Product Reviews Archives - Page 4 of 5

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF15 – Swatch “Warm Natural 4.5”

I don’t like to wear a lot of makeup, and that’s not something you’ll typically hear a fashion and beauty blogger saying. But yes, it’s true; when I am home and lazing around, you would never find me wearing makeup – maybe a lippy and some kajal but that’s it. And this is because I am a very carefree person and believe in being natural. Not a bad thing really, me thinks! 😉

The foundation I am reviewing today is the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15, and yeah, that it has SPF, is one of its best features. I can’t stress enough how important SPF (sun protection factor) is for our skin. I have mentioned this in my last post as well, but I usually only buy those makeup products that promise sun protection. Here comes the tricky bit though; SPF-based products sometimes contain a titanium-based compound which makes you look ashy in pictures . So you have to be slightly careful while buying these products.

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15 is a water-based foundation. It comes in a glass bottle which can be a bit heavy for travelling purposes. But since it offers a good quantity for the price and lasts you a long time, I’m not complaining. As mentioned earlier, I only review products I have used on myself for a decent amount of time; this is my second bottle and I am already half way through it.

This is a very light foundation and is more for daily use than party-wear and sits very easy on the skin. Lasting power is good too – about 5-7 hours depending on the kind of weather you are in. It also seems to be nourishing and really good for the skin. I wouldn’t use it for photoshoots or as professional makeup however. Nonetheless, it does what it claims, which is providing you with light coverage on the face to hide minor blemishes and even out skin tone. If you have more pigmentation, you’d be better off using a concealer underneath the product. That will help you hide those imperfections and that is what I generally do.

Another thing to note is that because of its water-based composition, it is more helpful for all those people who, like me, have an oily T-zone or oily skin overall. We all lose out skin oils as we go through the day, but with this foundation, the skin balance is well-maintained.

For application, I usually use a foundation brush. But if you want really light coverage, you can even use a sponge. Please remember though that since it is a water-based foundation, a lot of it will be absorbed by the sponge. So my recommendation will be that you use a brush for the application first and then blend it well with a sponge. Also always keep translucent powder handy to dab any oil or excess shine that is left on the face for a more natural look.

Final Verdict:

Pros:
Good Quantity.
Light Coverage.
Great Staying Power for a water-based foundation.

Cons:
Heavy bottle, difficult to carry when travelling.

Star Rating : 4.2

Price in India: Rs 3220
Price in UK: £31.50

Clarins 50+ SPF Sunscreen For Face Wrinkle Control Cream Review

We all think that SPF is something we should only wear in summers and hence I chose to write about this product only when we are heading towards winter season. In all honesty, SPF is not for summers alone, but is a necessity all year round, be it summer or winter or any other season. The bottom line is, whenever you are out in sun, or exposed to even indoor lights of a certain kind, you can get tanned – I know it’s scary, but that’s the truth.

For many years now, I have been wearing SPF most of the time when I am out and it has made a huge improvement to how my skin looks and feels. SPF helps in preventing aging of the skin caused by UVA and UVB rays, besides prevention of tan as well. I will go into more details about SPF another day – watch out for that girls, I promise you it will be a good read and very informative.

Clarins 50+ SPF Sunscreen For Face Wrinkle Control Cream is an anti-aging sunscreen that protects your skin while defending it against wrinkles and age spots. “Wrinkle control cream” here doesn’t mean it’s only for people above a certain age but simply that it has antii-aging properties which will prevent your skin from aging because of exposure to sunrays.

This product has Clarins’ patented Phyto-Sunactyl 2 Multi-Cellular protection complex – which in layman’s terms is designed to strengthen and reinforce the skin and protect against collagen damage.

The above photos capture the UVA logo is in a circle which means that at least a 1/3 of the UV protection is against UVA.

The formula of this product is a richer SPF Cream but with more of a liquidy consistency. It absorbs into the skin in about 10 minutes or less. I always prefer to wear my sunscreen about 10-20 minutes before I head out for it to be most effective. It can be a bit oily for some but you can easily control that translucent powder and even wear makeup on top if you like. For me, some sunscreens can cause breakouts as I have a slightly sensitive skin, but that has never happened with Clarins.

When it comes to sunscreen products, I am very selective and have done lots of research on the same. I have tested more than 4 Sunscreen products this summer itself, and for me Clarins is always the product I return to. It has worked for me every time and protected me when in the sun. Simply put, I love Clarins’ sun products.

This Clarins Sun product is also available in SPF15 and SPF30, with a wider selection for the face and body. They also have a range for kids which I am yet to try.

