Tag Archives: Reviews

Nature’s Brilliance by Sue Mineral Eye Colors Review

Ok..this post was lying in my drafts from 6th April but I just could not get the swatches right..Finally I got a new cam and new better swatches..so yay !!

Sue is the Sole Proprietor of Nature’s Brilliance By Sue. It was formed to help people locate products for their skin tone & skin type. Sue has dealt with multiple allergies for years and through persistence and exhaustive research has found a line of natural mineral make-up and organic skin and body care products suitable for all skin types, even those with multiple allergies. Nature’s Brilliance By Sue will not sell any product that is not 100% Natural or Organic and has not been tested by the owner her self.

The colors I have are Rose Garden, Primrose, Mocha,Peach Sunset,Golden Rose and Emeralds

Emeralds as the name suggests is a shimmery emerald neon green.
Primrose is a neon pink.
Mocha is a beautiful taupe coffee brown.
Peach sunset is a peachy golden orange.
Rose garden is a mix of champagne pink and copper brown with golden shimmer..difficult to describe this color but its a very pretty color.
Golden Rose is a bronze brown with pink base and golden shimmer.

T-B: Same order as described above

I liked all the colors but I loved Mocha,rose garden and golden rose the most…they are the prettiest colors.

You can check out the site here. They have mineral eye colors, blush,foundation,lip balms, lipsticks,lip gloss and hand and body cream. All are 100 % natural and organic. You can get 10% discount using the coupon code “BHUMIKA10”

Mineral Eye Colors
Retail: $6.00
Sale: $5.00

They are divided into Matte, Pearl Lusters, Shimmers and Sparkles and Midnight Lustres.

Pros:

1. There are many colors available and you can buy samples too.
2. A little qty is going to last really long.
3. Economical.
4. 100 % natural or organic..and suitable for sensitive skin too.
5. The colors stay pretty long even without a primer.
6. Nicely pigmented and blend well.

Cons:

1. Only available online and one cannot get the idea of colors through site.
2. Matte colors are less and there are many options in shimmery.
3. There might be some fall out as they are loose pigments.
4. They do not ship to India :((

Rating:

Quality: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 2/5

Overall rating: 3.5/5 ( If only they shipped to India, I would rate them more)

Would I buy it again: Yes if they start shipping to India..I would love to.

P.S: Product sent by brand for review but it has not affected my opinion 

Lakme Rose Powder Review

Loose powders are very good to give that light weight feel to the skin and help it keep oil free at the same time..
Lakme Rose powder is one of the loose powders for people on budget..

What the company claims: Foundation make-up in a powder format- gives a flawless radiant look.
Contains rose fragrance to keep you fresh, contains sunscreen to protect from harmful UV rays.
Gives a flawless radiant look.

Ingredients: Talc, Zinc Sterate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide, Aluminium hydroxide, Steric Acid, Perfume, Rosa Damascena Extract,Phenoxy Ethanol, Butyl Paraben, Ethyl Paraben, Methyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben.

MRP: Rs. 80/- for 40g

There are two shades available in this…Warm pink (for wheatish to dusky skin tones) and Soft Pink (for fair skin tones). I got the Soft Pink one as I thought Warm would be a little yellow for me. Though it comes out almost normal on skin…like no much of a color seen. It has 5 holes on top for the powder to come out and an outer covering too.

Pros:

1. One of the nicest loose powder on a budget.
2. Absorbs oil and keeps skin matte for a decent time.
3. Very economical…you get quite a lot of quantity at 80 and it lasts a long long time.
4. Has a nice soft fragrance.
5. Helps set your make up in place.
6. Works for both people with dry and oily skin.
7. The shelf life is 2 years.

Cons:

1. This would not give any coverage if you expecting.
2. The box is not small to carry it along or while travelling.
3. It says it has SPF but not mentioned how much.
4. The powder wont come out easily from the holes and you need to tap it quite a few times.
5. The puff along with it is of no use..would give a build up and heavy look. I use a kabuki brush.
6. Has parabens.

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Would I buy it again: Yes.

Maybelline Colossal Volume Express Waterproof Mascara Review

Maybelline Colossal Volume Express Waterproof Mascara Review
Now this is the most coveted drugstore mascara..it comes in both normal and waterproof version.
I chose the waterproof coz its much better in the humid climate of Mumbai…plus it can be used in monsoons too..and the normal ones would give you raccoon eyes otherwise.

What the Company claims:
Waterproof mascara
Upto 7x more volume
Instantly in just one coat
Dramatic volume with no clumps
Patented MegaBrush + Collagen formula plump lashes one by one

How to use: Sweep brush upwards from root to tip to plump individual lashes and achieve dramatic volume. Continue building lashes until you reach your desired look. Do not let dry between coats. Repeat for lower lash line.

