Pond's White Beauty Daily Spot-less Lightening Cream Review

If you see a new dark spot every 2-3 weeks, like I do, every whitening/lightening cream will call out to you.

"Try me! Yes, try me! I will change your fac..... life! C'mon now, why you walking away from me??? Hey!" That's the frickin' pricey one talking (the one in white packaging). You flee from it before you succumb to it's seduction, because you know it'll never measure up to your expectations, especially if you have to shell out more than the what you'd have to for 2 MAC lipsticks for it.

You usually settle for something that will still leave room for lipsticks, like my current hope-inducing lightening day cream- Pond's White Beauty Daily Spot-less Lightening Cream. It is a brand new formula, and different from the one launched a few years back, which I did not like at all. This one claims to 'work with your skin'

A Little About It:

It works with your unique skin to inhibit the production of melanin, reducing dark spots and lightening skin from the source. The GenWhite formula is also unique because it is our first ever vanishing cream formula that is proven to be SPF20 PA++ sunscreen system. It provides protection from more than 93% of UVB rays that burn skin when directly exposed to the sun and UVA rays that your skin doesn’t feel oily and heavy with sunscreen. The GenWhite technology was formulated by selecting over 1000 whitening ingredients and contains special ingredients that are scientifically proven to work with your skin. 

May Favorites

Before we say goodbye to May, my favorite month, here are all the things I have been loving. Some everyday necessities, and some very random things:

WANTED: Green Tea Skin Care Products

I hate the taste of Green Tea, but I am obsessed with Green Tea Beauty Products! OBSESSED! Right now, I'm c-r-a-v-i-n-g Green Tea beauty products like a pregnant woman craves sour (or sweet) foods. Btw, did you know that when a pregnant woman doesn't get what she's craving, the baby will drool more? Yes, it's true. My pregnant relative didn't get the mutton she wanted to eat during pregnancy, and her baby was always unnaturally wet around the mouth area. Poor thing.

These days, I'm searching for Dove Go Fresh Cucumber & Green Tea range, which I have used before, but I can't find them in my local supermarkets! I think I'm going a bit crazy....thinking 'Green Tea....Green Tea....'

Why Green Tea?

Green tea is rich in anti-oxidants & has anti-inflammatory properties which ward off wrinkles & acne. Studies show that it reduces sun damage & fights skin cancer. You can google for detailed explanations, but that's all I need to know.

*Most importantly: It smells nice & refreshing!

I know one brand - Ginvera, and it has a variety of Green Tea products. I saw them everyday at Watsons when I was in Kuala Lumpur last year. The brand is only available in Malaysia & some other Asian countries, I think. 

I have only used one products by the brand so far- Green Tea Intensive Whitening & Spot Corrector.....

I finished it. I remember it didn't visibly clear up any spots, but  it's a small tube. I'd buy it again.

A Vanity Case From Lakmé

It's black, it's leather (faux, I assume), it's bigger than a shoe box, it has a mirror, it's Lovely! It's a Lakmé Vanity Case/Jewelry box....and I needed it! When I first saw it, I squeeealed. Mr.CZ was like: "It's just a box. What can you keep in there, anyways?" Hmm, let's see....

*Claps 3 times*.... Khul Ja Sim Sim....

I keep my small earrings in the middle there- for easy access

You lift that top plate & under it is a big space. I keep my necklaces, mostly. It's quite random right now.

Reader In DISTRESS! Make-up & Skincare For Hyperpigmentation/Melasma

Some days back, I got this email from a reader:

"CZ!!! i need your help please!!! Rote in to u soo many times but i just havent heard from you!!!! wats a gurl gotta do to get your attention huh????!!!! :P ;) Its summertime and that = lots of sweating and melted off makeup on the face!!! :@ I desperately need you to recommend a good waterproof long lasting liquid foundation for me!! Ive heard liquid foundations are good for heavy coverage ie cover pigmentation, melasma?? :S I suffer from pigmentation of the upperlip and i generally wear foundation on tat part and spread it out a bit to lighten the pigmentation but coz of the summers it melts all over!!! :\'( im desperately in need of help CZ & only U can help me!!! I dont trust salesladies at makeup counters to give a honest enough opinion!! I had written to you on your lakme mousse review page to but still no reply!!! Please please pleaseeee help!!!! Or ill stop recommending your name to my friends!!!! *muahahha* :P ;) ok maybe that was being a bit too dramatic but wats a gurl without some drama huh?? ;) PLEASE REPLY FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!!! :)
Hugs,
Ri!! :) "