Final Verdict:

Pros:
Great sun protection.
Value for money (Good size for a decent price).
Lasts a long time.

Cons:
Maybe a tad bit too oily

Star Rating: 4

Price in UK: £19.50

BOBBI BROWN Tinted Moisturiser SPF 15 – Swatch “Medium Tint”

Hey, know what time it is?

Tinted moisturizer time!

As mentioned before, I don’t use a lot of makeup on my skin on an everyday basis. But these days, this is my go-to makeup cover; I have been using it for the past one year and am on to my second tube already.

I stumbled onto Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturiser SPF 15 during summers’ this year, when the weather was hot and I didn’t want to use a whole lot of makeup on my skin. I think this moisturiser is great for the days when you don’t want to spend a lot of time applying foundation. All you’ll need is a small squirt from this tube.

It comes in the standard Bobbi Brown black-coloured tube packaging and is very easy to carry in our handbags. Once again, this one has SPF 15, a great moisturising effect and works wonders on those small dry patches that sometimes appear on the skin.

You don’t need a brush or sponge to apply this product. The consistency is almost creamy and you can easily blend it over your face with your fingertips just like you would apply a face moisturiser. For people with drier skin, Bobbi Brown also has come out with Tinted Moisturiser Balm in SPF 25, which is thicker in consistency and will hydrate your skin intensely . In summers, I tend to have combination skin and hence I went for this moisturiser as it’s water-based and I love the light feeling it gives on my face all day.

I’ve worn this to work as well as for weekend outings and it generally stays on for over eight hours. Even after that long, it didn’t look too banged up, but it’s hard to say if it faded or not since it’s so sheer. But I did notice that my face would still look even and smooth, though you might want to keep some sheer powder handy to touch up the oil and set it in place, but that too only after 5-6 hours of wearing it.

The texture of this tinted moisturiser is watery as you spread it out, but it sets quickly in a dry finish. I think it’s particularly good for oily skin as it’s oil-free. It just means that it wouldn’t feel too rich or emollient once you start shining up. Such moisturizers sometimes tend to run a shade darker and hence I would recommend you swatching it on your face before buying. But keep in mind that the coverage is light and will only cover small or minor blemishes on the skin. One can’t really complain though; after all, this is just a moisturiser with a tint and not a foundation and that is all it is supposed to do. If you are looking for light coverage in foundation then I recommend you read my review on Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF15.

Final Verdict:

Pros:
Water-based.
Provides light coverage.
Good staying power.
Mattifying.

Cons:

Low SPF, I would love it if Bobbi Brown did this in SPF 40.

Star Rating: 3.8

Price in India: Rs 3680
Price in UK: £29.50

Clarins Hydraquench Cream SPF 15, Normal to Dry Skin Review

The season is changing and I have changed my face cream to accommodate for the shift in weather. I had been planning to buy Clarins Hydraquench for a long time but it doesn’t sit easy on pocket. But this time I gave in to the temptation and well, it was worth the wait!

Clarins is one of my go-to brands for skin care products and you might find me talking about them on and off, quite freqeuntly. The cream I am using is for Normal to Dry Skin with SPF 15, and you would know from my previous posts that I do prefer products to have SPF because I tan and burn too easily.

On the box it says this lightweight cream offers effective UV protection and was specifically formulated to provide a softer, more radiant finish for those with normal to dry skin. Katafray bark extract and hyaluronic acid help maintain an optimal level of hydration while Sorbier bud extract helps restore a fresher looking appearance.

In my opinion, it’s a light weight cream which is very good for the “in-between” autumn/fall weather; we will have to see what I get for winters soon. The absorption of the cream is also very good and it doesn’t sit heavy on your face like some of the cheaper creams out there. The problem with those is that you can’t wear them underneath makeup whereas you can wear this cream under other products without feeling any heaviness.

I wasn’t expecting to see any noticeable difference in my skin… But my skin does actually feel significantly softer. I noticed it more so after using it for few days (I never post a review on a product unless I have tested that product on myself for a good amount of time)s. Also, the cream has a mild fragrance which is the case with most of Clarins’ products. This could be a problem if you don’t like your products to have a distinctive smell, but I liked it so it works for me.

One thing I feel I need to highlight is that he cream pot is thick glass, so it’s really heavy, and totally impractical for travelling. But it does look very chic on the dressing table.

The hydraquench range has many more products to try for different skin types from creams to masks and gels. I am definitely going try some more very soon.
Have you tried any of the products in HydraQuench Range? Whats your take on the products, specially the cream? Let me know in the comments!

