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9/28/09

Lotus Herbals Natural Kajal (Rs.115) Review

I've never been a kajal person because it's too black and smudges a lot, but then recently I wanted to try one of the herbal ones because they're supposed to be good for the eyes. I've got very sensitive eyes that turn red very easily, so I thought herbal is the way to calm them down. I actually wanted to try out the Himalaya kajal but ended up buying this instead because it has "Smudge-proof" written on it and also the salesgirl said it sells better (Yes, she convinced me.)



When I opened the outer package and saw this.....



I was happy I chose it. How cute is the packaging?! I think (and so does one other person I know) it looks good enough to cost up to 500 bucks.




It's 100% natural and safe, relaxes and soothes eyes, and also helps in growth of eyelashes Made with botanical extracts of camphor, liquorice and almond oil.





I normally wouldn't apply it this thick, but I just wanted to show its intensity.
Is it really smudge-proof? Not really. But kajals are meant to be soft and smudge-y. I always apply a good amount of loose powder around the eyes to prevent the raccoon-eyed look.
It does feel gentler on my eyes and they sting less, which is why i wear it to bed and clean it all off in the morning.
I'm still going to try the Himalaya one too because I want to compare them both. In case you're wondering, it looks like this...

I'm guessing they'll be same, but it's good to be sure.

***Comparison of the two kajals ~ here


♥ Cynthia Z ^_^

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9/26/09

Bourjois Sweet Kiss Lipstick- Fuchsia Class #57 (Rs.650)

I like the Bourjois Sweet Kiss Lipsticks so much that I couldn't resist buying another one yesterday. I already posted pictures of Rose Corset and Rose Seduisant earlier here http://delhisbeautyaddict.blogspot.com/2009/09/bourjois-sweet-kiss-lipstick-review.html


This time it's #57 Fuchsia Class. I have been looking for a true fuchsia shade and this is perfect....






I just love the finish of Sweet Kiss lipstick. It's very moisturizing and doesn't feel heavy.
Got it from Kunchal's, G.K. M-Block Market.





Bourjois Smokey Eyes Trio Eyeshadow Look-alike: Deborah Trio Hi-tech Eyeshadow

You know I've been waiting for the Bourjois Smokey Eyes Trio Eyeshadow for some time now and today I found a look-alike from Kunchal's. When I first saw them, I was ecstatic because I thought the Bourjois ones have been launched and then I found out they're actually by Deborah, an Italian cosmetics brand, which I have never heard of before. I bought one anyway because it looked almost as cute as the Bourjois ones. The eyeshadow is called 'Trio Hi-tech Eyeshadow.' It's hypoallergenic, iridescent and can be applied wet or dry. Below is a picture from their website http://www.deborah.it/inglese/deborah/html/prodotti/ombretto_trio.htm

It is available in 8 trio palettes (Rs. 495 each)

I got mine in Peach Passion.
Here are some pictures I took of it...







I even got a black finger ring free with my purchase but it's way too big for my fingers




Just to remind you, Bourjois Smokey Eyes Trio Eyeshadow looks like this...


It is definitely smaller and cuter or am I just biased? ;)






9/24/09

My Favorite Lip Balms

I just CAN'T live without lip balms. If ever stranded on a deserted island and I have to pick just one beauty product, it would definitely be lip balms.
My favorites which I've used so far are:



Mac Tinted Lip Conditioner (Fuchsia Fix, Petting Pink, Hello Kitty- Popster)






Oriental Princess Vitamins Enriched Lip Care (Strawberry, Raspberry, Blueberry, Pomegranate)




Too Faced Beauty Balm (Watermelon)




The Body Shop Born Lippy (Raspberry, Strawberry)





Lotus Herbals Lip Therapy (Cocoa & Vanilla)





Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm




The Body Shop Lip Butter (Wild Cherry)




MAC Tendertones (Sweet Tooth & Honey Bare)
*I wish Mac would make these permanents.