Firstly, I'd like to say to all those whose distressful queries/comments I have not replied to, most times I simply forget! Sometimes I go back to an old blog post, see a comment I think I should have replied to but completely FORGOT, and I feel very bad. Very bad. Same with emails. So, my sincere aplologies if I missed replying to your queries. I advise you to resend sometimes so it pokes me "Reply....reply, woman!" Believe me, I forget to reply to emails from people who want to give me free stuff & money, too. This head, I tell you. 

Secondly, hahaha....!!! I read this email one morning & it totally woke me up =D

Pond's Dreamflower Talc For Summer

One thing I can't live without in summers is talcum powder. I sprinkle some on my underarms & neck after showers religiously. I'm currently using Pond's Magic, the purple one with the butterflies, and I love it! It smells so pretty & keeps me feeling fresh all day.

Pond's Talc range offers 4 variants:

• Pond's Dreamflower Fragrant Talc

• Pond's Magic Fragrant Talc with Acacia Honey

• Pond's Oil Control with Orange Peel Extract & Sun Protection TPI-60
• Pond's Sandal Radiance Talc with Natural Sunscreen 

 

 

New! Lakmé Perfect Radiance Capsules

Lakmé Perfect Radiance range has a totally new look now, and there's an interesting addition- Perfect Radiance Capsules Treatment.

A power dose of skin lightening vitamins and anti-oxidants that work in synergy to enhance your skin's natural radiance. Each capsule contains a luxurious, lightweight serum that effortlessly seeps into your skin, leaving it perfectly radiant. Pure Vitamin C encapsulated in Microsponge helps in continuously releasing potent skin lightening vitamins into your skin's epidermal cells.

Price ~ Rs.1250 for 28 capsules.

♥ Cynthia Z *.*

Yardley English Lavender Gentle Facial Cleanser Review....and Chocolates!

I wish every face wash came with chocolates on the side! Not that I like chocolates that much, but the box is prettier to look at. I look at this box, and the world seems better (yes, seriously!). Hey, also a nice idea for a present, right? Buy face wash/lipsticks/nail polishes/anything pretty & inexpensive (NO, no socks, pleeease!), a nice box from Archies/Hallmark, some mini chocolates, a bow/ribbon, and ta-da! Yes, let's all do that this year!

*Makes memo in phone: Must buy cute gift boxes* Save.

About Yardley London English Lavender Facial Cleanser

A soap-free preparation with soothing Avocado Oil & English Lavender. It cleanser tenderly & removes make-up and impurities. The nutrient packed Avocado Oil supplements the skin's natural moisture and softness, leaving it clean, hydrated, and delicately fragranced with English Lavender.

The Body Shop NUTRIGANICS DROPS OF YOUTH Product Photos & Prices

Science, nature and technology join forces in the latest skincare offering from The Body Shop, with the launch of Nutriganics™ Drops of Youth. Utilising the very latest in plant stem cell technology to help combat first signs of ageing,

Nutriganics™ Drops of Youth is our certified organic alternative to anti-ageing potions. Drop by drop, Nutriganics™ Drops of Youth enhances surface skin renewal, the skin’s natural process of replacing the uppermost dead cells with the new ones beneath. Day by day, Nutriganics™ Drops of Youth reveals smoother, fresher and healthier looking skin. Shed your old skin and step into a new, revitalized you.

Nutriganics™ Drops of Youth can be used in combination with serum, or added to a moisturiser day or night to give a surge of hydration and kick start the cell repair process. Simply massage two to three drops into skin and allow the concentrate to sink in for a few seconds before applying your usual moisturiser or serum.