Pros:
Moisturizing
Good Nourishing capacity.
Sun protection

Cons:
Pricey
Heavy Box

Star Rating : 3.5
Price in UK : £35 for 50 ml
Price in India : Rs. 3318 for 50 ml

Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed Review

I have been using the same brand and face wash for many years and thought – Well, maybe, it’s time for a change, and hence I bought Clarins’ Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed this time around. As said on the box this product is for Normal to Combination skin and I do suffer from T-zone issues in dry or hot weather. When it gets cold, I am planning to switch to something that is more suited for dry skin.

On the package it says that the product will leave the skin perfectly clean, thanks to the refreshing foam that rinses off with cool water. As gentle as a cleansing milk and as effective as a soap, this mild foaming cleaner preserves the skin’s PH balance and thus natural radiance.

Now coming to my experience with the facewash:

Being a cream cleanser that lathers into a thick foam, it rinses away clean, refreshing the skin. The scent is mildly herbaceous, which I’m not bothered by. In the morning, I use this alone to clean off the night’s oil/sweat/product residue. However, I don’t use this product at night as I have different regime for night time. This cleaner leaves the face squeaky clean and there’s no trace of the product left on the face after rinsing, to the point that I have started skipping skin toner 😉 and have become one of those baddies who doesn’t follow the CTM routine to the T.

I think this product will not suit anyone with dry skin and I would probably try a different cleanser for winters; maybe its sister cleanser Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Shea Butter – instead. This cleanser will probably work well even for oily skin types, at least in the harsh winters when we all need intense moisturization

Do keep in mind that though it might be pricey, it will last you a long time; far more than other high street ones, for just a little bit of this cleanser goes a long way in doing the job. In fact, on my first day, I even wasted some of the cleanser when by default I squeezed out a coin size blob, as I would with other facewashes. Now, I only use a pea-sized amount of this cleaner on my face daily.

Pros:
-Deep Cleansing
-No residue
-Last you a long time

Cons:
-Can be drying in winters
-Might be expensive

Price in India: Rs. 1400
Prince in UK: £19

If you have used this or are planning to use it, or even any other cleanser for that matter, do let me know – I am always happy to hear and recommend wherever I can.

L’Oreal Professionel Mythic Rich Oil Review

I haven’t posted in a while, but here I am back, reviewing a product I absolutely love. It is L’Oreal Professionel Mythic Oil which in my experience, works like a charm! Before I get into details, I have to say that hair serum is an important part of my hair care routine. My long tresses sometimes need an extra dose of nourishment to stay in place and so I have tried serums by many brands. But L’Oreal’s Mythic Oil has become my favourite for it delivers what it promises and is worth every penny spent.

I’ve finished two whole bottles already, and the third is half-way through! Clearly, I’m a fan.

According to the product info, Mythic Oil is a combination of Rice Bran oil and Argan oil, both of which are wonderful for enhancing hair quality. It can be used as construction product and for finishing as well. I usually use it either as a post-wash serum or before any sort of heat styling.

Now, getting to the product itself. L’Oreal’s Mythic Oil comes in plastic packaging with a pump dispenser for convenience. It has a clear sheen and soft, earthy fragrance that is disappears as the oil gets absorbed. On application post a hair wash, I use the serum to lightly coat the length of my hair, especially the tips. I avoid applying it on my scalp though. On application, it gets absorbed within minutes, leaving the hair smooth and silky when dry. The serum helps keeping frizz in check and if I use before hairstyling, my hair doesn’t seem too stiff after the heat treatment.

What I like best about this serum is its light, airy texture which does not weigh down my hair at all. Even though I get the most satisfying results when I apply it on my semi-wet locks, it works well even otherwise.

I have to mention though, that if you’re buying this product expecting it to moisturize your dry hair, that’s probably not going to happen. L’Oreal’s Mythic Oil basically reduces frizz, prevents fly-aways, tames the hair and makes it soft and shiny. But it doesn’t improve hair quality in general. Since I never bought it for that purpose, I’m happy with what it does do – control and condition my (sometimes) frizzy hair.

Star Rating: 4

Price in India: Rs 890

Price in UK: £15.99

Review: L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Moist Matte Lipstick Flaming Kiss

Hello Ladies!

Today I am about to review one of my favourite lipsticks by L’Oreal. It’s a beautiful red shade that I personally think no one can go wrong with. It’s the Flaming Kiss shade from the L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Moist Matte Lipstick collection.

According to the L’Oreal Paris team, this range of lipsticks contains “pure pigments” which deliver intense colour for 6 hours. Jojoba oil nourishes the lips and keeps them hydrated. In my opinion, the lipstick lives up to these claims, leaving me a very satisfied L’Oreal fan.