P.S: I don't throw my empty lip balm pots away because I then make my own lip balms and contain them in the empty pots. Will be doing a tutorial on how to make lip balms soon.
Until then... Long Live Lip Balms!!! Muah! :*)


9/22/09

Bourjois Effet 3D Max Lipgloss Review





People with sensitive eyes, beware!
That's its tagline. The thing that is special about this lipgloss is the one-of-a-kind plastic applicator which is perforated so that you can apply it from both sides to add maximum 3 dimensional volume and shine. The gloss is designed with shine micro-activators that brings up to 33% more shine.
Available in 6 shades:
                                      
From left to right: #61 Rose Acidule, #62 Rose Gold, #63 Rose Eclat, #64 Framboise Ardent, #65 Cassis Petillant, 68 Brun Etincelant.

Below is a pic of me wearing 63 Rose Eclat :




                                        
 Yes, that's a lot of volume and shine. What you don't see are the little streaks and tackiness because I put on  quite a lot of the gloss. This much lip gloss will only look nice in pictures and maybe some occasions otherwise nobody will want to kiss you!
Some people hate the applicator but I think it is what makes the gloss look smooth and 3D. It can get a bit streaky but a few strokes will fix that, like putting icing on a cake using a butter knife.


It has made it into my 'Favorites' list.
Buy again? Definitely.
Love the packaging too.











 The perforated brush


Available at Kunchal's and Lifestyle stores.



9/19/09

Pond's Age Miracle Anti-Ageing Tinted Moisturizer Review



Someone asked me to do a review on this one so here goes...
I've been using this tinted moisturizer in Sheer Ivory for a while now (about 4 months) and I like everything about it, including the mild pleasant fragrance, except for the somewhat oily texture. But I have been overlooking that because it feels so smooth (like a baby's bottom, really) and has a satin finish. If you want that dewy glow, you'll get it with this. Plus, it evens out the skin tone and covers minor imperfections without making you look made-up. As I don't like to apply foundation, I find this good enough to make my somewhat blotchy skin look almost flawless. Of course I do use a bit of concealer here and there and then set it all with some translucent powder. This must be a god send for dry-skinned people and to those with really aged skin that need a lot of filling between the lines.
Designed with advanced CLA4 complex and SPF 15 PA+++

  • Reduces wrinkles and fine lines? Yes
  • Evens out skin tone and gives radiance? YES!
  • Soft and smoother skin? Yes. At least while it's actually on your skin.
  • Repurchase? Maybe. If I don't like the next ones on my wishlist.(Who thinks this will beat the award-winning Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer and the Mac Studio Moisture Tint?)
Below are some pictures I took of it. I hope they help (taking pictures is so not my thing.)
Shade- Sheer Ivory (With Flash)








This reflected light so much it took a few clicks to get it right (Radiance or what?)

Pond's Age Miracle Anti-Ageing Tinted Moisturizer is available in 3 shades- Sheer Ivory, Sheer Rose and Sheer Honey.
Price- Rs.215 for the 30 ml tube above. Half a pea sized amount is enough for each use.


DBA ^_^

9/18/09

Bourjois- New Launches

Smokey Eyes Trio Eyeshadow




Mineral Matte Mousse Foundation



Don't these look lovely? My obsession with Bourjois just keeps growing with every new product. Hopefully they'll be available in India before the end of the year. The French are so lucky they don't have to wait.

The trio eyeshadows are available in 8 palettes, each having its own color family, for creating smokey eyes or any look you want.
The matte mousse foundation in 6 shades for various skin tones (I especially like the cute brush.)


9/17/09

Pond's Flawless White Review





Pond's Flawless White range is really worth your time and money. I'm not a bigot who thinks being "white" or "fair" is more ideal. I just come from a  family that suffers from severe melasma (like a mask, believe me)  and heredity can be a pain (not really the word I'm thinking), so I would like to prevent it as much as I possibly can.Though I did get melasma (nose and cheeks) about 6 years ago when I didn't bother much about using sunscreen. Then Tri-luma to the rescue (Will do a separate review on this.) So from then on I thought prevention really is better than cure. Actually, even now I can somewhat see some darkness lurking beneath the surface, maybe just waiting for the chance to rise and reveal its UGLINESS. Well, not while I can still breathe and shop!