NATURE’S POWER, HARNESSED

Nutriganics™ Drops of Youth harnesses the power of plant stem cells harvested from criste-marine (Crithmum maritimum), which grows on the rocky Britanny coastline. Able to survive in the most demanding conditions, criste-marine thrives in dry and inhospitable environments, Sustaining itself by absorbing nutrients from the very air around it. Fortifying Nutriganics™ Drops of Youth is extract of beech bud, with its rich concentration of minerals, trace elements, enzymes and vitamins.

Nourishing, enriching and stimulating, Nutriganics Drops of Youth is a botanical powerhouse. As part of the Nutriganics range, a minimum of 98% of Nutriganics™ Drops of Youth ingredients are derived from natural origins. Silicone and paraben free, Nutriganics contains 20% organic ingredients to deliver natural beauty, naturally.

Best Things 2011

These are the best products & things of 2011 in my books. Let's just call it a LONG "favorites" post. Mostly products that I used the most this year & things that are special to me.....
*All text in pink are linked to reviews & posts on the products. I may not be able to link all right now so if you're interested in a product without a link, please use the "Search Indian Vanity Case" bar below on the right sidebar there ---->

¸.•*´¨`*•.¸¸.•*´¨`*•.¸ Skincare ¸.•*´¨`*•.¸¸.•*´¨`*•.¸

Best Facewash/ Makeup Removers ~ Pond's Pure White Facial Foam, Lakme Fruit Blast Melon Melt & Berry Lush, The Body Shop White Shiso Cleansing Powder, DHC Cleansing Oil, MAC Cleanse Off Oil.

Best Treatments ~ Pond's Age Miracle Microdermabrasion Kit, Brihan's Green Leaf Gel (Aloe Vera), Garnier Pure Pimple Pen.

Best Scrubs ~ Lotus Whiteglow Oatmeal & Yogurt Scrub, St.Ives Apricot Scrub, The Body Shop Body Scrubs.

Best Serums ~  Neutrogena Fine Fairness Serum, Bio-Essence Bird's Nest Serum, Pond's Gold Radiance Serum

Best Eye Cream ~ Used only Olay Total Effects Anti-Ageing Eye Cream  this year.

Best Moisturizers ~ Lotus WhiteGlow Micro-Emulsion, Neutrogena Fine Fairness Lotion.

Best Sunscreens ~ Lakme Cucumber & Lemongrass Fairness Sunscreen, Neutrogena Dry Touch Sunblock, Lotus Sunscreen Gel.

Best Body Washes ~ Palmolive Thermal Spa Mineral Massage, Biore Whitening Scrub Shower Cream, Olay Creme Ribbons, Lux.

Best Body Lotions ~ Vaseline Cocoa Glow, The Body Shop Body Butter Duo, Vaseline Healthy White Lotion, Lakme Honey & Avocado Winter Perfect Lotion, Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Moisture Cream.

Best Perfumes ~ This year I only wore Marc Jacobs Daisy, Vera Wang princess, YSL Paris & Luscious Pink Mariah Carey & Etude House Ms.Ever Perfume Stick

Best Hair Removal Products ~ Spring It Hair Removing Spring, Gilette Venus Razor, Veet Wax Strips, Gilette Satin Care Shaving Gel.

Best Extras ~ Clean & Clear Oil Blotting Sheets (LOVE!), Etude House Missing You Hand Cream

Pond's Age Miracle Advanced Resurfacing Microdermabrasion Kit ~ WOW!

Are you ready to see the results? Doesn't matter coz I'm going to show anyway. I couldn't wait! I consider this post a priority because it could change somebody's life. 

About Pond's Age Miracle Advanced Resurfacing  Microdermabrasion Kit:

Microdermabrasion is one of the most effective professional anti-ageing skin care treatments, commonly recommended by dermatologists and salon professionals which gently re-surfaces or ‘polishes’ the surface of the skin. Pond’s Institute has launched the first at-home Microdermabrasion Treatment. It helps to minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. With special micro crystals for effective skin resurfacing, it results to renewed and brightened skin. The kit contains 3 things:

• Polishing Cream is a unique softening cream blended with real micro crystals that expertly resurfaces and refines skin to extra smoothness and brightness.

• Post-Treatment Glow Enhancer is enriched with vitamins and skin optical enhancers that give the skin the right post treatment nourishment- leaving it supple and radiant.