Now, coming to the product itself, this is my experience with Flaming Kiss.

Shade: A deep red which is distinct from both blood red shades and maroon, this will suit all – be it light, medium or dark complexion. I have a wheatish skin tone and the shade brightens up my face in no time. I love it because on days that I don’t feel like putting in any effort, I simply slap on this lipstick and don’t have to worry about my blah-outfit and lack of makeup anymore; I look better instantly!

Texture and Moisturization: This lipstick has a soft texture which glides on easily without tugging. It has a very light feel; I don’t realize I have anything on at all. Even with regard to the moisturization, Flaming Kiss is absolutely perfect. I don’t need to use lip balm under it since the lipstick itself keeps my lips soft and supple.

Pigmentation: The colour is intense by itself and for people who like to keep it subtle, one swipe will be enough. I usually do use two swipes on both the upper and lower lip, but that is to lock in the colour (I use translucent powder after first swipe and then reapply).

Staying Power: The lipstick sets on my lips in about 10-15 minutes. After that, it does not transfer onto my hands or anything light that touches my lips. If I do not eat, it usually remains the same intense shade for 4-5 hours easily. If I eat after application, my lips do lose colour but they are not completely washed out – it still seems like I have a light lip tint on.

The Verdict

This is a great lipstick for those who like their lips to pop and do not want the hassle of reapplication and touch-ups. The best part is, it actually nourishes my lips so that after application, they have better texture than before! The only thing is, L’Oreal Flaming Kiss does not come cheap. But I don’t mind investing a little more in shades that I use often, so it works for me. In short, I really love this lipstick and use it frequently, with casual, formal and (often) party outfits.

So if you want some colour in your life and on your lips, and a luscious red at that, L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Moist Matte Lipstick Flaming Kiss will be perfect for you!

Review: F.A.C.E.S. Magneteyes Kajal

Hi, all you divas out there! If you’re like me, Kajal is a very important (and often, the only) component of your makeup routine. You know too what a dash of slick, black kohl can do for the appearance, with almost no effort at all!

Today, there are just so many options available for kajal-users; there are supreme ranges where a single stick can perform multiple functions; there are some budget options which promise daily wearablilty and decent quality; and some which are just basic black kajal pigments. Today I am going to review F.A.C.E.S. Canada’s Magneteyes Kajal which is pitted against Maybelline’s Colossal Kajal, Lakme’s Eyeconic, L’Oreal’s Magique and Lotus’ Colorkick Kajal.

F.A.C.E.S. Canada is still not a very popular brand in India, but judging by this product and a couple of others I own, there is no valid reason for this! Magneteyes is simply amazing, and in my opinion, better than several of the competing products of this segment.

Coming, to the product itself, here’s how I feel about it:

Packaging: Magneteyes comes in a bright red, twist-up packaging that is striking and convenient to carry. Given the outer colour, it never gets lost on my dresser and the twist-up mechanism works well too.
Texture: It is a soft, creamy kajal, which though easily applied, is not so velvety as to break with pressure. It glides well, both on the upper and lower lash line, and there is no tugging. A good tip is to use it on the lower lash before and then the upper, for then, application is even smoother.
Pigmentation: In my experience, the pigmentation is great. With one swipe itself, I get a good, dark definition, and with two swipes, a lovely intense colour. To that extent, I find it much better than L’Oreal Magique and Lakme Eyeconic.
Staying power: It remains on the upper lash line for 5 hours minimum without smudging. If I touch my eyes a lot, some colour may come off the inner portion of the upper lash, but otherwise, it remains intact. On the lower lash line, it retains intensity for 3-4 hours after which, it begins to fade a little bit. Smudging, however, is minimal and the effect much better than Lakme Eyeconic and Maybelline Colossal too.
Removal: It is easy to wipe off this kajal with a proper makeup remover. However, if I simply wash it with water, it tends to settle between my lower lashes, which takes another two washes to complete go. This is probably the only negative thing I have to say about this product.

The Verdict

All in all, I really like F.A.C.E.S. Canada’s Magneteyes Kajal. Not only is it easy to apply, smudge-proof and with good staying power, it is far superior to several similar products in my opinion. Best part is, it is affordable for the sizable amount of 0.35 gm that it comes in. If I were ever to repeat kajals, I would definitely consider buying this again!

Summer Beauty & Makeup Tips

Hello, summer! By now, most of you are well aware of the fact that I am a complete summer baby. Nothing makes me happier than dipping my toes into warm white sands and taking in the glorious sunrays (after applying sunscreen, of course!)

