Best of 2011- Skin and Hair

Best of 2011- Skin and Hair


So 2011 has been a great year..lots of new products and lots of new experiments..and many hits and misses..

So what have been hits for me in 2011..Read on..

Source

Let me cover skin and hair here..makeup in the next post..click on the products to read the reviews..

Skin:

Face Wash: Himalaya Neem Purifying Face Wash, The Nature’s Co. Peppermint Face Wash, Iraya Wild Lime Purifying Face Wash

Cleanser/Makeup Remover: Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, Jergens All Purpose Face Cream, Himalaya Deep Cleansing Milk, Lotus Lemonpure Cleansing Milk

Toner: Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic, Himalaya Gentle Refreshing Toner, Natural Rose Water

Moisturiser: Fab India Vitamin E Skin Hydrating Cream for Oily Skin, Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser

Sunscreen: Lotus SPF 50 Spray, Lakme SPF 30 PA+ for Oily Skin

Face Scrub: Aroma Magic Mineral Glow Scrub, Biotique Papaya Scrub, Clean and Clear Blackhead Clearing Scrub, The Nature’s Co. Coffee Scrub, Himalaya Purifying Neem Scrub, Iraya Fruit and Nut Scrub

Face Pack: Aroma Magic Oxy Pack, Dabur Vatika Fairness Face Pack, Himalaya Purifying Neem Pack

Night Cream: Himalaya Revitalizing Night Cream, Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Hand Cream: L’occitane Lavender Hand Cream

Foot Cream: Oriflame Soothing Foot Cream

Eye Cream: Lancome Genefique Yeux Eye Concentrate, Liz Earle Daily Eye Repair

Body Wash: Johnsons Ph 5.5 Nourishing Honey Body Wash, Auravedic Lime Ginger Reviving Body Wash

Body Scrub: Oriflame Discover Phuket Exotic Paradise Body Scrub

Bath Accessories: The Body Shop Bath Gloves, The Body Shop Facial Buffer

Body Lotion: Himani Boroplus Advanced Moisturising Body Lotion, Vaseline Total Moisture Cocoa Glow, Bio Glow Cocoa Butter Cream, Vaseline Intensive Care Total Moisture

Body Massage Oils: Khadi Body Massage Oil
Lip Balm/Conditioner:
Tinted: Lotus Lip Therapy, Nivea Fruity Shine, Lakme Lip Lovc Conditioner
Non Tinted: Sweet Lips Lip Balm, Vaseline Petroleum Jelly

Lip Butter: Himalaya Natural Moisturising Lip Butter

Other: Lacto Calamine (Can’t live without it), Erytop (for spot application on zits)

Hair:

Oil: Parachute Advanced Hot Oil, Figaro Olive Oil, Shingar Herbal Hair Oil

Shampoo: Dove Nourishing Oil Care, Herbal Essences Hello Hydration

Conditioner: Dove Nourishing Oil Care, Herbal Essences Hello Hydration

Deep Conditioner: Dove Nourishing Oil Care Repair Mask

Treatment Cream: Himalaya Protein Hair Cream, Himalaya Anti Dandruff Hair Cream

Serum: L’oreal Total Repair 5, Dove Intense Hair Oil Therapy

Phew ! I just realised I used so much stuff :/ Errr..and most are not even mentioned :p Look out for Best in Makeup next 🙂

What are your hits of 2011 ?

How to Spot Fake Vaseline Petroleum Jelly

It’s not original, if it’s not “Vaseline® Petroleum Jelly”

Is your skin feeling dry even after applying Vaseline Petroleum jelly? Does it leave your skin looking rough and bruised? So are you using the original Vaseline® Petroleum Jelly? Nowadays the market is flooded with cheap products that look like the original Vaseline® Petroleum Jelly and are available at cheaper prices. But these moisturizers only last for a short time, making the skin drier which can cause more harm than good to your skin.