MRP: Rs .260/- for 10 ml. Use within 6 months of opening.

It comes in a big fat yellow tube..and the brush is indeed nice..it does give volume to the lashes and opens them up.

Pros:

1. Gives volume to lashes and opens them up.
2. It is waterproof and stays all day.
3. Does not clump upto 2 coats.
4. Packaging is nice.
5. Economical compared to other mascaras.
6. I quite liked the brush.

Cons:

1. Does not add volume 7 times as claimed !!
2. The brush being thick has more chances of spreading around while applying..so it has to be used carefully especially at the inner corners and lower lashes.
3. Being waterproof…you would need a good makeup remover to remove this…olive oil works for me.

Overall I quite like this..the mascara which works and is economical. Surely recommended.

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 4/5

Would I buy it again: Yes..I also want to try Maybelline Falsies..hope they launch it here soon..

Have you used the Colossal Volume ? Do you like it ?

Oriflame Eye Lash Curler Review

What the Company claims: Get dazzling lashes in only a few seconds with this easy-to-use lash curler that does not crease lashes. Use it before applying mascara for longer and prettier lashes. Made of nickel-free alloy. With burgundy rubber handles. 11x4cm.

MRP: Rs. 129/-

Pros:

1. It covers the whole eye and lashes as it has a wide opening.
2. Does curl well.
3. Economical.
4. Made of nickel free alloy.
5. The handles are easy to hold and use…and have a pretty color.

Cons:

1. Does not have rubber replacements.
2. You can get it only through an Oriflame consultant.

Rating:

Quality: 3.75/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 3/5

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Would I but it again: Yes if I require..

Note: Scheduled post

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick My Mahagony Review,Swatches

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick My Mahagony Review, Swatches

Maybelline Color Sensational have a wide array of colors to choose from..and there is one for everyone..there are nudes,pinks,browns,reds..all the colors…

What the Company claims: CRISPER COLOR from pure pigments
CREAMIER FEEL from nourishing honey nectar

Why You’ll Love It

Fall in love with color, all over again:
• Crisper color from pure pigments
• Creamier feel from nourishing honey nectar
• Lipcolor so rich, so stunning…it’s sensational
• 48 captivating shades

For Best Results

Apply your lipcolor by starting in the center of your upper lip. Work from the center to the outer edges of your lip, following the contours of your mouth. Then glide across the entire bottom lip.
Awards

Glammy Award for Best Products of 2009: Germany
CEW Award for Best Lip Product at Mass: US

MRP: Rs. 299/- for 4.2 g

My Mahagony is my favorite from this range..its a nude peachy brown with pink undetones..though I love many other colors too…My Mahagony is a perfect MLBB for me….and I wear it the most as I love nude colors…there are some other pretty nude colors in this range..more on that later.

Here it is on me..

Pros:

1. The Packaging is pretty.
2. They are very creamy and glide on well.
3. Nicely pigmented and stay on better than other creamy lipsticks…they stay for around 2-3 hours and do not fade completely.
4. Amazing array of colors to choose from…there is one for everyone.
5. Economical for the price.
6. It feels very light on the lips.

 Cons:

1. Staying power is low.
2. Few may not like the smell..

I think everyone would have 1-2 favorites from this range….as the colors are pretty much to everyone’s liking.

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 4/5

Would I buy it again: For sure !!

Maybelline Chai Latte Quad Review, Swatches

Maybelline Chai Latte Quad Review, Swatches

Now there were some pending reviews which I had to do from a long long time..Maybelline products are few of them..

This quad is the most versatile quad I have seen….its perfect for both formal and casual wear..and I think its a must have for all..Though now they have come up with New Expert eyes quad in 14 different combinations and a different packaging and shades and it has a green too..but at the same price..check them out here

They have given instructions at the back for different types of looks.

MRP: Rs. 240/- for 4.8 g

All the colors have lid,crease,etc written on them..but I do no advice using the shimmery copper color on crease..it wont look good…

The lid color is a matte light brown.
The outer V is a matte dark chocolate brown.
The brow bone color is a beige with slight silver shimmer.
The crease is a coppery  shimmery bronze.

These swatches are without a base..the crease and outer corner colors are pigmented..the lid and brow bone do not show up much without a base..

