Beauty Reviews Archives - Page 2 of 4

New Perfumes for Spring Summer 2017

A perfume is an unseen and unforgettable accessory. It is the one thing that completes your outfit. A lot of times people may not remember what you wore but they sure do remember the perfume you were wearing. Thus a bit of fragrance can go a long way for anyone. A perfume is also a very personal item to gift. That’s why it is a great gift for a woman, perhaps on her Birthday. There are so many different types of perfumes. But a special woman deserves something extra. I’ve picked a few of my all time favourite scents which are nothing short of heavenly.

Jimmy Choo is one of the pioneers when it comes to shoes and accessories. Perfume is one such accessory you cannot live without and they have aced that game too. Jimmy Choo L’Eau is a new addition to the signature collection. It captures the scents of the hibiscus flower combined with the citrusy freshness of bergamot. The top notes are enhanced by the delicate rose scent which lingers into the vibrant trail of cedar wood. It’s a great blend of fruity and musky tone which gives it a very sensual personality. The packaging is also sleek. It comes in a transparent elongated glass bottle and is available nationwide. It’s a good gifting option even for your wife or girlfriend.

Jimmy Choo has also come up with gift sets. Add a touch of pink and show anyone how special she is by gifting her gift set from Jimmy Choo. They have developed 2 lovely gift sets; Jimmy Choo Original EDP and Illicit Flower EDT. Both sets include a 60ml fragrance and complimentary 100ml Body Lotion.

I tried the Illicit Flower gift set and it’s a great scent for everyday or office. With apricots and mandarin orange as the top notes, grapefruit blossom, jasmine, rose as the middle notes and sandalwood, musk and vanilla as the base note the perfume has a floral yet woody smell. It’s a good gift set if you aren’t sure what type of smell the other person would like. However, it’s only available in selected stores so you may have to hunt for it.

For the glamorous diva, the Elie Saab Resort Limited Edition is an exceptionally great fragrance with a blend of fruity and floral notes. The red mandarin in the top noted gives a twist to fragrance when combined with pomegranate nectar, orange blossom and jasmine. The base notes of patchouli give a lingering and long-lasting fragrance. The bottle is adorned in catchy shades of pink which makes it look very attractive and distinct. This red carpet inspired beauty is available nationwide and makes for an enchanting gift for anyone.

Price:

Jimmy Choo L’Eau: EDT 40ml SRP £36.00, EDT 60ml SRP £47.00, EDT 90ml SRP £63.00
Jimmy Choo Mother’s Day Gift Sets: SRP £52.00
Elie Saab Resort Collection Limited Edition: EDT 50ml SRP £47.00

Which are your favourite perfumes? Let me know in the comments below.

Time Bomb: Collagen Bomb Essential Skin Fuel

If ageing was a myth then we would all be timeless beauties. But it’s the harsh truth of life. After 30 the skin loses its firmness, elasticity and density as the skins essential collagen starts to break down. To keep your skin looking healthy, young and firm you need to pay extra attention to your skin. There are so many ways you can keep your skin looking gorgeous. One such product I came across is the Time Bomb Collagen Bomb Essential Skin Fuel.

This new beauty product is filled with antioxidants and natural plant extracts which help boost the collagen in your skin. The product works by maintaining the skin’s structure and reinforcing the collagen and elastic giving you a smooth texture and touch skin. It also helps counteract the damaging effect of environmental exposure and keeps your complexion clean and healthy looking.

If you are fighting the battles of ageing skin then this is one product you should add to your daily beauty regimen. It has a light peachy texture which easily spreads over your skin to give your skin an improved tone and texture. The active ingredients like Pycnogenol help plump up your skin giving a glow.

How to Use:

Pump out a pea sized product on your palm and spread it evenly over your face and back.
Use it twice (Morning and Evening) for better results.

After using the product for a period of time I felt that my skin was smooth and there was an even texture which made my skin look healthy and fit. You can see visible results of the collagen bomb. Also, I like the packaging, love the pastel shades use and the pump which dispenses the required amount of product.

Price: £39.99

Time Bomb Collagen Bomb Essential Skin Fuel: £39 for 30 ml. It is available on timebombco.com and QVC.

Bobbi Brown remedies skin reviver No. 91

Beautiful skin requires commitment, there is no miracle cure. Healthy skin is a reflection of overall wellness. So it is important to have a regular skincare regimen. The golden rules of skincare require you to get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, eat your greens and nourish your skin for a healthy glow. Work, stress and pollution aren’t easy on your skin leaving it damaged, unhealthy or tired looking. A regular diet and skincare routine is necessary. But it’s easier said than done. But maintaining your skin got easier with the Bobbi Brown Remedies Skin Reviver No. 91. This is a part of the remedies collection by Bobbi Brown. The collection has six different concoctions for different skincare needs. Just a few drops of this anti-oxidant rich remedy helps support the skin’s overall health, replenish the vital nutrients, and protect the skin from environmental aggressors. The product claims to leave your skin feeling energised and looking revitalised, radiant and healthier after 4 weeks.

The skin reviver is like a green smoothie for your skin, with extracts of fresh kale, spinach and brussel sprouts and chlorella. These ingredients help tackle dullness and signs of ageing, resulting in brighter, plumper and more refreshed complexion by providing the skin with the vital nutrients it needs. The lightweight texture of the product is a perfect fusion of beauty and wellness. The skin reviver can also be mixed with other formulas from the remedies collection or layered with other products for a customised skincare routine.

