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Sugar Matte As Hell Crayon Lipstick 02 Mary Poppins Review, Swatches

Sugar Matte As Hell Crayon Lipstick 02 Mary Poppins Review, Swatches

Sugar Matte As Hell Crayon Lipstick 02 Mary Poppins Review, Swatches

By Devika

Hi lovely ladies!!!

I hope you all are doing well in these bad summer days. As it’s said, if you are having a bad day, fix it up with a lipstick 😉 and when it comes to lipsticks, it’s hard to control and I end up trying every new shades and formula. Though I prefer neutral colors and remain loyal to soft pinks, browns and nudes I decided to go for a bold one this time by SUGAR COSMETICS MATTE AS HELL CRAYON LIPSTICK in No.2 MARY POPPINS and believe me it has become the most worn color of my life. So should you be giving it a try, let’s find out.

PRICE 799 INR for 2.8 gm.

SHELF LIFE is for good 3 years

AVAILABILITY

Online at

sugarcosmetics.com (10% off on first purchase)

Nykaa.com

Fabbag.com

PRODUCT CLAIMS

If excellent coverage and high color pay-off is what gets you going, you will absolutely love our new Matte As Hell Crayon Lipstick that is available in 4 gorgeous shades to suit your taste & your ever-changing mood! Super long-lasting and highly pigmented so you don’t have to worry about constant re-application, this must-have crayon lipstick has a soft texture with a silky matte finish.

Ingredients:

SHADES AVAILABLE:

The company has very candidly sorted shades into following four:

Feeling confident & sexy? Flaunt a classic red pout with the Scarlett O’ Hara shade – that’s guaranteed to make heads turn

Want to go bare-faced with a pop of color? Say hello to Mary Poppins It is an eye-catching Fuchsia shade that can never go unnoticed

A classic shade that can instantly add a touch of mystery to your entire look, Poison Ivy is hot on the runway and a must-try shade for those who love to experiment. (Review & Swatches HERE)

Want to pull off dramatic eyes and come out as a winner? Holly Golightly is the way to go! This peachy shade goes well with elaborate eye make-up & can also be used every day for a natural look

All shades are universally flattering and would suit all skin tones.

PACKAGING

The lipstick crayon comes in a beautiful abstract art cardboard box with the shade name, ingredients and other information printed. As the name suggests it’s a non- retractable crayon lipstick which is black with matte finish. The bottom of the lipstick has a color coded band to depict the shade and is easy to locate in your stash. Brand and the shade name is printed in white.It has a pop up cap which fits in tightly though doesn’t close with a click .The packaging of these lipsticks is quite good, travel friendly .The tip of the crayon lipstick is pointed and sturdy. I don’t find them finishing or becoming blunt fast as they’re well pigmented. These come along with a chubby sharpener and it’s advisable to only use that to prevent product damage or wastage.

TEXTURE AND FORMULA

It’s a wax-based formulation and has soft smooth and moisturizing texture, easy to work with, glides smoothly on to the lips without tugging or pulling and settles into a matte finish without being patchy, neither do they dry up your lips But sometimes I do find it accentuating fine lines so I would recommend exfoliating and moisturizing your lips, as it will make your lips more comfortable while you have this lipstick on. It gas no peculiar smell or taste to it. I don’t find them becoming blunt fast as they’re well pigmented

PIGMENTATION

Impressive pigmentation as it only took me just one swipe to get an excellent color payoff. Color is buildable. Be very cautious in applying this as it gets difficult to get off the stain if in case it goes beyond the lip line. It does leave a stain post removal but I am okay with it.

SHADE

Mary Poppins no. 02 is an intense fuchsia color with blue undertones to it. It instantly brightens and pops up my face without having anything else on 🙂 Will look good on all skin tones from lightest to darkest.

STAYING POWER

It has good staying power. On me, it stayed on for good 5 hours with intermittent meals without any need of touchup. After that it starts loosing color from center of lips but can be fixed with a hassle free reapplication.

