Tag Archives: Reviews

L'oreal Paris Shine Caresse Lip Colors Review, Swatches

L’oreal Paris Shine Caresse Lip Color Review, Swatches

L’oreal Paris Shine Caresse Lip Color Eve, Pretty Woman Review, Swatches

What the Company claims: The next generation lip colour, that combines the texture & shine of a gloss with the long wear of a stain. Delivering a lasting colour with a subtle glossy shine. The unique formula comprised of 30% water and 60% oil provides an exceptionally high level of moisture, allowing for 6hr hydration. Concentrated soluble colour pigments create a subtle wet look with a weightless feeling on lips.

MRP: Rs.499/- for 6ml

Shades Available:

  • Eve
  • Milady
  • Faye
  • Juliette
  • Pretty Woman
  • Lolita
  • Bella

Ingredients:

L’oreal Paris Shine Caresse come in this beautiful sleek gold packaging with L’oreal Paris on one side..and a see through in between to see the shade..if you have more than one of these..so no confusion there.

These look like a gloss but are more of a stain..are pretty pigmented..and once set on the lips..these do not budge..the glossiness wears off after 1-2 hours..and these stay for 3-4 hours leaving behind a deep stain which stays like much longer..and needs to be removed with a makeup remover.

They have a doe foot applicator…and its quite easy to use..only issue is..they have a little weird smell..and the lighter shades like Pretty Woman would not cover pigmented lips and stay for a lesser time..

L’oreal Paris Shine Caresse Lip Colors are supposedly YSL Glossy Stain Dupes ! I have not tried YSL ones, so cannot compare..if any of you have tried both..please share the differences you notice, if any.

605 Eve is a fuchsia pink with fine silver shimmer..brightens face instantly.

900 Pretty Woman is a rosy milky brown..an MLBB shade.

Here are the lip colors on me..

Pretty Woman
Eve

Pros:

1. Pretty packaging.

2. Economical.

3. Pretty pigmented and stay for 3-4 hours and stain much longer.

4. Has an easy to use doe foot applicator.

5. Feels quite light on lips.

6. Available in 7 pretty wearable shades.

Cons:

1. Have a weird smell.

2. Lighter colors might not show up on pigmented lips and stay a little lesser time.

Overall, I love these..the idea of a gloss cum stain..it being so light weight, pigmented and long staying..they do what they claim..and are economically priced too for a quantity of 6ml..both these shades are wearable and nice..I like the shades Lolita and Juliette too.

Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 4/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

Have you tried the L’oreal Paris Shine Caresse Lip Colors ? Your favorite shade ?

Illamasqua Glamore Lipsticks Glissade,Soaked Review,Swatches

Illamasqua Glamore Lipsticks Glissade, Soaked Review, Swatches

Illamasqua came up with a Glamore collection which has 3 lipsticks and 3 nail paints..the lipsticks being Glissade, Soaked and Luster. I got to try two of them i.e Glissade and Soaked for reviewing those for you guys today.

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.1850/-)

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

These come in the trademark Illamasqua packaging..remember my previous pink lipstick Immodest (see HERE). Immodest had a very dry matte texture..this formulation is quite different.

Super pigmented..you get color in one swipe..and which stays on and on..and the tint is quite strong too..its not moisturising types but quite hydrating..you don’t feel your lips are dry and neither does it feel heavy..glides on smooth as well unlike matte lipsticks..

These appear a little glossy for an hour or so..and then settle for a satin finish.

I am majorly impressed by the pigmentation and staying power..they have stayed on me for 6-7 hours and the tint survived much longer..even after full meals, drinks, etc..

Glissade is described as a Bold Pink..its a medium mauve fuchsia..kinda mix..difficult to describe this shade actually..but it looks soo good ! I am in love with this shade ! My current favorite..it would work well on all skin tones..coz its not totally fuchsia kinds..and makes the face brighter immediately..a super pretty pink !

Soaked is described as a vibrant orange..its a medium orange with red undertones..when used as a tint, it comes up as a pretty orangey red..again not the bright loud orange types..but very wearable kinds (though it looks super bright..it looks better in person..and much nicer as a tint)

And here are both on moi..