How to Use – Apply 2–3 drops on clean skin twice a day in place of your serum or before it.

Overall this supercharged green smoothie works wonders on tired looking or damaged skin. The product has good absorption as it is lightweight. And the skin boosting ingredients help renew the skin’s key supplements giving a calming effect and it also shields the skin from environmental aggressors. It’s a great product which brightens up the skin. It works like a skin clearer giving you a radiant finish if used on a regular basis. However, watch out for sun exposure immediately after the application of the product.

Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Price: £26.55

Have you tried any products from the skincare reviver range? Let me know in the comments below.

Una Brennan Superfacialist Probiotic Overnight Skin Recovery Cream

Probiotics in skincare are the new trend that everyone has been raging about. Investing in a skin care range with probiotics can be beneficial for your skin health. The nutrients in probiotics give the skin the necessary vitamins and minerals it needs. Probiotics have been known to improve the texture of your skin, reduce acne, achieve younger looking skin, and reduce inflammation and redness while building the collagen levels. Recently I invested in a probiotic skincare routine. Una Brennan’s new range of skincare product Super Facialist Probiotic Overnight Skin Recovery Cream helps balance the hydration levels of the skin and rejuvenates dull and tired skin. The night recovery cream restores the pH balance of treated or stressed skin. With nourishing ingredients like shea butter and soothing bisabolol the cream gives the skin a soft, hydrated and renewed look. Together these ingredients help reduce inflammation, protect it from pollution and other aggressors, boost collagen production and reinforce the skin barrier.

I have been using the cream regularly and have seen a positive effect on my skin. I absolutely love the probiotic overnight skin recovery cream. It has a lovely texture and finish which makes my skin feel super soft. If you have sensitive skin which is prone to redness and irritation then this is one product you need to include in your night regime. It is also fragrance-free and dermatologically test which makes it suitable for sensitive skin. Night after night the product makes the skin feel renewed and makes your skin look good the next day which makes this cream my go-to overnight moisturiser.

If you like to use richer creams to balance the moisture levels of your skin at night then you can add a few drop of serum or facial oil for a more hydrating effect. Overall it’s a great cream with good absorption which leaves your skin comforted and protected leaving you ready for the next day. Also, it helps minimise redness and irritation preventing blemishes giving you a rejuvenated look. The Superfacialist also has a range of other products for different skin needs. I am looking forward to trying a few after this gem.

Rating: 4 Stars
Price: £15.99

Have you tried any probiotic skincare products? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

VLCC Beauty Product Haul Review

A girl can never have enough of beauty products, which does come close to the quintessential pairs of shoes she can own. When you have a plethora of such pretty products from VLCC, your joy knows no bounds. VLCC is one of the pioneers in the beauty and wellness sector, focussing keenly on the needs of the Indian skin and body, which other foreign brands may not really focus on.

Their focus on incorporating the age-old wisdom of Ayurveda into a modern woman’s needs is really worth a mention. I had the privilege of using a range of their products and here is my take on some of their key products-:

Diamond Facial Kit for skin polishing and purification: Diamonds are a girl’s best friend and even your skin’s! As the name suggests, the facial kit actually has diamond bhasma or dust which according to Ayurveda is actually very beneficial to the skin in terms of removing the dullness and tiredness. The kit mainly contains 6 components of a proper skin care regime; a cleanser cum toner, scrub, lotion, gel and a face mask which all need to be used as per directions. All of them are infused with olive oil and jojoba oil to leave your skin soft and supple, but if you have an oily, sensitive and acne-prone skin you may want to avoid this facial to avoid breakouts. I was very pleasantly surprised with precise directions for use and the mild dewy fragrance just left me relaxed. At the end of the facial, there was an instant glow and evened skin tone thanks to the specks of diamond. However, the effect does not last for more than one or two days, thus one needs to consistently use this kit to avail the long term benefits of a toned and glowing skin.

Daily Protect Sunscreen Cream: Sunscreen is more than just a cosmetic; it is a dire need for anyone and everyone who steps out in the sun, to prevent skin damage. This came at a perfect time when the summer heat is building up. With a good SPF 25, the cream is very light, fragrance-free and non-greasy on the skin and did not leave any streaks of white marks that sunscreen creams usually do. It has the goodness of olive oil, papaya extracts to prevent wrinkles and tomato extracts to ensure tightness of the skin. But, one needs to apply this at least 20 minutes before stepping out and re-application is necessary to avail the benefits. So, keep this in mind ladies.

VLCC Lovable Lips: Chapped lips are something that we all deal with throughout the year irrespective of the season. While most of the lip balms contain paraffin wax or mineral oil, this actually contains natural ingredients such as thick shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil and almond oil, hence it is priced slightly higher than other lip balms. Though in summers, this may tend to bleed from your lips if you apply too much. The easy application stick and handiness makes it worth holding on to.