PROS

  • Lovely matte finish
  • Creamy and glides on easily on lips.
  • Super pigmented and non-transferrable
  • Lightweight formula
  • Stay on for at least 4-5 hours and the stain stays until you remove the lipstick with a makeup remover.
  • Do not dry or tug the lips but always use matte lipsticks on well exfoliated moisturized lips
  • Survive the meals easily
  • Sleek and travel friendly design
  • Tips are color coded so they are easy to store and locate.
  • Do not have any smell or taste to them.
  • Appropriate for most of Indian skin tones.
  • Does not bleed or feather out.
  • Does not contain mineral oil, parabens, paraffin, phenoxyethanols, volatile cyclomethicones (D4, D5, D6) and animal derived ingredients.
  • I love the unique and pun names given to all shades

CONS

  • The brighter shades of the lipsticks smudge after you eat a full meal. So you definitely need a lip liner underneath
  • Costly
  • Has to be sharpened that leads to product wastage but then I also understand that when the formula is this soft and creamy it’s difficult to put it in a retractable form
  • It does accentuates fine lines.

OVERALL

Overall, I am so badly obsessed with this lipstick crayon. I highly recommend it these if you are a matte lipstick lover. It is easy to apply, extremely smooth, super pigmented, stays on for long and does not make the lips uncomfortable. Price tag is a concern, but if you do not mind that, you must give it a try. The brand offers universally flattering and unique shades to try.

RATING 4.8/5

WILL I REPURCHASE?

Yes, I will end up buying all shades from this range soon. 😀

Stay happy stay gorgeous!!!

Editor’s Note: Absolutely agree with your review Devika. I have Poison Ivy and Holly GoLightly which I absolutely love. Holly Golightly I wear almost everyday! And as always, I love your pictures <3

Have you tried the Sugar Matte As Hell Lip Crayons yet?

Himalaya Herbals Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub Review

Himalaya Herbals Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub Review

Hey guys,

I have always been a fan of Himalaya Herbals products, some of them are my Holy Grail and I have been using them since my school and college days i.e. years literally!

Today I am reviewing their Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub.

What it does: Himalaya’s Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub exfoliates dead skin cells to remove impurities that routine cleansing cannot tackle. It contains Crab Apple, a soothing antiseptic and keratolytic agent that helps loosen dead skin fragments. Walnut Shell granules scrub away dirt, blackheads and dead cells, and Wheat Germ Oil is a rich source of natural Vitamin E. These natural ingredients cleanse, nourish and moisturize your skin to make it soft, fresh and radiant.

Key ingredients:

Crab Apple has antiseptic, cooling, soothing, nutritive and keratolytic properties. It reduces skin inflammation and helps remove dead skin fragments. Crab Apple is also a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants which prevent skin cell degeneration and premature skin aging.

Wheat Germ Oil, due to its high concentration of Vitamin E, along with proteins and natural antioxidants, is ideal for most skin types. It is the perfect ingredient for our face scrub as it nourishes the skin and boosts the skin’s elasticity.

The exfoliating micro-particles in Walnut Shell scrub away dirt, blackheads and dead skin cells.

Directions for use: Apply Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub in a circular motion on the face and neck. Wipe off with a moist cotton pad. Rinse with water and pat dry. Use at least once a week for a glowing, healthy complexion.

Suitable for dry to normal skin.

Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub is dermatologically-tested, non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic.

MRP: Rs.70/- for 50g, Rs. 130/- for 100g

It comes in an easy to carry and use, flip cap tube packaging. It has a slight medicinal smell which can be bothering for a few. I love the creamy base it has. And the walnut shell granules are not too harsh.

How I like to use it is, damp my face a bit, take some product on my fingertips and massage in circular motions all over the face, avoiding the eyes and lips. Go up and down on the nose and sides of the nose and also concentrate on the forehead and chin area, basically wherever you get whiteheads or blackheads.

I usually get more whiteheads and not that many blackheads, that too on my nose, exfoliation helps get rid of whiteheads before they turn into blackheads. If you exfoliate regularly, you can nip whiteheads in the bud and get rid of them. I usually exfoliate once a week coz I have combination skin, but if you have oily skin, exfoliate twice a week.

Since the base of this scrub is very creamy, it helps glide on the skin amazingly well and with ease, especially on damp skin. The granules being mild enough for use on the face too, even people with sensitive skin can use this, but if you have very sensitive skin, I would advise you to go with another Himalaya Herbals scrub and not this one, I would be reviewing that soon.

Also post washing the face, my skin is quite moisturised and does not feel stretchy or crave a moisturiser, thanks to the crab apple and wheatgerm oil in it.

Overall, I would say, like most of my Himalaya Herbals favourites, I like this one too. Totally recommend it for normal to combination and dry skin. I have something else for oily and sensitive skin, from Himalaya Herbals, which I would be reviewing next.

