Tag Archives: beauty blogger

Fair & Lovely Advanced Multi-Vitamin Daily Fairness Expert Face Wash Review, Indian Beauty Blog

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

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

By Nidhal

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

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

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

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

PRICE –Rs 25/- for 20g

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

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

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

MY EXPERIENCE-

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

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

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

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

GOOD-

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

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

3. Fine packaging

BAD-

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

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

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

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

RATING-0/5

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

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

How to Get Rid of Back Acne?

How to Get Rid of Back Acne?

By Shelja

Summers are full of adventure, beaches and sweat. Sure we all love summer holidays and other stuff but there is something which I hate about summers, The back acne! As summers are sweaty I end up with these crazy acne all over my back and forearms, Thank God I am not the only one facing it, the good news is, it can vanished! Every year in forced to keep a check on the tips given below to keep my back free from acne. Keep reading to know more!

1. Salicylic wash : Salicylic acid is popularly advised by dermatologist for acne and pimple prone skin, it is also know for its deep cleansing and rejuvenation properties, it also provides exfoliation and reduces dark spots caused by acne. Using salicylic acid on your back twice daily can have visible effects.

2. Benzoyl peroxide : This is a another strong ingredient to use on your back acne, as it dries off the skin it’s not recommended to use on your face without your dermatologist advice. If your using a benzoyl peroxide wash let it stay for atleast a minute befor you wash it off. Using a lotion of benzoyl peroxide over your back after the shower will get you faster results.

3. Keep it clean : if you notice back acne mostly occur during summers, sweat is also one of the many reasons for your back acne, shower right after you sweat, after gym or before bed.

4. Retino A : Retino A cream is used for acne and pimple treatment, it is also used for further prevention, you may notice some skin shedding within few days but that’s a normal process as it sheds off the old skin at the same time promotes growth of new skin cells. It also works good for wrinkles, age spots and skin lightening.

5. Don’t re-use worn clothes : Dirty clothes can cause clogged pores and thus causing acne, the best way is to wash your bra and tops after one use, especially during summers when you sweat the most.

6. Apply sunscreen : If your skin has acne scars sun can be your biggest enemy. As sun can make your acne marks last longer. The best way is to wear clothes which covers your acne area. use a oil free suncreen lotion over your back 20min prior of sun exposure. Sunscreen also helps to save your skin from unwanted tan and early signs of ageing.

Editor’s Note: Agree with all these points Shelja, well written. I do get it in summers sometimes.

Image sources : 1,2,3

Do you have back acne? How do you deal with it?

Khadi Herbal Body Wash Rose and Honey Review

Khadi Herbal Body Wash Rose and Honey Review

By Monika

Hi to all the lovely people out there!!!!! This is my first time writing a beauty blog so do let me know in the comments below whether you find this review helpful or not .I was looking for a good, herbal and economical body wash for daily usage and that is when this product comes into picture which, I bought on one of my online purchases. This product has made me love khadi products even more so; to know more about the product and my opinion on it continue reading.

Price and quantity: Rs 130 for 210 ml (BUY HERE)

Shelf life: 2 years from the date of manufacture

Product claims: Khadi rose and honey body wash indulges your senses with beautiful soap-free cleansing gel that will leave your skin feeling cleansed, refreshed and soft with a whisper of beautiful rose fragrance.

Directions for use: Apply to wet skin all over the body. Lather and rinse. Use daily if required.

Ingredients: Water, geranium oil, aloe vera, rose centifolia, ananas cosmosus, crocus sativus, azadircta, honey, base qs.

My experience with the product

The product comes in a transparent bottle through which you can see the lovely pink color of the gel. It has a sturdy flip cap that prevents leakage which makes the product extremely travel friendly. The packaging is common to all the khadi body washes in the market. I must say that, I am more of a shower gel person rather than soap and given the price it is a steal. The product has a pleasant smell of roses which dies down within minutes after you come out of the shower that according to me is a major drawback since; I expected the pleasant smell of roses to last a lot longer. The wash lathers very well and only a coin sized amount is required if used it with a loofah, rinsing off isn’t problem as well. Also, the cleansing action of the wash is very good, leaving the skin soft and supple. I personally would recommend using this wash with a loofah as it would make sure that you do not use excess of the wash and will last a lot longer. It has a gel like consistency and in my opinion would be suitable to all skin types. The gel based formulation is neither moisturizing nor drying and you may want to use a moisturizer depending on the climate. I would like to conclude by saying that, if you are looking a good wash for regular usage which is economical then it sure is a great buy ignoring the longevity of the fragrance.

Pros:

  • Cleanses well
  • Decently priced
  • Travel friendly
  • Great for regular usage
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Easily available (prefer buying it online as you can get some great discounts on this product, which I did)
  • Natural ingredients

Cons:

  • The fragrance does not last for a long time
  • It is not moisturizing so have to use a moisturizer after the bath which in my opinion you should anyways be doing.
  • Generic packaging

Rating: 4.5/5

Final word:

I would like to recommend this product to all you beauties, since it does its job pretty well without burning a hole in your pocket and would last a long time. I love it so much so that I have already restocked on the product.