Gold polishing scrub: While the benefits of gold adorning your body as ornaments is nothing new, gold dust as a scrub seems to be even more exciting. Egyptian Queens like Cleopatra used gold masks to keep their skin young and polished. Closer to home, Ayurveda recommends real gold dust in skin care products like moisturisers, cleansers etc to improve youthfulness and increased oxygenation to the skin. From the moment you squeeze out a little scrub on your palms, one can make out the light metallic gold and also turmeric fragrance, which is an excellent anti-bacterial. A small quantity in the size of a coin is enough to get a good scrub for your face. Unlike other fruit or plant based scrubs, this is not very abrasive, yet effective in remove the dead skin, white heads and dirt. The only little thing with this is that it tends to make your skin dry after use, so those with already dry flaky skin should avoid this.

VLCC cacti and litchi Gentle Hydrating face wash: I never knew that litchi and cacti are actually good cleansers for your skin, up and until now. Though it claims to work best for normal to dry skin, I even used it on my oily skin and after a few uses, my skin did not react adversely or break out. It is definitely mild even in terms of its fragrance. So, definitely worth using on a daily basis and quite worth the price.

I am quite impressed with the range of products that VLCC currently has and I am sure there is more to come. It is definitely a blessing for those who are conscious about their skin and yet want to avoid burning holes in their pockets. These products are mostly skin friendly and do what they claim. So, do not hesitate to try them and be consistent with using them.

Superdrug Beauty and Makeup Haul

When it comes to the best in beauty and healthcare products, Superdrug is a name to reckon with. It has retail stores across the UK to cater to clientage all over the country. Recently, Superdrug opened their new store in Rugby. I was there to have a look and picked some amazing products.

I’ll talk about Superdrug range first.

SD optimum Anti Dehydration Birch Water Micellar Toner is a great product for sensitive skin. The lightweight, alcohol-free toner cleanses the skin, vitalizes it, leaving it soft, clean, and naturally beautiful.

SD Optimum Skin Illuminating Glycolic Overnight Peel, a lightweight, gel-texture product, promises youthful, radiant complexion. It refreshes the skin and smoothens out wrinkles and fine lines.

SD Optimum Day Cream SPF 15 is a unique formula that gives deep nourishment to the skin, restores its moisture balance, and improves its firmness and elasticity. With its SPF 15, the cream also protects the skin from sun induced ageing.

SD Be Confident Hyaluronic Acid Facial Spritz is an amazing product, perfect for hydrating tired skin, refreshing makeup, or for using while traveling. It locks in moisture for 12 hours and replenishes the skin without clogging the pores.

SD Simply Pure Hydrating Serum is another wonderful hydrating product for replenishing and nourishing sensitive skin. It enhances natural suppleness and elasticity of the skin and leaves it smooth and glowing.

Superdrug Facial Cleansing Pads – Tea Tree make a great add-on to my collection. Enriched with tea tree oil and peppermint oil, these are gentle and purifying for the skin. They deep cleanse the skin and remove all the excess oil, dirt and impurities gently.

SD Hair Therapy Oil With Coconut For Dry Hair is a perfect hair-care product for dry hair. With its gentle, moisture protection formula, the oil leaves hair soft, healthy and shiny. It deep conditions and replenishes hair from within.

In addition to these products from Superdrug, I picked some more too.

I Love Lemon Meringue Whipped Sugar Scrub is a whipped formula with lovely citrus fragrance. It moisturises and invigorates the skin and leaves it gently polished.

And I also shopped some products from my favourite brand, Maybelline.

Maybelline Eye Concealer is a product that does a great job at concealing dark circles and flaws around the eye area.

Maybelline Illuminating Stick works well to add dimension as well as enhance features for perfect highlights. It is easy to apply and boosts the skin glow.

Flawless Finish Brush Set is a great makeup brush set which can fit any budget, with a comparable quality from other bigger brands.

There was an offer on Maybelline products and I got a cute bag with them.
There was some more stuff I couldn’t resist.

Makeup Revolution Highlighting and Contour Palette is a complete contouring and highlighting solution. It offers a wonderful range of colour powders for sculpting and contouring, along with highlighters for illumination.

I completed my collection with Studio Eye Shadow Crayons . And I finished up the goodie-bag with my favorite hand cream from Flatter and a hair brush.

I recommend Superdrug for their great selection of pocket-friendly cosmetics and some cool offers

Dabur Vatika Naturals Black Seed Deep Conditioning Hair Mask Review

Exposure to pollution and harsh weather makes your hair prone to breakage, dryness, dehydrations, frizziness, split ends and dull. But there is no reason for your hair to suffer like this. One of the best treatments for dry, damaged and unruly hair is using a hair mask. A hair mask not only nourishes your hair, but also protects your hair fiber and revitalizes dry and damaged hair. So today I would be reviewing a hair mask which I recently came across, Dabur Vatika Naturals Black Seed Deep Conditioning Hair Mask. Black Seed is known for its powerful properties in the ancient culture of Middle East and Asia. Black seed is known to nourish and condition your hair.

How To Use:

Wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo.
Even spread a generous amount of the hair mask on hair post wash.
Wrap your hair with a hot towel and leave it for 15 minutes
Rinse with water.

Product Features:

Easy to use hair mask
Moisturizes your hair
Gives extra shine
Strengthen and promote hair growth
For external use only

Final thoughts

It is a deep conditioning mask which is perfect for over-treated hair or dry hair. After using the mask, my hair feels very silky and nourished. The hair mask comes in a black pot packaging and is black in colour with a nice creamy texture. Overall, it’s a value for money product as one gets a good quality product at an affordable price. For best results, try using the mask twice a week and focus on the end of your hair.