You can check out Himalaya Herbals on Facebook HERE and on twitter HERE

Have you tried the #HimalayaHerbals #GentleExfoliatingWalnutScrub? What do you think of it?

Sebamed Liquid Face and Body Wash Review

Sebamed Liquid Face and Body Wash Review

By Pallavi

Hiii Girlies,

I am a sucker of body washes. I have been using them since years and lately i have fallen in love with them. I have tried number of body washes since ages. Be it from the regular drugstore brands or the premium brands. This time I was eyeing the online marketplace to look for a brand new in terms of bath gel and I landed up with this baby – SEBAMED Liquid face and body wash. I am sure all of you might have heard the amazing properties of the foaming face wash which is supposed to be anti bacterial and all. And since it’s summers when i suffer the most with bacterial attacks and all so I decided to use the body wash. and that is the time when i bought this – Sebamed Liquid Face and body wash and thus here follows the review.

Price : Rs. 550 for 200 ml.

Ingredients : Water (Aqua), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Chloride, Laureth-2, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Glycol Distearate, Fragrance (Parfum), Saccharide Isomerate, Allantoin, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Pyridoxine HCI (Vitamin B6), Glycine, Magnesium Aspartate, Alanine, Lysine, Leucine, Biotin (Vitamin H), Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Sodium Citrate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sorbitan Laurate, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Yellow 10 (CI 47005), Blue 1 (CI 42090).

Product claims : Sebamed Liquid Face and Body Wash is dermatologist developed, ultra-mild, and compatible with the most sensitive of skins. It gently deep cleans pores without causing dryness or irritation as regular soap can. Fortified with a natural moisturizing complex of vitamins and soothing allantoin, it rinses away completely for naturally healthier, smoother skin.

My experience with Sebamed Liquid Face and body wash

The packaging of this body wash from the house of sebamed looks like it is a medicinal product. The packaging has the product name and other details written all over it. The bottle is medium in size which makes it easy to carry around. It comes with a easy cap which needs to be only twisted to get the product out.

The texture of the body wash is medium in nature. But still you need to dilute it so that it easily spreads on your body. The body wash controls the amount of oil on your body and also reduces the presence or formation of any new bacteria or any allergies on your body. There is a bit of medicinal smell but nothing over the top so sensitive noses need not worry. And you require a very little amount per usage so a little product will easily go a long way.

Good about Sebamed Liquid Face and body wash

1. Medicinal properties

2. Little product goes a long way

3. Affordable

4. Easy to use texture

5. Does not dry out skin

6. Maintains the pH 5.5 balance of the body

7. Keeps skin bacteria free

8. 100% Soap and Alkali free

Bad about Sebamed Liquid Face and body wash

1. Nothing for me other than the availability part

Rating – 5/5

Editor’s Note: Wow, this sounds pretty good for summers Pallavi. Definitely checking this out right away, nice review.

Have you tried the Sebamed Liquid Face and Body Wash?

NYX Soft Matte Lip Creme Transylvania Review, Swatches

NYX Soft Matte Lip Creme Transylvania Review, Swatches

By Sahiba

Today I will be reviewing NYX SOFT MATTE LIP CRÈME in TRANSYLVANIA shade. To begin with as the name suggests, it’s a lip cream which is matte in nature and that is what makes it my pick for reviewing this.

TRANSYLAVANIA is a dark berry shade, not exactly purple or mauve but a mix of both and hence a dark berry/plum shade. The shade is more suitable for Fall Season. For girls like me who believe that dark lipsticks and darker shades add mystery to your personality and level up your game, this shade is definitely worth trying. One stroke for perfect berry Lips. You can apply twice for a darker shade and finish.

It has a smooth texture and hence has been aptly named and that smoothness doesn’t really give you the feel of tightening or cracking on lips though it being a matte finish product. The Brand claims it to be Matte finish lipstick lasting for a good amount of time with just one time application and as per my experience it does hold true.

The Nyx soft matte lip crème in Transylvania shade would be my pick for an ideal wedding night, paired with golden traditional wear It would add a lot of oomph to your attire and compliment and complete the look.

The brand has a wide variety of shades to offer amongst a variety of Pinks, reds and nudes and all are worth the try.

Product Details: It is a lip crème which is smooth in texture and matte in finish, the shade reviewed by me is Nyx Soft Matte Lip Crème (TRANSYLVANIA)

Price: 1000 for 8ML

Where to Buy From

  • Buy online from Amazon.in
  • Sephora
  • Any good cosmetic shop dealing with branded products.

