Tag Archives: mumbai beauty blog

Illamasqua Glamore Lipstick in Rockabilly Review,Swatches

Illamasqua Glamore Lipstick in Rockabilly Review,Swatches

Illamasqua Glamore Lipstick in Rockabilly Review,Swatches

Remember my previous Illamasqua Glamore Lipsticks in Glissade and Soaked. (See HERE)

Illamasqua added more shades to their Glamore Collection.

What the Company claims: Glamore Lipstick  is a colour intense lipstick with a long lasting satin finish. Ideal for a more hydrated comfort finish. Can be worn under a sheer lip-gloss for more 3D Effect.

MRP: £18.50 for 4g/0.14 OZ. (Approx. Rs.1800/-) (Buy HERE)

Hydrated colour intense lipstick with a long lasting finish.

Key Benefits:

1. Colour Intense
2. Contains moisturising Vitamin E
3. Comfort

Application: Apply directly or use a lip brush.

INGREDIENTS: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Candelilla Cera (Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Cire de Candelilla), Glyceryl Ricinoleate, Oleyl Alcohol, Cera Carnauba (Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax), Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax, Cire Microcristalline), Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil, Huile Minérale), Cetyl Alcohol, Cera Alba (Beeswax, Cire d’abeille), Tocopherol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Parfum (Fragrance), Red 22 Lake (CI 45380), Titanium Dioxide(CI 77891), Yellow 6 Lake (CI 15985), Red 36 (CI 12085), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Carmine (CI 75470)

Made in Germany

Illamasqua lipsticks come in standard black packaging. With the Glamore Collection, they introduced these satin finish, non drying formula.

I absolutely love the shade Glissade and now the new favourite is Rockabilly. These are super pigmented and long staying. They stay for around 6-7 hours.

Feels super light on lips and the finish as described satin, is not completely matte, but pretty comfortable and hydrating. It goes on glossy and settles for a more matte look in an hour.

Rockabilly is described as a cherry red, it is indeed a cool toned pink based cherry red but very wearable and not over bright, though it looks more pink in the bullet in bright light here.

T- 1 swipe, B- 3 swipes

Here is it on me..

Overall, I would say the Illamasqua Glamore Lipsticks are a must have! These are super pigmented,long staying,light,comfortable and have a nice range of shades. Only issues are pricing which is a bit high and the availability.

Rating:

Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money: 3.75/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall Rating: 3.75/5

Would I buy it again: Yes !

Have you tried Illamasqua Glamore Lipsticks? Which is your favorite ?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Firming Lotion Review

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Firming Lotion Review

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Firming Lotion’, a powerful combination of Cocoa Butter, Collagen, Elastin and Shea Butter that firms and tones whilst improving the skin’s elasticity. This unique formula is specifically designed to restore your body to its natural, original firmness after weight loss or pregnancy .

Moreover, Palmer’s Firming Butter moisturizes & smoothes skin, reduces the appearance of stretch marks and helps promote youthful-looking skin.

Oozing a lush chocolate caramel fragrance, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter is a natural, non-greasy, intensive formulation that comes packed with active ingredients like pure Cocoa and Shea Butter to replenish moisture loss in the skin, Collagen to firm and tone, Elastin to give your skin the suppleness and elasticity it needs to stretch without tearing, Vitamin E for all over goodness and the newest antioxidant in the market today – Coenzyme Q10 – to help free radicals and stimulate the skin’s cell for achieving a more toned and smoother appearance.

Unlike other firming butter lotions, it contains very less amount of water which keeps the skin hydrated and allows your skin to breathe without blocking the pores of your skin. Moreover, it also helps in improving the appearance of scars and marks within 6 weeks of its application.

Palmer’s Firming Butter is dermatologist tested; contains no irritating essential oils and is Paraben and Phthalate free.

MRP: Rs.520/- for 315ml

Ingredients:

I started using this Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Firming Lotion when I was on bed rest for about 1.5 months. It was important for me to atleast try and tone my skin as much as I could, when I was immobile and not allowed to move at all, as muscles were not at all being used and went loose.

Also when you loose weight, the fat is quite loose and not at all firm or toned. Cellulite issue is also very common amongst women, especially on the thighs.

I love cocoa butter and lotions containing cocoa butter and shea butter, they are perfect for moisturizing dry skin. Coming to this Palmer’s Lotion, I love the pump packaging. It is very convenient and easy to use, though not travel friendly. There would be smaller sizes available which would be suitable for travel.