The Original Vaseline® Petroleum Jelly is a combination of mineral oils, paraffin and microcrystalline waxes, which makes it translucent and gives it a smooth texture. It goes through a three step purification process, which involves hydrogenation to remove chemical purities in the jelly. Further, it undergoes double filtration to remove the finest unwanted particles, thus making it the purest and smoothest form of jelly.

Dry skin is caused by the loss of moisture in the layers of the skin, which happens every second of the day due to exposure to harsh chemicals and rough weather conditions. Fake products use either Glycerine or Menthol, which moisturizes only the top layers of the skin for a short term and eventually leaves your skin dry and dehydrated.

The Original Vaseline® Petroleum Jelly is absorbed rapidly into the skin and provides even moisturization through all three layers of the skin, locking in the skins natural moisture and helping it to repair itself from within naturally. It also forms a protective barrier on the surface of the skin to avoid the damage that is caused by harsh weather and polluted environments, thus resulting in soft and supple skin all day long. Original Vaseline® Petroleum Jelly is your ultimate skin expert, boasting of multiple skin uses. It’s not just a body moisturizer but can also be used as a night cream, make-up remover, to protect against nappy rash, minor bruises, post shaving etc. to name a few.

Always, buy the Original Vaseline® Petroleum Jelly after testing its four unique identification marks, i.e. the Original Vaseline logo in Blue and Silver, the triple purification seal, the pure skin jelly trademark and the correct spelling “VASELINE”.

The Original Vaseline® Petroleum Jelly is available in three variants across all retail outlets pan India. So rush to your closest outlet to buy the Original Vaseline Petroleum Jelly to get healthy and glowing skin!

Schwarzkopf The Official Hair Styling Partner for Kingfisher Calendar 2012

Schwarzkopf Professional styles the glamour queens of Kingfisher Calendar 2012

~Comes on board as Official hair styling partner for the 10th edition of the calendar~

Schwarzkopf Professional has tied up with the 10th edition of Kingfisher Calendar 2012 as the official Hair Color and Styling Partner this year. Schwarzkopf Professional is one of the leading suppliers in the hairdressing business worldwide and brings with it international expertise and creativity in the hair dressing arena.

In keeping with its image as a world leader in hair couture, Schwarzkopf Professional sees this association as an avenue to showcase their world class products and stylists. The top-notch stylists from Schwarzkopf Professional conducted an exclusive & rigorous hair- consultation and hair dressing session for the 6 Kingfisher Calendar girls while they shot at the idyllic locales in Sri Lanka.

It’s been a decade since the Kingfisher Swimsuit Calendar was first shot. Over the years, the calendar has become a platform for fresh talent and an epitome for unmatched glamour, fashion and lifestyle. No wonder then, that the Kingfisher Swimsuit Calendar’s 2012 edition can boast ten times the glamour and excitement, especially when it gets International brands like Schwarzkopf Professional as hair dressing partners.

The models who will grace the calendar this year are Angela Jonsson, Maia Haydon, Saiyami Kher, Tena Desae, Mimi Blix and winner from the reality show- Hunt for the Kingfisher Swimsuit Calendar on NDTV Good Times.

Mr Murali Sundar , General Manager ,Schwarzkopf Professional India commented, “As experts in the field of professional hair care , we at Schwarzkopf Professional are extremely happy to help craft looks for the Kingfisher Calendar 2012 – especially for the tenth edition. Schwarzkopf Professional has always been at the cutting edge of creativity in hair fashion and international trends and with this association, our experts have got an opportunity to push their creative boundaries in hair styling. The highly regarded Kingfisher Calendar is witnessed by a worldwide audience and with its 10th edition it’s just got bigger and better”.

Najeeb Ur Rehman , PPS Manager , Schwarzkopf Professional India said “We are thrilled to be a part of Kingfisher Calendar 2012. The entire journey with Atul, models and the crew was simply incredible. The looks crafted on the models this year are very fresh, new and versatile enough to recreate the magic and drama in salons paving the way to the latest hair trends.