How to Use: The product comes in a sleek and compact long container and you have to twist open the cap. The brush is of a good length and quality and it gives a perfect finish with just one stroke which is clean and simple to apply. Its application is similar to any lip gloss that you generally use. And it’s easy to carry. Trust me it will not take much space in you sling bag!

My Experience with NYX SOFT MATTE LIP CRÈME:

It has been an absolutely wonderful experience using NYX SOFT MATTE LIP CRÈME (TRANSYLVANIA) I have been using this product for almost 2 months now and it’s still going strong. Never fails to impress me. It compliments fair skin tone. The colour stays in its place for a fairly good amount of time. It doesn’t make your lips feel dry and gives you a smooth and matte finish.

Positives Of The Product

  • Smooth texture
  • Matte Finish
  • Highly pigmented
  • Easy Application
  • Easy to carry
  • Good staying power

Negatives of The Product

  • Could have been priced a little lesser.

Would I repurchase and recommend? Yes

Editor’s Note: I absolutely loved this shade Sahiba, somehow in the more famoust shades of NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams, I have never noticed this one. Looks very good.

Have you tried the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creme in Transylvania? Which shade is your favourite in the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams?

Review & Experience: VanityCube Services

Review & Experience: VanityCube Services

Hey guys,

If you follow me on Snapchat (bhumika_t), you must have seen me posting a few images and videos of VanityCube services I tried 2-3 days ago.

I have tried MyGlamm, LocalOye and UrbanClap before, and now finally I tried VanityCube. If you don’t know what vanitycube is, check their website HERE. It is basically a beauty service provider where you can book a range of beauty services to be done anytime, anywhere be it work, home, etc.

Presently VanityCube is available in Mumbai and Delhi only. They have 4-5 different packages which are available at a discounted rate and much more economical and convenient.

I went with the ‘Spoil Me’ package which has Rica wax for full hands, legs and underarms, Basic Manicure and Pedicure, Threading for eyebrows and upper lips and a Lotus Herbals Facial and Face Bleach. The services separately cost Rs.3455/- but this package is available at a discounted price of Rs.2900/-

What I loved about VanityCube:

  • The attendant Fatima came 10-15 mins before the appointment time.
  • She got me a small bouquet of roses as this was my first booking with VanityCube services
  • She got her own disposable spreads, foldable stool, extension cord and all the required things. She even had a disposable gown. Earlier all the services I had tried, they would ask me for newspaper, chair, etc. and don’t even carry a disposable gown.
  • The same attendant did everything, so there was no time gap or having two attendants for different services.
  • She was very neat and tidy, was not unnecessarily chatty and quiet good with her work.
  • I informed her about the water cut from 2-5 pm and she filled the manicure-pedicure tub and whatever water she would need beforehand.
  • She was not sure of my skin type for facial and got the kits for both skin types.
  • The massage she gave during manicure-pedicure and facial was very relaxing, she knows her work really well.

What I didn’t like about VanityCube:

  • Nothing, I loved everything and I guess it’s the first time 😀

I really liked the services and how everything was done, I am sure it might somewhat differ from attendant to attendant. I am glad I got Fatima and she was fabulous.

I went with my nailpaint- Makeup Revolution Heaven’s Above

I would just like to mention that the services do take a long time, so do not go by the 180 mins mentioned, coz it took almost 5 hours for everything, so do it when you have an entire day free to yourself. Or you can always try 2-3 individual services.

I highly recommend VanityCube, it is by far the best from all the beauty services providers I have tried, also recommend going for packages as it’s more economical.

P.S: Services were offered in exchange for an honest review, but that has not affected my review, as per usual.

Have you tried any beauty services provider? What do you think of it?

Fair & Lovely Advanced Multi-Vitamin Daily Fairness Expert Face Wash Review

Fair & Lovely Advanced Multi-Vitamin Daily Fairness Expert Face Wash Review

By Nidhal

‘Hypocrite’ is the word that explodes in my mind instantaneously when I see/read/hear people say that they do not care about fairness and then in the very next breath pass a hurtful jibe about someone’s complexion or suggest ‘best skin whitening/lightening products’. It is known fact that we Indians aren’t a fair bunch of people. We are capable of passing the most demeaning of barbs on someone who is not as fair as a Caucasian. Women in particular have since times immemorial have been pressurised and unduly so, to look eye-pleasing round the clock! One of the main reasons why ‘Fair and Lovely’ remains the brand that I always detested was the fact it drew mileage of this obsession of Indians.