Unfortunately, summer isn’t always white bikinis and poolside cocktails – it can be panda eyes and runny makeup if you do not take care to alter your makeup routine in preparation for the heat. When it comes to summer beauty, remember that your mantra should always be “less is more.” With those three words in mind, read on to discover five summer beauty tips that will have you looking fabulous all season long.

Never Leave The House Without Sunscreen

So, this tip really is not restricted to the summertime because you should be doing it every single day. If you aren’t, it is a good time to start! Many women downplay the importance of sunscreen until their skin has already started aging and by then, it is too late. Always apply sunscreen before you begin applying the rest of your makeup and not only to your face but to every body part that is exposed. An SPF of 30 or more is essential!

Replace Foundation With Tinted Moisturizer

To be honest, I am not an avid user of foundation at all, but I stay especially far away from it during the summer. The combination of sweat with a heavy foundation will do nothing but clog your pores and make your skin feel icky. This summer, replace your foundation with tinted moisturizer, which will give you the ultimate sun-kissed glow sans the detrimental aftereffects.

Matte Lips Are The Only Lips For Summer

Ladies, do not get me wrong when I say that matte lipstick is the way to go this summer! I absolutely dig glossy lip products as much as the next girl, but I find that such formulations are more likely to smudge and/or fade away than their matte counterparts. The latter tend to have a really long staying power, which is exactly what I look for in a lip product. This summer, I am all about neutral hues like pale pink and beige.

Waterproof Eye Makeup Is Non-Negotiable

There are no two ways about it – if you are going to wear eye makeup during the summertime, every single product that you use must be waterproof. Even if you are not planning to take a dip in the ocean, it is important to note that waterproof makeup is also sweat proof. When I’m hitting the beach, I don’t take any chances – I skip the eyeliner and let my lashes do all the talking by applying a few coats of waterproof mascara.

Cream Blush Is Better Than Any Other

As a rule of thumb, try to keep your summer makeup look as sheer as possible so that it stays put on your face from morning till night. I love using a hint of blush on my cheeks for a lovely flushed look, but powdered formulas just don’t work when the temperature rises. Instead, I opt for a smooth creamy blush that blends into my skin naturally.

Inveda BB Cream – Review

Beauty/Blemish Balms or more popularly known as BB creams are a part of everyone’s daily skin ritual. And why not? It provides benefits of multiple products in a single product. It cuts down on the time, the amount of money you spend on different products and also layers of products you apply on your face.

Today I am reviewing BB cream by Inveda in Matt Finish. This cream is enriched with Almond and Magnolia and provides several benefits to the skin. It conceals blemishes, fine lines, wrinkles and is anti-aging. It moisturises, provides SPF protection and acts as a good base for makeup. This cream is suitable for all types of skin in wheatish complexion.

How to Use:

Wash your face and apply it directly with hands in an outward motion. It can be applied after cleansing the face or even after application of Moisturizer. It can also be mixed with a face moisturiser and applied on the face.

Pros:

Feels light on the skin.
Paraben Free
Multiple benefits: SPF, Foundation, Moisturiser, concealer etc.
Travel friendly.
Suitable for all Skin types.

Cons:

Whiteish finish
Not suitable for a darker complex.
Only one shade available

Price in India: Rs. 140/-

Maybelline Diamond Glow Eye Shadow in Grey Pink – Review

Love to experiment with your eye makeup? This is something which will definitely get your attention.

Maybelline New York has come out with Diamond Glow Quad Eye shadow palettes in 5 shades i.e. Lilac Mauve, Ocean Blue, Wine Pink, Copper Brown and Grey Pink. Each of these palettes has 4 vibrant shades in the same colour family. Today we are going to review the Grey Pink Shade. The packaging of the palette is sleek and strong with a transparent plastic top and a black bottom with instructions on how to use the product. It is quiet compact, travel friendly and comes with a small double ended eye shadow brush.

This set contains:

A – Highlight Colour
B & C – Medium Colours
D – Accent Colour
A double ended applicator with a bigger and smaller sponge.

How to use: (As per the instructions provided on the back)

Apply A on your entire eye lid and inner corner with the bigger sponge.
Blend B on your upper medium lid with the opposite side of the bigger sponge.
Blend C on lower medium lid with the smaller sponge.
Use D with the opposite side of the smaller sponge to line on the lash line.

All the shades are super shimmery and soft. But when it comes to pigmentation it’s not highly pigmented and needs a primer or an eye shadow base to make the colour pop. Also on applying all of them together it gets too shimmery and glittery. Shade A & C are quiet similar and the pink (Shade B) is too dull for warmer/dusky skin tones, as well as slight amount of fall out visible. I would recommend you to use these shades separately to create differently looks and mix it up with a matte shade from a different palette to reduce the shimmer. This palette is great for a night look and for a silvery smokey eye.

