Category Archives: New Launches

L'Oreal Paris #BoldInGold Collection Review, Swatches, Indian Makeup Blog

L’Oreal Paris #BoldInGold Collection Review, Swatches

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L’Oreal Paris #BoldInGold Collection Review, Swatches

Hi guys,

L’Oreal Paris launched the new Bold in Gold Collection and I have the entire collection consisting of an eyeshadow palette, 7 lipsticks and 2 nail paints.

I have been trying these out since 3-4 days and here are my thoughts..

Have also done a video on the same..

L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Gold La Palette

Claims: La Palette Gold consists of a unique selection of 10 exclusive shimmer shades, from subtle pinks to bold, shimmery golds and purples that allow you to unleash your creative side and create multiple glamorous eye looks for every occasion.

MRP: Rs.1450/- 

It comes in the usual L’Oreal Paris La Palette packaging with a brush and sponge on each end and a mirror. The shades are all satin/shimmer finish and very pigmented.

All these swatches are two swipes each. There is a stunning olive green, warm bright gold, bronze pink, champagne, white gold, deep navy blue, aqua blue, gray and sea green.

I created this olive green and gold halo smokey eye with this palette. The shadows work better with fingers and I did not get the desired pigmentation with brushes. I tried different brushes but none transferred the product on the lids and finally I used my fingers.

Also there are no matte crease/blending shades in this palette and hence you will have to use it with some other shadows/palette for those shades.

The palette is not very travel friendly as one side of the shadow plate had come off when I opened it as the glue wasn’t enough on one side. It will shatter if dropped even once, so be careful with that.

I love the shades though and all are stunning and bright with decent pigmentation. I do recommend this palette, but you will have to use a base underneath as they blend sheer. I am not sure if it is Limited Edition, or wait for it to go on discount.

Coming to the Color Riche Lipsticks,

L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Gold Obsession Lipsticks

Claims: Get Set to be #BoldInGold. L’Oreal Paris introduces the latest beauty trend from Paris – Gold Obsession by Color Riche. Infused with precious 24 carat gold* for illuminated lips. (Note – *Particles coated with 24 carat gold. )

L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Gold Obsession delivers intense moisture while providing a velvet matte finish. It’s unique formula contains Jojoba oil for unrivaled moisture and comfort along with matte gel technology to create an intense matte look.

Jojoba Oil keep lips hydrated

Highly pigmented for a rich matte effect

Available in 7 different shades.

Easy to apply and long lasting

MRP: Rs.1025/-

Shades:

Scarlet, Coral, Mocha, Le
Le, Rouge,Rose, Plum

Scarlet Gold– Beautiful cool toned cherry red

Coral Gold– Orangey coral but not neonish

Mocha Gold- Deep wine

Le Gold- Bright gold

Rouge Gold- Warm toned bright red

Rose Gold- Muted rosy pink

Plum Gold- Deep grape

All the shades have very fine shimmer (except Le Gold which has a lot of visible shimmer) and give a glossy, wet look to the lips. These are very, very pigmented and super moisturising on the lips. Be careful while applying, coz they literally melt in touch with lips and it might bleed. Make sure to powder around the lips well.

Scarlet, Coral, Mocha
Le. Rouge, Rose, Plum

Love the gold packaging and each lipstick has the name of the L’Oreal Paris Ambassador, same as with the Reds and Pinks collection earlier.

Scarlet, Coral, Mocha, Le
Rouge,Rose, Plum

I am so glad these are very wearable and do not have frosty, shimmery finish. I don’t like metallic or frosty finish lipsticks. Also the shimmer is hardly visible and they make for great shades to wear normally.

I love the Coral Gold, Rose Gold and Plum Gold. Also Le Gold is a nice shade to own to mix and match or wear as a topper.

I created this ombre lip with Le Gold and Plum Gold.

Also there are two nail paints in this collection, Violet Vendome which is a beautiful plum grape and Coral Trianon, a bright coral. I feel there should have been a bright metallic gold nail paint too, in this collection. The nail paints are priced at Rs.350/- each

I will update the pics wearing the nail paints in this post.

Overall I do recommend this range and I love all three products i.e. the eye shadow palette, lipsticks and nail paints in this collection. The range is available on Nykaa right now, and soon will be available on Amazon and other websites.

What do you think of the new L’Oreal Paris BoldInGold Collection?

Himalaya Herbals FOR Moms Range Review

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Himalaya Herbals FOR Moms Range Review

Hi guys,

So The Himalaya Drug Company launched a new FOR Moms range dedicated to mothers.

The Himalaya Drug Company is proud to dedicate ‘Himalaya FOR Moms’, a specialized herbal skin care product range to mothers and to be mothers that is completely safe and is enriched with aroma benefits.

The range comprises of Soothing Body Butter (Rose, Lavender, Jasmine), Toning Massage Oil, Anti-Rash Cream and Nipple Care Butter.

Since this range is meant for moms, one of my friends delivered a baby few months ago and I gave the Toning Massage Oil and the Nipple Care Butter to her for using and sharing her experience. While I tested the Soothing Body Butters and Anti-Rash Cream

Soothing Body Butters

Claims: Why Body Butter?
The skin, after expanding and shrinking during and after pregnancy, tends to get dry and itchy. Body butters have soothing and moisturizing elements which are effective in relieving itching. Body butters which contain soothing and healing fragrances are especially effective in helping de-stress too!