Illamasqua Glamore Lipsticks – L: Glissade, R: Soaked

Pros:

1. Super pigmented.

2. Long Staying.

3. Satin non drying finish.

4. Lovely colors..both are very wearable..Glissade is a must have !

5. Feel light on lips.

Cons:

1. Pricey.

2. Availability is an issue..need to order online.

Overall, Illamasqua Glamore  Lipsticks are a must have..these are amazing formulation wise..and color wise too..especially Glissade..highly recommended !!

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 Collection Lipsticks? Which is your favorite ?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

March My Envy Box Review

March My Envy Box Review

Hey everyone, if you don’t already know about My Envy Box..read HERE
My Jan box HERE
My Feb box HERE
So coming to the recent March box which I received few days back..its a peach colored box again..they had planned a nice orchid color..the Pantone color for this year..but due to some issues..they could not use those boxes.

And also in this March month’s box, 10 lucky people have got Pipa Bella jewellery ! Are you that lucky one ? I am not :/

MRP: Rs.850/- per box every month

You know how the products come inside this cute colorful cloth pouch..and there are cards for the products’ name and discount coupon to buy the full sized from their site,if you liked the samples.

This time there was an additional card of 20% off for Pipa+Bella jewellery..

Products I received :
  • Eminence Organics Sour Cherry Whipped Moisturizer
  • Issey Miyake Leau Dissey Homme Sport samples
  • Narciso Rodriguez for her samples (Smells amazing !)
  • Avene Thermal Very High Protection Sunscreen SPF50 (5ml)
  • Rene Furterer Okara Protect Color Radiance Enhancing Shampoo (15ml)
  • Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask samples
The two perfume samples are tooo tiny..I would have liked small vials instead..I have never colored my hair..so the Rene Furterer Color Protect Shampoo is of not much use..I already have the full sized Innisfree Volcanic Clay Pore Mask..so nothing new to try there..only loved the Sour Cherry Moisturizer and Avene Sunscreen (5ml) also lasted about 3 uses.
 
I loved the Feb box the most..not too impressed with this one..I hope April has something better in store..I am waiting for those new makeup brands 😀
 
Get your My Envy Box invite HERE

Have you tried My Envy Box ? What did you get in your box ?


Lakme Drama Stylist Eye Crayons Pink, Blue Review, Swatches

Lakme Drama Stylist Eye Crayons Pink, Blue Review, Swatches

What the Company claims: Sultry, somber or sassy. Women love drama! Unleash your drama quotient with Lakme’s Drama Stylist Crayon

HOW TO APPLY

Step 1: Choose your eye shadow crayon shade from the 8 super long wearing shades
Step 2: Apply the shadow directly with the pencil tip onto the eye lid
Step 3: Smudge the color quickly on the eye lids as It is a quick dry formula
Step 4: Accentuate the look with applying Lakme Absolute dramatic eyes mascara

Tip: Can also be used as a liner for most crease proof, stay on color

KEY FEATURES

Super Long wearing
Extremely soft
Remarkably gliding
Intense color pay off
Water proof
Crease proof

Shades Available:

  • Pink
  • Blue
  • Olive
  • White
  • Grey
  • Purple
  • Turquoise
  • Bronze


PRODUCT PRICE: Rs. 750/- for 1.6g


So at first I thought I have an olive shade which is marked as blue..these both read pink and blue..(Remember the goof up in Eyeconic..I got two greens instead of one grey..read HERE )

Now I got confused between the blue and green..there was no swatch for the blue one anywhere online..and this swatches a deep green..


Basically the three blue/greens in this range are one is a turquoise blue, one olive green and one this Blue which is a deep sea green..

These are eyeshadows in chubby plastic crayon form with transparent lids and matching ends to the shades..and needs to be sharpened.


Pink is a beautiful champagne pink..makes a nice easy to wear color..a great highlight, perfect for inner corners and also highlighting your cheeks.. (or as shown to us in the Lakme Absolute Illusion Masterclass, after the normal base shadow is done, this pink shade was warmed in between fingers and applied at the centre..i.e where the eyeballs are..and it gave a beautiful nice shimmery sheen) Very multi purpose !

Blue is actually a deep sea green..its quite rich and dark..and would make for perfect night time smokey eyes.


They have all the features they mentioned ! Glides effortlessly, super soft, amazing pigmentation, stays put throughout the day but needs to be blended super fast coz it sets immediately.


