the price point, they are quite good and I would say definitely buy one of these during their offers. Recommended.

Have you tried the Oriflame The One Illuskin Blushes?

Top 10 L.A. Girl Products Available in India, Prices

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Top 10 L.A. Girl Products Available in India, Prices

By Sanchita

Hello everyone. I was jumping with excitement when I spotted L.A. Girl on Nykaa. Finally, a well-priced amazing quality product launched in India! I placed a huge order immediately and to my surprise, every product turned out to be a blockbuster for me. L.A. Girl is one of the most raved budgeted brands in abroad and if you follow beauty bloggers on YouTube you would know that some of the product are like Holy Grail. Although all the products are not launched in India for now and I really hope they do that in future. For now, let’s get on with the best L.A. Girl products that we can easily access without paying heavy duty charges.

1. L.A. Girl PRO Conceal HD High Definition Concealer – 535 INR

I had start off the list with this one. There had been million times I wished I could have them and finally when I saw them online (with reasonable price tag) I bought it. The High Definition Concealers are one of the bestsellers from the brand. They come in a small light weight tube with a synthetic brush attached to apply the product. It has a creamy light texture, the coverage is medium to buildable and blends on the skin like a dream. It helps to banish the appearance of all imperfections and blemishes, ensuring that the skin emits nothing but purity, clarity and decadence whilst simultaneously maintaining a natural finish. It comes in around 20 shades and 3 color correctors so you will surely find a match. The product is so versatile that it will conceal, corrector, contour and highlight for you when you go for the right shade. This is a must have product for everyone.

2. L.A. Girl Glide Gel Liner – 450 INR

A gel liner in a pencil form? Absolutely yes. The Glide Gel Liners are available in 19 shades and comes in a slender pencil form and has to be sharpened for usage. The texture is creamy smooth and feels literally nothing when you apply. The formula glides on the eyelids and waterline equally smooth, imparts a richly pigmented color that is guaranteed to make a statement. Thus, you wear it as a kajal, eyeliner and even provide a base for smoky eyes. The formula is Cruelty-free, waterproof and smudge proof. It is a closer match of the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil.

3. L.A. Girl Matte Flat Finish Pigment Gloss – 575 INR

The L.A. Girl Matte Flat Finish Pigment Gloss is available in 15 beautiful shades. The packaging is of a plastic cylindrical one with a doe footed applicator. The texture is creamy-liquid and spreads on the lips well. Although it says gloss, the liquid dries up on the lips giving a flat matte finish and deep rich saturation of color. The color doesn’t bleed or stains at all but has a slight drying touch so exfoliation of lips is a must! The smell is a slight put off but I love the matte formula it gives and lasts the whole day on the lips. (Warning: The lighter shades are beautiful, the darker ones are a little patchy!)

4. L.A. Girl Matte Flat Velvet Lipstick – 550 INR

If flat matte isn’t your cup of tea, go for this one. The L.A. Girl Matte Flat Velvet Lipsticks are available in 26 shades, ranging from nudes, reds, browns, pinks, mauves and even blue and black. The lipstick has the traditional bullet packaging with a creamy soft formula that not only imparts high-opacity color to the lips, but also deeply conditions and nourishes at a cellular level, resulting in a soft, supple and hydrated finish. It has a satin matte finish and lasts long on the lips.

5. L.A. Girl Velvet Contour Sticks – 750-800 INR

The L.A. Girl Velvet Contour Sticks are divided into three categories – blush, bronzer and highlighter. The product has a fat and chubby packaging with retractable function. It glides on the skin very smoothly, deposits rich amount of color and blends very easily without any patchiness. It is infuses Jojoba See Oil and Shea Butter to deeply nourish and condition the skin even at its deepest layers but doesn’t make the skin oily. The variety of color, easy to apply method with Paraben and Cruelty-free formula and long lasting nature makes it worth the steal.

6. L.A. Girl HD Pro BB Cream – 650 INR

L.A. Girl HD Pro BB Cream comes in 8 shades which is excellent because Indian skin tones vary a lot and a mere 2-3 shades are surely not sufficient. It has a light creamy texture that comes in a tube form. The BB cream gives a medium to buildable coverage and a perfect choice for every day wear and you can easily skip the foundation. It is enriched with the goodness of Vitamin B3, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E, doesn’t breakout cruelty-free product and also paraben and fragrance free. The finish is somewhere between dewy and matte and also long lasting on skin. it never broke me out despite having acne prone skin.