What Himalaya for Moms Soothing Body Butter Does:
Himalaya for Moms Soothing Body Butter is a daily-use cream that intensively moisturizes and nourishes your skin, making it soft, supple and glowing. Cocoa Butter soothes dry, irritated skin, and Glycerin keeps skin hydrated for a longer time. Himalaya for Moms Soothing Body Butter contains Vitamin E which protects the skin from damage and irritation and comes in the three calming fragrances of Lavender, Rose and Jasmine.

Key Ingredients:
Cocoa Butter is a natural antioxidant which soothes, hydrates, and balances the skin.
Glycerin is a humectant that locks in moisture and keeps skin hydrated for longer.

MRP: Rs.200/- for 100ml, Rs.320/- for 200ml (Buy HERE)

Variants: Rose, Jasmine, Lavender

It comes in a flat tub with the usual white and green Himalaya packaging. It has a white separator in between to avoid spillage.

It is quite thick in texture and very rich. It is perfect for the body skin, especially for moms who have dry skin or who experience more dryness on the body during pregnancy because of the stretching. But it does blend in the skin well and gets absorbed, does not leave stickiness or greasiness.

All three scents are really soft and nice, lavender is my favourite but surprisingly I loved Rose & Jasmine too equally.

This will be perfect to use post shower on the moist skin, and especially around the tummy area.

Toning Massage Oil

Claims: Why is Massage Important?
Massage is proven to be effective for faster postpartum recovery and better health as it increases flexibility while also toning muscles. An effective massage can stimulate blood circulation, thus reducing pain and swelling. Massage also helps with improved milk secretion, relieves stress and promotes sound sleep.

What Himalaya for Moms Toning Massage Oil does:
A daily massage with Himalaya for Moms Toning Massage Oil helps in strengthening and firming the skin. The soothing Lavender aroma moderates your mood, stimulates your senses and leaves you rejuvenated and relaxed.

Key Ingredients: Sesame Oil is considered the most superior oil in Ayurveda for its skin firming properties. It moisturizes and soothes the skin, thus preventing it from dryness and infections. Its natural Vitamin E content is an emollient and antioxidant.
Country Mallow, also known as Bala in Ayurveda, helps to improve muscle and joint strength.
Winter Cherry soothes and calms the skin and reduces stress with its rejuvenating and skin-conditioning properties.
Aloe Vera heals wounds and soothes the skin.

MRP: Rs.200/- for 200ml, Rs.400/- for 500ml (Buy HERE)

Ingredients:

This one was tested by my friend. It is perfect for new moms who still have their massage going on everyday, with the baby. I would recommend using this on yourself, even after the regular massage sessions are done.

Massaging anyway helps a lot, but with the right product, it works even better.

Also not just stomach, it can be used on thighs, on the cellulite, on the breasts for better milk secretion, etc. And the lavender scent is like a cherry on the cake. It smells really good.

Anti-Rash Cream

Claims: Why do Rashes Occur?
Rashes can occur due to sweat, rubbing together of folded skin, or irritation caused by normal skin germs. The deeper the folds are, the more likely the chances of a rash. The most prone areas are between and under the breast, under the stomach, in the arm pits and between the thighs.

What Himalaya for Moms Anti-Rash Cream Does:
Himalaya for Moms Anti-Rash Cream is an herbal formulation that effectively reduces itching and rashes, and gently soothes the skin. It is very useful in relieving rashes during pregnancy, as well as other dermal cuts and scratches which cause minor itching. The comforting Lavender aroma will not only calm the rash but also distract your mind from the irritation.

  • Key Ingredients:
    Yashad Bhasma is known to lock in moisture and have antiseptic and astringent properties. It is helpful in treating eczema, itching and other skin disorders.
  • Aloe Vera helps to heal wounds and soothe skin.
  • Almond Oil, which is rich in Vitamins A, B and E, is easily absorbed, and helps to maintain skin moisture. It is known to nourish the skin and make it soft and supple.
  • Manjishtha has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is known to provide blemish-free, clear skin.

MRP: Rs.75/- for 20g, Rs.150/- for 50g (Buy HERE)

Ingredients:

Now I do keep getting rashes at times. I loved using this anti-rash cream as it was very soothing and calming. The redness reduced in a day and the bump or itchiness, if any, also went down.

The aloe vera and almond oil calm down the redness and irritation and the Manjistha and Yashad Bhasma help in reducing itchiness and since antiseptic, does not spread the bacteria and doesn’t leave a scar.

Nipple Care Butter

Claims: Why do nipples get dry and sore?

Nipple care is usually done the traditional way. A cloth dipped in warm water is used to wipe away excess milk and saliva. Sometimes, harsh soap is used to clean nipples. Enzymes from baby’s saliva, water or even soap residue can remove moisture from sensitive nipple skin, thus making it sore and cracked.

What Himalaya FOR MOMS Nipple Care Butter Does?

Himalaya FOR MOMS Nipple Care Butter is an herbal formulation with the goodness of 100% natural oils. Ideal for both expecting and lactating mothers, it helps prepare nipples for effective nursing and also helps in the prevention and management of sore and cracked nipples.

Key ingredients:

Kokum Butter is used for ulcerations, fissured lips, chapped skin and skin disorders. It exhibits excellent emollient properties and deeply moisturizes and promotes healthy, supple skin.

Virgin Coconut Oil has cooling properties and helps in strengthening muscle and tissue. It has antibacterial, antiseptic and cleansing properties. The natural Vitamin E present in Virgin Coconut Oil promotes healthy skin, and helps in smoothening and protecting skin from cracks and fissures.