Here I have used Pink with subtle eyeliner..would look great with bold red lips..or any bright lip..when you do not want the eyes to be heavy..but still some sheen and shine 🙂

Pros:

1. Super soft.
2. Glides smoothly.
3. Doubles up as an eyeliner.. (though a thicker one..you can make for subtle smokey eyes by just blending the thick liner)
4. Stays put through the day.
5. Amazingly pigmented.
6. Comes in 8 shades to choose from.. Bronze and Purple are amazing too..apart from these two..and White which is a nice golden white.
7. Pink and White are multi purpose.

Cons:

1. I am not sure why this is named ‘Blue’ :/
2. These are priced a little higher. (Rimmel Scandaleyes are priced at Rs.415/- for 3.2g qty..though a few shades in Lakme are more pigmented than Rimmel)

Overall I would say, these are quite amazing…and I loved the shades they have come up with..there are subtle Pink and White..and bright Purple and Blue, and Indian wedding wear Bronze and Olive..there is one for everyone..and for all occasions..Highly recommend them..

Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 3.75/5

Would I buy it again: Yes..I am liking Bronze and Purple.

Have you tried the Lakme Drama Stylist Eye Crayons ? 
 
P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

The Face Shop Vita C Hydro Gel Mask Sheet Review

The Face Shop Vita C Hydro Gel Mask Sheet Review

Guest Post by Dev

Hello Everyone,

Do you find it pesky to mix up a face mask then carefully apply it over your face and finally wash it off without wetting your dress? Well, I do- I am not a great fan of DIY masks on weekdays when things are in a hurry and a gal gets minimum time for skincare. So, when I saw that the famous Korean beauty brand The Face Shop had a new store at Fairview Mall here in Toronto, I didn’t waste much time and got some nice mask sheets. The Face Shop store usually has some or other promotion going on and Korean products are easy enough to buy online from.

About the product:

Price: $2 CAD [may vary based on sales and location]

Directions and Ingredients:


Packaging: This is a plastic package with 1 single mask sheet inside. I like that they have added a lot of details on the packaging – it has detailed instructions on how to use, ingredients and Expiry date as well. 

My Experience

There is a lot of liquid inside the package so, be careful when you open it because I ended up having some spilled on my dress. The mask is pretty much like a normal face mask except that instead of the usual cloth-soaked-in-essence, this is a thin porous plastic sheet with the essence over it as a thick gel coating. 

There was kind of plastic film on both sides that prevented the gel essence from disintegrating; after removing it, I placed it like any normal masks. The difference I noticed was that, because of the gel texture, it had a good grip on my skin- normally after keeping a mask sheet on, I cannot sit up or stand up as the mask may fall off but with this one, it stayed fast to a point. 

I said ‘to a point’ because the gel coating starts getting absorbed to your skin and after 10 mins I could start the mask slowly coming off from areas where the gel essence had absorbed into my skin. After 20+mins, all the gel essence had completely absorbed and all that remained was the dry porous sheet. 

After removing the mask, I massaged my skin very lightly very lightly with the remaining essence from the package. I immediately noticed how soft and smooth my skin felt. When I checked in the mirror, I felt that my skin looked – well, younger, like what it was in my late teens and 20s –firm & smooth, not dry and a bit saggy around the eye & nose area. Also, the lines around my mouth and the usual sagging skin around my eyes were also gone [not forever, sadly]. 

The effect lasted for almost 2 days and people at my office asked me what facial/cream I used that I am having a nice ‘glow’- so I am superbly happy about that.


Pros:
1. Easy to use face mask as no hassle with applying and then washing – I even a 5min-mask sheet at office when I have bad skin days 
2. Gel essence coating gives the mask more grip 
3. Superb hydrating effect – gives skin a smooth look
4. No irritation, no strong scent 
5. Good facial for tired skins for just $2

Cons:
1. Availability in India – but since Korean beauty products are easily available online [I buy from Yesstyle or Cosmetic-love] with free shipping, I am not sure if availability is a concern

Overall: I just got some extra Vita C, also bought some other variants which I will review soon.  I feel that Korean masks are much better performing that any other Western brands, so check these out for your next international shopping.

About Dev: Dev is a Canada based beauty blogger..and blogs at http://thatmakeuplady.blogspot.in/. Do check out her blog for US based brands’ reviews..she has lots of them…

Editor’s Note: Nice review..I love these instant sheet masks..I have tried a few..Neutrogena and b.liv ones..

Have you tried the The Face Shop Vita C Hydro Gel Mask Sheet ?