• Sponge applicator is specially designed to expertly spread the cream with micro crystals across the skin’s surface, effectively allowing polishing cream to remove the uppermost layer of dead skin. The holder is designed to fit the palm comfortably.

Vaseline Cocoa Glow Body Lotion: Why I Love It

Do you have a sweet tooth? Do you like eclairs? Do you like vanilla mousse with cocoa sprinkles? Do you hate dry/rough skin?

If you're nodding, then you have to try Vaseline Cocoa Glow Lotion!  I am not much of a sweet tooth myself but I compensate for that in the beauty department.

Sweet lord, this body lotion! Wow. My elbows are loving it, my hands are loving it, my derrière is loving it (like a baby's, I tell you). My skin got really dry a week ago, it felt so rough like it's going to crack ("pleeease no stretch marks!"), then who came to the rescue? Eclair in a bottle. 

About:

New Vaseline Total Moisture with Stratys-3 technology infused with Cocoa Butter not only works from within to give you an inner glow but also nourishes every layer of your skin. It gives your skin the multilayer moisture therapy infusing moisture at the top, core and deep down layers of your skin leaving your skin feeling healthy and glowing. New Vaseline® Total Moisture™ is the only moisturizer in India which combines three powerful ingredients that infuse and suspend moisture throughout all its layers.

Haul From VioletBag.com

When I came home, there were a lot of packages waiting for me (wheee....!!!) and this one from VioletBag.com was the BIGGEST box out of all, I couldn't wait to rip it open! VioletBag.com is an online store, based in India, which sells beauty & personal care products. 

About VioletBag.com:

• The website offers free shipping within India on all orders above Rs 250. All orders below the amount are charged shipping at a flat rate of Rs 50 per order.
• Delivers within 3-5 business days.
• Provides a tracking number.
• Payment options: 1). Credit Card – Visa, Mastercard, Diners Card. 2). Debit Card – All major debit cards. 3). Netbanking – Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, J & K Bank, Citibank, Federal Bank. 4). Cash Card – ITZ Cash. 5). Cash on Delivery (COD)
• Brands available ~ Pond's, Olay, Neutrogena, Nivea, Fabindia, L'Oreal, Maybelline, Lakme, and a lot of perfume brands. Complete list of brands HERE

Sigma Cleansing & Polishing Tool

I'm trying out the Sigma Cleansing & Polishing Tool, the dupe for Clarisonic- which costs 3 times more. I have always wanted a Clarisonic, but the price scare the bejesus out of me (You can imagine what Mr.CZ thinks!)

I am loving the pink-ness against the white....very girly.

Garnier Light Anti-Dark Circle Eye Roll On Review

Finally! I have got to try a product which I have been wanting to try for more than a year (remember my crazy wishlist post here?)

Garnier Light Anti-Dark Circle Roll On with Pure Lemon Essence, Caffeine & Mineral Pigments claims to refresh eyes and brighten dark circles. It is also fragrance-free and dermatologically & opthalmologically tested.

Shade ~  Medium

Texture is liquid-like and runny- like thin water color. On my eyes below. Please excuse the lash glue stuck on my lashes. It's a pain to remove!

New! Lakmé Fruit Moisture Skincare Range

Say Hello to youthful gorgeous skin with Lakmé’s Fruit Moisture Range

Bask in the glory of youthful, soft and radiant skin this winter.

Indulge in Lakmé’s new winter care range comprising of moisturizers, day crème, night crème and lotions oozing with the goodness of exotic fruits. Loaded with Nutritiv Moisture Technology, the new Lakmé Fruit Moisture Range gives you twelve hour moisturisation for younger looking skin even in winters. With the breakthrough Nutritiv Moisture Technology comprising of a blend of Hydrating agents, Essential Vitamins, AHA’s & Anti-oxidants, Lakmé’s Fruit moisture range gives your skin a 200% moisture boost. Within the range, Lakmé Peach and Plum Daily Glow Lotion and Lakme Peach Milk Moisturiser are perfect for yearlong skin moisturisation ,while Lakmé Honey & Avocado Winter Care Lotion, Lakmé Honey & Avocado Winter Perfect Day Crème and Lakmé Skin Renewal Night Crème  are infused with  winter care emollient making them a perfect pick for the cold weather.