Directions for use: Apply Himalaya FOR MOMS Nipple Care Butter to the nipple and areola and massage gently, or as directed by your physician.
Safe during nursing, however it is advisable to clean nipples before breastfeeding.

MRP: Rs.75/- for 20g, Rs.150/- for 50g

Nipples usually become dry because of baby’s saliva. Also cleaning it several times in a day takes away the natural oils on the skin and nipples which keep them moisturized. So we need to add the moisture back by using an appropriate cream/moisturizer.

This nipple care butter is specifically made for the sensitive skin on the nipples. Kokum butter and virgin coconut oil keep the nipples moisturized and coconut oil is also anti bacterial. The dryness on nipples causes itching and sore, cracked nipples at times. This would help prevent that too.

My friend has been testing this and she really likes it so far. She had not heard about nipple care butter earlier, but is definitely going to repurchase this.

I am glad Himalaya has launched a special range FOR Moms and I hope they introduce more products to this range. Many of my friends are moms and some are to-be-moms, I would definitely recommend this range to them and recommend to you all if you have been looking for some specific products meant for moms.

All Nykaa So Matte Lipsticks Review, Swatches

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All Nykaa So Matte Lipsticks Review, Swatches

Hi guys,

I have been planning to do this post since a long time, but I wanted to do lip swatches and that took some time. Finally I did them and then the editing, etc. Anyhoo, let’s get on to the review..

Claims:  Nykaa So Matte! Lipstick Collection

You’ve got a new favorite matte lipstick! The creamy, long-lasting texture gives you pout-worthy lips in one stroke. It effortlessly glides on your lips, giving you a gorgeous soft matte finish. Pucker up and party with our delectable matte lipstick. Muah!

  • Plush, pigment-rich formula.
  • Intense colour pay-off.
  • Smooth texture.
  • One stroke application.
  • Luxurious, effortless glide.
  • Soft matte finish.

Nykaa So Matte! Lipstick Collection Includes : 12 shades

Nykaa So Matte! Lipstick – Notorious Red 01 : Exciting, enticing with little bit of mischief, our Notorious Red is all that! Red enough to let him know you are up for an adventure and bright enough to light up the whole room. Have it all with this gorgeous red hue, while you sip on your Cosmo!

Nykaa So Matte ! Lipstick- Frisky Fuschia 02 : If the sun ain’t shining bright enough, light it up with our Frisky Fuschia. This bubbly pink shade means sheer fun. So, go ahead live in the moment and shine like a million-dollar bill with this lively shade!

Nykaa So Matte ! Lipstick – Devious Pink 03 : In a world full of Cady Heron’s, be Regina George with our Devious Pink. Dramatic, foxy and fabulous, duh! With this pink shade, you’ll have anyone under your charms.

Nykaa So Matte ! Lipstick – Racy Rose 04 : Our Racy Rose is everything that you’ve dreamed of! This subtle pink will have gentlemen holding doors for you, everywhere. Cast a spell on everyone as you walk down the streets with this bashful yet alluring shade.

Nykaa So Matte ! Lipstick – Pink Brat 05 : Our Pink Brat will have your Champagne dreams and Caviar wishes coming true. Life is glamorous with this classy pink shade. Go ahead, treat yourself with all the finer things, cause you deserve nothing but the best!

Nykaa So Matte! Lipstick – Sinful Blush 06 : Take him to other side and let the sparks fly with our Sinful Blush. Go all the way, walk down the precarious road and let this beautiful shade light up your face.

Nykaa So Matte! Lipstick – Wicked Wine 07 : If you let go of our Wicked Wine, you know you’ll regret it. Mysterious and tempting, we bet you won’t be able to keep your hands of our luscious berry hue! So, go ahead and give in.

Nykaa So Matte! Lipstick – Orange Vice 08 : You’ll be caught in a bad romance with our Orange Vice. Feisty and fiery, this bright orange shade is garage glamorous. It screams sensational and well, we don’t mind being the talk of the town.

Nykaa So Matte! Lipstick – Pink Flirt 09 : Play the love game with our Pink Flirt. This vibrant pink is sure to ring trumpets in his head. Get him hooked to you like a love controller with this flirty shade.

Nykaa So Matte! Lipstick – Mischievous Plum 10 : Be the ‘It girl’ of your clique with our mischievous plum. This deep juicy shade is dark enough to keep things mysterious and fun enough to make you the star girl.

Nykaa So Matte! Lipstick – Naughty N*de 11

Nykaa So Matte! Lipstick – Taupe Thrill 12 : Our Taupe Thrill will remind of you of that one night when your love went viral! As you go on a put this nude shade on your lips, a faint taste of thrill and excitement will linger. Go bare yet coy with our alluring shade.

Why you should make it yours?

Unlike its chalky peers, this cruelty-free, and high-pigment formula is infused with Vitamin E for a soft, cushiony and flexible finish. The unique formulation ensures that your lips stay comfortable, colored up and matte-smooth all day. Another bonus: These vivid, full-coverage hues are hand-selected and named by our Inhouse Nykaa Panel, just in time for the festive season. The best part, they’re super affordable so you can go all out and buy the whole range.

Price: INR 399 for 4.2g

Availability: On Nykaa (HERE)

First of all, I love the packaging! It’s all black rectangular packaging with a magnetic cap. For the price, the packaging is very classy!

Also you get 4.2 g product which is the maximum one gets in a lipstick, and I am glad the quantity is good too.

They are super pigmented and you will need two swipes to get even, opaque coverage on the lips. The finish is creamy matte, so they are not dry or powder matte like the MAC Matte or the Chambor Matte Lipsticks. They glide on super easily and feel very comfortable on the lips.