Pros:

1. The colors are nice and versatile.
2. Economical and quite a lot of product..so would last long.
3. Stay on for 3-4 hours without a base.
4. Has a mix of matte and shimmery shades.
5. Easy to carry around.
6. The coppery crease color is good for Indian wear and rest good for casual and formal wear.
7. The crease and outer corner colors are decently pigmented.
8. The outer corner shade works for filling in brows too.

Cons:

1. The lid and brow bone color are not so pigmented…they don’t show up well without base.
2. The applicators are of no use.

There are other quads in these like Time for Wine, Emerald Smokes, etc..but I guess the 14 different combos in the new quads are much better..lot to choose from !!

This quad is surely recommended..quite versatile and perfect for everyday.

Rating:

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

Overall rating : 3.75/5

Would I buy it again: Yes…a new expert eyes quad..

Have you tried the Chai Latte ?

Lakme Enrich Satin Lipsticks 132,138 Review, Swatches

Lakme Enrich Satin Lipsticks 132,138 Review, Swatches 

Lakme Enrich Satin shades 131 to 138 are from the new Lakme Fantasy Collection…out of the eight..131 to 134 are non shimmery and 135 to 138 are shimmery.

132 is a nude pink brown…an MLBB shade for me…looks like second skin..one would not make out if I am wearing a lipstick..I loved this shade…

138 is a deep berry wine color with lots of silver shimmer..perfect for night time or with something traditional like a dark saree…

T-132 B- 138

Pros:

1. These are moisturising enough…you can easily skip a lip balm when using these.
2. The collection has more of pink this time than the usual browns.
3. Darker colors have a decent staying power of 2-3 hours and they leave behind a tint.
4. 131,132 and 133 are more on the nude pink side..those colors are very pretty for daily wear.
5. I love the shade 132 ! Its my MLBB and I am wearing it daily.

Cons:

1. The same old Lakme packaging..and with no names…just the numbers to confuse us more :/
2. It has an artificial smell and a weird taste which I did not like.
3. The lighter colors like 132 hardly stay for 1-2 hours without eating or drinking.
4. I would have preferred more colors in this range..and preferably non shimmery ones more.
5. Shimmer strays outside the lips in shimmery ones like 138.

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Would I buy it again: Yes…I want to check out shades 131 and 133.

Related posts:

Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lipsticks Review, Swatches
Maybelline Watershine Lipstick Review, Fancy Gold and Iced tea Swatches
Lotus Herbals Floral Glam Lipsticks Sensuous Mauve and Choco Chip Review,Swatches 
Colorbar Velvet Matte Lipstick Review 
Lotus Herbals Moist Petals Lipsticks Swatches
Lotus Herbals Pure Color Lipsticks Swatches
Lotus Herbals Moist Petals Lipstick Maroon Melody Review, Swatches 

Which shade did you like the most from the Fantasy Collection?

Himalaya Anti Dandruff Hair Cream Review

Himalaya Anti Dandruff Hair Cream Review


I suffer from dandruff occasionally and I don’t know whats with the weather right now…everyone is complaining of it these days. So I got to try the Himalaya Anti Dandruff Cream and I am loving it a lot..

What the Company claims: Contains Tea Tree Oil and Rosemary , which provide effective anti-dandruff action and reduced hair fall. Holy Basil and Sesame soothe the scalp.

Directions: Massage gently on scalp in circular motion. Use regularly before and after shampooing for dandruff-free, soft and shiny hair. Suitable for all hair types. Safe to use on artificially colored or permed hair. Recommended with Himalaya Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for best results.

Ingredients: Each ml contains:
Exts: Chanaka 20mg, Rusmari 2mg,  Tulasi 2mg, Oils: Kayaputi 5mg, Karanja 3mg, Nimba 3mg, Tila 3mg , Draksha 2mg

MRP: Rs.100/- for 175 ml and tube form Rs.35/- for 50 ml

Its a light green colored (like all tea tree oil containing products) rich and thick cream. Easy to use and spread around the scalp and a little goes a long way with it. I quite like the smell and it last for 1-2 days even after using a conditioner. And the main part….it WORKS !! It does help reduce dandruff with every use.

Pros:

1. Does help reduce dandruff without leaving hair dry.
2. The smell is quite nice and lasts long.
3. Economical at this price…the qty is huge enough.
4. It makes hair soft to touch.
5. Works on all hair types…worked for my brother too.
6. Has a shelf life of 3 years.
7. Has all natural ingredients..good enough for the hair.
8. It comes seal packed with a foil like all Himalaya products in a tub.

Cons:

1. Comes in a tub..have to dip hands on every use.
2. Has parabens as preservatives.
3. I have not used it after wash as I feel it would weigh down my hair.
4. It has to be used continuously..if you stop using it..the dandruff returns back.