7. L.A. Girl Glazed Lip Paint Gloss – 650 INR

This is a close dupe of the Too Faced Melted Liquified Lipstick. The L.A. Girl Glazed Lip Paint Gloss comes in a tube applicator and has a texture of a gloss with the color-payoff of a liquid lipstick. It gives a nice coverage on the lips and feels very hydrating all day long. It is infused with the skin nourishing Vitamin E and the ultra-cooling Peppermint Oil that deeply nourishes the lips at a cellular level. The only con is that it is transfers a lot.

8. L.A. Girl Beauty Brick Blush – 999 INR

The Beauty Brick Blush is available in 4 variety of shades and would suit every complexion. Each palette has 4 shade – 2blushes, 1 bronzer/contour powder and 1highlighter. It has a pressed powder formulation with matte and shimmery finishes for multidimensional color. The colors are nice pigmented, cruelty and paraben free and extremely great when you are travelling as you won’t have to carry too many products. They blend seamlessly and lasts fairly long on the skin. For the price, it is a steal.

9. L.A. Girl Pro Prep HD Smoothing Face Primer – 850 INR

Primer is very essential to make the makeup last long and the Pro Prep HD Smoothing Face Primer is a star product. It gives a smooth appearance by filling in fines line and pores while providing the perfect surface for foundation. It is formulated with light diffusing particles and skin nourishing Vitamin E giving you a flawless finish on or off camera. It is best suited for oily to combination skin and is completely paraben and fragrance free. It helps the makeup stay on longer in humid weather too.

10. L.A. Girl Pro HD Setting Powder – 1000 INR

Baking is the trend of the season and the L.A. Girl Pro HD Setting Powder makes the job very easy for us. It has super fine milled texture and the powder is translucent in color which is why it won’t provide any coverage but set the makeup seamlessly. It doesn’t reflect any whitish cast and photographs extremely well. It has been formulated it 100% Mineral Silica that provide a super luxurious finish, setting the makeup perfectly. The product will last long and is also cruelty-free product paraben and fragrance free.

Editor’s Note: Already ordered the Pro HD Concealers and highly recommend them, also the orange corrector for correcting Indian dark circles. The BB Cream and Contour Sticks are next on the list. Matte Pigment Gloss I would love to try the lighter shades, the darker ones are very crumbly and patchy, so check the review of each shade before ordering.

So which is your favorite L.A. Girl product?

MAC Matte Lipstick Whirl Review, Swatches & Dupe

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MAC Matte Lipstick Whirl Review, Swatches & Dupe

By Linda

Hello Ladies,

While I go shopping I make it a point to try various lipsticks but somehow don’t know why I end up purchasing a MAC lipstick only, maybe it’s because of the variety of shades suiting most of the skin tones.

So this review is about another MAC lipstick, from the Matte Lip collection in the shade WHIRL. There is a lip liner also available in the same shade. I found the lip liner to be too dry on my lips as compared to the lipstick. So let’s go ahead with the review.

What MAC Claims and Packaging: Dirty Rose with Matte finish. The lipstick is packed in a Classic MAC matte black and silver lipstick container with the shade mentioned at the bottom.

Price: Rs 1450/- for 3g (I believe it is increased to Rs.1950 now :/)

My take on MAC Whirl Lipstick

MAC claims the shade as dirty rose but in simple words I can say this is a mauve brown neutral shade. The content of brown is little on the higher side so it can tend to look darker under natural light. The texture is creamy on application, glides smoothly to give a matte finish on the lips. This shade would go well on medium skin tones to fair skin tones but I’m really not sure how it would go on dusky to dark skin tones. If you are confused on which lipstick shade to wear, be safe and wear a neutral shade, in such cases I definitely would recommend MAC Whirl.

I’m not happy with the stay power, as after meals, the lipstick completely vanished from my lips. May be prior prepping and a whirl lip liner would help the product to last longer or you got to retouch your lipstick after every meal. You can wear this shade at your work place as well as on any other occasion. It does accentuate the lines on my dry lips.The coverage is good and I mostly wear it without the lip liner as it doesn’t bleed.

TIP: Trying using this shade along with MAC Mehr or MAC Brave, or any lip liner close to old rose shade. I bet the mixtures of colors will give an awesome result.

Definitely there is something about MAC Whirl, as when this shade was launched it was sold out in no time.I got my hands on this almost after a year.

Pros:

  • Best for work place
  • Good coverage
  • Creamy texture
  • Suits most of the skin tones.
  • Glides on smoothly
  • Looks best along with an old rose lip liner or lipstick.

Cons:

  • Poor Staying power
  • A little heavy on the pockets (as many neutral shades are easily available)
  • Might accentuate the lines on the lip (mostly on dry lips)

Rating: 3.5/5

Would I repurchase WHIRL Mac Lipstick? Not so sure, as there are many shades of neutrals in MAC, would like to try those.

