Beauty Reviews Archives - Page 3 of 4

Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion and Hand Cream

Like many women around the world, I have severely dry skin. This condition tends to become worse during the winter months, when the unconducive combination of freezing weather and indoor heating wreck havoc on my skin by sucking out the moisture from it.

Needless to say, it is extremely difficult to find products that can truly nourish my skin. Some products don’t absorb well enough, whilst others don’t moisturize well enough. Others, still, take way too long to rub into my skin, which is a major deal-breaker for me. So, you can imagine my excitement when I discovered the answer to my skincare prayers: the Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion and the Aveeno Hand Cream.

I’ll start by talking about the lotion. Formula-wise, this beauty combines the goodness of colloidal oatmeal with rich emollients – a combination that works hard to nourish, protect and prevent dry skin. Now, when I first used the product, I found it very hard to believe Aveeno’s claim that the product lasts for 24 hours. Truth be told, I was praying that it would last at least 12 hours but guess what? It actually does last for almost 24 hours! I was totally blown away by this discovery.

As if that wasn’t enough, the product feels is very light in consistency (unlike other deep moisturising creams) and absorbs into my skin super quickly, leaving it soft, supple and smooth as silk. My skin absolutely loves and agrees with this product, soaking up all the moisture that it has to offer. I can’t get enough!

Now, as with the rest of my body, my hands are extremely dry as well. In fact, I fear that my hands will be the first to show my age, because they don’t have any fat tissue in them to keep them soft. I have been on the hunt for a great hand cream for a while now. At the time, I was using four different creams from four different brands, with one on my desk, in my bag, next to my bed and on my study table at home.

When I tried the Aveeno Hand Cream, I was absolutely delighted. It does exactly what you would expect a good hand cream to, and a little bit more. The highlight is that this hand cream absorbs very quickly – I hate hand creams that feel sticky and leave behind a residue. This cream does have a fragrance, but it is very subtle and it won’t irritate you at all. Like the lotion, the hand cream lasts for a while, unless you have used a very strong soap to wash your hands.

If your skin is dry and dehydrated, I definitely recommend both of these products. Give them a whirl, and I promise that you will never look back!

Product rating: 4 Stars

Ooharr Face Mask Reviews

Today I’m reviewing a set of products that I received in post few weeks back and the net result is that the Ooharr Face Marks turned out to be quite effective in doing what they claimed and well, my skin is all the better for it.

Ooharr is actually a new brand of natural products that are not exorbitantly priced. So far, they have launched three face masks, suitable for all skin types. These come in individual sachets with bright packaging, which is actually what first caught my attention. I have used all the three variants, i.e. Dead Sea Cooler, Rosie Glow and Star Glow – so read on to find out how I feel about them.

Let’s begin with the Dead Sea Cooler. This mask is supposed to leave your skin feeling “refreshed and revitalized”. It is composed of tea tree oil, witch hazel, peppermint, argan oil, bamboo powder and almond oil. This combination exfoliates the skin and cleanses it deeply, infusing it with the right amount of moisture. It has a minty-herbal smell, gritty texture and cooling effect on application.

Upon removal of the mask, my skin felt clean, smooth and devoid of excess oil, despite being hydrated. This mask is great for those with oily to combination skin and would be ideal for a session of self-pampering after a long, tiring day.

The next mask I tried was Rosie Glow which promises a “deep cleansing” action that should have your skin looking “rejuvenated and refreshed”. It has several essential oils including rose oil, geranium oil and palmroasa oil, as well as dead sea salts, all of which are known to purify and soothe skin simultaneously. This one has a calming, floral fragrance and smooth, thick texture that clings to the skin. On washing off the mask, I felt my skin looked well-hydrated, healthy and squeaky clean –similar to when you come out of the salon after a clean up. This one is good for those days on the weekend when you want to cleanse your skin thoroughly to look fresh for the upcoming week.

Finally, we come to Star Glow which is a “skin polisher” that shalll keep your skin “radiant and refreshed”. The mask is enriched with vanilla, honey, argan oil and jojoba oil for nourishing the skin to give it a beautiful glow. It has a lovely smell that reminds me of raspberry pudding and a gritty texture which exfoliates the skin on application. After washing it off, I could literally see the difference – my pores looked minimized, my skin felt soft and supple, and my face was lowing almost as if I had makeup on! I think this mask is great as pre-party skin-brightening ritual for it really gives the complexion an even, radiant finish.

What I love about these masks is the fuss-free application and removal – just leave them on for 15-20 minutes (till they dry) and wash off with water. They smell good too, which is an added bonus. If you ask me which one my favourite is, I’ll probably say Star Glow. But I feel I’ll be using more of the Dead Sea Cooler in the upcoming summer months.

Star Rating – 3.8 Stars

Price – £1.20 per pack

*The products in this post were sent to me for review, but all comments and review of the product is my own.

Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen SPF 25 Review – Swatch Beige

This is a review of another product from my Benefit Haul last month. Now, if you’re wondering why this review is coming up so late – I don’t pen down my opinion till I have tested a product myself over a significant period of time. After one month of usage, I’ve experienced this foundation’s effect in all kinds of conditions – daywear, nightwear, long hours, etc – and so can make a better, more informed judgement.