Description:
Designed with VAO-B3 complex that lightens skin and reduces blemishes. The 4 building blocks of VAO-B3 are:

  • Niacinamide- Also known as Vitamin B3 prevents the migration from the lower layers of the skin to the upper layers.
  • Vitamin E- A powerful antioxidant, which is effective against UV induced pigmentation.
  • Allantoin- A bioactive that helps skin recover from minor injuries like scrapes, burns and sunburn. (Allantoin is also present in Mederma, an popular gel cream for scars.)
  • Optics system- Which brightens and evens out the skin.
Flawless White Range includes:

  1. Deep Whitening Facial Foam- A little is enough for a smooth foamy lather. Brightens face.
  2. Light Infusing Under-eye Cream- Refreshes eyes, not heavy and doesn't sting the eyes (Hello Garnier Light!)
  3. Visible Lightening Daily Cream- Yet to use
  4. Visible Lightening Daily Lotion- Makes skin smooth and luminous, easily absorbed, good moisturizer under make-up. Also, just because you can't pump it out anymore doesn't mean it's finished. Twist open the pump and you'll be amazed at how much more is still down there.
  5. Re-brightening Night Treatment- Quite thick but doesn't feel heavy or greasy. Face feels soft and plump in the morning. Must-have
  6. Anti Spot Intensive Whitening Serum- Easily absorbed, silky smooth, extra whitening power. Must-have if you have stubborn dark spots.
  7. Vitamin Soak Lightening Mask- Must-have
  8. Perfect Finish 2-way Foundation Powder- Haven't used.
There are more special treatment products in this range which are not available in India yet.

If you have uneven skin, dark spots and hyperpigmentation / melasma, this is a good whitening range to use along with your prescription creams (if you are using any.) I have been  using the face wash, serum, daily lotion and night cream for about 3 months and now my dark spots and  freckles are less dark and the tone of my skin looks more even and brighter. I was so satisfied with the range, I went out and bought the eye cream and the face mask as well. And I'm about to buy my second daily lotion (or day cream), night cream and serum (which I'm still squeezing for left-overs.)

I love the Vitamin Soak Lightening Mask  because it feels like I'm feeding juice to my face and the size fits perfectly- neither too big nor too small. One box costs Rs.549 and contains 5 masks. Just use a scrub before using the mask and it'll feel like a DIY facial. You'll save a trip to the salon and not to mention money! Okay, now I sound like a commercial =)
So, altogether an impressive product range by Pond's *2 thumbs up*


Bourjois Sweet Kiss Lipstick Review



Bourjois Sweet Kiss lipstick is a satin finish lipstick which is pretty long wear. Argan oil and a selection of  fine and infinite light oils makes it ultra moisturizing.
I got this lipstick mainly for the fabulous purple tube and later found out the lipstick itself is pretty good too. It's satin luminous finish makes it less drying than matte lipsticks. It is available in 12 gorgeous colors.

                                       

It took a long time for me to decide which shades I wanted but I finally chose 46 Rose corset and 51 Rose seduisant ( Bottom row- second and third one in the pic above.)

46 Rose corset- Light coral color
51 Rose seduisant- Berry color (A great alternative to red lipstick.)


                            
                          46 Rose corset




                     51 Rose seduisant


Click on this link to see another shade I bought later http://delhisbeautyaddict.blogspot.com/2009/09/bourjois-sweet-kiss-lipstick-fuchsia.html



Priced at Rs.650 and available at Kunchal's and Lifestyle stores.


                                            

9/16/09

DISPRIN (India's Aspirin) FACE MASK




For the last 5 days I've been getting these little zits which really annoyed me, so I decided to use a Disprin (Aspirin) face mask since everybody has been talking about how good it is for the skin. It's known to be really good for acne, reduces inflammation and redness. This is because it contains salicylic acid, also known as beta hydroxy acid. BHA is used in acne and anti-aging products. According to one research, regular intake of Aspirin reduces sun spots which are precursors to skin cancer. So maybe it can do the same from the outside too?
I used Disprin Soluble Analgesic (above) with aloe vera juice (Guardian)
Let me tell you, I was amazed by how much it reduced or more like "flattened" my zits and my face felt really smooth. Will definitely use it again.
It is best to use this mask in the evening or night time because it can sensitize the skin  making it more susceptible to sun damage unless you're staying in during the day. Always use sunscreen after you use this mask. While using this, it felt almost like when I was using the L'oreal microdermbrasion a while back.