They are not transfer proof and will transfer on all cups, glasses, etc. But the pigment is so strong, that it doesn’t fade on transferring. It stays put for 5-6 hours and with light snacks and tea. With a full meal and oil based food, it will fade. But it does fade evenly and leaves a nice stain behind.

At first, I only liked 3 shades thinking rest of the shades are the usual and nothing different. But when I tried them on, I was like I like this too and this too and it went on 😀

I have divided them into 4 each i.e. in 3 parts for convenience of swatches. Let’s start with the first four.

01 Notorious Red is a true apple red

02 Frisky Fuchsia is a bright fuchsia pink

03 Devious Pink is neutral rosy pink

04 Racy Rose is warm coral pink

Here are the lip swatches..

Coming to next 4..

05 Pink Brat is light rosy pink, might not look on pigmented lips

06 Sinful Blush is a carrot pink

07 Wicked Wine is a deep wine

08 Orange Vice is a warm, wearable orange..very Kylie Jenner like.

Here are the lip swatches..

And the final 4..

09 Pink Flirt is a neon coral

10 Mischievous Plum is a beautiful, deep plum

11 Naughty N*de is a perfect n*de brown shade, MLBB shade for many.

12 Taupe Thrill is again a pretty taupe brown n*de, another Kylie like shade

Here are the lip swatches..

Overall, I would say these are a total value for money! In terms of price, quantity, quality, shades, formula, they score on everything. Highly recommend them!

My favourites are Frisky Fuchsia, Orange Vice, Wicked Wine, Mischievous Plum, Taupe Thrill and Naughty N*de.

Have you tried the new Nykaa So Matte Lipsticks? Your favourites?

New Lakme Absolute Illuminating Eyeshadow Palettes Royal Persia, French Rose Review, Swatches

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New Lakme Absolute Illuminating Eyeshadow Palettes Royal Persia, French Rose Review, Swatches

Hi guys,

In my previous post on the Lakme Absolute x Sabyasachi’s ‘Illuminate & Shine’ Collection, I reviewed the new bronzer, highlighter and shimmer brick. (See HERE)

These two eye shadow palettes are also a part of the Limited Edition Sabyasachi Collection.

Lakme already has the day Gold and night Silver palette in this Illuminating Palette range, see the swatches of the Day Palette HERE.

Claims:  They say it’s the eyes that gives you that extra sparkle. So as you prep for your festive looks this year try the new Lakmé Absolute Illuminating Eyeshadow palettes to add to the glam quotient. These limited edition eyeshadows by Sabysachi Mukherjee have 6 versatile colours to play with and create stunning looks that are bound to turn heads.
Whether it’s the lovely plum tones of the Royal Persia palette or the warm earthy shades of the French Rosé palette, these unique shades are absolute must-haves.

Limited edition eye shadow palettes designed by fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee
High intensity powders
6 versatile shades that blend beautifully
Suited for most Indian skin tones

MRP: Rs.995/- each for 7.5g (Buy Royal Persia HERE and French Rose HERE)

Royal Persia has more purple/pink tone shades and French Rose has more warm browns/coppers. From the first look of it, I absolutely love French Rose! The shades are stunning and so apt for the fall/winter/wedding season currently. I can think of 9-10 different eye looks immediately looking at the palette.

French Rose is definitely very versatile and very flattering on Indian skin tones.

Both palettes have the usual packaging with a mirror and a double ended sponge tip applicator.

Honestly except for 1-2 shades, I was not so impressed with the pigmentation of the shadows in the previous day palette. This time I am blown away and how!

I had huge expectations from the palettes as the shades looked really pretty. And I am so glad Lakme has worked on the pigmentation this time, all the shadows are super creamy and buttery and these swatches are just one swipe each!

Top Row:

A coppery bronze, close to MAC’s Amber Lights (Amber Lights is slightly more gold)

A matte plum brown, this was the only shade with little less pigmentation compared to the other 5, but is easily buildable

A satin finish pinky red

Bottom Row:

A matte dark chocolate brown

A satin finish peachy pink, close to MAC’s Expensive Pink (Expensive Pink is a little more pinker)

A matte burnt orange with some gold shimmer

Each and every shade is super pigmented! This palette is a must have for all brides to be, it’s a perfect addition to your trousseau. I will be creating a look with this palette super soon.

Coming to Royal Persia,

Top Row:

A satin finish aqua blue

A matte purple, again the only shade in the palette which is not that pigmented

A matte slate blue

Bottom Row:

A satin finish plum

A satin finish light pink

A satin creamy beige with gold shimmer, very creamy.

This palette has more cool toned and grey based shades, and more on blue and pink lines.

All the shades in both the palettes are very creamy and buildable, except for one shade in both, all are pigmented and blend well into each other.

If you like warm shades, you can go for French Rose and if you like cooler shades, you can pick Royal Persia.

For me personally, I absolutely love French Rose and if I have to recommend one, I would say French Rose 🙂

I hope you liked the review, let me know your favourite in the comments below.

Lakme Sun Kissed Bronzer, Moon Lit Highlighter, Illuminating Shimmer Brick Review, Swatches

Blush, Bronzers, Highlighters, Lakme, Makeup, New Launches, Reviews, Swatches, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Lakme Sun Kissed Bronzer, Moon Lit Highlighter, Illuminating Shimmer Brick Review, Swatches

Hi guys,

So as you all already know, Lakme launched these new products in their ‘Illuminate and Shine‘ collection during the last fashion week. This is a Limited Edition range brought in collaboration with Sabyasachi Mukherjee.