So here goes – I bought the Beige shade of Benefit’s Hello Flawless Oxygen SPF 25 range. This foundation is meant for light to medium coverage and promises a healthy, luminous glow. Apart from its hydrating benefits, this it has an oil-free formula and SPF 25 PA+++. For those who are not aware of this, SPF denotes the grade of protection against UVA rays, while PA stands for that against UVB rays. Three stars are the highest level of UVB protection possible, and thus, this product is great for the summertime when chances of sun damage are high.

This is what attracted me to the product first – I exclusively use cosmetics with high SPF in summers, it’s not something I can do without. But even other than the sun protection quotient, this foundation worked wonders for me. It provides a great finish that is natural, yet gives my complexion a flawless glow. I generally build to medium only on special occasions since light cover is good enough for ordinary days.

I have noticed that being water-based, this foundation never feels heavy on the skin. It lasts longer when I wear it with the Benefit Porefessional Matte Rescue Balm which is meant for pore reduction. You can also wear it with Benefit’s 15 Hours Stay Flawless Prime. But the product is so good, it hardly needs any fortification from other products in general.

Here you can see a picture of the foundation blended on my hand and another at bottom where I’ve used it with the Benefit Porefessional Matte Rescue Balm. The shade is one tone darker than what I normally use, but that’s how I prefer it in summer months. This is because skin tends to get darker due to tanning in this period and one shade darker foundation tends to blend better.

So this was my review of Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen SPF 25.

Final thoughts: Great for Summer Months with a decent SPF built in, good for daily wear and even buildable.
Love the fact that it helps in preventing the signs of aging as it contains Vitamin C & E derivatives as well

(my LOTD- wearing the Hello Flawless Foundation and Benefit Porefessional Matte Rescue Balm )

Star Rating – 4 Stars

Price – £26.50 / 30 ml.

PS: For more tips and tricks such as the one about darker foundation in summers, follow my account and I’ll keep helping you with such titbits!

*The products in this post were sent to me for review, but all comments and review of the product is my own.

Coconut Oil – Vita Coco Review

This post is about a wonder product that we all must have in our vanities. It’s the LBD of beauty care – it’s versatile, does wonders for the appearance and is absolutely fabulous. Yes, I’m referring to coconut oil here; that one-stop-vial of goodness that we all need in our lives!

I always keep virgin coconut oil handy so I can whip it out to meet my numerous beauty needs. It’s best to use the virgin or extra virgin variety for they contain more nutrients. Regular coconut oil is made from dried coconut flesh that is subjected to high temperatures and several refining processes, all of which affects its nutritive value. Virgin and extra virgin oil is produced using more sophisticated methodologies, making them the best possible variants to use. But these days, there are also some products that add more organic nutrients to coconut oil, transforming them into products with more beauty benefits than ever!

(Vita Coco Coconut Oil – is my go to makeup remover these days)

And as far as the beauty benefits of coconut oil are concerned, the list is virtually endless. We all know that coconut oil has high hydrating properties that make it an ideal moisturizer for the skin and body, especially in those cool winter months. And our grandma’s have instilled in us, a deep faith over the hair-nourishing capacities of coconut oil. Seriously, not only does it work wonders for pre-head-wash oiling, it is also great for taming fly-aways or as a leave-in serum for smooth, frizz-free hair. I also use it as a lip balm sometimes, when my lips are extremely chapped and need an instant quick-fix. Other than this, coconut oil works well as a massage oil, body scrub (when mixed with sugar) and highly effective makeup remover too. For those who are into fitness and healthy cooking, coconut oil is quite a good option there too; it is known to increase metabolic rate and aid weight loss. Now when there is so much that one single product can do, wouldn’t you be singing praises of it too?

(Look what I cooked here with Vita Coco – Bruchetta and it was yummylicious)

As mentioned above though, not all varieties of coconut oil are quite as brilliant. You have to find a concoction that is genuine and optimally suited for use in one’s beauty regime. And I found the perfect product – I can’t stop gushing about it! It’s none other than Vita Coco – an organic, 100% raw, extra virgin coconut oil, derived using cold-pressing techniques. It is packed with antioxidants and numerous nutrients that have thus far, met all my beauty needs. I use Vita Coco for virtually everything – oiling my hair, healing irritated skin, removing stubborn makeup, on dry lips, cracked heels, and even for cleaning my makeup brushes! I have also used it to add some extra sheen to my eye makeup on special occasions. When I get the time, I intend to mix it with some Epsom Salts to create a DIY body scrub too. Clearly, I am a very big fan of Vita Coco.

If you want to try it out as well, it is easily available in big chain stores like Boots, Selfridges, Urban Outfitters, Holland and Barrett, Ocado.com, Tesco and Wholefoods. You could also buy it online at amazon.co.uk. I highly recommend it to anyone who needs some TLC at home, with just one awesome multipurpose product.

You can find more details about this product and some brilliant ideas at www.swearbyit.com

Star Rating – 5

Price -£9.99 (500ml

*The products in this post were sent to me for review, but all comments and review of the product is my own.