It smells amazing…the warm caramel cocoa smell is out of this world. I love how hydrating it is, also this huge bottle lasts really long! It is very light in texture. Skin does feel a bit firm and it did not loosen with the muscles. Also it is very smooth and soft and I did not have to reapply the lotion even in winters. I can’t say the skin was completely firmed or toned as it takes a lot of time to show results.

Overall, I would say, I loved the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Firming Lotion. I love Palmer’s products in general and they have never disappointed me. This is now an addition to my favourites list.

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Have you tried the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Firming Lotion? 

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

OOTD: Printed Pleated Midi Skirt

OOTD: Printed Pleated Midi Skirt

Hey guys,

This is what I wore at the L’Oreal Paris You Cannes event. I absolutely love midi skirts and this printed pleated midi looks oh so pretty! So many asked me where is it from, and I anyways wanted to do an outfit post with it, so here it is.

This skirt is from CNDirect.com. I love their collection, they have amazing stuff at such reasonable prices. From clothing,bags, accessories, sunglasses to even cool gadgets and electronics, they stock everything. I was wary of the quality, but then they are so good quality wise too! I still have more things from CNDirect for future OOTD’s, wait for them 😉

I love the house and lake print on this skirt, there were 4 print options. (Click on the link given in outfit breakdown below to check the options) I was a bit confused as to which print I should go for, since all looked good.

I paired it with a white shirt, I was supposed to pair it with some other white shirt but I forgot that at my mom’s place, hence went for a backup :p

I am not allowed to wear high heels currently for 2-3 months, so I got these smallest nude heels from Foot-in for few of my dresses. If you follow me on twitter, you must have seen the Foot-in collection I shared there. I have another awesome pair which you guys will see soon! Foot-in is so affordable and I loved the variety they had, plus the quality is good too. These are so light on the feet. I was not sure if I would be able to wear heels currently, but this was pretty comfortable. Foot-in also has bags,belts and sunglasses. I got a super pretty, gold glitter belt too 😀

Accessory wise, I only wore this huge,super pretty statement necklace from Rosabelle Treasures. I soo love each and every neck piece they stock. Do check them out on facebook HERE or on Instagram HERE, you will surely be tempted to buy 2-3 😉 And you do not need any other accessory when you wear Rosabelle Treasures neckpieces, they are more than enough and will take your outfit from simple to glam, in an instant.

 

Shirt: Shown HERE
Skirt: CNDirect
Heels: Foot-in
Necklace: Rosabelle Treasures
Bag: Michael Kors
Watch: Daniel Wellington

I hope you liked the outfit (and the skirt :D). Do let me know in the comments below 🙂

Avene New Dry Touch Emulsion Sunscreen SPF50+ Review

Avene New Dry Touch Emulsion Sunscreen SPF50+ Review

What the Company claims: The unique Dry Touch Experience

Squeeze the Emulsion from the specially created air-free tube… you’ll feel the difference in the texture as soon as it’s on your skin. The lightweight formula sits easily even when liberally applied (as it should be, for the best and most complete protection) and lets your skin breathe easily too. It’s transparent on application, so you won’t have that unnatural white cast or spots. Moisturising yet non-sticky, it offers a mattifying effect so your skin appears natural and nourished.

What makes Avène New Dry Touch Emulsion so special?

Has a very high SPF of 50+
Paraben free, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic
Stays for a long time
Prevents skin damage
Soothes skin because of the presence of thermal spring water

MRP: Rs.1250/- for 50ml

Ingredients:

So Avene has reformulated and relaunched their sunscreen and made it ‘Dry Touch’ means non-sticky and non-greasy.

It looks like a tube packaging but it has a pump dispensor with a cap. Its white in color and creamy in texture, goes on smooth and blends on the skin, even if you take a little more quantity. Feels light on the skin, no greasiness indeed. It has a mattifying effect.

The most surprising thing was no white cast even though its SPF50+. I like the fact that it offers such high protection. And it is completely non-sticky which is rare in sunscreens. Paraben-free too and non-comedogenic so oily skin can also use it, without the fear of breaking out.

I would suggest re-applying it every 3-4 hours though if you are going to be out in the sun whole day. Also this is water resistant, so good for swimmers too.

I quite like it, only issue being,it is quite pricey, for you need a good amount for liberal application when it comes to sunscreen. Dry skin might need additional moisture but oily skin can skip the additional moisture. The thermal spring water, being one of the ingredients, will also soothe the skin.