This range also has Illuminating Foundation and Shine Line liquid eye liners which I guess are permanent, only the bronzers and highlighters are LE.

There is one bronzer, one highlighter and two shades in the Illuminating Shimmer Brick i.e. Pink and Coral.

Lakme had this bronzer and highlighter earlier too and it was LE at that time too, so those two are like a relaunch. But I love the new addition of the Shimmer Brick.

All three come in same packaging, a flat round pan with a clear plastic cap. There is no brush, no mirror, no other compartment. The product is stand alone.

Sun kissed Bronzer

Claims: 

  • Limited edition makeup bronzer designed by fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee
  • Contains luxurious micro fine pearls
  • Blends effortlessly for a natural sun kissed glow
  • Dermatologically tested

MRP: Rs.725/- for 9g (Buy for 600 HERE)

The bronzer is half and half with one part being lighter and one darker. It is very smooth in texture and though shimmery, the shimmers are not gritty or chunky. I found it slightly orange though, I wish it was a little more brown based. Also if one part could have been matte, that would make it ideal for contouring + bronzing

Moon Lit Highlighter

Claims:

  • A limited edition highlighter designed by fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee
  • Ideal for strobing
  • Reflective shimmer finish
  • Contains fine velvet pearls to give your skin a stunning glow

MRP: Rs.725/- for 9g (Buy HERE)

Coming to the Moon Lit Highlighter, one part is a white based lighter highlighter and one is a dark brown based highlighter for deeper skin tones, which is exactly the same shade as the bronzer. So this is actually be a bronzer-highlighter duo.

Bronzer part feels exactly the same as in the Sun Kissed Bronzer, I love the lighter highlight part. It gives the most stunning soft, natural highlight. You can use this on an everyday basis and no one would know that you have highlighted! But if you prefer stronger highlights like me, layer this twice over a creamy highlighter and this will stay in place whole day, giving the most blinding highlight ever 😀 See it in action in my video HERE

Illuminating Shimmer Brick

Claims: 

  • A limited edition blush palette designed by fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee
  • Comes with a hint of shimmer
  • Luminous silky formula makes your cheek glow
  • Blends effortlessly

MRP: Rs.725/- for 10g (Buy HERE)

My most favourite out of the three is the Illuminating Shimmer Brick. I have the shade Coral. Both the shades Coral and Pink are beautiful! Both would work for all skin tones, but if I have to suggest one, I would say Pink for fair and medium skin tones and Coral for deeper skin tones.

It has 5 strips of color, with the top ones being more highlighter like and the bottom ones being more blush like. So you can either use them individually or just swirl the brush all over and use on both blush and highlight part for an all over glow! The peachy coral tones work really well the gold based highlight colors and together combined, they give the most amazing peachy gold glow. This product is perfect for brides too!

All blended together

The best part about all three is that they double up as eye shadows and look really good on the eyes. As the colors are bronzer and warm toned, they make nice lid colors and highlight for inner corner and brow bone or just a wash all over the eyes.

Overall, in my honest opinion, I would say go for the illuminating shimmer brick and the moon lit highlighter. You can skip the bronzer as the darker part in the moon lit highlighter is exactly the same. But if you are deeper skin tone and prefer deep highlighters only, go for the bronzer and skip the highlighter 🙂

I hope you liked the review, do let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Maybelline V Face Duo Stick, Duo Powder: Honest Review, Swatches

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Maybelline V Face Duo Stick, Duo Powder: Honest Review, Swatches

Hi guys,

So as you all know, Maybelline has launched three new products in their Contouring Range recently. I have two of them i.e. the duo stick and duo powder. There is a third product called Blush Contour.

I have been using these since a few days and here are my thoughts..

Let’s start with the V Face Duo Stick

What the Company claims:

Master the perfect V-shaped face in an easy 2 step glide
All-in-one contouring duo stick creates illusion of structure and lift
Creamy formula glides and blends easily
For best results, use with the V-Face duo powder

Shades Available: 2

  • Light to Medium
  • Medium to Dark

MRP: Rs.650/- 

It comes in a two sided stick form, where one side is the matte creamy contour and the other side is slightly shimmery white cream highlight.

I have the V Face Duo Stick in Medium, I believe it’s the Medium to Dark as the first option would be named ‘Light’

I love how creamy and easy to blend the product is, it can be easily blended with fingers. So if you are travelling and are not carrying brushes, you can still use this comfortably.

The contour is brown based and warm which is good for daily use. For a very chiseled look and actual contouring, you need a grey cool toned powder as only that would create a shadow. But using a darker product also defines the face and brings some sharpness to the features which get all washed out when you apply a foundation and the face looks flat.

I absolutely love the highlight part, it gives a soft candlelit glow to the face. It is perfect for those who do not like a bright highlight, this is subtle and nice. I like to use this a base for my powder highlight and it makes my powder highlighters shine bright like a diamond!

For everyday basis, I will go with only this highlight and not layer. I also use this for inner corners of eyes, brow bone and on the bridge of the nose and cupid’s bow.

I have seen both the shades and the light one is not dark enough for contouring and this dark one is good for fair to medium skin tones, so basically the medium to darker skin tones do not have an option as this won’t show up on them. This will their exact color and not a darker color which is needed for contouring.

Maybelline should have launched at least three shades and a shade darker than this for deeper skin tones.

Coming to the V Face Duo Powder..