Pros:

Travel Friendly
Great for night time party smokey eye
Soft and creamy texture.
Affordable

Cons:

Not highly pigmented.
The applicator (double ended eye shadow brush) is definitely a pass. (Very rough and poor quality)
Too glittery if all shades are used together.
Little eye shadow fall out visible.

Price in India: Rs. 495/-

L’Oreal Paris Lumi Magique Primer Review

As a teenager, I wasn’t even aware of what primer is, let alone how vital an element it is in achieving the best made-up look. But as I gradually learnt all there is to know about makeup, I realized that good quality skin products play a big role in determining how you look post primping up.

For those of you who are slightly unsure about its’ specific properties, let me help; primers are the base on which one should apply their makeup. They make skin soft and supple – ready for layering with several chemical products. The application and blending of foundation becomes easier as well and your makeup stays on longer too. Usually, a primer can serves multiple purposes and have either a moisturizing or illuminating effect, depending on what you choose.

Lately I have become a fan of illuminating primers and keep on trying different products and brands. Illuminating primers basically add a natural sheen to your skin and give it a dewy consistency without the use of an illuminator. I prefer using an illuminating primer more for day time makeup or when I am indoors (where there is low natural light and using shimmers gives a shallow finish).

So I bought the L’Oreal Paris Lumi Magique Primer to try on and shall be reviewing it today.

The brand claims that its Paris Lumi Magique Primer is a light, replenishing base which illuminates the skin. It may be used as a base or separately too – a fresh, light and silky soft formula that provides 8 hours of hydration.

The product comes in a slim white bottle with a small pump on top. You don’t really need a lot of it for full coverage. The primer looks like a white pearlescent, creamy liquid with some very tiny specks of shimmer in it.

I prefer to use it as a makeup base before applying foundation. It gives my skin a dewy, hydrated finish without looking too heavy or made-up. (above is a pic of mine wearing the primer under foundation) You can also use it as a highlighter over your cheeks or brow bone and even apply it on your face without foundation for a more sun kissed, dewy look.

I have personally found that it does what it claims; a great product for dry and dull skin

Pros:
– Gorgeous highlighting effect
-Can be used in a variety of ways
-Helps foundation glide on easily
-Flattering on all skin tones
-Very long lasting dewy finish

Cons:
-Never sure how much is left since the bottle is opaque

Price in UK : £9.99

An Interview with MUA Bobby Chopra

Bobby Chopra made a foray into the glamour industry with a stint at MTV’s hit show Roadies. Fabulous and enterprising at a young age, she combined opportunity with talent to pursue her passion – the glorious art of makeup. Bob Chop Makeovers, her freelance makeup agency, makes for an inspiring success story that we at FashionForRoyals truly respect.

This is what the bright and beautiful Bobby Chopra has to say about Bob Chop Makeovers:

Bobby: I love makeup, bling and smiling faces, and this is the basic instinct I followed in setting up Bob Chop Makeovers. The idea is to create magic with a makeup palette and I am happy to say that I think we have managed to do that and again. Maybe that’s why we have managed to come so far, for we are passionate about what we do and aspire to make others happy. We started small, but today have experience in all areas of the industry – celebrity makeup, photo-shoots, bridal makeovers, ramp regimes, tutorials and more.

Q: Do you have any pre-bridal regime tips for glowing skin? Our readers would love to know…

Bobby: I get this question a lot. And I understand why – every bride wants to look stunning on her big day. The thing is, the worst and most common problem Indian brides face is tanning. I can tell you from personal experience that the best solution for tan removal is oats. An absolute wonder for people with oily skin, oats can help lighten skin to original complexion naturally and in relatively less time. Here’s a pack you can try – Take a tbsp of oats and almonds each and grind them together. Mix the powder with rose water to form a paste. Use this as a scrub-cum-pack. Scrub your face with water and the mix, leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse off with cold water. Preferably, do this at night and follow up with a good night cream. Then watch the layers of tan come off, slowly and steadily!

Q: What are some of your favourite makeup products?

Bobby: Ooooh, that’s a tough one. But I have some all-time favourites that I swear by. One is the range of Inglot’s AMC Eye Pigments – they have the most amazing glittery particles; I love that! Then there’s M.A.C.’s Studio Fix SPF Fluid Foundation. I mix that with Inglot’s AMC Shiner and trust me, it looks wonderful on everyone and stays intact, even in Summers. Then there’s Bobby Brown’s Shimmer Bars and Sweetheart by Two Faced – these are the best highlighters I have come across so far. In terms of lipstick, I like the Melted Lip Colours range by Two Faced – my personal go-to shade is Sugar. And then… Actually this could go on forever, the list is too long! So I guess, I’ll stop with that for now.