P.S: PR Info

Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color Review, Swatches, FOTD

Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color Rose Brown Review, Swatches, FOTD

What the Company claims: Creamy Lip Color combines rich color with comfortable, long-lasting wear and a soft, creamy shine. With emollient shea butter and plant-derived skin conditioners, this amazing formula glides on smooth, wears all day, and leaves lips soft and moisturized. Now in Pink Blossom and Pale Plum featured in the new Marrakesh Chic Collection.

MRP: 23$ for 3.8g (Approx Rs. 1200/-)

Ingredients:

Shades available:

  • Pale Plum- Soft Rose
  • Pink Blossom- Warm Pink
  • Baby- Icy Nude Pink
  • Black Cherry- Deep Red Wine
  • Black Mahagony- Black Brown
  • Blue Raspberry- Blue Raspberry Pink
  • Burnt Sugar- Bronze Nude
  • Coral Pink- Bright Warm Pink
  • Crystal Pink- Pale Silvery Pink
  • Dark Chocolate- Deep Red Brown
  • Hibiscus- Bright Candy Pink
  • Honeysuckle- Yellow Beige
  • Italian Rose- Medium Rose
  • Nectar- Soft Peach Shimmer
  • Pale Petal- Medium toned Blue Pink
  • Pale Mauve- Sheer Pink Mauve
  • Pink Ballet- Silvery Blue Pink
  • Pink Buff- Nude Pink
  • Raisin Berry- Brown Red
  • Retro Pink- Bright Pink
  • Rose Petal- Neutral Rose Shimmer
  • Sunset Nude- Warm Shimmering Gold
  • Tiger Lily- Shimmering Medium Tone Coral
  • Uber Pink- Medium True Pink
  • Washed Sea Shell- Shimmering Nude Pink
  • Twilight- Medium brown with a hint of rose
  • Heather Buff- Medium Neutral Brown
  • Rose Brown- Pink Brown

Phew !! :exhausted: What a list !! And what shades…I want them all ! Check the product here

I have no words to describe this lipstick actually ! In one word its AWESOME..!

It has this long slender black square packaging..and shaped as a slim lipstick..super creamy..quite pigmented..and it has no smell at all..

Rose Brown as the name suggests is a medium pink with a hint of brown…a perfect MLBB for me..I am wearing it each and every day..I am so addicted to it..

Here is the swatch..

And here is how it looks on me..

Pros:

1. Super creamy..I just love the texture..as good as a lip balm.

2. Its quite pigmented and I need just one swipe and can build up the color..but the shade is such that it never looks too bright.

3. The staying power is pretty good..and it leaves behind a tint even after a full meal.

4. No fragrance.

5. I am so in love with the shade..its perfect for Asian skin tones..and if you, like me, are addicted to MLBB shades..then this one is made for you 🙂

6. I loved the entire collection of shades..and also that it has more of pinks, corals, rosy browns and nude pinks and browns.

7. It does not settle into fine lines and gives a creamy finish to the lips.

Cons:

1. It gets collected at the outer edges..a common problem with these slim lipsticks.

2. Not available here..:(

I cannot think of any other cons..I am so in love with it..This is surely a must try..And it has 97% recommendation by users on its site too..Apart from Rose Brown, I also like Twilight, Uber Pink, Pink Buff, Coral Pink…sigh..so many !

Rating:

Quality: 5/5

Value for money: 4.5/5

Availability: 3/5

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Would I buy it again: For sure !

Have you tried the Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Colors? Any particular shade you really want to ?

Deborah Milano MilanoRed Lipstick Review, Swatches

Deborah Milano MilanoRed Lipstick 3 Copper Blazer Review, Swatches



What the Company claims: The new MILANORED lipstick boasts a ground breaking formula that imparts intense colour, absolute comfort and hydration for up to 10 hours*. Contains colour- and shine- enhancing Ruby dust, MILANORED leaves lips with a gorgeously gleaming finish. The formula also includes a Hyaluronic Acid based “filler” that leaves lips softer and visibly “replumped”. As well, the formula contains a blend of natural waxes derived from Jojoba, Mimosa and Sunflower to nourish lips and ensure that the product glides on easily. SPF15 protects the lips from the sun’s harsh rays.With its delicate violet scent, MILANORED by Deborah Milano is hypoallergenic**.