What the Company claims:

Brush on a 10 percent slimmer V face by design
Duo finishing powder to highlight and contour
SPF32 PA+++ and perlite minerals
Available in 2 shades for light to medium and medium to dark skin tone
Suitable for any face types like square, round or heart shaped faces

For contouring, create depth by using a 2 shade darker product.For highlighting, use 2 shades brighter than your skin tone.

Shades Available: 2

  • Light to Medium
  • Medium to Dark

MRP: Rs.500/- for 8.5g (Buy HERE)

Ingredients:

The powder comes in a V form where you get a lighter powder to set the face and highlight the concealer, below contour, etc. and the darker powder to contour or set the duo stick contour.

It has a mirror and a brush in the lower compartment, the packaging is very similar to the L’Oreal Paris Mat Magique Powder.

When used alone, this powder hardly shows up or contours. It is not pigmented enough for contouring, you have to layer it a few times. I have it in the shade Light Medium, I believe I will have to try Medium Dark

It works well with the V Face Duo Stick, like the powder to set the cream, and shows up that way.

The powder is very silky and fine, very smooth to touch and feels creamy. Again I love the lighter powder side, which is perfect to set the under eye area. Still I would have liked it to be more pigmented.

Again the shade selection is poor, only two shades and both are not dark enough.

I have used both the products here..

As you can see, it is very subtle definition, good for everyday.

Overall, I would say Maybelline launched some good products but as usual the shade selection is poor and not meant for Indian skin tones. Two shades which are both not dark enough to contour Indian skin.

I have read better reviews about the blush duo though, especially the blush part.

I would only recommend the V Face Duo Stick, that too in Medium to Dark and if you are fair to medium in skin tone.

Have you tried the new Maybelline V Face Duo Range? Your thoughts?

P.S.: PR Samples. Honest Review

Patanjali Saundarya Aloe Vera Gel Review

New Launches, Patanjali, Reviews, Skin care, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

PATANJALI SAUNDARYA ALOE VERA GEL REVIEW

By Simli

Hi lovelies!

Aloe vera gel has almost become part of our life. Almost everyone in our beauty regime include aloe vera gel in one or the other way. Patanjali is well known for its aloe vera gel (read review HERE) and recently they introduced a new product in there beauty range. The new product can be called as a updated version of their previous aloe vera gel.

Like their previous aloe vera gel this has also become an essential part of my daily skin care routine. Apart from aloe vera which is the key ingredient it also contains kesar chandan which is well known for its skin brightening property. I have been using this product for almost a month now and I’m quite satisfied with its results.

Packaging:

The packaging of this product is quite similar to the previous patanjali aloe vera gel. It comes in a plastic tube with flip open cap which makes it travel friendly. The cap doesn’t opens on its own, its quite hard. The plastic tube is transparent but it has golden print on it. On the body of the product its written that it contains kesar and chandan. On the lower portion of the packaging the uses are mentioned and it says that it is a instant solution for pimples , wrinkles and glowing skin.

Price : Rs 50 for 60 ml.

Ingredients: It says that every 5g contains:

Aloe barbadensis – 89.00%

Crocus sativus (saffron)– 0.01%

Santalum album (sandalwood)– 0.10%

The base material : Vitamin E, permitted colour and sugandhit dravya.

Texture:

The texture of the gel is perfect, not too runny not too thick. But it is somewhat less thicker than the previous aloe vera gel by patanjali. The colour is golden-yellow. Apt for application and its very much cooling.

Uses:

Useful in roughness and dryness of skin, it helps to remove pigmentation , dark spots and increase skin glow.

How to use it: The product also comes with three different ways of using it (all the ways are mentioned in hindi):

1. Apply on face and keep it overnight , next morning wash your face with lukewarm water.

2. Apply on face 30 minutes before bathing.

3. Apply on blemishes leave for 5 minutes and then wash off.

My experience:

I have always a huge fan of aloe vera gel because of its cooling effect This new product have already become a part of my daily skin care routine as mentioned earlier. I use this everyday before going to bed and after washing my face with face wash. The consistency of this product is very good , its actually the consistency that I prefer personally in any gel. Its neither too runny nor too sticky or too thick. It glides onto my skin very smoothly.

The colour of the gel is yellowish. It has a strong kesar fragrance which I kinda like, sensitive nose may find it very strong and dislike. After applying this gel it gives the same cooling sensation like any other aloe vera gel. It doesn’t feels heavy on my skin too. It takes very little time to dry up and after drying it gives a warm glow. Though the glow doesn’t lasts longer. I have few blemishes on my skin but this product did no good with them.

As the gel is very light it is not fit for the coming winter and can’t be used as a moisturizer . It can be used as a base for makeup too. It isn’t sticky at all and its one the reason I like about this product very much.

Saffron works on lightening the scars & blemishes and sandalwood calms and soothes the skin and gives a natural glow.

In all it is a good product for daily use in summers. Can be used as a base regularly. As it is a herbal formula it will not do any harm to your skin.

Pros:

  • Good for regular use.
  • Easily available in any patanjali store.
  • Value for money.
  • Good consistency.
  • Has saffron and sandalwood which works even better on blemishes with regular use & are cooling on the skin.

Cons:

  • Very strong smell.
  • Has parabens

Rating: 4.5/5

Editor’s Note: I recently got the regular Patanjali Gel, definitely trying this once I am done with the current one.

Have you tried the new Patanjali Saundarya Aloe Vera Gel?