Star Rating – 3.3/5 stars

Dr. Paw Paw Lip Balms Review

When we think about a multipurpose balm or a cosmetic product we always think of Vaseline. Vaseline has been a staple for almost every woman. From hydrating dry skin to chapped lips, Vaseline worked wonders in many ways. But recently, I came across a new multipurpose balm that I am totally in love with. Dr. Paw Paw is a multipurpose balm which can be used in various ways like for chapped lips, dry skin, as a makeup base, to smoothen out fly away hair, hydrate dull and dry hair, repair split ends, and as a cuticle balm amongst other things.

Dr Paw Paw has been an instant success with several makeup artist, celebrities and bloggers since its launch in 2013. The brand offers 4 variants, the original, tinted Peach pink balm, tinted ultimate red balm and a limited edition red sparkle.

The original is a clear balm which comes in a yellow coloured tube. It is an all-purpose balm which can be used for dry patches, elbows, lips, hair setting like fly away, or on your eye lid as a shiner.

The tinted peach pink balm is a good lip balm with a hint of a peach colour to it. The best part about this shade is that it also doubles up as a wonderful tinted blush. It is a very subtle colour.

My all time favourite out of the 4 is the tinted red balm. I love the colour and it is so versatile that you can wear with almost any outfit at anytime of the day. The colour has a depth and is perfect for my skin tone. The colour would also suit any woman with a dusky or pale skin tone. Those who are too shy to try a bold matte red lipstick can definitely try this tinted lip balm to begin with. Even this lip balm can double up as a blush for a warmer makeup palette.

The limited edition red sparkle is a great addition to the Dr. Paw Paw collection. I am really excited to try it one of these days for a night out, cinema visits or a dinner.

Dr Paw Paw is made from all natural ingredients which are beneficial for the skin. The balms contain extracts from the carica papaya fruit, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, aloe vera leaf juice, medicinal grade petrolatum and potassium sorbate. These ingredients are nutrient rich and have a variety of benefits for the hair and skin. The concentration of the product is thick, so you only need to apply a little. Thus the product is long lasting. I also love the packing of the product, as I don’t like the stick shaped lip balms. Tube shaped balms are much better, but sometimes you also end up pressing a lot of product out.

Overall I love this product and highly recommend it. It is an instant favourite with good quality, quantity and packaging for the price. The moment I tried it on I was excited to share my reviews with everyone.

Currently Stocked in Superdrug, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Look Fantastic and Ocado.- so feel free to have your pick from your choice of outlet

Blank Canvas Dimension Series Brushes Review

Whether you are a beginner or an avid makeup enthusiast, it is hard to imagine your cosmetic kit without makeup brushes and Blank Canvas is one brand that has emerged as a favourite for many. Blank Canvas Cosmetics is known for high quality and amazing value. Recently, it has revamped all its brushes and unveiled the new Blank Canvas Dimension Series Brushes, which come in a variety of eye-catching metallic colours and combinations.

Available in unusual shades of Metallic Champagne Pink, Metallic Rose Gold, Hot Pink Gold, Metallic Gold and Rose Gold Black, these brushes are as amazing in looks as these are great in quality. The soft bristles and gorgeous looks make them a pleasure to own and use. The quality makes them comparable to most of their high-end counterparts in the market. I have had the pleasure of using a few of the Blank Canvas Dimension Series Brushes and would like to share my feedback with you.

I have been sent F41, F20, F11 and F06 as samples to try and I must say they all are well made, but I have now formed a special liking for the metallic F41 and F20 Brush

F20 Flat Buffer Brush is the one I utilise for the everyday blush application, and it is simply the best one I have used till date. But you can use it for the foundation as well.

F41 Flat Tapered Cheek Brush is my favourite for blush or powder application as it is ideal for creating the shape for my face. The best part is that it works for both, powder as well as cream products.

F11 Large Eyeshadow Brush is designed for application of eye shadow, though I also it for face detailing too. Again, this one can be used for powder and cream products.

F6 – Bevelled Foundation or Contour Brush is excellent for applying and getting an even finish with your foundation and also for contouring bigger sections of the face. I have been using it in everyday makeup application as it blends the foundation well on the face.

Some of the other ones on the list from Blank Canvas are –

F34 Large Powder Brush is ideal for application of loose, pressed powder and bronzer. It has super soft bristle and nice grip to facilitate smooth usage.

F08 Dome Buffing Brush is again a foundation brush, though it can be used for contouring as well as applying blush and concealer. The best part is that you can use it with powder, gel, mousse or cream based products.

F33 Extreme Angle Contour Brush is a contouring brush used for highlighting the cheekbones and nose, with powder or cream products.

E36 Large Concealer/Eye Shader is a handy one that is ideal for eyeshadow application as well as concealer purposes for hiding the blemishes.

E27 Cute Mini Detailer is another eye brush that is apt for the under eye area, particularly if you love smokey eyes.You can use this one for getting a flawless, natural look by blending the eyeshadows seamlessly.