Oriflame Skin Dream BB Cream Review, Swatches

Oriflame Skin Dream BB Cream Light Review, Swatches

What the Company claims: Oriflame’s 5-in-1 skin dream BB cream is the perfect time-saving solution for the woman on-the-go who wants a flawless face in a flash. With a high SPF of 30, this cream delivers everything your skin needs and the look you want, in one super-charged beauty balm. Your skin will look perfectly flawless and stay perfectly protected. The cream contains a breakthrough BB formula created by Oriflame scientists with glowing skin in mind and inspired by the original BB concept – to soothe, nourish and heal the skin, as well as camouflage any redness. 

MRP: Rs.599/- for 30g (mostly on discounts)

Ingredients:

Shades Available:
  • Medium
  • Light
It comes in a small tube packaging. Easy to carry around.

I have the shade Light which is obviously light for me..I guess it would work for people around NC 30..for rest everyone there is only one shade i.e Medium..more shades needed surely.

It has medium coverage..covers redness and light spots..not heavy marks or dark circles..and is moisturising..but dry skin would need a separate moisturiser.

Stays on for a good 6-7 hours..and comes off easily with a normal cleanser.

Pros:

1. Medium coverage.
2. Stays on well for 6-7 hours.
3. Skin is not too shiny nor too matte.
4. Moisturising..oily and combination won’t need a separate moisturiser.
5. SPF 30
6. Travel friendly
7. Cleanses easily with any normal cleanser.

Cons:

1. Only 2 shades..do not match all skin tones.
2. Slightly expensive..but always on offer.
3. Available only through reps.

Overall I would say its a nice BB cream for daily use..gives even coverage and covers redness and minor spots..has SPF 30..so no separate sunscreen or moisturiser needed..I only wish there were more shades available.

Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

Would I buy it again: Maybe would try Medium if that shade works for me..

Have you tried the Oriflame Skin Dream BB Cream? 

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

Maybelline Pink Alert Lipstick POW1 Review, Swatches

Maybelline Pink Alert Lipstick POW1 Review, Swatches
 
What the Company claims: PINK ALERT BY COLOR SENSATIONAL
Amp up your lips in the hottest pink. In 4 bright pink shades.
 
· PASSIONATE PINK COLOR only from our vivid color pigments
· CREAMIER FEEL only from our nourishing honey nectar

Check our more HERE
MRP: Rs. 375/- for 3.9g
 
Shades Available:
  • POW1
  • POW2
  • POW3
  • POW4

Maybelline came up with these pretty pink lipsticks called Pink Alert just before Valentine’s Day..and these were so perfectly launched for the apt day.

They come in pretty pink packaging..the packaging is the same as the Maybelline Colorsensational range..but prettier and pinker.

They are creamy and quite pigmented..and stay on for 4-5 hours..even after drinking and eating proper dinner..the color had just faded a little..I am quite impressed by the staying power.

POW1 is a blue based neon pink..a super bright pink..that does not even show the true color in picture..but looks amazing in person..MAC Pink Pigeon dupe..but do not wear this shade when flash is going to be used..I did the mistake..it makes you look ghastly with flash.



Here it is on moi..

Pros: 

1. The Packaging is pretty. 
2. They are very creamy and glide on well. 
3. Nicely pigmented and stays on better than other creamy lipsticks…they stay for around 4-5 hours and do not fade completely. 
4. Amazing pinks..I actually loved all 4 pinks ! This one is for pink lovers..
5. Economical. 
 
Cons: 
1. Pow1 looks ghastly with flash.
2. Looks blotchy when layered quiet a few times..you need to remove the previous first and reapply for touch ups.
 
Overall, this range has great pinks..and there is one for everyone..there is a neon pink, coral pink, fuchsia pink..you will find your favorite pink or pinks 😉 I am going to buy POW2 next..I love that one too..Highly Recommended !
 
Rating: 
 
Quality: 4.25/5 
Value for money: 4/5 
Availability: 4/5 
 
Overall rating: 4/5 
 
Would I buy it again: Yes..POW2 is next.
 
Have you tried the Maybelline Pink Alert Lipsticks ?

Oriflame Beauty Studio Artist Gel Liner Review, Swatches

Oriflame Beauty Studio Artist Gel Liner Review, Swatches

What the Company claims: Oriflame Beauty Studio Artist Gel Eyeliner gives the precision line of liquid eyeliner for professional and smudge-free results.  The smooth texture of the gel eye liner delivers rich color and even coverage and ensures long-lasting luring eyes for up to 24 hours. It comes with a slanted brush applicator that gives smooth and flawless effects.