Editor’s Note: This sounds quite good Monika, nicely reviewed 🙂 I will definitely try this.

Have you tried the Khadi Herbal Body Wash Rose and Honey?

Bio Oil #YummyMummy Yummilicious Fashion Walk

Bio Oil #YummyMummy Yummilicious Fashion Walk

Hey guys,

Bio Oil had this fun event on Saturday called the Yummilicious Fashion Walk where pregnant mothers were going to ramp walk. They had a contest where they chose 12 pregnant women to walk the show. Carol Gracias and Shveta Salve, both being pregnant too currently, walked along with them.

Carol had choreographed the show and all the ladies wore beautiful outfits by Inaaya By Shivangi Lahoty. They also had floral jewellery, hand harness, armlets, etc. made by Shivangi. From the hair and makeup to the outfit, entire appearance of the mommies-to-be was taken care of, and they all looked beautiful and glowing!

Pregnancy is the most beautiful phase in a woman’s life, but a lot of mothers-to-be usually shy away from social events during this phase, as they are mindful of the way their body looks. This initiative of Bio-Oil on the occasion of Mother’s Day was a welcome change.

Bio-Oil aims to be a facilitator for expecting mothers to shed their inhibitions and celebrate this beautiful phase of motherhood. What better way than flaunting their flawless baby bump skin.

Both Carol and Shveta talked about how they have been using Bio Oil religiously. While Carol has been using it from her 3-4th month, Shveta has been using it from the time she came to she is pregnant.

Also present at the event were celebrity gynaecologist Dr. Kiran Coelho and dermatologist Dr. Rashmi Shetty. Dr Coelho mentioned how using anti-stretch marks oils such as Bio Oil certainly makes a huge difference and women do not have to worry about the post-pregnancy sagging skin and stretch marks, which makes them feel under confident, and they can enjoy their motherhood bliss.

The specialists highlighted various concerns related to health and skincare during pregnancy. They shed light on the ideal time after which mothers may start exercising in order to shed their pregnancy weight as well as recommended tips for improving the skin post-pregnancy. Dr. Rashmi Shetty mentioned how the major worry that every pregnant woman has is, whether the stretch marks are ever going to go. The answer for which is try to minimize stretch marks during pregnancy by regularly applying moisturizers and oils such as Bio Oil, which contain Vitamin E, Lavender, Calendula and Rosemary. She emphasized on the need for mothers to take as much time as they require, post giving birth, to get back to exercising.

Encouraging women to come out of their shell, boosting their morale and making them feel beautiful was the focus of the event. The brand created a platform for expecting mothers, to help them come out of their cocoon and dazzle the ramp. This Mother’s Day, Bio Oil partnered with Yummy Mummies across the country to encourage them to celebrate and enjoy their pregnancy phase rather than shying away from the world.

There were also three winners i.e. the Cutest Bump, Glowing Skin and Yummy Mummy. The Yummy Mummy title was won by Parul.

I loved seeing the happy moms walk the ramp and it was indeed a super cute initiative by Bio Oil.

Top 10 Forest Essentials Products, Prices, Buy Online

Top 10 Forest Essentials Products, Prices, Buy Online

By Archana

With the growing awareness about the harmful effects of chemicals in beauty products, we can see an increased number of ayurvedic and natural brands entering the market. Forest Essentials is one such luxury, ayurvedic brand which is slowly becoming popular. “Make space on your bathroom shelves for a gourmet feast for your skin.” That’s what they claim! And well, I have to say that I have a soft corner for beauty brands & Made in India. Luxury Indian brands on par with international luxury brands! That’s my dream. Coming back to Forest Essentials, there is a lot of debate among beauty bloggers whether the quality justifies the very high prices and also the missing ingredients lists annoys many people, including me. But their unique products and methods of preparation definitely tempts me. Given a chance, I would really wish to visit their factory and watch their preparation process in detail. Anyway, today lets look at the best FE products that you should give a try.

1. Hand Pounded Organic Fruit Scrub (BUY HERE)

There are brands coming with hand pounded sambar and rasam powders! Well, okay, but that’s boring! How about a hand pounded fruit scrub? 😀 Made with organically grown dates and peaches. Blended with finely ground almonds. Top it with pure apricot kernel oil and honey… And hand pounded to right consistency… Slurp! Sounds delicious. Imagine treating your face to this luxury scrub. It gently exfoliates the dead cells and tan and reveals your natural, glowing complexion. Definitely give this one a try.

Price: Rs.1675 for 50g.