Shades available:

01 Beige Trench Coat
02 Apricot Twin-Set
03 Copper Blazer
04 Brown Waistcoat
05 Rose Ballerina
06 Pink Baby Doll
07 Rose Blouse
08 Fuchsia Bolero
09 Cherry Pop Kimono
10 Coral Lace
11 Orange Brocade
12 Red Corset
13 The Red Dress
14 Lilac Scarf
15 Plum Leggings

MRP: Rs. 650/-

I just love this shade changing pic !

I am reviewing the shade 03 Copper Blazer..don’t you just love the packaging in gold..with its trademark shape..And I also loved the names..which are associated with clothes..red corset, red dress,plum leggings etc..

MilanoRed lipsticks are a new launch by Deborah Milano in India..

03 Copper Blazer is a coppery terracotta pink with some slight shimmer..but not too bright or intense..but a more wearable one..the brown undertones make it less bright and more wearable..this is something very suitable for traditional wear..

It has the Deborah sign of roses and leaves engraved on the bullet..has a sweet violet scent which a few may not like.

It is super duper creamy and pigmented…one swipe gives the perfect color and it stays for a decent time too.

Here is how it looks on me..

Pros:

1. Love the buttery soft texture.
2. Super pigmented..you need just a swipe.
3. Though they claim 10 hours of wear..which is a little too much..it does stay for a decent 4-5 hours and leaves behind a pretty tint.
4. I loved the golden trademark Deborah packaging.
5. Though its a little on the expensive side..with the quality and staying power..its decently priced.
6. Does not settle into fine lines.
7. You do not need a lip balm or anything as its quite creamy.
8. Has SPF 15.

Cons:

1. Since they are recently launched..I am not too sure of its availability.
2. It has a sweet violet scent..if you have a sensitive nose..you better smell it first.

Overall I am loving these..the texture and quality is a little similar to Lakme Lip Love lipsticks..but I guess these are better off in staying power..

Rating:

Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall Rating: 3.75/5

Would I buy it again: Yes..I want to check out 05 Rose Ballerina, 06 Pink Baby Doll, 07 Rose Blouse and 10 Coral Lace..err…too many :p

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

Buy NYX, Orly, Faces, Bourjois Here !

Buy NYX, Orly, Faces, Bourjois Here !


There is a big bang year end sale going on..at StyleCraze.com and they have amazing discounts on all awesome brands..like Faces, Bourjois, NYX, Orly, Max Factor and many others..Read my experience here

Super tempting offers..Are’nt they..Head here for Orly, here for Faces and here for NYX…to see all the products available brand wise..

Happy Shopping 🙂

Vaseline Lip Therapy Cocoa Butter Review

Vaseline Lip Therapy Cocoa Butter Review



What the Company claims:

Ingredients:

MRP: Rs. 100/- for 4g

The cocoa butter lip therapy..has this brown and white normal twist up packaging..its a clear balm..and not tinted..and one major difference is its not too thick..but waxy..like a thin layer would spread on the lips..and you can easily wear this under a lipstick…the lipstick would not slip..or the color would not change..

Pros:

1. Easy to use and carry around.
2. Its not tinted..so you can wear it anytime anywhere…even when you feel you want to avoid colors.
3. Easily available everywhere..including pharmacies.
4. It has a soft cocoa butter smell..I like..
5. Can be used under lipsticks as its not too thick or gooey.

Cons:

1. I wished it was more moisturising. Though its good for daily use..but it does not heal my chapped lips in these harsh winters.

No other cons as such..overall its good…but for the winters I would prefer something more moisturising.

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Would I buy it again: May be..