MRP: Rs.449/- for 3g

It comes in a small glass pot and a small slanted brush alongwith..


Its rich and deep..and matte black..good pigmentation..can be easily layered..I quite like it for tighlining..gives precise definition..

Texture wise, it is quite soft but not that smooth..I like the fact that the small brush can be used for travel and no need to carry a separate brush..but for regular use,I wish it came with a longer brush too,as holding that small brush and lining is sometimes difficult.

It stays on for 8 hours plus on my upper lashline with minimal fading. But it sets quickly and layering over it does not go smooth.

Pros:

1. Rich black

2. Very creamy.
3. Glides on well..no tugging or pulling.
4. Small travel friendly brush.
5. Stays put quiet long.
6. Its often available at a discount..and the qty is more than other gel liners..like Maybelline and L’oreal..so quite economical.

Cons:


1. I wish there was a longer brush too along.

2. Available only through reps.

Overall, I would say its a nice rich black, matte gel liner..and buttery in texture..comes with a nice travel friendly brush too..if you love gel liners, you should definitely try this.


Rating:

Quality: 3.6/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Would I buy it again: Maybe

Have you tried the Oriflame Beauty Studio Artist Gel Eyeliner ??

Godrej Expert Rich Crème Hair Colour Review

Godrej Expert Rich Crème Hair Colour Review

Ok so I am not into coloring my hair as of yet..don’t worry..I have not got the greys yet. When I got the chance to review the Godrej Expert Hair Color, I thought of trying this on my mom..and thats what I did.


About Godrej Expert Rich Crème Hair Colour: It comes in a Sachet form with the creme and developer sachets separately..The sachet costs Rs.30/-


  • It has Aloe Protein
  • comes in pre-measured sachets, that makes it easy to use
  • no ammonia formula helps retain hair protein
  • keeps hair strong
  • 100% grey coverage

Ingredients:



Warning: Please do a patch test first before using. Some people might be allergic to some ingredients.

You may need:
  • Colourant and Developer
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Brush
  • Gloves
  • Ear Caps
  • Stain Removal Wipe
  • Conditioner

Godrej Expert Rich Crème Hair Color comes in 5 shades: Natural Black, Black Brown, Dark Brown, Natural Brown and Burgundy


Directions to use:

I got all 5 shades..Natural Brown was what worked best for my mom.


Mixed the Creme and Developer in the mixing bowl..and used the brush to mix well. And applied it all over the hair and in the sections with the brush and using the hands through gloves..

L: Crème and Develeoper R: Mixed
Mom kept it for 30 minutes and washed it off with water and used the conditioner at the end as mentioned.


Since mom had already coloured her hair previously and keeps doing it, you won’t see complete whites but brown here and there..the colour was uneven..and in the after pic..as you see, the colour is more even..and looks great….hair is softer and gives a nice shine.

There was no ammonia smell since its ammonia free.Like any other hair colourant in the market, Rich Crème also requires a patch test.

Also the quantity felt short for evenly using throughout..a woman’s hair easily needs 2 packets of these..one can be used only for touch ups, etc..

Overall, its quiet easy to use…and the whole process takes hardly around 45 minutes..I liked the effects too..

Would update you guys on how the colour fared and stayed.

Have you or your mom tried Godrej Expert Crème Hair Colour ? Your views ?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review.

Love Long Hair Range Review

Love Long Hair Range Review

Remember the mystery shampoo and conditioner (HERE) and the update I did. (HERE)
So I am finally reviewing this range today..
After 2-3 more uses, here is what I feel about it..
As I mentioned in the previous post, bot the shampoo and conditioner are white in color and smell fresh..the normal shampoo smell.
The shampoo foams and cleanses well..and removes all traces of oil too in two washes. Hair feels cleaned..and there are less knots and tangles..

Conditioner is not too thick but spreads well..there is no slimy conditioner feeling and it washes off completely..though the hair is free from knots..hair does not feel moisturised..and a little dry.

Both leave the hair great smelling..and hair is straighter and frizz free..only there is no volume or bounce..and conditioner could have been more creamy and moisturising..
I like this shampoo for days when I need straighter, sleeker, longer hair..not a fan of the conditioner though.
The reveal happens tom..are you excited to know which brand it is ??