2. Eternal Youth Formula Date & Litchi (BUY HERE)

The name “Eternal Youth Formula” sounds tempting and yes, it has a lot of good reviews among beauty bloggers. If you are in your late twenties and just beginning an anti-ageing routine, this is a good start. It firms, tones and makes the skin more youthful. FE prepares it by soaking date and litchi fruit in pure rose water in clay pots buried under the ground to ferment. The cream is hand-mixed and FE claims that mantras are chanted while mixing to imbibe positive energy into the product!

Price: Rs.3600 for 50g

3. Moisture Replenishing Bath & Shower Oil Honey & Vanilla (BUY HERE)

FE is most popular for its wide collection of Bath & Shower oils. I would definitely recommend you to try one of these in winters. These are basically water soluble oils made from pure distilled essential oils to leave your skin supple and silky smooth. The delicious aroma of raw honey and vanilla oil instantly rejuvenate your senses and is an excellent way to pamper yourself in your night time bath routine so as to nourish your skin overnight.

Price: Rs.1675 for 200ml.

4. Advanced Soundarya Age Defying Facial Serum With 24K Gold (BUY HERE)

This ayurvedic anti-ageing serum is prepared with purified 24 Karat Gold Bhasma which is infused in a mix of oils, herbs, fresh cow’s milk, pure ghee and root extracts. The infusion is simmered over slow fire and left in copper vats to soak up the benefits of the metal. The final result is a intense, potent serum to make the skin younger, radiant, supple and naturally glowing. A Harry Potter miracle potion! Give it a try and reverse-age magically…

Price: Rs.3395 for 25ml.

5. Body Mist Iced Pomegranate with Fresh Kerala Lime

This was a newly launched body mist last year and it had a good reception due to its unique ingredients list. I mean, for our intense Indian summers, FE has nailed it with this combination of Iced Pomegranate and Fresh Lime. It instantly refreshes and cools the senses while the organic pure aloe vera juice helps to soothe and hydrate the skin.

Price: Rs.1675 for 100g.

6. Luxury Sugar Soap Bitter Orange & Cinnamon (BUY HERE)

These are clear sugar soaps handmade with pure unprocessed raw cane sugar. The sugar acts as a natural humectant and doesn’t dry out skin. The fresh, tangy scent of bitter oranges along with the warm, aromatic cinnamon stimulates and rejuvenate the senses giving an out of the world experience. Comes in other variants too like Rose & Cardamom, Oudh & Green Tea, Jasmine & Mogra, etc.

Price: Rs.395 for 125g.

7. Lightening & Brightening Tejasvi Emulsion (BUY HERE)

This is a luxurious facial massage cream specially formulated with whole cream cow’s ghee and other ayurvedic herbs which help to lighten blemishes and pigmentation. FE claims this particular product takes many months to prepare. Extracting potent ghee from cow’s milk, ageing the ghee with saffron and herbs and burying this mix in earthen pots under banyan trees for 2 months. Finally, it is simmered on fire by adding cow’s milk, virgin coconut oil and fresh rose petals.

Price: Rs.2275 for 50g.

8. Cleansing Shower Butter Nargis (BUY HERE)

We have heard of body butters, lip butters and TBS has even hair butters. But a shower butter! This is the first brand am noticing that’s offering a cleansing shower butter. This is a surely a luxurious creamy bath product to pamper yourself in winters. A blend of kokum butter and shea butter with the light fragrance of Nargis flower. The soft butters melts into a creamy lather which cleanses your skin while also nourishing it.

Price: Rs.1450 for 200ml.

9. Sanjeevani Beauty Elixir (BUY HERE)

Sanjeevani is a renowned herb in Ayurveda for its excellent skin rejuvenating properties. It “brings back the skin to life” and gives a luminous glow to dull skin. This is especially suitable for dry, aging skin and helps to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, plump up, soften and increases the elasticity of skin. FE prepares this using the traditional ayurvedic method of infusing the herbs, soaked in cold water overnight to absorb the rays of the moon. Sounds impressive!

Price: Rs.3175 for 30g.

10. Facial Tonic Mist Panchpushp

This is a water-based floral toner prepared using the purest form, from the condensation collected during steam distillation of flowers. It contains a blend of five flowers – rose, jasmine, kewda, marigold and saffron. This facial mist gives a gentle boost of hydration to the skin after cleansing.

Price: Rs.650 for 100ml.

The above is just a handful of their best products. Also, I would recommend their hair care range of sulphate free, paraben free, silicone free shampoos and conditioners and hair oils. Also their range of masques and ubtans are widely popular. Psst! FE has announced a new product, yet to be launched – Deeply Nourishing Facial Cleansing Paste with Almond, Pistacho & Honey. 😉

Editor’s Note: I absolutely love FE products Archana, have tried only a few though, but each and every product is so effective and works amazingly well. I am quite intrigued with the Tejaswi Emulsion and Nargis Shower Butter. I would also like to add a bonus 11 i.e. Kashmiri Saffron & Neem Delicate Facial Cleanser, it is excellent! Speaking of price point, I know it’s expensive but some of the FE products are totally justified. I would say the bath & body products can be replaced with similar brands like Iraya and Auravedic but the skincare is excellent and irreplaceable. I would anyway prefer FE skincare over Clinique, etc. 🙂

P.S: All Images from Forest Essentials website

So which FE products have you tried? What are your opinions on it? Do you think the high prices are justifiable? What other Indian brands are your favorites? Share your comments below.