It is not a question of whether fair is lovely or not. The point is that fair isn’t what is ONLY lovely. Whenever I see the daft-to- death advert of ‘Fair and Lovely’ with Yami Gautam looking as pale as an LED, I’m provoked to change the channel. But the final nail in the coffin comes when I see my younger cousins with ‘Lovely warm hues’ of skin that soothe eyes desperately surf the net to look for ‘Skin lightening tips’, all I am provoked to do is slap Yami and Fair and Lovely as hard as possible! You brainwashed the coming generations and lulled them into a whirlpool of inferiority complex.

The counter-argument would be that all actress, or at least a great many have at some point in their career endorsed skin whitening products. But it is “Fair and Lovely” that clearly uses ‘Fair’ as well as ‘Lovely’ in one sentence as if they’re synonyms. The corollary to it, will then be ‘Dark and Ugly’,right? That is why, I have always detested this brand. It instills self-doubt, inferiority complex and poor view of oneself if one does not cater to “their’’ view of beauty.

Anyway, let us sweep this issue aside for a minute. After long I tried a product from this brand. Why? Because one of my relatives was seen fiddling with it so, in order to put an end to her naive thoughts about the efficacy of Fair and Lovely, I thought of being a lab rat to let her see for herself. Let us see how it fared.

PRICE –Rs 25/- for 20g

DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Gently massage on wet face and rinse well.

INGREDIENTS- Made from glycerin, myristic acids, and water, the multi vitamin enriched face wash ensures a brighter and cleaner.

WHAT IT CLAIMS- Fair & Lovely fairness face wash gives you the 3 step expert action, which Cleanses, Exfoliates and Massages with Multi Vitamin formula.

MY EXPERIENCE-

Packed in a plastic tube with a cap on top, the packaging of Fair and lovely advanced multi-vitamin fairness face wash is fine. It is spillage-free, easy to carry and sturdy. As a result, it is up to the mark in terms of packaging.

The face wash has a creamy texture with a grey colour. Once smeared on one’s wet face, it produces a fine lather. It can worked up easily. However, the smell to me, is way too strong. I have always had an aversion towards the smell of most Fair and Lovely products and this one is no exception. It smells exactly like Fair and Lovely fairness cream. The smell increases a little more while being massaged. After massaging it for 3-4 minutes, as I rinse it, surprise surprise! There is no trace of fairness which was expected. So, to all to those looking at it with sheep’s eyes to whiten themselves, this one thankfully, falls flat on its topmost claim.

My skin is dry and this one sucked moisture all the more from my skin. It does whiten my skin in the sense that my skin becomes very dry and forms hideous white patches to soothe which, I need to apply a liberal dose of a deeply hydrating body butter. Yes a “body” butter!

Then, comes the cherry on the cake. Its ingredients’ list is firstly not even provided in case of the smallest package and when looked up online (on its website), it’s not completely furnished too. The bottom line is that it just a weapon of self-confidence destruction. Chuck it.

GOOD-

1. Readily available. (Sadly, this is a con in my opinion for everyone can lay their hands on something that instills inferiority complex in them)

2. Available in different sizes with the price varying according to the size (This again to me, is a con for people of all economic strata can now avail it hence, feel inferior with what they are born with)

3. Fine packaging

BAD-

1. Stokes in the feeling that dark/dusky/warm skin shade is ugly and it is only fair skin that is lovely and desirable. Highly disgusting!

2. Laden with chemicals. The package that comes in small size does not even mention the ingredients. At least there should be uniformity in such vital aspects.

3. Overly drying in nature. It whitens your face. How? It sucks up all the moisture hence, your skin automatically starts appearing white. Mission accomplished Fair and Lovely, right? NO.

4. Aroma is exactly same as that of its cram which I have always found puke-inducing. This is subjective but to me, the smell is strong and repugnant.

RATING-0/5

Editor’s Note: Totally agree Nidhal, it would be great if some girls read this review before buying such stuff and decide not to! It does absolutely nothing for anyone!

Do not buy the Fair & Lovely Advanced Multi-Vitamin Daily Fairness Expert Face Wash.

Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic Aromatic Skin Toner Review

Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic Aromatic Skin Toner Review

By Monika

Hello everyone!!!