BeneFit Cosmetics POREfessional Matte Rescue Review

I’ve recently come across many ardent fans of the BeneFit POREfessional range, and so got really curious about these products. I finally got my hands on the newly launched Matte Rescue Gel which claims to reduce pores, tackle excess oil problems and also keep the skin hydrated, thanks to the Benefit Haul.

I have combination skin and am always on the lookout for good mattifying products, especially during the warmer months of the year. This gel based formula seemed to be perfect for my needs, since it also contains diamond powder for a soft focus pore-blurring effect. I was surprised by the light blue shade of the gel and the cooling effect it had on my skin. It felt nice though, and a small amount was enough to cover the entire face. Plus is that it comes in a tube and is very handy to carry around as well.

On putting it on, I immediately noticed that my face looked fresh and oil-free, with none of that off-putting shiny finish. Thus, it can be used directly as a moisturizer or even as a primer too. In fact, some foundations react with excess facial oil, making the skin look darker as the day progresses; but with the BeneFit POREfessional Matte Rescue Gel, this can be prevented to a great extent. My recommendation would be to use it for sure if you are going to be wearing makeup for more than 8 hrs in a day as it will help protect the colour of the foundation and make it look fresh all day.

My final take on this product it is that it’s wonderful for those with combination or oily skin. It has great hydrating ability and keeps your face shine-free for longer, while also reducing visibility of pores. I think I might be buying this again once I’m done with this tube!

Price: £21.50

Star Rating: 4 Stars

Pros:

Great price
Does it what it says

Cons:

not recommended for dry skins
can be drying in winter months

*The products in this post were sent to me for review, but all comments and review of the product is my own.

Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil for Dehydrated Skin – Review

In recent months, I have found myself moving away from facial serums. In fact, I have been on the hunt for a new face oil to rejuvenate my skin, so when I laid my eyes on the Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil, I knew that I had to try it. This product is specially formulated for dehydrated skin and it is made entirely from pure plant extracts, including Rosewood, Patchouli and Blue Orchid. It also contains Hazelnut Oil, which is known to lock moisture in to your skin and prevent the formation of fine lines. What more does a woman need? I have been using this product for over a month now, and have been pleasantly surprised to see that it lives up to its claims. The first thing I have noticed about this face oil is that it really does moisturise your skin, and how!

After only a few uses, my skin felt soft, supple and super hydrated. This also resulted in a more flawless finish when I applied my makeup because my foundation sat better and for much longer on my skin. I also noticed that when my skin had drunk up all the moisture from this product, it started to look brighter, radiant and really, really healthy. This face oil is especially great for the winter, when your skin is dry, dull and in need of ‘a little more’ to revitalise it. I absolutely love that the consistency is very thin and light for an oil, so it spreads quite easily and absorbs into the skin very quickly. It leaves behind a slight glow, as opposed to a greasy, heavy or oily finish. In my books, that is a major plus point!While the product revitalises lifeless, dehydrated skin, I have also noticed that it has a subtle toning effect that minimises the appearance of pores and really tightens them up. It has a similar effect on blemishes – it sooths any raw, red inflammations and completely banishes the blemishes within a couple of days. Overall, I have seen a positive change in the appearance and texture of my skin.
So, how should you use this product for optimal results? The best time of day to apply this product is the evening, as recommended by Clarins. After you have cleansed and toned your face, apply a small amount of the oil to your face and neck, and let your skin soak up all the goodness overnight. I promise that you will feel like a brand new person in the morning!

Price: £32.00

Pros:

Moisturizing
Lasts Long
Nourishing

Cons:

You still need serum or morning face cream in winter months
Slightly on the expensive end

MeeBox Feb 2016 Box Review

Today I’m reviewing a beauty box that I really enjoyed using. MeeBox is exclusively for the nail nerds. It comprises of only nail-care and nail-art products and is available with two kinds of subscription packages. You can either go in for a monthly subscription at £20 or save £6 with a quarterly subscription of £54.I personally love the concept of subscription boxes. They expose you to new brands and products which you may not have bought off a store otherwise. These are the sort of products you see at a store, are extremely fascinated by too, but always forgo in favour of a tried and tested product. A beauty box is like a blind purchase where you are pushed out of your comfort zone and try new things.So, when I got this MeeBox in my mail, I was super excited to open and see what’s inside. The anticipation and final reveal in itself was quite thrilling. Even before I unpacked it though, I was quite impressed by the sturdy yet beautiful packaging. Inside, there were four products, wrapped in a confetti-themed paper and when I got past the cuteness of it, this is what I found inside:

Smith and cult £19
Leighton Denny £11
Nails Inc £14
Sparkly nails £1.50
Plus Chanel (for those who received it) £18

As you can see above, the RRP of these nail products totals at approximately £63.50 which is far more than the price of this MeeBox. And each of the polishes was a distinct, lovely shade. The peach Smith and Cult is great for a soothing, office look. The red Leighton Denny would go well with a party outfit and the gold, sparkly Nails Inc makes for a great top coat. For those who love nail art, the Sparkly Nails crystals are perfect for making patterns over your polish; trust me, when you start with that, nail painting becomes so much more fun!I really liked this MeeBox because there was a wide range of products and you’d be sure to find something to your liking, no matter what your personal style is. As soon as I opened it, I began experimenting and you can see the results in this picture of my newly-done nails. Don’t they look great?