Top 12 Nude Lipsticks for Different Indian Skin Tones, Prices, Buy Online

Top 12 Nude Lipsticks for Different Indian Skin Tones, Prices, Buy Online

By Sanchita

Nude or neutral lipsticks play a very important role when it comes to deep dark smoky eye makeup. also, while going for formal occasions, office wear or any neutral makeup look, you prefer going for a nude or neutral color which is give a nice look to the lips with a MLBB feel without washing out completely or looking like a pale ghost. Now, choosing such a color like this isn’t very easy and depends a lot on complexions. In the west, a lot of MLBB colors are used but when the same colors are used on Indian skin, it looks completely washed out. Now, Indian skin tones is very comprehensive in terms of shade card (remember the times when we complain about foundation shades) and has a lot of mixed complexions if you see it as a larger picture. Not every light brown come across an MLBB color so you have to choose as per your skin tone. Hence, I have divided the list into three categories – fair, medium to wheatish and dusky to deep. So, let’s look at the lip colors.

FAIR (NW-NC 15-30)

1. MAC Lipstick Honey Love – INR 1450

MAC has an extensive range of nude and neutral lip colors with brown, pink, beige or pale base. Honeylove has a deep yellow-beige base which shall suit the flat fair complexions. The texture is thick and creamy when applied and settles down to matte finish. MAC lipstick has all the quality you can ask for and the price is surely worth. MAC Yash is another gem from the brand which would happily look great on fair complexions. Both the colors has a special appeal when it is paired with dramatic smoky eyes.

2. REVLON Super Lustrous Crème Lipstick 87 Fleshtone – INR 550

I would highly recommend this shade for the warm fair complexions. It is a light beige or milky brown nude kind of color that looks extremely gorgeous. The Super Lustrous is an excellent range with reasonable price tag. The texture of the lipstick is creamy smooth and hydrates the lips like anything. It is also forgiving on chapped lips too. The color is well pigmented and doesn’t need much layering. It gives a crème sheen finish to the lips and stays for a considerable amount of time.

3. Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick Undressed – INR 250

The shade Undressed from the Lasting Finish range is a neutral toned milky peachy-brown shade with no shimmer or frosty touch. It will suit both warm and cool undertones very nicely. The texture is a very creamy and glossy one that has the tendency to melt in summers. The pigmentation is wonderful and single swipe give a complete opaque look to the lips. The staying power is good for a creamy lipstick and doesn’t bleed at all. For the price, it is one of the best budget friendly nude lipstick for fair complexions.

4. Maybelline Color Show Creamy Matte Lipstick – Mysterious Mocha – INR 325 (BUY HERE)

Mysterious Mocha is a very light brown with pink undertones. The color is best suited for cool tones or porcelain fair skin tones. Maybelline Color Show range has a wide range of colors and the quality is great for the price you pay. It comes in a slender cylinder packaging with a regular lipstick-bullet packaging. The texture is thick creamy and settles into a matte finish. It needs not be layered and the pigmentation is good with just 1-2swipes. It requires a well-prepped lips and stays for around 4 hours as well.

MEDIUM TO WHEATISH (NW-NC 35-42)

5. Colorbar Take Me As I Am Bare Dare Pink – INR 900 (BUY HERE for 855) Swatches HERE

This is one of the best MLBB color I have used so far. It is a nude pink shade but has sufficient warm undertones to suit the medium to wheatish Indian complexions. It is in the form of a chubby wooden pencil that requires to be sharpened. The texture is creamy but has a light weight formula that doesn’t go heavy or waxy of the lips. It has a satin finish with a tiny layer of sheen to the lips. The color is richly pigmented and looks fabulous as an office wear too. The price is slightly high but the color is a total winner.

6. L’Oréal Color Riche 456 Beige Crème – INR 925 (BUY HERE)

L’Oréal Color Riche is one of the popular range from the brand luxurious color palette with lasting hydration for an ultra-glamorous look. Beige Crème is a nude brown with a strong pink undertones to it. The color looks amazing on medium to wheatish complexions as a neutral one. The creamy texture with an opaque color pay with just a single swipe will make you fall in love with the color. Moreover, it is a great choice if you have dry and chapped lips. The staying power is around 4-5hours.

7. Chambor Powder Matte Lipstick Desert Rose – INR 645 (BUY HERE)

One of the bestselling colors from the house of Chambor till date. The color Desert Rose is a neutral tea rose pink with slight brown undertones. It is a one-of-a-kind color and is enriched with SPF 15. The texture is smooth yet not entirely creamy and the finish lives up to its name – powder matte. A nice comfortable matte finish that require 1-2swipes to bring out the pigmentation and the price tag is also reasonable for the color and quantity you pay for.

8. MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick – INR 1450

Like I said before, MAC has extensive range and for the medium to wheatish range, I found MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick is the best choice. It is a neutral kind of pink beige with very fade brown undertones which actually compliments the medium skin tones. The lipstick has a lasting matte finish that goes ever smoothly when applied, either directly or with a brush. The staying power is as commendable it gets and so as the wonderful pigmentation which gives brilliant color pay off with just single swipe.

DUSKY TO DEEP COMPLEXION (NW-NC 44-55)

9. Revlon Colorburst Lipstick Rosy Nude – INR 610 (BUY HERE)

This color Rosy Nude is true to its name as the color looks like a rosy pink neutral color with slight brown undertones and look like a nude sort of color for dusky to deep complexion of Indian skin tones. The packaging is nice and sturdy one with a compact bullet tip. The lipstick is creamy in texture which gives a rich and smooth layer to the lips. The finish is glossy and stays for around 3-4hours on the lips. When it fades off, it gives a natural pink-brown tint to the lips with hydration.

10. Colorbar Velvet Matte Lipstick in Bare – INR 325 (BUY HERE) Review & Swatches HERE

If you love comfortable matte lipsticks and with a budget friendly price tag, Colorbar Velvet Matte is the range you should go for. The shade Bare is a neutral brown with slight peachy undertones and is a stunning one to be precise. It has a satin smooth texture that glides so well yet gives a semi-matte finish and you won’t have to worry about the dry going all high and dry. The staying power is around 5-6hours and it also leaves behind a pretty stain with going patchy and uneven.

11. Lakme 9 to 5 Lip Color Toffee Nexus – INR 450 (BUY HERE for 360)

The 9 to 5 range of Lakme has around 40+ shades and each one is as stunning as it gets. For the dusky to deep complexion I would highly recommend the lip color Toffee Nexus neutral color with the right balance of pink and brown. The color requires only 2swipes to get that complete opaque look and settles down to a powdery matte finish, very similar to the Chambor Powder Matte range. You also try the color Red Chaos or Coffee Command which has brown undertones to it. The price tag is reasonable and the lipstick is decently long wearing too.

12. Colorbar Deep Matte Lip Crème – 004 Deep Earth – INR 675 (BUY HERE)

Liquid lipsticks are such a rage now-a-days and Colorbar Deep Matte Lip Crème has a reasonable price tag too if you compare the quality of it. The color Deep Earth is an earthy peach-brown kind of color which looks nude on deeper skin tones while slightly deeper on fair skin tones. The crème is smooth in texture and spreads well on lips and gives hydrating matte finish which is extremely comfortable to wear for dry lips as well. It gives a fuller pout and doesn’t settle into fine lines at all.

Editor’s Note: This is a fabulous post Sanchita! I absolutely love it. Colorbar Bare is an old favourite. I also love Maybelline Colorsensational My Mahagony and Crazy for Coffee. I would like to add Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Sultry for Deeper skin tones, Chambor Extreme Wear Transfer Proof Liquid Lipstick in 402 for Fair to Medium skin tones. Also MAC Cosmo is my ultimate favourite and is perfect for fair to medium skintones.

What are you favourite nude lipsticks?

Home Remedies For Glowing Skin

HOME REMEDIES FOR GLOWING SKIN

By Rashmi

Hello peeps,

I am back with another DIY solution for your skin. Glowing skin is what everybody desires. People spend so much money by going to parlours. Though the effect of parlour treatment is almost immediate,is it long lasting? I don’t think so. I prefer using ingredients from the kitchen which are readily available.These are absolutely natural ingredients and are safe. And these things give a glow to your face like no other parlour treatment can give. And guess what? The results are permanent. When at first my mother asked me to use homemade face masks instead of going to the parlour i laughed at that but now after using all these homemade masks I am sure I am not going to the parlour for facials.

And I am sure these home remedies for glowing skin are going to work for you guys as well.

Happy reading ☺

1. Honey and lemon juice –

In a bowl take 2tbsp honey and mix in it 1tbsp lemon. Mix it well. Apply it on your face and leave it for 20 minutes.Wash it off with cold water. Lemon works as a natural bleach and honey gives instant radiance. One could also try applying just honey on the face. Honey and Lemon is perfect for removing your tan too.

2. Banana face mask-

In a bowl take half a banana(ripe),mix 1tbsp yogurt to it along with 1tbsp honey. Mix it well until the banana is mashed completely. You could add 2-3 drops of rosewater too. Now apply this face mask and leave it for 20-25 minutes before washing it off with water.Banana is best for getting glowing skin.

3. Tomato juice –

Simply mix tomato juice along with lemon and apply it on your face. Let it sit for 20minutes and then wash it off with plain water.Follow up with a good oil free moisturiser.