Dupe Alert: Rimmel London Kate Nude Lipstick in 48 is an exact dupe of MAC Whirl! Maybelline Matte Lipstick in Nude Nuance is also a close dupe

Editor’s Note: I quite like the shade, this is really pretty and perfect for all skin tones! MAC Whirl Lip Liner is what Kylie Jenner loves and uses a lot, so it’s always sold out most of the times 😀

Have you tried MAC Whirl Lipstick?

Clean & Clear Natural Bright Face Wash Review

Clean & Clear, Face Wash, New Launches, Reviews, Skin care, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Clean & Clear Natural Bright Face Wash Review

Hi guys,

If you follow my blog, you know I love quite a few Clean & Clear products especially face washes. See all the reviews HERE

They have launched a new variant in face wash, which is Natural Bright. If you follow me on Snapchat (bhumika_t), you must have already seen this and I have been testing this out since the past few days.

CLEAN & CLEAR® Natural Bright is designed for young skin problems, to gently reveal your natural brightness

Recommended for: Teenagers and young adults, who want their skin to look gorgeous and naturally bright.

How It Works: CLEAN & CLEAR® Natural Bright has a double action effect on your skin which helps clear skin problems. The rose water in the face wash helps wash away the dullness caused by impurities in the skin and natural honey with glycerin helps nourish your skin and help it achieve a natural glow that you will love

Directions: Apply a small amount on wet palm. Work it into a rich lather. Gently massage onto face, taking care to avoid contact with the eye area. Rinse off thoroughly. Use twice daily for skin that’s clean, clear and beautiful.

Ingredients: Water,Glycerin, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Lauryl Glucoside, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance, Tetrasodium, EDTA, Capryloyl Glycine, 0-Cymen-5-ol, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Buytylphenol Sulfate, Sarcosine, Honey, Sodium Hydroxide, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Cinnamomum Zeylancium Bark Extract, Cl 14700, Cl 17200, Potassium Sorbate

MRP: INR 110 for 100ml

It comes in their usual slightly curved packaging with a blue flip cap. I love the light rosy pink tint it has and the bubbles make it look more vivid. It smells absolutely amazing, of roses. Not like artificial rose scent, but a very soft British Rose kind of scent.

It’s neither thick nor very runny and in gel form, which is what I prefer in face washes. It doesn’t foam much and hence doesn’t strip off moisture from the skin. In fact, the rose water and natural honey combination leave the skin moisturized enough and your skin will not crave for a moisturiser immediately.

Glycerin adds to the moisture and cinnamon bark helps fight acne and acne scars.

It removes dirt and grime and even basic makeup and leaves the skin squeaky clean and fresh. Natural brightness of the skin gets hidden coz of the dirt and impurities through the day, this face wash helps in getting rid of all that leaving the skin brighter and glowing.

If you have oily skin, I would suggest going with the Foaming One and if you have normal to dry skin, you will love this new Natural Bright face wash.

Best part about Clean & Clear face washes is they are very affordable and easily available.

I tried the all new Clean & Clear Natural Bright face wash in association with BlogAdda,com. If you want to reveal your natural brightness you can buy it HERE

Have you tried the new Clean & Clear Natural Bright Face Wash?

Raw Rituals Orange Lip Butter Review

Lip Balm, Lip Butter, Raw Rituals, Reviews, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Raw Rituals Orange Lip Butter Review

By Nidhal

Summers are here and sadly, showing no signs of mercy especially up in the North. Oh, wait… Who am I trying to fool? The entire India seethes as if set on fire during the inclement summers, right? 😛 While one would have checked their beauty armoury and stashed all essentials needed to brave the unforgiving summers, yet those of us who have highly chapped lips would be in a dilemma for the thirst of intense hydration of their lips would weigh on their minds. While at the same time, investing in a lip ‘butter’ (I know you might be wondering as to who’d invest in such ‘heavy’ lip products in summers) might sound impractical. 2 states… Not the flick but of your mind are having their own tussle and you are left puzzled!

Hold on. What if there is a lip butter that works to soothe your chapped lips deeply while not making them feel greasy/oily/heavy all the while it has been put on? Oh, and what if it is 100% natural, free from chemicals and vegan? I know I have ignited your interest you Obsessive-Compulsive- lip-balm- addict 😛 Scroll down to read my verdict on Raw Rituals Orange Lip Butter.

PRICE- Rs 150/- for 5g (Buy HERE)

DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Swipe on lips as often as desired.

INGREDIENTS- Unrefined beeswax, cocoa butter, shea butter, virgin coconut oil, cold pressed almond oil, Vitamin E oil and Orange essential oil.