How to:
  • Put 3 Disprin tablets in a small bowl.
  • Pour about a teaspoon of aloe vera juice on top of the tablets. You can also use honey, green tea or  just plain water.
  • Wait for the tablets to soften. Fill this time by washing your face using your usual cleanser and dry your face.
  • The tablets would have soften by this time. Press them with your fingers and mix well.
  • Apply  using your fingers on whole face leaving eye area, the 2 corners on the sides of your nostrils (this is a sensitive area) and your mouth.
  • After applying, leave for no more than 15 minute. 
  • Wet your whole face with fingers to ease any tightness (be careful not to get it in your eyes.) Then massage very gently like you do when using a scrub but don't overdo it.    
  • Rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat dry.
  • Apply a moisturizer with SPF and use sunscreen in the days to come.
Personally, I would use this mask only occasionally. For those with acne no more than twice a week.


DBA ^_^


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9/14/09

CLEANSING OILS

I've just recently tried the oil cleansing method (OCM) after years of dreading applying oil on my already oily face. After reading the joy it brings to so many people, including those who initially felt like I did, I had to see it for myself. Shu Uemura  introduced the first oil-based cleanser in 1967 to Japan and it's been a cleansing ritual of  Asian women since then. If you've looked closely at how good the condition of their skin is, you'll want to kick yourself for never trying it out first before disregarding it completely. They say "Oil dissolves oil" so if your skin is very oily, the best way to combat the oiliness is to use cleansing oil as harsh soaps and face washes can actually make it worst. For those with dry skin, cleansing oil is as beneficial because it maintains the skin's natural moisture. Cleansing oil also has anti-aging properties, which makes it all the more necessary. 


How to use: 
  • Pump a few drops of oil onto your dry hands and massage it gently on dry face. This should take at least 2 minutes.
  • After you've covered your whole face, wet your fingers with lukewarm water and massage whole face again (emulsify). This time, it will turn milky white like a thin lather.
  • Then rinse it all off with lukewarm warm water.
  • Use a mild cleanser like Cetaphil or any soap-free cleanser if there's any oily residue although the best ones should not leave any.

Many brands have come up with their own versions of cleansing oils and some have become cult favorites and on every beauty addict's wishlist. Some of them are:

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
This is an award-winning cleansing oil from Japan  and is the most popular one worldwide. It is made with olive oil and vitamin E which are great for the skin and suitable for all skin types. It is priced at $12.50 and $25.




RMK Cleansing Oil
This is also a Japanese brand by Rumiko, a celebrity make-up artist. It's made with olive oil, carrot seed oil and grape seed oil. I've read rave reviews about it.



Shu Uemura cleansing oils are available in every skin type and are highly recommended. The only concern expressed by most is that they contain mineral oil (which many people are still skeptical about using on their skin) and the price, which ranges between $62 to $75.



Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil is also an award winning product which is great for sensitive skin as it is preservative-free like all their other products. Shelf life of 120 days once opened. Costs $23.95.


As the ones above are not available in India and I'm not yet into buying stuff online, I went ahead and bought the MAC Cleanse Off Oil (Rs.1180), which has also got pretty good reviews and is readily available here.



I'm blown away by how thoroughly it cleanses off my make-up, which always includes waterproof mascara, without drying out my skin. I don't have to go through the time-consuming make-up remover and then cleanser routine anymore. It also makes my skin really soft and clean that I have to stop myself from touching it constantly afterwards. It is botanically formulated with olive oil, evening primrose ,jojoba seed, vitamin E and is 100% mireral-oil free. Loving it!

Below are some pictures to show you how it works...
















If you prefer more natural organic plant-based products, you can opt for:
L'occitane Almond Apple Cleansing Oil



It is available at their store in Select City Walk Mall, Saket. I'd definitely give it a try if it's safe to be used in the eye area which unfortunately it's not. Priced at Rs.1250.

Baby oil can also act as a cleanser and removes all kinds of make-up but it also contains mineral oil like all baby care products. Another great oil that works for cleansing is extra virgin olive oil which can do wonders for your skin.
Remember:"To each his (her) own" so it is better if you try out different methods and find out what's best for you. Something that doesn't work on some people could turn out to be your best.

You can also make your own concoction of cleansing oil by mixing various oils like virgin olive oil, castor oil, sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil and many more, but  I've yet to make one myself, so I can't recommend any recipes. Maybe in the future...