Overall, I would say its quite nice as a sunscreen and I do recommend it. It does what it claims! Especially if you have sensitive skin or sunscreens don’t somehow work for you,give this a try.

Rating:

Quality: 4/5
Value for money : 3.75/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Have you tried the new Avene New Dry Touch Emulsion Sunscreen SPF50+? Which is your favourite sunscreen currently?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

Future of Fashion in Mobile-only world

Future of Fashion in Mobile-only world and what it means for you, as the consumer?

Hey guys,

I was thinking of how everything these days is turning mobile-friendly..especially shopping. A large percentage of people these days prefer shopping online from the comfort of their home or office or while travelling through their mobiles on apps.

We even have fashion shows online now, like the recent Masaba Gupta show at Lakme Fashion Week Spring Summer 2015 which was the first show to be showcased live on Instagram for people around the globe to watch it! Isn’t that a cool concept?!

I guess everything around is soon turning digital. How many of you shop online on your mobile through e-commerce site apps? I do! It is quite easy and convenient, shopping on the go.

There are so many things to come up in India, while some of them are already in use in countries like US. E.g.: QR codes. While shopping anywhere in stores, you can scan the bar code of the product through your mobile and you get redirected to the website and the product page where you actually get the same item,cheaper! It will automatically place the order for you in one click and the product would be delivered at your place the next day. Awesome,right?

There are also things like digital fitting rooms which help you actually check the size with the help of 3D image and virtual mirror through your mobile’ s camera. So many people have become entrepreneurs today by having their own e-commerce site or a page on facebook /Instagram where they sell or re-sell products and also as a buyer, you might get a lot of stuff, which you were always looking for and also quite a few options to get the best price from. So consumers get many many options and choices now.

Coming to mobile apps, there are so many apps right now from creating your wishlist from e-commerce sites and helping you get the outfit at a lowest possible price to sending the best sales,discounts,vouchers, gift cards from 100’s of sites to helping you shop according to your body type and giving you the best fashion advice. There are just lots of apps for all your fashion needs.  For e.g. Roposo which helps you find fashion products all over the web according to your taste, Klip where you can clip in products you like while browsing on your customized boards,Magzter which gives you access to high end magazines and feed from Vogue India, Harper’s Bazaar,etc, Polyvore which helps you create fashion sets,so you can understand what would look good and work with what items.

And and how do you forget us! The beauty/fashion bloggers..we are here to help update you on everything from new launches to what’s happening around, the latest trends and even reviewing the products if they are worth your hard earned money. So, checking reviews on your mobile while hitting that ‘Buy’ button helps you save some moolah 😀 Subscribe to us now, for getting all our latest posts directly in your mail box 😀 Also fashion outfit posts, what to pair with what, what works for which body type, where to buy something you liked, how to accessorize, the right kind of bags and shoes, we are here for all your fashion needs 🙂

And last but not the least, e- commerce shopping sites. Myntra is one e- commerce website that is already planning the big leap to become mobile-only shopping platform in India. I hope that happens soon, can’t wait to see the response.

What do you, as a consumer, feel about the future of fashion in a mobile-only world?

April 2015 My Envy Box Review

April 2015 My Envy Box Review

Hey guys,

I am late in reviewing the April My Envy Box but here it is..

Read more about My Envy Box HERE and check out all the previous reviews HERE.

This time they have changed a few things in the box. Its a peach colored box, usually they have a pouch in which all the products are, this time there was no pouch and the products were all separate within the box. Also there was only one card this time with information of all 5 products unlike 5 different cards for each, which is good.

MRP: Rs.850/-

Lets take a look at what all I received in the April My Envy Box:

  • Za True White Exfoliating Clay– A deluxe sample of 30g which is quite good (Full Size Rs.399/- for 100g)
  • Catrice Longlasting Lip Pencil in Prince Cherry- Full size (Rs.300/-)
  • Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream 1.5ml small vial (Rs.5700/- for 100ml)
  • Kama Ayurveda Rejuvenating and Brightening Ayurvedic Night Cream– 2 small jars. I guess they are 5-6g each. (Full size Rs.1195/- for 50g)
  • Avene VHP Dry Touch Emulsion SPF50+ 5ml (Rs.1250/- for 50ml)

I love the products this time, a full sized makeup product is a perfect addition. The Catrice lip pencil is a very pretty red and would work with so many of my red lipsticks. I like Kama Ayurveda products and looking forward to trying out the night cream which I am glad comes in 2 jars and is a good quantity. The Za True White Exfoliating Clay is a new launch and is exclusively a part of My Envy Box, so again something new to try.