L29 Lip/Winged Eyeliner Brush will be a fantastic lip liner brush but can double up as an eyeliner brush too. It works as a sharp pencil, ideally suited for lining the lips perfectly and can similarly be used for the eyes.

I have had such a wonderful experience with all these brushes from the Blank Canvas Dimension Series that I would definitely love to buy a few more of these. Plus, their good looks make them a must-have for all makeup lovers!!!

Simply Argan Scrub – Argan Oil, Coconut and Vanilla Coffee Scrub Review

Coffee is a stimulating drink for many people across the world especially in the morning. I am never completely awake without a nice cup of hot steaming coffee. But did you know coffee also has several benefits for the skin.

It contains antioxidants, fatty acid and vitamins which are beneficial for the skin. It helps brighten up tired looking skin. The natural oil moisturises and nourishes your skin, while it helps reduce cellulite and restores the skins texture by reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Caffeine stimulates dilation and scrubbing motion increases blood circulation, which plumps up the skin and reduces the appearance of cellulite. Coffee is also a great exfoliator and is used in several face and body scrubs.

I recently tried the ultimate Coffee and Argan Oil Scrub from Simply Argan and I can see the difference in my skin. If your skin is flaky and dry this product is suitable for you. The natural ingredients like argan oil nourish the skin. Argan oil is also known as liquid gold and it works wonders for your skin. It helps maintain your body’s radiance.

The scrub also helps get rid of dead skin, brightens up the skin and leaves it smelling heavenly. It comes in a re-sealable pouch and once you open the pouch you are overwhelmed by the smell of coffee in a good way. When using the product, remove a small portion in a bowl and mix it with about 2 teaspoons of water to make a fine paste. One warning the product is a bit messy, as its a loose scrub my tip is to take a muslin cloth and wrap the scrub in the cloth and then use as a scrub.But on the plus side it will leave you and your bathroom smelling amazing.

The scrub can be used for your body as well as face. But if you have sensitive skin or oily skin then use only a pea sized amount for your face and scrub gently. After using the scrub for 2-3 times a week I feel that my skin looks healthier and softer. Also the smell lasts for a few hours which is a huge plus.

Overall this is a great body scrub which will leave your skin silky smooth, smelling great and reducing scars, marks and cellulite. Priced at £19 for a 200 gm pouch.

Have you tried the Simply Argan Scrub? Comment and let me know your favourite products beauty products this season.

Skinade Collagen Drink 30 Day Course

I have to share something great with you. I never really had much faith in anti-ageing skin products. I mean, of course there are some luxury brands that do have potent skin-renewing products to offer. But I really didn’t believe that any there is much that can be done to halt the skin’s ageing process.
That’s when I came across Skinade which is essentially a collagen drink – yeah you heard me right! – a drink that claims to boost the natural production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in one’s body. Skin begins to show signs of ageing when these very compounds are no longer produced in ample amounts as when one was young. Now, I’m no expert, but the fact that Skinade has a fine balance of active ingredients that can naturally aid your body’s ability to renew itself, seems like a sure-shot fix for fine-lines, dull skin, dark patches and so on.

Given that Skinade is a beverage and not a cosmetic product or pill, I was willing to try it out without having gone through any reviews. I got the 30 day course which has 30 bottles of 150 ml each – one to be consumed on each day. And believe it or not, after just two days of having Skinade, I could already see the difference! My skin looked brighter and more smooth but I first thought that I was probably just imagining it. But after about a week of regular consumption, the results were undeniable for even other people noticed and complimented me about how healthy and radiant my skin looked.
The drink itself isn’t exactly delicious, but it has a natural peach and mangosteen flavour, so I don’t mind the taste really. I was advised to take it with breakfast because that is when absorption of ingredients is highest. The best part is, it’s very convenient to have these little bottles of anti-ageing elixir because with the 30 day course, I even got a travel pouch. So even when I’m running late and take my breakfast to go, my daily dose can be easily carried alongside.
I would recommend that women above 30 consume Skinade every 1 to 2 months on a cyclical basis to maintain good skin quality. And those over 40 could even take it regularly for that’s when skin retardation really begins to set in. Fortunately, the product is well-priced with the 30 day course costing £99.00. You can buy it online here, and if you want your skin to be plump, glowing and porcelain smooth, you should give it a try too!

SmoothSkin Gold IPL Permanent Hair Reduction Review

Hair grooming has been a part of the beauty regime for ages. People have been using drastic rituals to get smooth hairless skin. Thanks to technology we don’t have to go through any of those. Recently, I talked about at home IPL machines vs. professional laser hair reduction solutions and since then I have been doing a little experimentation and went on to try a home IPL machines.
I have been using the SmoothSkin Gold IPL device and currently am on my fourth session. Read on if you want to know my thoughts about the product.
There are a million techniques you can adopt for hair removal like laser, waxing, epilators and IPL is one of them. So far, I feel that using an at home IPL device is a cost effective and painless way for hair removal or hair reduction. There are a lot of IPL devices available in the market and I chose to go for SmoothSkin Gold due to the features it had. SmoothSkin Gold is a hand held device with an automatic skin tone selection feature which supports the skin tone from 1 -5. The speed time between the shots is 0.9 to 1.9 seconds and the device has a lamp life time of 200,000 and 300,000 flashes.