Lakme 9 to 5 Weightless Matte Mousse Lip & Cheek Color Review, Swatches

Blush, Cream Blush, Lakme, Lipsticks, Makeup, New Launches, Reviews, Swatches, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Lakme 9 to 5 Weightless Matte Mousse Lip & Cheek Color Review, Swatches

Hi guys,

So Lakme launched new lip and cheek colors in their 9 to 5 range, I attended the launch few days ago and got three shades to try.

Here are my thoughts..

What the Company claims: Say ‘No’ to touch ups with this perfect for office wear, Lakme 9 to 5 Weightless Mousse Matte Lip and Cheek Color. Lakme’s first lip and cheek color comes in a mousse texture that’s weightless, giving a powdery matte finish to lips and a soft blush to your cheeks. Lakme 9 to 5 Weightless Mousse Matte Lip and Cheer Color is ideal for daily office wear adding charm and lasting long. Its dual benefit makes it a high functional product for the busy and on the go working woman. Its Looks and feels weightless because of the light weight formula. Since it’s a mouse texture, it absorbs well giving an intense color that long-lasting. The applicator brish glides on seamlessly making is east to apply and giving a smooth and even finish. There are 10 vibrant shades designed especially for both lips and cheeks.

Features & Benefits :

Mousse textured light weight lip color

Can be used on lip and cheek

Matte lip color

Long stay

Ultra matte

Available in 10 shades

Ingredients: PVP/Hexadecene copolymer, Nylon powder, Cyclomethicon

How to use product: Swipe on the product – with the foam tip applicator evenly over your lips. Apply a second coat of the weightless mousse, to deepen the shade and give your lips a powdery, matte look. To add a soft blush to your cheeks, dot the mousse under your cheekbones in a half moon shape and use your fingertips to blend.

MRP: Rs.575/- (Buy HERE)

Shades Available:

  • Burgundy Lush
  • Pink Plush
  • Cocoa Soft
  • Rose Touch
  • Crimson Silk
  • Blush Velvet
  • Coffee Lite
  • Plum Feather
  • Fuchsia Sude
  • Tangerine Fluff

I have the shades Pink Plush, Burgundy Lush and Coffee Lite with me. They come in a sleek blush pink tube packaging with a rose gold cap. While the outer packaging was kept same to match the 9 to 5 Weightless range, I wish there was some color demarcation. It is difficult to find one particular shade and you have to read the shade name behind each time if you have more than one shade.

It has a warm vanilla scent exactly like the MAC lipsticks, love the smell. It has a bendable doe foot applicator and is quite easy to glide on.

It has a smooth, velvet mousse like texture. A little more airy and light than the NYX/Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip Creams. These are super pigmented though, once you take the applicator out, you wouldn’t need to dip it again as you can get two swipes and opaque coverage at once.

But as a blush, you need to work really quick with these. They take about 30-40 seconds to set and once set, they are difficult to blend or smudge.

They give a matte finish but are very light and comfortable on the lips. I was testing these at home and I forgot I had anything on my lips. My lips didn’t feel dry or didn’t crave a lip balm, they were very comfortable.

If you have dry lips, you will need to exfoliate though coz the lip colors cling on to the dry patches and accentuate them.

The lighter shades stay on for about 3-4 hours and the darker colors stay on for 5-6 hours. These do not transfer on cups or bottles and survives light snacks and tea. However, won’t survive full meal and would fade from the center and need re-application. But they are easy to reapply and do not crumble like matte liquid lipsticks.

In terms of shades, I wish there were few more nudes/browns/taupes and plums/grey beige and some unique colors. However not all those shades would work as a blush, so there is a limitation as this is a dual use product.

As a blush too, these are very comfortable and easy to blend. However, use a tiny bit as these are very pigmented and blend super quick, one cheek at a time 😀

L-R: Burgundy Lush, Coffee Lite, Pink Plush

Pink Plush is a neon coral pink

Burgundy Lush is a brick/burgundy red

Coffee Lite is a taupe with mauve undertone, my favourite out of the three!

My only con here would be the price. I wish these were priced around 450-475 as it’s Lakme 9 to 5 range and not the Absolute Range. Also different color packaging or shade demarcation below would have been great. Lighter shades won’t show up as a blush on deeper skin tones.

Overall, I quite like these and I am glad Lakme is coming up with new, innovative products. This one is perfect for office and apt in the 9 to 5 category. Lasts long, pigmented, no. of shades, comfortable, dual use.

I tried and swatched all the shades at the launch and my favourites/must haves/recommended ones are Blush Velvet and Coffee Lite. If you want deeper shades for fall/winter, Burgundy Lush and Cocoa Soft.

Are you excited about the new Lakme 9 to 5 Weightless Matte Mousse Lip & Cheek Colors? Your favourite?

Elle 18 Color Pop Matte Lipsticks Review, Swatches

Elle 18, Lipsticks, Makeup, New Launches, Reviews, Swatches, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Elle 18 Color Pop Matte Lipsticks Review, Swatches

Hi guys,

I know this post has been much requested, I got the package late as it went to my old address, but finally here is the review..

Shades Available: 20

MRP: Rs.100/- (Buy HERE)

If you remember my previous Color Pop Boost Lipsticks review, I absolutely loved them! So Elle 18 came up with this matte range recently, let’s see what I think of it..

It comes in the black Elle 18 packaging with a round shape on top and the trademark cartoon print on it. The Color Boost Lipsticks were priced at Rs.150 and these ones are even cheaper at Rs.100. Also those were in 10 shades, while this new range has 20 shades!