I am already using the Avene Dry Touch Emulsion and love it, so this would go into my travel bag, useful for a 1-2 day short trip. And the Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream smells like a dream indeed, fresh and floral but a bit light though for my taste.

Overall, I am quite happy with this month’s My Envy Box. I hope they continue with this, coz I see such good boxes only once in 3-4 months and not every month unfortunately 🙁

You can request an invite for My Envy Box HERE

Did you like April My Envy Box?

Za True White Liquid Foundation Review,Swatches

Za True White Liquid Foundation Review,Swatches

What the Company claims: Spotless Brightening Powder and Poreless Powder create Pearly White Skin. Contains Vitamins C & E derivatives, minerals and hyaluronic acid for skincare. Its base formula leaves skin feeling satiny, smooth and bright.

SPF25 PA++

MRP: Rs.950/- for 30ml

Shades Available: 6 (OC00,OC0W,OC10,OC20,OC30 for yellow skin tones and PO10 for pink skin tones)

Ingredients:

I have the shade OC30 which is the lightest in the range and yet slightly lighter for me, still better since I have been at home since the past 3 months and not tanned at all. But I doubt these shades would work for majority Indian skin tones.

It comes in a sleek, curvy glass bottle and has a steel cap. It has a white pump inside which helps dispense the perfect quantity of product. I quite like the packaging.

The liquid foundation is very thin and runny..so don’t be surprised and also pump bit by bit when you dispense the product.

I love its water based texture and the super light consistency. I have never come across a foundation that is so light on the skin. It feels weightless and spreads  and blends easily.

Coverage wise, it offers medium coverage though buildable. You can layer for more better coverage. But if you expecting coverage of spots or acne scars with this, it won’t help. You will need to use a separate concealer for those. I like using it for daily use coz of its super light consistency and I do not like heavy coverage for daily use, so this fits the bill perfectly. Also it offers a nice,dewy finish which I love. But if you have oily skin, you will need to use a powder over this. In summers, one would need to use a powder with this,especially for T-zone. It stays on for 7-8 hours in winters and around 5-6 hours in the current,humid summers.

You do not need a lot of quantity of it and it will last you pretty long. So the price tag is kind of ok.

Here is it on me..with no concealer or powder but just the foundation.

Overall, I would say it is perfect for dry skin and skin which does not need too much coverage. If you like light texture and dewy finish, you will love this. Oily skin would need a powder alongwith. Only downside is number of shades offered and no dark shades at all.

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Have you tried the Za True White Liquid Foundation?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

The Nine to 9 April Fab Bag Review

The Nine to 9 April Fab Bag Review

Hey guys,

This month’s Fab Bag is a nice nine to 9 office from day to night look kind of concept. Something which you can keep in your office bag or drawer. Its a leopard print black and white bag.

MRP: Rs.599/- per month (Offers on 6 months and 12 months subscription. Go HERE)

Read my previous March Fab Bag Review HERE.

What do we have in the bag:

  •  Malavara Shower Gel (Rs.300) and Body Lotion (Rs.390/-) in Lime Vetiver- 60ml each
  • City Color Blush Quad in the Shade Coral (Full size)- Rs.500/-
  • Denman Hair Brush – Rs.475/-
  • Chambor Body Mist in Tender Tuberose (10ml)- Rs.595/- for 200ml

My most favourite product out of all these was the Blush Quad in Coral which is a gorgeous mix of peach,pink and beige. How pretty does it look!

I also loved the Denman brush, I thought it might not be that good since it does not have cushion or padding at the base, but it is pretty decent. I would have loved it if it would have been foldable.

The Lime-Vetiver Shower Gel and Body Lotion Duo by Malvara smells really good and is perfect for carrying in your office bag or while you are travelling.

Coming to the Chambor Body Mist, it had all leaked when I got it, so I remain with just 2-3 ml of the product. It smells good and thankfully it was in bubble wrap, so has not leaked out in the bag or mixed with other products.

Overall I would say this month’s bag is totally worth it! The blush quad and hair brush are total value for money. Can’t wait for the May Fab Bag already 😀 These guys are getting better and better each day with the concepts, bags and kind of products. Its a pleasure to receive a bag and unveil it every month and then finding such useful and value for money products worth every penny of the bag!