4. Olive oil or coconut oil-

People have this misconception that if they apply oil on their face, they will get pimples .This isn’t true. In fact either olive oil or coconut oil should be applied on the face for at least 10minutes before taking a shower. This is a really effective method to get that glow that you have always longed for.I follow this routine daily and this has worked effectively for me.

5. Potato and lemon juice-

Take the juice of half potato and mix in it about 1tbsp lemon juice. Apply this on your face daily for a week and you will be able to notice a beautiful glow on your face. Rub this mixture on your elbows too to get rid of dark elbows. This mix when used continuously for a week, will help get rid of all that stubborn tan.

6. Papaya face mask-

In a bowl take papaya and mash it well. Mix in it about 1tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp turmeric (you don’t want to be left with a yellow face instead of a glowing one) and 1tsp honey. Mix all the ingredients well and apply this on your face for 20 minutes and then wash it off. Apply rosewater on your face after that.

7. Milk and lemon-

Mix milk and lemon together. The milk should be unboiled. Apply this and you would get a radiant skin within a week. Milk helps to moisturise your skin and lemon helps in bleaching the skin naturally thus causing no side effect.

Additional tips-

1. For people with dry skin mix glycerine and rosewater and apply it on your face daily.

2. For people with oily skin mix gram flour(besan) with rosewater and apply daily. Alternatively fuller’s earth could also be used.

3. Apply aloe vera on your face daily .

4. Exfoliate your skin at least twice a week to get rid off the dead skin cells.

5. Always keep your skin hydrated and moisturised.

6. Always remove your makeup before going to sleep and apply your night cream.

7. Rub an ice cube on your face for an instant glow.

See more skincare tips/DIY HERE

Editor’s Note: These are easy and perfect everyday tips Rashmi. Glycerine and Rose water, I swear by. Even Fuller’s Earth, especially for summers.

Do you use these quick home remedies for that glowing skin? If not, do so now.

P.S: Images from Google.

Jac Olivol Body oil with Italian Olive oil Review

Jac Olivol Body oil with Italian Olive oil Review

By Pallavi

Hii Girlies,

For dry skinned girls like me you can’t leave without body oils in winters. And especially during the February and summer months when the winters gets reduced but the air turns dry. That is the time when i felt my skin feeling much more dryer. And that is when i realised that only body lotions are not going to soften my skin. i need something stronger. Let’s go for body oils. Now, can you imagine whole winter i didn’t used any body oils but when the winter was on the verge of ending i needed a body oil. And that is when i landed with Jac Olivol Body oil with Italian Olive oil.

Price : Rs. 54 for 100 ml.

Ingredients:

Company claims : For a soft, smooth, glowing and healthy skin, reach out for Jac Olivol, which is enhanced with Italian olive oil. It has a light texture with sandalwood aroma and nourishes your skin with ayurvedic elements.

   Absorbed by skin easily

   Makes skin soft, smooth and radiant

   Effective herbal body oil

   Golden liquid of 200 ml ensures healthy skin

My experience with Jac Olivol Body oil with Italian Olive oil

The packaging of this olive oil impressed me. With oils I always have a fear that they will spill out and damage my clothes and all. But this one comes in medium sized yellow bottle which has product details inscribed on it. The bottle has the cap at the top which when tightly secured ensures that the oil will not spill out.

Now coming to the texture of this oil it is really free flowing and light. It spreads easily on your skin and since it is light it does not feel sticky. You need a very little amount per usage. so, a single bottle can survive you easily for one winter. With regular usage you can see that the oil is taking care of your dry patches. Also, it brings a healthy glow to the skin.

Good about Jac Olivol Body oil with Italian Olive oil

1. Natural brand

2. Little product required per usage

3. Inexpensive

4. Spreads easily on skin

5. Soothes dry patches on skin

6. Healthy glow to the skin

Bad about Jac Olivol Body oil with Italian Olive oil

1. Not meant for oily skinned beauties anytime of the year

Rating – 5/5

Editor’s Note: This sounds really good Pallavi, I have combination skin and definitely need a rich oil like this for winters. I would surely give this a try.

Have you tried the Jac Olivol Olive Body Oil yet?

Top 5 Felt tip/Pen tip Eyeliners in India, Prices, Buy Online

Top 5 Felt tip/Pen tip Eyeliners in India, Prices, Buy Online

By Simran

“You have to be calm, cool and collected around liquid eyeliners, because it can sense fear”

Hello everyone!

Let us all look back to the days when we couldn’t even draw a straight line on our eyes, and look at us all, we have mostly got so fierce with our eye liners. I find that an eyeliner adds a quick spark on the face and levels up your makeup game altogether. And, if you haven’t mastered the art of perfecting your eyeliner, worry not; that’s what felt tip or pen tip eyeliners are for. They help you create the perfect line even if you’re a bit too shaky or just a newbie in the eyeliner game.