It is one of the most powerful devices currently available in the market. The key features of the product are that it has two modes, the glide mode and the stamp treatment mode. The glide mode is to cover small areas like the upper lip, chin or side locks, whereas, the stamp treatment mode is for covering large areas like the hands, legs or bikini line. The product is safe to use on the face and also has a gentle mode for those with sensitive skin. It is simple and effective and does not need any type of gel for hair removal.

How does SmoothSkin Gold work:

The light energy transmitted through the device is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle disabling it and preventing and further growth.
Treated hair falls out over the course of 1-2 weeks.

How to use SmoothSkin Gold:

Prepare your skin by shaving any visible hair on the area you want to treat.
Plug in the device in a power source and press the power button to start the device.
The device is ready once the power light turns white.
Place the device firmly on the area you want to treat.
The power bars on the side indicate your skin tone and the device customizes appropriate settings.
Press the activation button once you are ready.

Since the device has two treatment modes if you are using the glide mode:

Keep the activation button pressed continuously and move or glide over the area you want to treat.

If you are using the stamp mode:

Press and flash the activation button.
Move on to the next area when done.

Usually the results are visible in about 3 sittings but it really depends on your skin and hair type and tone. Currently I am on my 4th session for some parts and can see visible difference. Each flash gives a warm sensation on your skin and is completely painless. For best results, the device and routine is recommended for 2-3 months.Tips for better results:

Exfoliate your skin to have an effective treatment. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin and allows for better light absorption.
Keep your skin hydrated and moisturize it daily.
Use the correct treatment mode. For tricky or small areas like the underarm or the face use the stamp mode. For large areas like the legs use the glide mode. When using the glide mode ensure you use a steady pace to make sure you don’t miss any spots.
The best part about using an at home IPL device is that you can control the settings. If you are not comfortable with the settings then use the Gentle Mode until you are ready. The gentle reduces the power output.
Before using any IPL machine or treatment for hair removal make sure you do a patch test to see how your skin reacts to it.
Keep the device in a pouch free from dirt and clean it regularly to get rid of any hair.
The Reflector should be cleaned after every treatment with a lightly damp cloth. Make sure the part is dry before re-fitting it.
Do not use water to clean the device.
Use SPF cream after treatment since your skin is sensitive.

Pros

Automatic skin detection technology which customizes the treatment for you.
Cost effective method for permanent hair removal when compared to salon treatments.
Easy to use, mess free and painless method for hair reduction.
Dual Treatment mode: Stamp and glide mode.
Gentle treatment mode for sensitive skin
Safe to use on face
No need for cartridges.

Cons

Takes a bit longer and you have to do the hard work
For best results the treatment is supposed to be carried out for 12 weeks or 3 months.
The device is not safe for very dark skin.
The device is not suitable for people with grey, white or red hair, as these hair types don’t have much pigment in the hair follicle to absorb the light, so it doesn’t work as well
Results vary based on skin and hair type.

Overall Rating: 4/5

Price: £299.00 for 200,000 flashes.

I would recommend SmoothSkin Gold if you are looking for a cost effective at home IPL Machine for permanent hair removal. But before using any hair removal or reduction technique make sure you consult a doctor if you are taking any medications and do a patch test. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Have you tried any IPL machines at home? If so then, let me know your reviews in the comments section below.

Salon Science Repair and Radiance Range Review

All the damsels distressed by the quality of their hair – this post may be the harbinger of hope; hope of having a headfull of wonderful, luscious locks.

Like a lot of women, even I was quite sceptical about products claiming to improve the quality of one’s hair. Of course, styling products can change the way your hair looks temporarily, but to think that the essential texture, strength and growth-pattern may change – I didn’t think that was really possible.

But over the years, as I experimented with all kinds of hair products, I realized that there is scope for improvement. You just have to find the right concoction. And this belief was only strengthened when I recently started using products by Salon Science – they worked like a charm on my hair!

In fact, I was so impressed by the results, I decided to dig a little bit deeper and discover exactly how the Salon Science products work. From what I can tell, these products combine powerful active ingredients and plant stem cell extracts, which together, rejuvenate the hair from within. The makers have created several series of products to tackle varied hair-related problems such as ageing, lifeless hair, damaged hair, dry hair and hair loss. I got myself three products from their GSP-T SWISS GRAPE Range which promises Repair and Radiance. All of them – the REPROTECTANT™ THERMAL CRÈME, the REGLOSSE™ SMOOTHING SERUM and the RECORRECT™ LEAVE IN TREATMENT – have helped enhance the health and quality of my hair.

Now let’s look at each individual product of the above-mentioned lot. The REPROTECTANT™ THERMAL CRÈME is perhaps the most useful for me. I subject my hair to heat-based styling rather often and so, having such a product handy is quite convenient. It is supposed to be used on dry or towel-dried hair before exposure to heat-based instruments such as blow driers, straightening irons or curling tongs. The crème has a gooey texture but it spreads on the hair easily and evenly. There is no greasiness or residue and once the styling is done, but I do find my hair heavy with product after this but I am comfortable as I know I am not losing any moisture or healthy sheen. The antioxidants and UV-filter protection infused into this crème’s formula make it an ideal choice for hair subjected to heat-styling and ample environmental stress.