*The products in this post were sent to me for review, but all comments and review of the product is my own.

Urban Decay Naked Flushed Palette Review

Urban Decay products are known for their outstanding quality. Needless to say, I had very high hopes from the Urban Decay Naked Flushed palette and I’m glad to report that this product not only met my expectations, but exceeded them. This palette contains a gorgeous bronzer, silky highlighter and beautiful blush. This product comes in three shades – Native, Streak and Strip. I opted for Strip, which complements my olive-toned skin really well.

Naked Urban Decay Flushed Pallete Review

The highlighter in this product is really, really good. As per the standard rules of contouring, I use the highlighter on the areas that I want to focus the light upon, and I use the bronzer to shadow and lend depth to my face.

But what I absolutely adore about this product is the blush! It’s definitely my favourite of the three and I use it on its own as well as in combination with the highlighter and bronzer if I’m doing a full face of makeup. Unfortunately, it does not come with a brush so I bought the double-ended brush by Urban Decay to use with it. And what a great combination that is! I use the bigger side for the blush and bronzer, and the smaller side for the highlighter. This routine works really well for me.

Naked Urban Decay Flushed Pallete Review 2

Personally, I prefer powder highlighters and blushes to cream ones. I find that powder formulations keep the oiliness at bay. They are also much easier to blend.

Overall, this is a great product; however, I would love to see more colour options. A brush tucked inside would be really handy as well! Good going, Urban Decay.

Cost: £23.50

Pros:

Great Powder
Brilliant Coverage
Neat packaging
Cost Effective as you get 3 products in 1
Compact & Travel Friendly

Cons:

Missing a space to carry brush

Benefit Cosmetics Porefessional Instant Wipeout Masks Review

As part of the Benefit haul that I spoke about earlier on my instagram account, I snapped up an exciting product from the brand’s Porefessional series – behold the Benefit Porefessional Instant Wipeout Masks!It goes without saying that the packaging was really good – as it usually is with most Benefit products – so this one made a great first impression. The two-step application process was rather interesting as well. The product comes with sheet masks (these are all the rage right now!) and serum in a plastic bubble which you must “pop” to soak your sheet mask in the serum. Fascinating, right? The serum is loaded with mushroom extract which is known to clarify and tighten pores.

What I absolutely loved about the sheet masks was that the sheet was custom made to sit comfortably on the nose and cheeks, where most people have a plethora of open pores. I tend to have open pores on my chin from time to time as well so I tore off some of the sheet for that region of my face. The product has an immediate cooling effect on the skin which lingers long after you have removed the mask. It really feels like it goes to work on your skin!

You apply the smooth side to your skin and let the mask work it’s magic for ten minutes, after which, you can use the rough side to remove the excess product. It is small and thoughtful features like this, that I absolutely love in a product.

Overall, this is a good face mask to attack your open pores, remove dirt and rejuvenate your skin. I would give it four stars out of five. I’ve used it a couple of times so far but with eight masks in a box, I know that it will last me a while. I have dry to normal skin so I use this product every few weeks, but for those of you with oily skin, once a week is a good idea.

Pros:

It does what it says
Really good and hygenic packaging
Travel Friendly

Cos:

Slightly Expensive (£3.06 per sheet mask)

Rating : 4 Stars

Price: £24.50 for 8 Sheets

*The products in this post were sent to me for review, but all comments and review of the product is my own.

Olverum Bath Oil Review

This post is especially for those glam girls out there who are always on their toes. Let’s face it, we are all super-stressed out with a million things to do, not enough time and of course, an innate desire to look our best. So sometimes, we are in desperate need of a breather and want to unwind in absolute luxury.

If you can identify with this feeling, let me introduce you to this wonder-product called Olverum Bath Oil. This is a therapeutic oil which contains 10 pure essential oils, blended to perfection. It is highly concentrated, thus providing a strong fragrance with the smallest quantity. In terms of its restorative benefits, it will help you get a good night’s sleep, sooth sore and aching muscles and even ease a cold or flu.

If you live in the UK, you’ve probably heard a lot about this Olverum Bath Oil, if not used it. It enjoys a sort of cult following here though it has now been re-packaged under new British ownership. But don’t worry, the amazing formulation remains unchanged, and its’ almost century-long popularity has not been affected. And I totally understand why this is such a hit, especially with women. Its ability to soothe one’s tired senses is simply divine, and well, I am a very big fan now.

I first used Olverum when I was sent the sample with instructions that only 5 ml would suffice for one bath. And I was pretty excited to try it out. You see, I’m a busy Mom, with much office work, lots to do at home, and also this blog. So bath time is me-time for me. Long, luxurious baths on the weekend help me relieve week-long fatigue and muscle stress from the gym. So when I got the oil, I decided to test them asap and what I pleasure it was!