Q: Recommend some products you think all brides should buy.

Bobby: Um, okay. So in my opinion, every bride-to-be should use only Inglot, M.A.C. or Bobbie Brown foundations on and before the D-Day. On your cheeks, go on for Two Faced’s Sweetheart which is a brilliant blusher-cum-highlighter. Use both primer and mascara by Benefit. For your lips, Melted Sugar by Two Faced will be best. And not just brides, I think eventually, everyone should invest in quality makeup products for best results.

Q: Finally, if one is interested in contacting you, how do they go about it?

Bobby: That’s easy. I have a Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/chopra01mail. Anyone can contact me there and I will respond asap.

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Sultry Sulfureuse Review

As I mentioned in one of recent post covering my fav. Pink color lipsticks that Revlon Colorburst Sultry Sulfureuse is one of my fav. Lip colors, I felt like I should write its detailed review for you all. This lip color is very versatile, suitable for both office outfits and casual outings, which is why it sits right in front on my makeup counter.

A subtle pink shade that doesn’t look gaudy, it gives great pigmentation which is perfect for me. You see, my lips are pigmented and hence for me to wear light colors, I usually have to use more than one coat for light colors. But with this brilliant Revlon lipstick, I just need one swipe and I’m done!

So here’s how this lipstick feels on my lips: it has is matte in texture and can easily hide my lip pigmentation. It doesn’t dry out my lips much and has a good lasting power – it stayed on beyond 4 hours. And even after that it left a light stain on my lips and didn’t get patchy at all. I like matte lip colors more than others but often keep away from them as they tend dry out my lips. But with this lip color range I can say that flaky lips are never going to be an issue.

Other than this, the color is a great variant of pink which would work with almost every skin color. This entire range of Revlon lipsticks is pretty awesome for it has a slight mint fragrance, which to me feels very refreshing and invigorating, especially in the morning. But of course, this is more a matter of individual opinion.

I have recently also bought another color (Elusive) from this range and will be posting a review for that color soon as well. To sum up how I feel about this lipstick:

Pros:

Matte texture
High pigmentation
Lasts between 4-5 hours
Minty smell
Suits every skin color

Cons:

Maybe a bit drying as its Matte

Price in India : Rs 800
Price in UK: £7.99

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate Review

You would know from my previous posts that these days I am all into nighttime skin recovery products. And that’s because the science suggests that your night regimen is very important. There is much evidence that skin cells regenerate faster at night than during the day. Cell division happens throughout the day, but peaks around 2 am. This is literally renewal and rejuvenation during sleep, at least for people like me who are dreaming away at these late hours. Though the peak in cell division happens even if you stay awake at night, but the surge in growth hormone doesn’t. The latter is necessary for effective skin renewal.

You now probably understand my fascination with nighttime skin products; it’s more scientific than cosmetic!

Now, I recently got my hands on Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate. I have already tried Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque. Personally I trust Kiehl’s to come out with all the right products – clearly I am a big fan. I do admit the products end up being a bit expensive sometimes, but my mantra is that you need to care for your skin and use good quality products right from the beginning; not when signs of damage start glaring at you in the mirror for then it’s quite late. I thus don’t mind splurging on such products one in a while, but only after doing my research. I can’t simply go out and buy products blindly off the counter (well, sometimes maybe, but only sometimes!) – I need to know I’m making the right choice.

Coming to this product, I can assure you, it does what it says. I have been using it for a week now, and from day 1, I could feel a gradual improvement in my skin texture. My skin looks more dewy and glowing now. The product is very light and absorbs quickly on my skin.

Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate 2 Here is a picture for you to see how my hand looks after I have applied the serum on. Other than a nice sheen you wouldn’t see any difference.

One other thing about this serum is the nice smelling fragrance it gives off. To me it smells like roses; I feel fresh and pampered each time I apply it. I somehow even sleep better with this on, but maybe that’s just due to my mind being at peace about my skin being well-cared for as I snooze.

Here’s my quick take on Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate.