The REGLOSSE™ SMOOTHING SERUM has wonderful restorative properties as well. It has a dense consistency but easy applicability. A small amount – just about two to three pumps – is sufficient for my hair. I use it after showers when I’m intending to leave my hair natural, without any styling. As my hair soak up all the goodness of the serum’s constituent grape seed extract and tocopherol, there is significant improvement in their texture when completely dry. My hair, which is sometimes prone to frizz, becomes smooth, shiny and easy to tame. This serum is a great way to nourish hair over an extended period of time and should be an essential part of the hair-care regime of divas having dry, frizzy hair.

Coming to the RECORRECT™ LEAVE IN TREATMENT, in my case, this is the product I didnt use at the start but in the end it became my favourite of all, used of my haul from Salon Science. Not because it is unsatisfactory or does not deliver what it promises, but just that the other products are effective enough – I don’t need this as much since the crème and serum are enough to have my hair looking good and staying healthy. Nonetheless, let me tell you about this leave-in treatment. The product has a somewhat thick consistency and mild, inoffensive smell. I use it after a headwash on days when I have been styling my hair using heat-based appliances too frequently. It is thick and spreads through my hair evenly. Though it doesn’t leave my hair greasy, I wouldn’t recommend it to people whose hair gets weighed down easily with product usage.

I have to say though, this trio of hair-enlivening wonders have made my tresses healthier, shinier, bouncier with just a few weeks of use. I may even try the PhytoCellTec™ Swiss Apple Range that’s has benefits of Anti-Ageing and Restored Volume. These products may not be inexpensive, but I feel they’re worth every penny spent. After all, any expenditure on haircare which actually makes a difference is not a waste but an investment! That’s what I believe. What about you? Share your thoughts!

Final Thoughts:

Star Rating – Mixed but between 3 and 3.5
Pricing –
Salon Science ReCorrect Leave In Treatment 150ml – £14
Salon Science ReGlosse Smoothing Serum 50ml – £12
Salon Science ReProtectant Thermal Crème 150ml – £12

Amphora Aromatics – Rose and Pomegrante Shampoo & Conditioner Review

When I stumbled across AA Skincare, a natural skincare range by Amphora Aromatics, I knew that I simply had to try this brand for myself. For starters, I was completely taken in by their philosophy of creating naturally effective skincare products that do not harm our earth and natural resources. As if that wasn’t enough, Amphora Aromatics strong background in aromatherapy and natural skincare meant that these products were going to be truly effective. As you might expect, essential oils and natural ingredients play a key role in this skincare range – think Rose, Almond, Sandalwood, Seaweed, Aloe and more!When I got my hands on the Rose & Pomegranate Hair Care Kit, I couldn’t contain my excitement! Imagine a heavenly combination of rejuvenating rose and anti-oxidant rich pomegranate, which complement each other wonderfully and work together to create magic for your mane.

I completely fell in love with the light rose fragrance while using shampoo, and could not get over how lovely my hair smelled after washing it! The conditioner is really good too – sweet smelling and very nourishing. Personally, I feel that these products would be better suited to ladies who have dry hair rather than oily hair, as it is noticeably milder in comparison to other high street products, and does not lather quite as much, either. But hey, I’m not complaining!

To my mind, the best part about this range is the fact that it is natural, so you can rest assured that their products don’t contain any of the other nasty, harmful ingredients that others might. What’s not to love?

If you’re looking for the perfect mix of nourishing hair care and a heavenly scent that puts you in a good mood, this is it!

Here is a link to where you can find all their collection online. http://www.amphora-retail.com/

Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer – Swatch Medium Neutral

Blemishes, Pigmentation, Dark circles are no woman’s best friend. That’s where concealers come in. They make flawless skin possible by brightening your skin, hiding your acne, pigmentation and dark circles. Concealers give a good finish if applied before your foundation. Dab a little product where required and blend well for a flawless look.Today I will be reviewing the URBAN DECAY NAKED CONCEALER which I recently came across. The URBAN DECAY NAKED CONCEALER is a high coverage weightless concealer which gives a luminous, demi-matte finish.

I use a concealer to cover up my pigmentation around the lip area and under my eyes. I opted for a shade lighter than my other concealers and found that it works well for both, my eyes and around the lip pigmentation. Also, a lighter shade of concealer can double up as a brow or cheek bone highlighter to enhance your features.Pros

Creamy
Weightless, but provides a full coverage
Covers scars, redness, dark circles and pigmentation well.
A lighter shade of the urban decay concealer can also double up as a highlighter to give a good glow to your face.
Product comes with an applicator; you can either dab on dots of the product or apply more with the wand.
No Parabens

Cons

The product settles into the fine lines around my under eye and forms creases. To avoid this, I make sure that I don’t use too much product around my under eye and really blend it well into my skin.
Little on the expensive side
The applicator tends to pick up too much product.

Final Thoughts: It’s a good product if you want a medium coverage which gives a more natural look.

Rating: 4

Price: £17.50

Dior Diorskin Nude Air Healthy Glow Invisible Loose Powder Review

I hope all you divas are enjoying a fab, couture-filled week. I certainly am, for if nothing else, I’ve been trying out a lot of new makeup and cosmetics, which is always so much fun! This review is based on my experience with the Dior Diorskin Nude Air Healthy Glow Invisible Loose Powder; here’s what I feel about it… The loose powder comes in an elegant box with a silver cap having the classic Dior quilted finish and brand-name embossing. The packaging is fairly sturdy and can be carried in your purse, but I think they could have made it more travel-friendly. It comes with a white puff which is great for fuss-free application, though I usually use a foundation brush, especially when putting it on at home.