I took the bottle thinking, just in case needed I would put more in, but Oh My Word! Only 5ml was more than enough. The moment I popped one cap full into the water, the wonderful aroma spread all over the place and immediately delighted me. So trust me when I say that 5 ml of Olverum is all you need for that perfect bath, which is quite rare with such products; in my experience, anything less than 1.5-2 times the recommended quantity usually isn’t sufficient for me personally. And the best part is, Olverum’s fragrance is strong yet exquisite, with a unisex appeal that’ll leave anyone feeling absolutely refreshed!

My final take on Olverum Bath Oil thus is that it’s truly brilliant. It delivers what it promises and leaves me relaxed and rejuvenated in a matter of minutes. It’s a must-have product for all those tired mums out there. Indulge in some home-therapy with this bath oil and you’ll enjoy the wonders of a stress-free mind and deep, deep sleep.

PS: I am going to buy a big bottle the moment I run out of my sample – that’s how much I loved it!

Cost: You can get 125ml for £26.00 and will be enough for 25 baths, and the 250ml for £48 and enough for 50 baths.
Their main stockist is www.houseoffraser.co.uk

My Favourite Makeup Products from 2015

I have been going through my makeup kit and all the reviews I have posted here so I can decide what my favourite products from 2015 are. Trust me, it has not been easy, but finally, I’ve made up my mind! So, here is a list of all the products which have ranked very highly in my beauty cupboard in the past one year.

Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palette – I use it almost every day, especially the neutral shades. It has also come in handy during the winter wedding season; the shades perfectly matched my gold-toned ethnic outfits. I’m now thinking of investing in a second Naked palette and maybe it’s a little late to get hooked to it but here I am now!

Garnier Miceller Water – Garnier’s Micellar Water has proved to be quite handy. While reviewing it I wasn’t sure I’d repurchase it for it wasn’t effective on eye makeup. But since it clears all other products from the face in just about one swipe, I’m slowly realizing it really cuts down on after-party skincare time.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation – This was a great discovery and investment this year. It gives such lovely, undetectable coverage, and that too with sun protection! I’m not sure I will ever leave it, but since it can get drying sometimes, I’ll have to come up with ways to fix that in the winter months.

Sultry Sulfurese Revlon – Oh, what a pretty, pretty shade of pink this is! This is literally my go-to lip product because it works for everything – regular office-wear, casual outings and even for a party look.

Chanel No5 Perfume – My favourite perfume ever, it is subtle but powerfully alluring; just like me! You can gift this to me any day and make me oh-so-happy!

Clarins Hydraquench Cream SPF 15 – This has been my favourite cream for a while now. It gets absorbed into my skin instantly and both hydrates and nourishes it. And best part is, it comes with SPF!

L’Oreal Paris Lumi Magique Primer – I feel primers are a must for my skin and this L’Oreal product is a multi-purpose wonder. It ensures luminous, highlighted face contours, gives a dewy finish and allows foundation to simply glide on.

The Body Shop Brazil Nut Dry Oil – This is a magical product that has worked wonders on my face, hair and skin. I don’t know what I’d have done without it during the chilly times of winter 2015. The lovely smell is a bonus!

Clarins SPF50+ Sunscreen – I take my sun protection very seriously and I have to say, this Clarins product was quite a good buy. A little expensive may be, but it does what it promises so I’m not complaining.

L’Oreal Professional Mythic Oil – Oh what would I do without this? As a finishing product, this works as a lifeline for my long locks keeping them manageable, frizz-free and tame! This will probably remain a constant in my beauty kit.

Hope you all have enjoyed my round and the review posts so far. 2016 should definitely bring some more goodies as we progress further.

Send me your comments and questions below and I will personally answer them for you ASAP.

Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palette Review

Not sure why, but this time I have invested in an eyeshadow palette this expensive. In fact, it took me more than a few months to convince myself to buy it. And now that I think about it, it was foolish not to have bought it sooner – that’s how great I found it to be.

Actually, if you think about it, this seemingly expensive produce offers quite a good bargain. When you divide the total cost by the number of shades, each of the twelve full-sized shades comes out to be under £3.5, which is quite a steal for such a quality product.

Also, the range of shades you get in this palette is decently diverse. There is a generous selection of neutrals including taupe, brown, grey, and variations of ivory. The eyeshadow bars have a very smooth texture whose pigments apply and blend wonderfully.

What I like best is that with this one palette you have plenty of shades with different finishes; there are three neutral matte options (Virgin, Buck and Naked) with the rest having a more shimmery finish. Of course, you have to keep in mind that shimmer-finish shades can accentuate wrinkled eyelids but if used on the taut under-brow area, they all work well. Although nearly every shade has some degree of shine, the good news is that except for the shades having glittery pigments (Half Baked, Toasted), the shine clings to the skin well.

Along with the eyeshadow bars, the palette contains a well-made double-sided eyeshadow brush which is very efficient for application. Tip: You can wet the brush slightly and then apply the eyeshadow to get a more shimmery look from the metallic colours.