Liquid liners can be a bit too messy if you’re a newbie and they provide no control over the applicator. I never started with felt tip eyeliners, honestly, i just jumped straight into a liquid eyeliner and by trial and error, i learnt on my own.

Felt tip liners help you create the most perfect lines and sharp wings, the only con being, they usually dry out pretty quickly. So, here’s my Top 5 felt tip/pen tip eyeliners to help you create that perfect wing:

1. Maybelline The Colossal Liner (Price: Rs. 425/-) (Review HERE) (BUY HERE for 340)

This has to be my most favourite eyeliner out of all the eyeliners mentioned here. It claims to be the perfect antidote to your eye liner woes, smudge-free with quick-dry formula ensuring long-lasting bold application. Fade-proof, lasting up to 12-hours long. It comes with a 0.4 mm Flexi Tip Applicator which enables error-free and quick application. Its empowered with Ink-pigment technology providing stunning, defining lines as well as intense colour. Initially, i hated this eyeliner since it didn’t use to last more than 2-3 hours or so; not like any felt lip lasts long but this one disappointed me at first. Then, i just tried using it after days by patting powder on my lids first and the results were magical. This liner lasted me for more than 8 hours and gave me really sharp lines. It is a must have if you want precise, bold, black and long lasting eyeliner.

2. Colorbar Ultimate Eye Liner (Price: Rs. 550/-) (BUY HERE for 512)

It claims to be highly pigmented giving an intense look. It is waterproof and stays on for long hours, without smudging or bleeding and you can also play around with the look you want to wear. This liner gives you the blackest lines and is completely smudge free. It lasted me a good 6 hours. It doesn’t come off easily until you actually use a makeup remover. It is worth a buy if you want an eyeliner for an all day usage.

3. Lotus Herbals Colorkick Curved Liquid Eyeliner (Price: Rs. 725/-) (BUY HERE for 690)

I bought this eyeliner after hearing bloggers and youtubers rave about, and i finished it pretty quickly since it just is so good. It claims to give proper holding position for comfortable application. Buttery soft texture glides over waterline effortlessly. It does not feel heavy. Stays on eyes for long time. I love the way the product is packaged, it helps you have a grip and control over what you’re doing. It gives bold black lines and the tip is perfect for even creating a thin line. The only con is the pricing which i find is a lot to spend on a felt tip liner which is barely 0.4ml. A must have for anyone who is new to the eyeliner world. It’s a dupe of the Sephora Curved Liquid Eyeliner.

4. Maybelline Hyper Sharp Eyeliner (Price: Rs. 425/-) (Review HERE) (BUY HERE for 361)

Can we all just agree that Maybelline makes the best and affordable products? It claims to be waterproof, does not flake and can be used on the inner rim. The carbon black colour and defined finish will add an instant drama to your eyes. With its precision-tip foam applicator, this innovative sweat resistant formula delivers vibrant wear with no feathering, flaking, or fading. This liner gives you really precise and thin lines, it stays for upto 5-6 hours and is pretty sturdy so you can carry it around wherever you go. If you need a liner for creating the subtle thin lines, just buy this liner without a second thought.

5. Lakme Absolute Precision Liquid Liner (Price: Rs. 425/-) (BUY HERE)

This company has been there forever, our mothers used its products, so you just know it is trustworthy. It claims to have a quick dry, long lasting, smudge-free formula that just doesn’t smear. This eyeliner will highlight the beautiful shape of your eyes. It comes with an easy-to-apply applicator which is in a pen-type design, making it simple for you to define the contours of your eyes, to give you the desired look in one stroke. This liner is yet again bold, black and provides you perfect control over the lines you create. You can create anything from a subtle thin line to a bold winged eyeliner. It lasts up to 6 hours and is smudge free. It is Lakme, just trust it and buy it. do i need to say anymore?

Editor’s Note: I absolutely love this list Simran. Maybelline Hypersharp was my favourite untill they launched the Colossal Liner. Now I only use Maybelline The Colossal Liner. My recent discovery which is really nice and I would like to add in this list as the 6th one is the PAC Cosmetics Liquid Liner Pen.

Which is your favourite liquid felt tip eyeliner?

Colorbar All Day Waterproof Eyeshadow Sticks, Diamond Shine Lip Gloss Review, Swatches

Colorbar All Day Waterproof Eyeshadow Sticks, Diamond Shine Lip Gloss Review, Swatches

Hi guys,

I have been trying out these two new launches from Colorbar from quite some time now. And I also did a look around these. Here are my thoughts on them.

I did this look with these new launches..