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

My Experience with 48craft.com

My Experience with 48craft.com


About 48craft.com: Every time we look at a handicraft we are fascinated by its design, its history and its sheer beauty. Designed by artisans in remote villages, these crafts come with an age old tradition and history woven around them. You might be surprised that there are more than 500+ varieties of Indian handicrafts. Our endeavour is to bring this beauty to your doorstep. At 48craft.com, we offer you authentic crafts at the click of a mouse.

Value for money products, authentic and Best quality crafts, free shipping and risk free shopping are some of the reasons why you should shop at 48craft.com.

Founded by a couple from IIM-A and MDI, Gurgaon.

They have everything from home decor to furnishing to jewellery, cards, gifts, accessories, bags, paintings, toys, stationery, etc..and everything is hand crafted and made by different artisans from various parts of India…they all source it together and present in one site for us..for our ease and convenience.

They have Free Shipping above Rs. 99/- which is almost any product would cost and thats very reasonable..and below that they charge Rs. 40/-. And as they have tied up with Aramex or First Flight..you get it delivered in 1-3 days…I got the delivery in 1.5 days straight..which is like super fast ! They send a mail when you order and when it goes for shipping..

They have assured perfect packaging..and if the product gets damaged..you get a refund or replacement immediately…And the best thing is they ship internationally too ! So all you guys who are not from India..this is something for you.

They mention all the product details..including the dimensions, craftsman, tools used, etc
Here is what I ordered..

Its a Kalamkari work Jewellery Box..made from cardboard..its quite small..opens up from the centre..and has four small boxes for keeping your jewellery..they are placed up and down strategically…I quite loved this idea and the whole shape and work of it..the only complaint is I expected it to be a little bigger in size..its very small.

Kalamkari work

And a quilling craft greeting card..with a heart shape..I loved the work on it..

Overall its quite a nice site..and I loved the small cute stuff it has..from jewellery to bookmarks to pen holders and paintings..everything..even the bags..and they are not too highly priced too..I would surely buy from them again…and recommend this site to others too especially if you love handicrafts…as I had quite a good experience..

P.S: I was provided a voucher but it has not affected my opinion of the site.

The Nature’s Co. Coffee Face Scrub Review

The Nature’s Co. Coffee Face Scrub Review


I had mentioned about the Nature’s Co. Christmas Hampers here..They have a Berry Hamper and a Chocolate Hamper in a special silver tray packaging and at a discounted price only for Christmas…the offer is valid till 1st January 2012..

The Chocolate Hamper consists of the Coffee Face Scrub, Chocolate Mint Lip Balm and the Chocolate Body Butter…I am reviewing the Coffee Face Scrub. Its a part of their Earthborne Range.

What the Company claims: Pamper the coffee lover in you with our invigorating Coffee Face Scrub. It is full of anti-microbial and antioxidant properties that sloughs dead skin, boosts circulation and imparts an instant radiant glow. Wet your face and neck, massage using light circular motions. Rinse off and pat skin dry. Can be used daily. Go ahead and get addicted!

Net Wt: 125 ml (4.2 fl. oz)
MRP: Rs. 525.00

Ingredients: Each 100g contains: Coffee extract 0.5%, Coffee powder 1%, Coffee grits 3%, Vegetable Glycerin 6.5%, Olive Oil 1%, Cream Base, Aroma and Natural Preservatives Q.S

Now obviously since its a coffee scrub it would have a coffee aroma and coffee grits for exfoliation..the smell is strong Madras coffee one ! I quite love the smell…the texture is just fine..not too harsh and not too mild..but I guess sensitive skin should stay away. The base is very nice and creamy though. Coffee is very good for detox and cellulite too.

Pros:

1. Love the coffee smell.
2. Perfect scrub texture.
3. Scrubs off dead skin or dry flakes and without being too harsh or dry on the skin.
4. Its quick and easy.
5. Tube form is easy to use and carry around.
6. Its creamy enough to massage on the skin.
7. Would last long.

Cons:

1.  A little expensive.
2. Granules can be a little harsh for sensitive skin.

No other cons as such for this..I quite liked this..and would surely recommend it to others.

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 4/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

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