In terms of suitability for complexion, The original Naked palette works best with my Asian skin tone. It matches perfectly with all the gold embroidered wedding and party dresses but for an office look I might have to invest in the rose-hued Naked 2 or 3 Eyeshadow palette instead.

So, in conclusion, all I can say is that if you like the shades in the palette and see yourself using most if not all of them, it is certainly worth investing in!

PROS:

Eyeshadows have a smooth texture, blend wonderfully.
Wide selection of neutrals.
Shades in a variety of finishes including matte, satin, and glitter.
Comes with a well-made double-sided eyeshadow brush.

CONS:

Matte options could be more.

Rating: 4.5

Price in UK – £38

Price in India – Rs 2800 approx.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water Review

Off-late, there has been much buzz in the media regarding Micellar water. I was curious as to how effective this fascinating beauty concoction is and so chose to try out Garnier’s Micellar Cleansing Water.

What is Micellar Water?

For those who don’t know, Micellar water is a one-step skin cleanser, after using which, you do not need to wash your face. Yes, even if you have makeup on, and I mean heavy, eye-makeup and skin products too, micellar water alone will clean the skin adequately with one application.

If you’re sceptical about how this may be possible, I’ll tell you how it works. Micellar technology relies upon uber-efficient cleansing agents which work like a magnet – when they come in contact with dirt and oil on your skin, they attract it all and sweep it away. And don’t worry, these cleansing agents are mild and gentle; they do not affect the skin negatively but simply reduce the amount of time and product(s) you require for cleansing skin of makeup.

How is it Used?

Basically, micellar water is like a replacement for the long makeup-removal routine. You don’t need to first use a remover, then wash your face and then hydrate the skin. Instead, you soak a cotton ball in the solution and swipe it across all facial contours concentrating on eyes and lips. You then follow up with your regular moisturizer/serum, without rinsing the face and voila! You’re done!

Review of Garnier Micellar Water

Now coming to Garnier’s Micellar Water, here’s an account of my experience with it. I have been using it for 2 months now. Though I bought it just out of curiosity since it was trending high in the beauty and blogging world, I’m already down to 50% of the bottle!

I mostly use it to clean heavy makeup off of my face and I have to say, it surely works. I must highlight however, that it is a cleanser and not a skin conditioner. So after application, I do follow up with my regular after-wash nourishment/night-time regime.

There are some drawbacks to Garnier Micellar Water which I can’t help but point out. It is suitable foe eye makeup removal but not enough to completely remove a very heavy one. My mascara and liner looks like they have been removed but sometimes I see blackness under my eye the following day in morning and since then I started to use an eye-makeup remover separately for complete cleansing of my makeup.

Here is an image comparing the eye makeup being removed by Garnier Micellar water and a specific Eye Makeup remover.

As you can see in these two images, Garnier’s Micellar Water has done the job to a great extent. But for the eyes, a specialized eye-makeup remover is clearly more effective.

As to the question of whether I’ll be buying it again, I’m not sure I can. As it’s a great product, especially if one is travelling or outdoors or simply lazy, it has not won me over completely.

Star Rating – 3.8

Prince in UK: £3.33

L’Oreal White Perfect Magic White Double Brightening Eye Cream Review

Hi All!

Today I’m reviewing this under-eye cream I’ve been using for over a month now. It’s the Double Brightening Eye Cream from L’Oreal’s White Perfect Magic White range.

I’ll begin by stating why I chose this product. Firstly, of course, I have dark circles. It’s a combination of genetics and not enough sleep that has caused these shadows under my eyes. I’ve had them for years and use Concealer on special nights when I’m going out. But I am constantly on the lookout for more permanent solutions and thus keep trying various products. The second reason is that L’Oreal is a trusted brand that has quite a reputation when it comes to skin products. So, when this came out, I thought, let’s give this a shot too!

It comes in a shiny, blue and white tube with a long, narrow nozzle. The packaging is suitable for extracting small quantities of the product and carrying around when travelling too. Though there’s just 15 gm of cream per pack, one needs just a dot-sized amount for both eyes, so it has lasted me long enough.

As to the application experience and effectiveness of this eye cream, here’s how it worked on me: The cream is a light yellow colour with a smooth, creamy texture. It feels very light on the skin and takes just about a minute to get absorbed. On application, it brightens up the eye area, without leaving any white-ish hue behind. The fragrance is mild and inoffensive, so that works perfectly too

Now coming to the question of reducing dark circles; like most eye creams, this L’Oreal product does not produce results overnight. Or even over two, three, four nights. Not over a week of regular application either. But, given my stubborn dark circles, I knew I had to persevere. After about a month of using it regularly, twice a day – once in the morning, once overnight – I think my dark circles have reduced. The skin under my eyes is not just lighter but softer as well. But if I don’t get enough sleep, my eyes are puffy and shadowed the next day again. That’s okay though. On the whole, this L’Oreal White Perfect Magic White Double Brightening Eye Cream has definitely reduced my dark circles, which makes me oh-so-happy!

I must mention that I have used several eye creams and home remedies in the past but this has been the most effective. Even though my dark circles are not completely gone, they are lighter for sure, and that is progress! Maybe if I continue to use it for a few more months, they will improve further.