WHAT IT CLAIMS- Pamper your pucker with our lip butter daily to keep them moisturised, soft and supple.

MY VIEWS-

Packed in a plastic tube with a see-through cap on top, the packaging of this lip balm is simple, hygienic and handy. The cap has not lost its grip even after a month of regular use. On that account, it is up to the mark in terms of packaging for me.

The lip butter has the smoothest possible texture I have cover across till date. It glides so effortlessly that at times, I swipe it more than what is required simply because I enjoy the ease with which it glides 😛

It is neither waxy nor greasy that we expect most lip ‘butters’ to be. It is lightweight and when applied feels very natural. The staying power is good at 4-5 hours and so is the moisturisation ability. No wait, let me correct it. The moisturisation power is phenomenal! Your lips feel deeply…intensely… hydrated. And even after it gets wholly absorbed, you can note that it just did not sit on your lips all this while. It worked to heel them. For this reason, I’d recommend it to all those with severely chapped lips.

The aroma, although transient, refreshes you for it isn’t artificial and quite mild. It is so deeply hydrating that you can wear the most ‘drying’ lipsticks with sheer abandon if you have coated your lips with lip butter in the first place. With light meals, I haven’t experienced the need of a touch-up while with heavy ones, there is. I can turn a blind eye to it for that’s a minor flaw.

On the flipside, there is only shortcoming with this lip butter which I cannot ignore and that is its inability to impart any colour/tint. It is colourless which is why, those with pigmented lips may not be able to cover the darkness of their lips. So, that is the only input from me to Team Raw Rituals. All else for me falls in place. Pout without a doubt if you have this lip butter by your side 🙂

GOOD-

1. Commendable moisturisation power. Keeps lips well hydrated for 4-5 hours. Duration may vary depending on the condition of the lips but the point remains that it has an amazing moisturisation ability. Even after it gets absorbed fully, your lips feel softened.

2. Heels the cracks well.

3. Natural aroma. I am glad it hasn’t been pumped with artificial aroma. And the faint aroma of orange essential oil is refreshing. It isn’t long lasting but for the time it stays, you don’t feel that you have murdered your nostrils with a fake fragrance (under the garb of which many chemicals are added)

4. Packaging is on par. Stick packaging is handy, hygienic and avoids contamination.

5. Well-priced. It is budget-friendly.

6. 100% Natural

7. Chemical and preservative free

8. Made in India

9. Works wonders for the most chapped lips. Again, duration of healing may vary but it is a wondrous choice given its efficacy, ability, price and content.

10. A single stick lasts a good 3 months.

11. Can be purchased through Amazon India.

BAD-

1. No tint/colour imparted. Thus, unable to cover pigmentation/darkness of lips.

RATING- 4.75/5

Editor’s Note: I haven’t tried Raw Rituals products, but they seem good. Will definitely try something.

Have you tried Raw Rituals skincare?

Ancient Ayurveda Invigorating Tailpatra Woodash Soap Review

Ayurvedic, Essential Oils, Health, Reviews, Skin care, Soaps, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ancient Ayurveda Invigorating Tailpatra Woodash Soap Review

By Nidhal

Remember those days when we used to vacuously smear that colourful bar of soap that smelled heavenly and looked comely on our skin (and sadly, on our faces too) while unleashing the inherent model in us in our bathrooms? 😛 Days would roll by but all what it left was dry, parched skin that felt smothered after the ‘wash’. Quite naturally, it was bound to. Why? Did you care to read the labels? “Ummm… not really”, says a voice in your head right now. So, that is the reason my friend.

Cut to present and markets like always are inundated with soaps of myriad shapes, sizes, colors, flavours (err…chemicals) and packets. One thing is constant and that is our incorrigible habit of ignoring the labels. Having emerged delusional with soaps years ago, I switched over to ubtans (homemade powders for cleansing), however, one fine day, I came across a brand that used 2 words in its name which caught my eyes- Ancient Ayurveda. Intrigued, I began scrolling down their range of products when I came across their soaps. The realisation dwelled upon me that it would be just one of “those brands” that pull wool over consumers’ eyes by printing catchy words like “invigorated with XYZ essential oil”, “handmade” and so on but I was in for a pleasant surprise. The brand is the textbook definition of being ‘ethical’.

While most brand publish what their products contain, Ancient Ayurveda upped its game and went on publish what all their products do not contain IN DETAIL (see the picture for better understanding). Impressed, I zeroed in on ANCIENT AYURVEDA INVIGORATING TAILPATRA WOODASH SOAP to see how far it performs (or flounders). So here goes my review of the same 🙂

PRICE- 238 INR for 116 gm (Buy HERE)

DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Smear on your drenched face and body with a natural luffa. Wash off after scrubbing gently.