I was on the lookout for a natural, economical skin toner to add to my night routine since I kept reading about the importance of a good CTM routine (cleansing, toning and moisturizing) and the wonders that it can do to your skin if, followed religiously. Out of the toners available in the market aroma magic toner appealed to me the most since, only natural ingredients were used in making this toner and considering the price it seemed like a good bet. So, without further ado I went ahead and purchased my very first toner from Purplle. To know my views on the same continue reading.

Directions for use: Spray onto face directly or on a small piece of cotton and dab onto face. Avoid the eye area. Use me morning and night after cleansing. Follow it up with the oily skin oil.

Ingredients: Aqua, punica granatum juice, glycerol, hamamelis, Virginia leaf water, punica granatum extract, rosmarinus officinalis essential oil, canaga odorata essential oil, lavandula angustifolia essential oil, mentha piperita essential oil.

Claims

  • Free of alcohol, parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, artificial fragrance and color.
  • Cleanses and tones without drying out the skin.
  • Renews the skin cells and increases the circulation in it.
  • Prevents moisture loss.
  • Acts as a natural astringent that calms and balances the skin.
  • Delivers vital nutrients and vitamins to the skin.

Price and quantity: Rs 170 for 200 ml

Shelf life: 3 years from the date of manufacture.

My experience with the product

The product comes in a transparent bottle with a flip cap. Even though, it says on the bottle that one can spray the toner directly onto the face but it is not necessarily possible to do that, with a flip cap. The cap is not that sturdy and is prone to leakage so I wouldn’t recommend carrying it around while travelling. The name suggests that the toner is aromatic but to my dismay it has an extremely mild fragrance and I am not a big fan of it.

The toner has water like consistency so one has to use a cotton pad to apply onto the face. I apply this toner at night on cleansed face especially, avoiding the eye area as said on the bottle because the under eye area being even more sensitive is prone to drying. After applying the toner I leave it on for a few minutes to dry and then, follow it up with a moisturizer. The colorless toner does clean the skin but cannot double up as a makeup remover.

Since, I have oily skin I bought the one meant for the same but, it doesn’t control the oil secretion or reduce breakouts. However, it does tighten the pores and soothes the skin which is fairly good for a toner at this price range. Considering the fact that the product is a bit drying and is meant for oily skin I don’t see any reason why people with dry skin should use this toner.

I would like to conclude by saying that this economical toner doesn’t do much apart from tightening the pores and I would definitely not repurchase this since, I would like to try the new ones in the market and find the one that best suits my skin.

Pros:

  • Tightens pores
  • Calms the skin of any irritation
  • Free of alcohol, parabens and petrochemicals
  • Not tested on animals
  • Easily available
  • Economical

Cons:

  • Not travel friendly
  • Doesn’t control oil secretio
  • Can be a bit drying
  • Extremely mild fragrance (contradictory to the name)

Rating: 3.5/5

Final word

All in all, this toner hasn’t been one of my best buys but, people looking for a decently priced toner can give this a shot and find out how it works for them.

Editor’s Note: Nice Review Monika, I usually like Aroma Magic products, this one seems to be ok. I have tried most of their face packs though, love them.

Have you tried Aroma Magic Aromatic Skin Toner yet? Which is your favourite toner?

May 2016 My Envy Box Unboxing, Review & 15% off Code

May 2016 My Envy Box Unboxing, Review & 15% off Code

Hi guys,

So I just the May My Envy Box, the theme for this month is ‘Tropical Beauty’.

MRP: Rs.850/- (Available HERE)

It’s a bright yellow colored box, I love the color and the whole tropical print. It comes in a outer white box and as soon as I opened the package, it had a strong citrus smell, and I knew it’s something good.

Let’s see what all I got:

  • Island Kiss Lip Moisturizer in Puerto Berry Blush- Full sized (Rs.499/- for 14g)
  • Votre Botanical Toning Mist- Deluxe sample 50ml (Rs.800/- for 100ml)
  • Roots And Above Lemon Essential Oil – Full sized (Rs.375/- for 10ml)
  • Gulnare Seaflo Face Wash- Full sized (Rs.350/- for 120ml)
  • Kiehl’s Special Consultation Gift Voucher

To start with the Island Kiss Lip Moisturizer, I have all three and really like them. I have reviewed them on my Instagram HERE. You must have seen them all over the net already, Puerto Berry Blush is my favourite of the three and these are indeed quite good.

Votre makes some good skincare stuff, and I love using mists in place of toners, being a toning mist, it’s just perfect. Looking forward to trying this one out.