Have you tried the Fab Bag yet? What did you get in your April Fab Bag?

Jewellery Haul from La Elegante’

Jewellery Haul from La Elegante’

La Elegante’ is the baby of Mumbai based Shalini who started this facebook store last March and now has avid buyers from all over India and also gets international requests time and again. Check out her page and jewellery HERE.

About La Elegante’ (In Shalini’s words): ‘La Elegante’ is an online store which deals with trendy fashion jewellery and Ethnic Temple Jewellery. La Elegante’ was launched on March 8 2014 on the one day celebrated across the world as Woman’s Day – after all our store is also about “Celebrating Womanhood” .

For a very long time fashion has been my passion and that’s exactly the basis of my store as well. La Elegante’ – the place where Fashion is a Passion!

We have pocket friendly prices (price range being from Rs.30 to Rs.1500) We offer bags and clutches, trendy fashion earrings , neckpieces , bracelets and cuffs , assorted accessories like watches, hairbands, Rings, temple jewellery etc. in this range.

A step taken little over a year and a month back with 20 FB likes on the first evening is now a family of 30000 + patrons. It is their constant support and feedback which continues to motivate La Elegante’ to move forward with more collections and ensures Fashion is available at pocket friendly prices.

Its run by me …my name is Shalini Girish …an avid reader, music buff and my stress busters are my kids and my guitar…helps me unwind.

Life is fashionable and bliss….touche’

I loved the simple pearl pieces and the beautiful temple jewellery she stocks. I love temple jewellery and I feel it looks amazing with a simple South Indian saree. Also the fact that her prices are pretty reasonable compared to other online facebook stores.

I bought these pretty pieces recently from her store recently. They were neatly packed in separate plastic covers with bubble wrap and all together in a bigger plastic box.

This beautiful red and black beaded tribal necklace is my most favourite! How pretty and statementy is it! Can’t wait to pair it with my simple tees and shirts as this is more than enough and a statement in itself.

A white and gold layered pearl statement bracelet, a pair of gold and white square earrings. Isn’t that design quite cute.

And this pearl and diamante ring..

How pretty is this ring!

Did you like the haul? What is your favourite?

Flat Shoe Trends 2015

Flat Shoe Trends 2015

From Bottega Veneta to Michael Kors to Marc Jacobs, this year was all about flats at the runaway. Since now I am supposed to wear only flats for another 2-3 months, I am all for stylish flats 😀 If we have to do it, why not do it in style. Right?

Some flat shoes in trend currently are:

1. Ballerinas

Ballerinas or Bellies as we call it, is the oldest and the most common flat shoe trend. I guess its been there since forever and will continue to be so. There are so many different designs,colors and textures possible in ballets from glitter to prints to bright colors to bows. Even studded and spiked ones look cool, studded flats work with almost all of your outfits. They are casual,comfortable and yet look chic. Currently, we have those cute cat and dog design on right and left foot going on. Or the famous Chiara Ferragni glitter winked eye.

Chiara Ferragni

2. Flat Sandals

All your T-Strap sandals or strappy gladiators fall here. Casual and comfortable for daily wear and they look stylish at the same time.

3. Birkenstock

Birkenstock

Birkenstock is a German brand that makes one particular type of sandals that have contoured cork and rubber footbeds and conform to the shape of the wearer’s feet. These are not the most good looking sandals, also called the ‘ugly sandals’ like they call the Crocs 😀 But are very comfortable and the white Birkenstocks are all the rage.

4. Brogues

Clarks

Brogues work with your casual wear from denims to dresses to skirts and even your formal wear. Brogues were seen a lot this time, at the Lakme Fashion Week, one reason being they are stylish yet comfortable. When you can’t be in heels whole day, brogues are a perfect replacement.

5. Sliders

Bottega Veneta

Pool sliders or even casual sliders are quite IN right now. We saw these metallic sliders by Bottega Veneta on the runaway recently.

6. Slip Ons/Sneakers

The super comfortable slip ons or sneakers are your best bet. Every girl should atleast one. All your Vans,Converse fall here. For that matter, even Bata makes very good slip ons/sneakers. You do find a gem there at times 😀 Metallic, glitter and ombre are must haves!

What flat shoe trends do you like? Your favourite trend?

P.S: Images from Google.