Overall I quite like it and I am really impressed with the product..I am yet to try the Protein Hair Cream which I am doing next.

Rating:

Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall rating: 4.25/5

P.S: Product sent by brand for review but it has not affected my opinion. 

Himalaya Revitalizing Night Cream Review

Himalaya Revitalizing Night Cream Review

I had not used any night creams till now. And this is my 1st one and I am glad I did.

What the Company claims :
Action: A daily-use night cream, enriched with vitamins and essential oils. Nourishes the skin with vitalisers, nutrients, and moisture.

Usage: Massage gently over cleansed face at night before retiring.

Indications :
Dry, lackluster skin
Skin exposed to harsh environmental conditions and pollution

Composition:
Revitalizing Night Cream contains the following ingredients:

Pyrus malus (Crab Apple, Seva) has cooling, soothing and keratolytic properties. It reduces inflammation and removes the dead skin fragments.

Triticum sativum (Common Wheat, Godhuma) helps in proper drainage of secretions from the sebaceous and other glands of the skin and thereby helps in preventing black heads. It contains natural antioxidants which protect the skin.

Citrus limon (Lemon, Nimbaka) is a rich natural source of vitamin C. It protects the skin from oxidative damage and helps in preventing pruritis. Its essential oils, acts as astringents.

Lilium polyphyllum (White Lily, Ksirakakoli) has soothing, astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.

Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato, Raktamaci) is a rich source of vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which have an effective antioxidant action.

Each gram contains : Exts {Mahanimbu(Citrus grandis),Nimbaka(Citrus Limon), Tamatar(Solanum lycopersicum)} 30mg.Seva(Pyrus malus)30mg,Godhuma(Triticum sativum)20mg,Ksirakakoli(Lilum polyphyllum) 20mg.
Inactives: Phenoxyethanol, Methyparaben, propylparaben

MRP: Rs.90/- for 25g and Rs.170/- for 50g

It comes in a small flat tub. It has medium consistency and a light smell. It comes covered with a seal on top.

Pros:

1. Skin feels soft and smooth the next day.
2. It does not make huge false claims…its just for repairing the skin and skin does feel soothed.
3. Did not break me out.
4. Will suit all skin types.
5. Economical.
6. Has all natural extracts of white lily.tomato,lemon and wheat.
7. A little bit is enough..so its going to last long.
8. The thing I like about Himalaya and Biotique is that their shelf life is 3 years which I find great as even if you stop using it or keep it somewhere and forget it..you wont have to throw it away coz of expiry when you find it..happens with me lot of time :p
9. With regular use..skin does even out and feel better.

Cons:

1. Takes a little time to get absorbed but since it is to be used at night..I don’t mind it.
2. Comes in a tub and you have to use your fingers.
3. Has parabens as preservative.

Overall my skin loves it…and its my Holy Grail night cream !

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 4.75/5

Would I buy it again: For sure..!

P.S: Product sent by brand for review but it has not affected my opinion.

Lotus Herbals Color Marvel Nail Color Review,Fiery Orange NOTD

Lotus Herbals have two types of nail paints Color Marvel and Color Dew and recently they have come up with a new range of Color Dew nail paints. Color Marvel are the round bottles and Color Dew are the long and sleek ones.

Here are the shades available..

What the Company claims: A unique non-toxic formulation, which is Acetone, Toluene & DBP-free, keeps nails healty & shiny for the long. The extended, flat & sturdy brush ensures even & Zero-streak application.

Side-effects of Acetone on nail cuticles are :
it dehydrats them
makes them fragile
makes them dull and dry
it can irritate skin
Toluene, found in common lacquers and nail polish: is a skin irritant. And so is DBP.

MRP: Rs.90/- for 8ml

I have the color Fiery Orange 986 and a beige golden color with no name. :/


Fiery Orange is a peachy orange color with fine golden shimmer and the other one is light beige golden color with fine golden shimmer again.

  

Fiery Orange

Beige Golden

Pros:

1.  Its Acetone, DBP and Toluene free.
2. The color stays without chipping for 7 days !!
3. The brush is super awesome…non messy, fuss free application in a minute.
4. 2 coats are enough for a perfect color.
5. Dries super fast.
6. Economical at the price..Maybelline and Lakme stand at the same price but this surpasses them in quality.

Cons:

1. Availability is a problem with Lotus Herbals Cosmetics.
2. Do not rely on the shades on site..see 986 shows a pink when its an orange..total mismatch..

Rating:

Quality: 5/5
Value for money: 5/5
Availability: 3/5

Overall rating: 4/5

Would I buy them again: YES..!!! I loved them..