Lemon Essential Oil from Roots And Above, was the one giving the box, this awesome smell. I am all about essential oils and you can mix them with your skincare, hair oils, etc. There are number of ways to use them and I am surely going to try this one soon.

Gulnare is a new organic and hand made brand in the market. I got their Pumpkin face wash too, in the May SugarBox, and this Seaflo one is the 2nd product from them. This one has a combination of cucumber, wheatgerm and grapeseed oil. Sounds good.

Also a Kiehl’s gift voucher is really good for someone who hasn’t tried Kiehl’s yet. I have got skin consultation there, a number of times. There are experts in every Kiehl’s store who will check your skin texture, condition, problems, etc. and accordingly suggest you Kiehl’s products and would give a lot of samples, good enough to try for a week.

They also have a Rs.500/- off on May Jewellery Box coupon code card, ‘MAYJB’ is the code.

The value of the products in the box come to Rs.1675/– which is pretty good, also I have a 15% off discount code for you guys, you can use ‘NLMBHUMIKA’ at checkout and get the box at Rs.722/– which is a steal!

I do recommend the May My Envy Box, I am quite happy with the full sized products.

What do you think of the May Tropical Beauty My Envy Box?

Livon Hair Gain Tonic Review

Livon Hair Gain Tonic Review

By Nidhal

There is an inexplicable joy in stroking one’s fingers down lustrous, satin smooth and long locks that cascade like a waterfall. In fact, if we take walk down the lanes of Bollywood, then that scene in Rangeela where Urmila (named Mili in the movie) stroked and played with her hair sensually while grooving to the beats of the coquettish and peppy number ‘Tanha Tanha yahan pe Jeena’ is one that stays afresh in my memory even after so many decades. Oh boy, Urmila defined sensuality in that song and how! Okay, let YouTube be of help to you in case you are unable to recall that iconic song sequence 😛 Relive that era once again and don’t forget to drool over Urmila.

Coming back to hair, thanks to the fast-paced lives that we live today with dirt, pollution, dust, grime, chemical-laden products pumped into our mane at the drop of a hat and stress, our mane looks anything but gorgeous (of course, there are some exceptions but let us turn a blind eye to them for a minute and focus on the wider, general populace). Naturally, hair fall is what we face and dread. To combat this pesky woe, Livon had introduced its Hair Gain tonic. Honestly, I was wary of it since hair growth is influenced by a number of factors such as- diet (protein and iron rich), weather, quality of products used, type of comb used, sleeping pattern and duration, and so on and so forth, so I picked it up unwillingly. That said, I have used it a couple of times keeping my inhibitions aside. So, that calls for us to glance at its report card, right?

PRICE- Rs 685/- for 150 ml (BUY HERE)

DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Apply directly on the scalp with the bottle’s nozzle or fingertips. Begin from the centre of the affected area and spread all over the scalp. Rub the tonic with your fingertips gently. DO NOT MASSAGE.

INGREDIENTS- Aqua, ethanol (denatured with diethyl phthalate), propylene glycol, PEG-12 dimethicone coplyol, polysorbate 20, diaminopyrimidine oxide, Aloe vera freezed dried powder, copper peptide, D-Pantheol, PEG-40, Hydrogenated castor oil, Imidazolidinyl urea, fragrance, PEG-6 Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Cl 19140, Cl 16255, Cl 42090

WHAT IT CLAIMS- Livon hair gain tonic contains root energizers which are enriched with hair re- growth molecules. It is clinically tested to accelerate hair growth and control hair fall by revitalizing hair follicles from the roots and improving hair quality.

MY EXPERIENCE-

Livon Hair Gain Tonic comes packed in a cylindrical plastic bottle with a cap on top. There is a nozzle inside that is covered to prevent spillage. On account of packaging, it is hygienic to use, leakage-free and travel-friendly. Since it fulfils all the requisite parameters of evaluation for me, I do not find anything worthy of modification. Hence, is up to the mark in terms of packaging for me.

The tonic has a liquid texture. In fact, one could mistake it for water had it not been pumped with an artificial fragrance and a yellow colour. The colour, however, isn’t visible when poured from the bottle. It does not leave any sticky or oily feel after being applied unlike an oil. In fact, it leaves a cooling sensation. I do not suffer from hair fall thankfully but some of my family members do and after using religiously for over a month, they did note reduced hair fall. They didn’t note any growth which is of course, tacit since I mentioned in the beginning that hair growth is impacted by a number of factors and no product, howsoever effective it may claim to be, can help one’s hair grow. What it can do at the best is arrest hair fall and this is exactly what Livon hair tonic does.