Colorbar All Day Waterproof Eyeshadow Sticks: This ultra-modern eye-shadow stick glides like velvet, has feather light application and lasts for 8 hours without creasing, flaking or fading! Applying perfect eye-shadow will no longer be a tricky job with ColorBar All Day Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick. Fall in love with this blendable and highly pigmented do-it-all eye-shadow stick, which also doubles up as eyeliner. Sharpen the tip with a detachable sharpener (attached at the back of the stick) for precise application and use it to shade, define, smoke-up and highlights. Its velvet powdery, lightweight texture is smudge proof and doesn’t non-transfer on the upper eyelid.Preservative and mineral oil free. Dermatologically and Ophthalmologically Approved

MRP: Rs.850/- for 1.4g

Ingredients:

Available in 10 shades

I have the shades Ornament and Moss in the Eyeshadow sticks and Nude Glow and Pixie Pink in Diamond Shine Lip Gloss.

The eyeshadow stick comes in a swivel up rotating packaging. Each shade has a matching base colour which makes it easier to identify. It also comes with a sharpener, so that the tip can be sharpened if it gets blunt and flat. That comes very handy, coz it is difficult to use on the upper/lower lashline with the flat tip.

It is cream finish and glides on well, but it sets almost immediately and doesn’t budge once set, you need to be super quick when you are working with this. This can be a con for newbies, as it won’t blend once set. It is super pigmented and settles to a matte finish. It is indeed smudge proof and transfer proof as claimed. But when used on lower lashline and waterline, it does smudge a bit.

It stayed put for almost the whole day on the eyes, untill removed and around 6-7 hours on the waterliner and lower lashline, before smudging a bit. It comes off easily with a makeup remover. I love the idea of eyeshadow sticks since they are easy to use and carry.

Left: Ornament, Right: Moss

005 Ornament is a nice champagne beige with hints of gold. A perfect, everyday shade and would also work for office. You can even use it as a base and layer with more deeper or glittery shades for more intensity and a heavier look.

Top: Ornament
Bottom: Moss

004 Moss is my favourite, a bluish green shade which pops up the eyes. I love using it on the upper and lower lashline, as seen here. It’s a perfect spring color and would brighten up the eyes and face, it makes the eyes look more white.

Left: Moss, Right: Oranment

Here I have used the shade Ornament all over the lid and the shade Moss on the upper lashline and outer half of lower lashline and extended it and blended softly with an angled liner brush.

At Rs.850/- these are slightly expensive, but I am quite impressed with the quality. They do as they claim! I highly recommend these, I also like the shades Slate and Mulberry.

Colorbar Diamond Shine Lip Gloss: You’re not fully dressed until you add some Glitter! A Gorgeous high shine lip gloss that wears a feather and envelopes your lips with rich, intense Color in just one stroke, packed with Luxe shimmer. This soft highly pigmented gloss adheres perfectly and glides on flawlessly, to make your lips shine like diamonds. Enriched with Vit-E & comforting oils, it fits the lip care needs of every woman perfectly.

Features and Benefits:
High pigmented shimmer gloss
Light weight on application
Comforting oils to provide hydrate and conditioning to your lips
Smooth and creamy application
Enriched with Vit. E providing antioxidant properties
Color does not bleed on lips
Flocked paddle applicator to picks up a generous amount of gloss for a nice, even lay down of color
Preservative free

MRP: Rs.675/- for 3.8ml

Ingredients:

Available in 8 shades

Coming to the Colorbar Diamond Shine Lip Gloss, they come in a round, transparent, normal glass packaging. Since they are see through, you can easily identify the shades if you have more than one.

Now I am more into matte lipsticks and liquid lipsticks, I haven’t used a lip gloss in the longest time. But I guess once in a while, they look quite good. Of course, you get a nice, shiny pout with a lip gloss, which you can never with a matte lipstick.

These are completely non sticky, well pigmented for a gloss and the color stays well even after drinking, etc. These are quite moisturizing and light weight, and all that these claim! Mostly all lip glosses transfer a lot and don’t stay more than 1-2 hours, these ones do! They stay well for about 3-4 hours and survives light drinking, etc too.

I usually use a base color as a soft tint blended with my fingers and go over a gloss like this. The color and stain stayed put well though the evening for me.

002 Nude Glow is an everyday nude brown with silver shimmer

004 Pixie Pink is a bright neon barbie pink with silver shimmer

Left: Nude Glow, Right: Pixie Pink

Nude Glow is more universal and can be layered on any color lipstick and worn on it’s own as well. If you don’t like using lipsticks at your work place, something like Nude Glow should be perfect!

Pixie Pink can be layered but it is bright and pigmented enough to use on it’s own too.

If you are into matte and colored lip glosses sans shimmer, this is not for you. But if you like a shimmery, glossy pout, these are a must have!

I absolutely love Nude Glow, and it comes in 6 more shades. It is definitely very pricey for a lip gloss, but the quality is comparable to MAC and/or other high end glosses.

I have used the Lakme Absolute Matte Lip Tint in Pink Fantasy as a soft tint and blended with finger and the shade Nude Glow on top of it, in the first pic above, for this look.

What do you think of these new Colorbar Launches? Tried any? Your thoughts?

P.S: PR Samples. Honest Review