So, here’s my final take on L’Oreal White Perfect Magic White Double Brightening Eye Cream.

Pros:

Nice packaging which prevents wastage.
Little quantity required to cover both under-eye regions and eyelids even.
Leaves no white residue and absorbs quickly.
Instantly brightens eye area and softens it too.
Has reduced my dark circles with a month of application.

Cons:

Quantity is slightly less for the price (but since it is effective, I don’t mind too much).

Star Rating: 3.75

Price: Rs. 799

BodyShop Dry Oil – Brazil Nut Review

To all the gorgeous divas out there, I’m sharing a little titbit from my treasure trove of beauty secrets – my personal mantra for supple, hydrated and glowing skin! I’m reviewing my favourite go-to product here; it really comes in handy especially in these harsh winter months.

It is the Body Shop Dry Oil from the Brazil Nut range that I’m talking about here. A dry oil is basically one that guarantees quick absorption, ensuring there is no stickiness or heaviness felt post application. As a matter of fact, there are not too many dry oils out there in the market. But the Body Shop Dry Oil is really effective and anyone looking for such a product would do good to try it.

This oil can be used on the face, body and hair. I mostly use it on my body though every once in a while, oil my hair with it too. When used on the body, it gives a lovely sheen and immediately hydrates dry skin. True to the company’s claims, it settles into the skin in a few seconds, without feeling heavy or greasy. So I generally use it lavishly in during winters, more so, because ordinary moisturizers feel cold on application when temperatures drop low. Using this not just nourishes my skin but also makes me feel nice and warm!

The best part about this Brazil Nut Dry Oil is its lovely fragrance – I just love it! There are other fragrances in this range including Coconut, Mango, Cocoa Butter and Strawberry, but this is my favourite. Those preferring more fruity fragrances should go in for the Mango or Strawberry variant but I like sweet, warm odours and thus always pick up the Brazil Nut Dry Oil.

I have been using this product for the past 3 to 4 years now and am completely satisfied with it. I will surely be purchasing it again, as and when it runs out.

Star Rating: 3.8

Price in UK: £10

AA Skincare’s new Frankincense & Rose Deep Cleansing Face Mask – Review

I believe in taking care of my skin in winters a lot more than summers for there is much room for its improvement then. Summers are spent in ensuring sun protection, managing oil and sweat and other such issues. During winters, however, I can focus on rejuvenation and hydration, which is great.

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you will have realized that I am a stickler for perfection when it comes to products I use. I like and hope that when I try a product, it surpasses all my expectations, and more often than not, I’m not easy to please! So I was pleasantly surprised that from the moment I opened the jar of Frankincense & Rose Deep Cleansing Face Mask, I fell in love with it! And then, all through the day, the only thing I could think of was when I would open that heavenly bottle of face mask again to apply onto my face in the evening.

I cannot explain how good the product smells – like the blissful aroma of a jar full of roses. But you’re probably wondering, is it really effective on the skin as well? Read on to find out!

I have to admit before I continue though that I very rarely approve of face masks. Hence, I tend go for the ones which are less harsh and chemical-ridden, and more natural in composition. I don’t believe in treating my skin to strong, synthetic ingredients for short term goals. Therefore, since I have dry skin, I tend to use more nourishing face masks and only about once a week. Typically, I go in for a clay face mask to rejuvenate and condition it. Clay, with its firming and smoothing qualities, is perfect for dry and mature skin.

Coming back to the Frankincense & Rose Deep Cleansing Face Mask, this was my experience with it: after smoothing it onto my face and neck, I left it on for five to ten minutes. I then first rinsed it off with warm water and followed by splashing my face with cold water for closing pores. And when I looked in the mirror – wow! my skin looked so fresh and clean!

I realized that I can easily create a spa experience at home with a weekly beauty-boosting facial to restore the skin, followed by this amazing Frankincense & Rose Deep Cleansing Face Mask. Perfect for winter-worn complexion, this easy-to-use clay mask is made from pure essential oils. It is also naturally enriched with vitamins and minerals to draw out impurities as well as moisturise and tone the skin. Packed with loads of wonderful ingredients, it is not surprising how effective it is. For instance, it contains Palmarosa essential oil to promote healthy cell growth and repair damaged skin. Marula essential oil is also present, which has antioxidant properties and helps protect skin from environmental damage. Also in the mix are Dead Sea salts and Rose Geranium, all of which detoxify, soften and hydrate skin. So, it is not just frankincense and rose that work their magic – this mask uses many more natural ingredients to brighten the face. I really enjoyed using it!

So, here’s a quick summary of my take on this product:

Pros:

It is free from parabens and artificial fragrances.
Smells wonderful.
Constituted of numerous nourishing natural oils.
Has a cleansing and tightening effect on the skin.
Really good for oily skin and treating open pores.

Cons:

Can be drying for dry skin, so I limit the use to once a week

Cost: A 100ml pot costs just £7.94.