On the flipside, it comes laced with an alarming number of toxic chemicals such as- PEG, Propylene glycol, fragrance (under the garb of which a number of noxious chemicals are added), silicone (dimethicone) and coal tar dyes. So, using it would be like playing with fire. This point is subjective. Some people are comfortable with using chemical-laden products. Some are not. That said, if you are using it/desirous of using it, then at least do not develop a hang of it because so many chemicals if added to your scalp on a regular basis, will eventually wreak havoc in the long run.

GOOD-

1. Readily available

2. Arrests hair fall unless it is severe

3. Cooling sensation

4. Non-sticky feel

BAD-

1. Contains way too many chemicals such as- PEG. Silicones, fragrance, propylene glycol and coal tar dyes.

2. Artificial fragrance is irksome for me

3. Expensive

RATING- 3/5

Editor’s Note: Sounds ok, I think it’s good for someone having severe hairfall, can atleast control that. Don’t think it would help in hair gain though.

Have you tried the Livon Hair Gain Tonic or something similar?

Maybelline Lip Gradation Coral1, Red2 Review, Swatches

Maybelline Lip Gradation Coral1, Red2 Review, Swatches

Hey guys,

So I had swatched all the Maybelline Lip Gradation shades earlier HERE and also reviewed my favourite shade from all Mauve1 HERE.

I had mentioned how Coral1 would be my next pick and yes, I got these two.

What the Company claims: Go Bold Or Graded And Sexy On Your Lips With The New Color Sensational Lip Gradation. It’s time to experiment with your lip makeup. For the sexy, bold and adventurous woman, Maybelline New York brings international trends with the newest Lip Gradation. Available in 8 bright, matte shades, this double-sided lip product will inspire you to experiment with your looks and bring out your unique style and personality. The color stick at one end will give a gorgeous pop of color while the cushion blender tool at the other end will give a sexy, graded look. For a complete trend-on look, apply color on the centre of your upper lip and use the sponge smudger to extend the color to the outer edges till the contours of your lips or use it as a matte lip color or a lip liner.

Here’s why you will love it:

  • 8 bright, matte shades
  • Easy to apply
  • Fun, flirty, versatile way to color your lips
  • Innovative product with cutting edge technology

For Best Results: Apply Lip Gradation in the center of lips and blend outwards using the cushion blender.

Shades Available: 8

  • Red 1
  • Red 2
  • Pink 1
  • Pink 2
  • Fuchsia 1
  • Mauve 1
  • Orange 1
  • Coral 1

MRP: Rs.500/- (BUY HERE for 400)

They come in a twist up crayon packaging and have to be twisted from the end, from where the blender is. There is a white blender on the other side. The crayon has a black cap and the blender has a transparent small cap.

The texture is super creamy, it feels like butter and the pigmentation is amazing too. The glide on easily and you get opaque coverage in one swipe with darker shades and if you have pigmented lips, you might need to layer the lighter shades twice.

You can either apply it to inner half and/or outer half and create a shaded effect with the blender or mix two shades for an ombre lip. I like to use it normally as a lip crayon overall, as I am not a fan of the ombre look with one shade on a day to day basis.

I love the powder matte finish, it is very comfortable and not drying, feels very light on the lips. Stays put for 4-5 hours, but won’t survive full meal, can survive light snacks though.

L-Red2, R- Coral1

Coral 1 is a beautiful peachy coral shade, very flattering on a lot of skin tones. I always get asked what lipstick I am wearing, when I have this on. It gives a fresh, not overdone look to the face. But it being a lighter shade, looks patchy on dry lips. So exfoliate and moisturize your lips before using this.

Coral1

Red 2 is a beautiful cool toned red, one which makes you teeth look whiter. It’s total glam and perfect for night time.

Red2

I only don’t like the quantity for that price, there’s not much product in there. I only wish they have more qty for that price. I remember I had said, I wish they were priced around Rs.400, but you get this for 400 online on Amazon India, so I don’t mind 😀

Other than that, no con. Once again, Maybelline has successful launched something innovative and new.

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Totally recommend getting them online from Amazon for Rs.400. I love the shades Mauve, Orange, Coral and Red2.

What is your favourite shade out of the Maybelline Lip Gradations?