Packaging is kind of ok, it is a little flimsy but the cap shuts tight. At 100 bucks, I cannot expect a fancy packaging and I am pretty ok with this.

In terms of pigmentation, they are amazing. All the swatches you see here are 2 swipes each. 2 swipes will give you full, opaque coverage on the lips.

Staying power is also pretty decent, they stayed for 5-6 hours on me without eating/drinking and about 4 hours with light snacks/drinks. Even after food, it doesn’t go away completely. Also leaves a nice, deep stain behind.

They come off easily with any makeup remover/cleanser. It does get into fine lines on the lips, but doesn’t accentuate them.

Clockwise: Selfie Red, Deep Pink, Chocolate Day, Let’s Tango, Rose Day

The shades I have are Selfie Red, Deep Pink, Chocolate Day, Rose Day, Let’s Tango

Here are the swatches..

L-R: Selfie Red, Deep Pink, Chocolate Day, Rose Day, Let’s Tango

Selfie Red is a neutral apple red

Deep Pink is a gorgeous deep pink, as the name goes

Chocolate Day is a gorgeous deep berry brown

Rose Day is a beautiful rosy pink

Let’s Tango is a coral orange

And here are the shades on me..

Clockwise: Selfie Red, Deep Pink, Chocolate Day, Let’s Tango, Rose Day

Please excuse the dryness around my lips, the skin there is behaving really bad and that particular dry patch is just not going, whatever I use! It comes right back even with oils, as soon as I stop using them :/

My favourites are Deep Pink, Rose Day and Chocolate Day. Chocolate Day is the perfect fall/winter shade. I can’t wait to check out more shades. Only con with this is availability. They would only be available at local beauty stores, online on Amazon they have high delivery charges.

If you find them at a store near you, grab them! You won’t be disappointed, these are absolutely amazing. Highly recommend. Total value for money at Rs.100/-

Update: Also did this video..

Have you tried the new Elle 18 Color Pop Matte Lipsticks? Your favourite?

The Body Shop Tea Tree Range 3 in 1, Daily Solution Review

New Launches, Reviews, Skin care, The Body Shop, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Body Shop Tea Tree Range 3 in 1, Daily Solution Review

Hi guys,

Today I am reviewing these two new products added in The Body Shop Tea Tree Range. I have been using these since about 2.5 weeks now and here are my thoughts..

The Body Shop Tea Tree Range 3-in-1 Wash Scrub Mask

Claims: A clean and mean multi-tasking cleanser with foaming kaolin clay, volcanic minerals and Community Trade Tea Tree Oil that tackles the appearance of clogged pores, blackheads and shine. Perfect for those with blemish-prone skin. Use this triple threat cleanser as: 1. A daily wash to purify 2. A scrub to clear and tighten the appearance of pores and smooth the skin’s surface 3. A mask to deep cleanse and mattify the skin’s appearance

MRP: Rs.1295/- for 125ml

Ingredients:

This is the star product of this range. It’s a wash, scrub, mask all in one. It comes in a green flip cap tube packaging.

It has a white creamy base with small grey-black granules in it. Now when you use it as a face wash, it doesn’t foam and you actually end up using it as a scrub.

So I feel it should have been scrub/mask only. But as a scrub, it works great. It exfoliates very gently and would be perfect for sensitive skin too.

I love using it as a mask though. And then once it is dried, I wet my hands and scrub it, so basically I use it like both, at once 🙂

It dries super quick, in about 5-7 minutes, since it it clay based. It has a tingly, minty smell and feeling. Skin looks clean and completely matte post washing. It feels tighter and the pores look closed. Since it has tea tree and kaolin clay, this mask is absolutely perfect for oily, acne prone skin.

And the fact that it is multi-tasking is nice, as you can carry only this when you are travelling. Recommended.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Range Anti- Imperfection Daily Solution

Claims: Our 100% Community Trade tea tree oil is infused into the NEW Anti-Imperfection Daily Solution for just the right amount of all-over-face application, to pack a punch against blemishes. The result? A lightweight, fast-absorbing serum at an effective dosage.

MRP: Rs.1595/- for 50ml

Ingredients:

This comes in a big glass bottle with a dropper. The bottle is transparent but has a green tint.

The formula of this daily solution is very light, it feels exactly like water. It is runny and you need one pump i.e. about 8-9 drops for using all over the face. It has a strong tea tree smell.

Tea tree oil is a little concentrated and should be used only on acne and diluted with another base oil or water, if you have sensitive skin. This daily solution is already diluted and hence, safe to use all over the face, even for people with sensitive skin.

With time and regular, continuous use, it also helps in fading acne spots. It also has salicylic acid, alfalfa extracts, aloe vera, tocopherol (Vitamin E) along with tea tree oil.

It does not irritate the skin at all. I have not had any major breakouts since the time I am using this. One-two white heads on the nose, which have also settled down, on their own.

If you have always been a fan of the classic tea tree oil from The Body Shop, you will love this too! It may seem a little expensive, but the quantity offered is a lot. Especially for the Daily Solution, it is 50ml and you need 8-10 drops per use.

The main ingredient of this entire range i.e. tea tree is being sourced from Kenya, helping the farmers there and enriching their lives. As always, The Body Shop does it’s bit.

Also they have a special game created for this range ‘Battle of the Blemishes’, you can play it HERE. You can unlock special offers from The Body Shop clearing each level!

I recommend both these products for oily, acne prone skin. These are perfect additions to the Tea Tree Range.

Have you tried The Body Shop’s 3 in 1 and Daily Solution yet?

P.S: PR Samples. Honest Review