You can buy this online from www.aaskincare.co.uk

AA Skincare is a new natural skincare brand launched by Amphora Aromatics Ltd – one of the UK’s largest suppliers of essential oils and aromatherapy products.
Frankincense & Rose Deep Cleansing Face Mask came as a sample to me from Amphora Aromatics but all reviews within the post are genuinely my own.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation Review – Swatch 40 Beige

Hello Ladies!

Today I’m reviewing Chanel’s Vitalumiere Aqua – Ultra Light Skin Perfecting Makeup SPF 15, which I have been using frequently these past few weeks. I’m half way through the bottle and I absolutely love the product!

Before I give you all my take on it, here’s what Chanel says about it:

Vita Lumiere Aqua is the most surprising of all Chanel Foundations as it is soft, light and aqueous in texture for an amazingly even makeup result that glows with natural radiance. An unprecedented sensorial experience and an unrivalled makeup finish: freedom for all women in search of a delightful foundation that respects their skin and reveals their natural beauty.

I can’t say I disagree with the claims made by this leading fashion brand – Chanel’s Vitalumiere Aqua truly does provide “an unrivalled makeup finish”!

There are several things about this foundation that I really like.

First and foremost, the bottle is plastic and tiny as compared to some brands which package their cosmetics in heavy glass bottles; beware ladies, fancy as that may be, it’s just a gimmick – you feel you are paying more for larger quantity but in actuality, you still end up with the same 30 ml of product. At least Chanel is keeping it real! Also, the lightweight, unpretentious packing makes it ideal to carry on vacations or to parties – it is neither bulky nor takes up too much space.

In terms of application, the foundation has a very fluid texture and you need to shake the bottle so that it is properly mixed when used. But this silky texture makes it very light on the skin and easy to blend as well. After sitting on the skin for a few minutes, it merges with my skin-tone absolutely effortlessly. The finish is even and it really doesn’t look like I am wearing makeup though all the flaws I generally struggle to hide are completely invisible. In fact, I tend to apply Concealer very sparingly while using this particular foundation for mostly, there is no need. The foundation also has some high-def light pigments which are an exclusive Chanel concoction – they add a radiant glow to my skin which is seriously difficult to achieve if one is not a professional makeup artist.

The added bonus is the smell! I have always loved the typical Chanel fragrance which is common to all their products; I’m glad this foundation smells the same! To top it all, the fact that it has SPF too, makes Vitalumiere Aqua a must-have product for me. And I usually don’t like wearing makeup all day but with this foundation, my mind is at peace; it nourishes the skin as opposed to ruining it. This can be attributed to the lotus water and brown seaweed extract it is composed of, which help restore the skin’s vitality. Moreover, the mineral sunscreen fortifies it against the sun’s harmful rays. With all that it has to offer, what more could one ask for?

Here is a picture of me wearing Chanel VitaLumiere Aqua Foundation:

So, here’s my quick analysis of Chanel’s Vitalumiere Aqua – Ultra Light Skin Perfecting Makeup SPF 15.

Pros:

Gives complexion an even finish.
Hides blemishes and marks for a flawless look.
Offers sun protection – SPF 15.
Provides a natural-looking glow.
Has a light reflecting effect which adds luminosity to the skin.

Cons:

It is expensive.
Limited shades are available, I am lucky to have found a match for my skin tone.
Is an alcohol-based product which can have a drying effect.

Rating: 4.2

Price in UK: £33

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oil Review

Hello Ladies!

Today’s post is about a hair product that I bought with a lot of expectations. I had my eye on Kerastase’s Elixir Ultime Oil for a while but never ended up buying it. But this time around when my after-wash leave-in serum got over, I made a beeline for this product hoping it would do my hair good.

So, this Elixir Oil is actually a multi-purpose product which, according to the brand, can be used as a pre-wash product, leave-in serum or pre/post styling oil. I tried using it for all these purposes and my take on it is somewhat different from these claims.

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oil is best for usage as a hair serum, especially during the summer months. It has a nice texture, is fairly light on the hair and tends to give it a subtle shine. But do not expect any extraordinary wonders from it. If you use a lot of it, it can weigh the hair down. So I am very careful of not putting on more than 2 pumps in one go.

I also used it as a pre-wash oil for nourishment and it produced decent results. I think it is well-suited for dry and brittle hair, for it tends to moisturize and strengthen when used for regular oiling. It is also good to use as a protective product for heat exposure. I use it quite often while straightening or blow-drying my hair.

One place this product disappointed me was when I tried to use it while styling my hair. Be it simply curling my hair or trying to glam-up a fancy updo, Elixir Ultime was utterly unhelpful. It did not control frizz and fly-aways and nor did it add a smooth, shiny finish to my styling.

So, my final take on the Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oil is that it is neither absolutely amazing, nor a complete waste of money. I have to say though, it does not come cheap for sure and there are many less expensive options in the market that produce the same result. I know that given the brand, it is naturally more expensive than other similar products. But since it doesn’t deliver what is promised despite its price, I probably wouldn’t buy it again. There are many other hair products on my bucket list that I will try instead!

Star Rating – 3.5

Price : UK – £27.38 | Rs: 2450