Pros:

Light in texture
Easily absorbed
Nice fragrance
Works – improvement in skin quality

Con:

Pricey but lasts long time

Price in India: Rs 3200/30ml
Price in UK: £36/30ml

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque Review

Lately I have become a fan of all those night-time beauty products which help your skin stay happy and healthy, working their charm while you sleep. Your nighttime regimen – from the creams and lotions to pills and potions – is meant to ensure that you wake up with bright and nourished skin. With an ultra-busy life, some of us may lack time for the CTM routine on a daily basis. I know it is highly beneficial and strongly recommended by all experts, but hey, sometimes there’s just not enough time; at least not with me, a mom to a one year old baby, juggling a wide range of priorities.

Hence, the search for that singular beauty elixir, which I can use to improve my skin as I catch up on some beauty sleep, is always on. The main concern is that my skin gets depleted of its moisture overnight, especially during the harsh winter months – this is very detrimental to its general quality. It is to prevent this that I was looking for a good nighttime skin product when I came across Keihl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque. I picked it up quickly for I have used a few Kiehl’s products in past and had a great experience with them.

This gem of a masque is suitable for all skin types and is free of colorants, parabens, silicones and any fragrance as well. You are supposed apply a thick layer and leave it on for 10 minutes right before you sleep. Wipe of the excess, don’t wash it completely and simply go to bed. It is not too heavy and is almost transparent when applied to the skin. The best part is that the clear gel provides a dose of strong hydration on application. And in the morning, you are sure to wake up to beautiful, well-moisturized, supple skin.

My take on the product is that it delivers what it promises, and yes, you do open your eyes to glowing, nourished skin. I have been using it for almost two months now, and must say that it has worked wonders on my skin without me having to put in too much effort. I find it a bit sticky on the face when sleeping, but maybe that is simply because I am more of a serum-person when it comes to night time beauty products.

Top five Hot Pink Lip Colors for this Season

Have you been eyeing all the amazing pink lip colors that swamping the market, ramp walks and shows. There are definitely a lot of choices, but some pinks just work better and are definitely more suited to a wider audience. Here are some of my favourite Pink color lipsticks:

MAC Cremesheen Speak Louder– this is a lovely hot pink from MAC’s permanent collection. MAC describes Speak Louder as a clean poppy blue pink. It is a cool toned hot pink, wearable on all skintones. It’s a bright pink lipstick for those who are scared to sport brights. It is from Cremesheen finish category they are some what creamy and not matt, and give a certain shine that I dislike. It is well pigmented and you would need 2 swipes for full intensity. The staying power is remarkable as it stays put for more than 3-4 hours easily, fades evenly leaving behind a stain.

MAC Impassioned Amplified – this is a very bright neon pink color from MAC, but one of my favorite lip colors and brightens your skin tone. Works well for medium to fair skin tones and perfect for both day and night out. MAC describes Impassioned as Amped Up Fuschia and the shade looks different in different lights. It is a nicely pigmented color and you might need more than one swipe for pigmented lips. This shade comes from Amplified family which means it is creamy matte but I find it more matte than other shades from this family and the lip color stays on for atleast 4-5 hours

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Plushest Punch – The best thing about the chubby stick intense formula is their hydration and staying power! Even though its marketed as lip balm I find the color is intense enough to be worn a standalone lip color. Its a bright raspberry pink color and has a good staying power. I always wear this color in two swipes when i want a fuller coverage and one swipe when I am looking for lighter natural look

Revlon Colorburst Vivacious Exuberante – Revlon lacquer balms have smooth balm like texture. Vivacious Exuberante is a hot pink shade comes with little shimmers and its texture is very moisturizing. The shade is well pigmented, though it can get patchy and at least 2 strokes are required to develop the original shade. It has got mint fragrance which is feature of all Revlon Colorburst balm, I find it soothing personally.

Revlon Colorburst Sultry Sulfureuse – One of my favorite lip colors which is good for office days. This is a matte lip balm which doesn’t dry out your lips much and has a good lasting power. For me the lip color stays beyond 4 hours. I like matte lip colors more than others but stay away from them as they tend dry out my lips. The color is highly pigmented and can easily hide any lip pigmentation even with one swipe and would suit almost every skin color.

Swatches Below:

Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm Plushest Punch – Review and Swatches

As promised in my last Clinique chubby stick review post I have gone ahead and bought another for myself.

Very different from my regular color selection of red, I have dared to buy a shade of pink. Love the color, bright, bold raspberry pink with a natural sheen that works well for day wear and goes well with no makeup look. You can use this lip color as tinted lip balm or as a lipstick by swiping 2 or more coats

Pros

Coverage fair and works like a lipstick with two quotes
Moisturising and keeps lips soft and supple

Cons

A little pricey
Doesn’t stay long enough (2-3 hrs. coverage)
Need to have good moisturised and scrubbed lips beforehand for this color to look good, as a lip tint.