Now coming to the powder itself; it’s incredibly light and airy so your skin will never feel cakey or heavy after application. It blends in with your foundation seamlessly, though on looking at it, you might think the powder is too pink or too pigmented for a subtle “barely-there” finish. But as you put it on, it’s completely sheer and locks in the base makeup wonderfully.What I love about this product is that is gives the face a nice matte finish, without drying out less oily areas like the cheeks. I don’t have to worry that the mattifying effect will leave my T-zone non-greasy but make the rest of my face look dull and lifeless; trust me, that happens with a lot of such products! There is one problem though – the powder is somewhat shimmery. And that’s okay if you’re wearing it on an evening out or to a party. But for office-wear, this may not be the ideal choice. I usually keep my makeup subtle at work and the distinctive sheen of this loose powder is hard to miss in well-lit rooms.

The bottom line is that I really like the subtle finish the Dior Diorskin Nude Air Healthy Glow Invisible Loose Powder offers; light and sheer, mattifying yet hydrating. But I mostly use it on special occasions and not for daily wear. I really wish Dior would come up with a non-shimmery variant of this loose powder so I could use it for more causal and official outings too.

Here is the pic of when I am wearing a very light dusting of this powder on my face. A lot more and my face lights up like a light bulb *wink* *wink*

Cost : £36
Rating: 4.5 Stars

But that’s just me. How did you like this Dior product? Any alternative powders you found better or worse? Share your experience too – I’d love to know!

My Favourite EyeLiner – Benefit Cosmetics Magic Ink Liquid Eyeliner Review

Hi All!

This review post is on a brilliant product which validates the belief that “Old is Gold”. The Benefit Magic Ink Liquid Eyeliner is one of those classic black liners that end up being a staple product in every diva’s makeup bag.

Honestly, this eyeliner is my favourite till date. I have been using it since 2011 and in the past 4 years, have finished numerous bottles with repeat purchases. It comes in a small, 2.5 ml bottle witha tight, sturdy cap and elegant plastic body. The packaging is perfect for travel purposes as well as keeping on your vanity – so compact and completely leak-proof.

Once you open the bottle, you’re delighted by the jet black liquid therein – it has an even consistency and dark pigments for a bold finish. On application, it dries in a jiffy so even novice makeup users are protected against wet-liner-smudges. As far as smudging and staying power after drying goes, this Benefit liner is virtually impossible to critique. It remains on my lids without flaking or getting lighter for many hours. I have combination skin and tend to sweat when it’s hot, but with this product, I’ve never been left with streaky, raccoon eyes.

What I love most about this eyeliner is its thin, stiff wand which allows for precise, one-swipe application. When you’re running late in the morning and rushing to get your makeup done – that’s when you truly appreciate the ease of application it offers. Perhaps this is why when I buy this liner, all others I own remain ignored and untouched till it gets over. And you might think that given that it’s just 2.5 ml, it would get over very quickly. But it actually lasts for long; I’m on my 3rd month with my current bottle.

Final Thoughts: Great Product, No Issues. Recommended for Repeat Buy

Star Rating – 4.8

Price – £15.50

As is pretty obvious, I’m a big fan of the Benefit Magic Ink Liquid Eyeliner. What has your experience with it been like? I’d love to know…

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte Lipstick – M Pink 355 Review

Today I’m reviewing a product that really isn’t like anything I’ve tried before. Whenever any product surprises me, I feel I must write about it – after all, if it’s unique, it deserves a mention!

I picked up the M Pink 355 shade from the Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimitied Supreme Matte Lipstick collection. I got it because the shade seemed interesting and the promise of a matte finish was quite alluring. I really love matte lipsticks for their versatility – they are suitable for office-wear, a simple day out and even special evenings and parties. So you can see why I gravitated towards this product though on using it I realized that it was something different from what I was expecting.

This lipstick gives you the most intense matte finish you could ever imagine. Its texture is somewhat like dry butter – when you put it on, it’s soft and glides easily but has an extremely dry texture. Since it is so matte, this lipstick does nothing to moisturize your lips. I make sure to exfoliate and put on a lip balm before I use this lipstick. But don’t get me wrong, the dry-butter-texture and extreme matte finish somehow feel good, even as the idea itself may not sound too appealing.

This Shu Uemura lipstick has a long staying power and remains intact for at least 4 – 5 hours. Worn for an entire day, the pigmentation fades a bit and but your lips never look bare. The M Pink 355 is a soft mid-tone pink that gives a fuchsia tinge to the lips. Since my lips are pigmented, I wear foundation underneath to prevent the colour becoming a darker shade on most days. But sometimes, when I want a more intense pink, I forgo the foundation and get a darker shade.

Essentially speaking, I get two colours with one lipstick!

Final Verdict:

Great Coverage
Lovely Color
Staying Power 3 to 5 hrs
leaves a nice pink tint behind

Star Rating – 4.1 Stars

Price – £20 in UK