INGREDIENTS- Homogenous coconut shell charcoal, coconut tree inflorescece charcoal flaxseed wheat germ oil, Ashwagandha tailam, Ark tailam, black cumin seed oil, bala taimbu, somaraji tailam, chandan bala, lakshadi tailam, jatyadi tailam, karanj tailam, virgin coconut oil, kasisadi tailam, zest of soapnut, kumkumadi tailam, rice bran oil, rice bran wax, nilibringhadi tailam, castor bean meat, whole pscralea corylifolia oil, zest of ‘Koshtum’, castor oil, coconut water, coconut meat, cow’s milk, zest of copra, grapeseed oil and neem oil.

A detailed list of fillers/items not added into the soap is provided as a leaflet once you place an order. And… You will be left speechless on seeing that most of them have been added in even the so-called handmade soaps that you use. Handmade does not mean ‘natural’.

WHAT IT CLAIMS- This soap does not contain Steric Acid (animal derived hardening agent, primarily from butchered pigs and cows) which makes the mainstream handmade and commercial soap melt-less.

MY EXPERIENCE-

GOOD-

Packed in a simple paper packing with the soap enclosed in a plastic cover, the packaging of the soap is quite simplistic. I disliked the plastic cover but realised that in India’s tropical weather, if the soap were packed in a plastic/cloth pack, it would have melted and rumpled the entire product rendering it useless.

As a result, given the product’s composition (which is primarily a blend of oils), the packaging is legit. Though it cannot be carried while travelling yet, I won’t pinpoint to it as a drawback because carrying soaps anyway is inconvenient while travelling. In a nutshell, the packaging is fine 🙂

The soap has a hard texture when stored in the fridge but take it for 5 minutes and witness the magic as it melts (all thanks to Sun God who unleash their fury on us from May to June all the more) 😛

I prolong its use by cutting it into 10 pieces 5 minutes after taking it out from the fridge (so that it softens enough for my knife to work). Each time I step into the shower, I take a piece (1/10 th part of the soap) with me along with a natural loofah/luffa. I smear it on my drenched skin and gently rub a luffa. 1/10 th part is sufficient for a use. I do not overdo or use beyond requirement. I know we Indians have a tendency to slap products in excess if it works but that is what we need to control. Use enough not in excess 🙂

After scrubbing my skin with the luffa for 7-8 minutes, there is a little froth which I rinse off and step out of the shower. My skin feels soft and deeply hydrated. This spells cheer for my skin is dry and this is the first time that my skin’s moisture level has not witnessed a nosedive 🙂 With use overtime, I noted a subtle glow too that looked natural. Besides feeling clean, my skin looked clear and refreshed. My mother who has normal skin used it and has been singing paeans since then. I recommended it to a friend of mine who has oily skin and so far, even she is impressed with its performance. While I can’t vouch for its efficacy for oily skin, I can safely say that it will become the HG soap of those with dry and normal skin 🙂

In one word, it is phenomenal!

1. The most natural soap one can land.

2. Mentions what it contains and what it does not (which is quite informative) clearly. Hence, the epitome of ethics.

3. Works wonders in softening skin.

4. Made in India

5. Associated with the NGO- Prajwala which works to rescue sex-trafficked women. There is a sense of complacency one experiences in contributing to such a noble initiative.

6. Highly impressive ingredients’ list

7. Imparts a subtle glow. No, you won’t glow like an incandescent LED that is shown (read: exaggerated beyond description) in TV adverts. The glow is subtle but noticeable.

8. Works well for all skin types but best for dry skin. It won’t weigh down oily skin but works exceedingly well for dry skin. I wonder how it does so.

9. Easily available. You can place an order on Amazon India.

10. Heals chapped skin overtime.

11. Price is reasonable given its effectiveness.

BAD-

1. Since it a blend of oils, it melts (yes, you read it right M-E- L-T- S) when the temperature rises to 33 degrees or above. In fact, since India is predominantly warm for most part of year, a major bugbear is the storage of this soap. It actually liquefies. To allay this, I let it out at room temperature for a few minutes. It softens somewhat when I cut it into 10-12 pieces with a knife. I use one piece each time I step into the shower and stash all the remnant pieces into the refrigerator 🙂 So, that is the only limitation which too, is taken care of.

RATING- 5/5

Editor’s Note: That sounds fantastic Nidhal and what a detailed review! I am surely trying this. Also I saw a few other soaps they have, all look great!

Have you tried any Ancient Ayurveda Soaps?