Bio-essence Bird's Nest Nutri-Collagen & Whitening Advancer & Cream Review

Bird's Nest. I'd rather not think about what it is exactly. It's quite icky. Let's just think, birds are cute.

But on second thought, I have put it on my face.

What Really Is Bird’s Nest? Bird’s Nest comes from the Collocallia species of swiftlet birds which inhibit the mountains around South East Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia). Shaped like a bowl and about 3-5 inches in diameter, this intricate web of solidified saliva and other materials is formed by the male swiftlet during the breeding season in April. 

The packaging of this range of products is very attractive, with the pearly pale yellow & gold accents. It is one of the best I've seen in drugstore products. Both are quite heavy. The cream comes with a mirror on the cap & a plastic spatula.

August Favorites ~ Makeup, Skincare, Haircare Etc

The votes were in, and most of you like Monthly Favorites blog posts. High Five! I like them too! :)

I just wrote August in the title, when in fact I've been using some of these products long before August.

1. Spring It! Hair Removing Spring Thing ~ I can't live without this anymore! I use it mainly to remove hair from my upper lip, which I have to do often coz I click a lot of lip photos over here. On camera, even a leetle bit of hair look offensive (shown here). Basically, you hold both ends down into a U-shape, roll the spring on your skin, and straighten it to pull out the hair. Quick & painless- once you get used to it :))
2. Clearasil Acne Clearing Scrub ~ This makes my face feel really smooth. The scrub isn't so big and abrasive, so it wouldn't hurt a ripe pimple. I leave it on as a mask too sometimes. However, it doesn't prevent pimples, coz I have a pimple right now when I'd just used it 2-3 days ago. But in it's defense, I'm getting pimples on and off lately. 
3. Herbal essences None Of Your Frizziness Serum ~ With anti-humidity technology, it says. I love that it smells like mangoes. Slice, to be precise. It does help tame the frizziness I get right after washing.
4. Etude House Missing U Hand Cream 'Panda Story'~ I LOVE this panda so much! I should have bought all of them! This one smells peachy and it does not make my hand feel slippery. I'm so afraid to use it coz I don't want it to be finished! (also shown here). Must collect more next time!
5. Olay 7-in-1 Total Effects Anti-Ageing Eye Cream ~ I'm liking this a lot. It has tiny gold flecks in it, which are unnoticeable when applied. It's not very greasy/oily. The outer corners of my eyes used to be dry-ish and this has moisturized them to normalcy. Fine lines have also noticeably reduced. You can mix this with your concealer, and you've got yourself a YSL Touche Eclat dupe...ish, I think =D
6. MAC Quite Cute Mineralize Blush Giggly ~ Favorite pink blush of the moment (swatches here). It looks so good especially at night under yellow light. I think it could be my favorite pink blush of all time.
7. Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation #53 ~ This is almost exactly like the original Healthy Mix Foundation, except it is thinner (more liquid-ey) and less oily. It is easier to blend than the original too. Yes, I do like it better than the original. It smells so fruity & fresh, I could eat it. Coverage- Light to Medium. 

BB Creams ~ Skin79 BB Cream & Maybelline Clear Smooth BB Cream + Powder

BB Creams- What's the deal?

BB Creams became cult products when Korean actresses and celebs revealed that BB Cream is the "secret of their beauty". They must have undergone laser treatments and had to use BB Cream during the recovery period.

What is BB Cream?

BB Cream, short of Blemish Balm, was initially used by dermatologists on patients who underwent laser treatment. The cream is meant to protect, soothe and refine highly sensitive skin.

I have used 4 BB Creams so far- Skinfood Mushroom BB Cream (talked about it here), Etude House Mineral BB Cream, Skin79 BB Cream, and Maybelline Clear Smooth BB Cream- with a matching Two-Way Cake Powder.

Skin79 Beblesh Balm ~  Doesn't 'Beblesh' sound like a mistake? Like, they meant to say 'Blemish' but didn't know how to pronounce it right or spell it? I mean, a neighbor in my hometown used to pronounce 'Sandwich': 'Swish' =D

This one has amazing skin softening properties. It plumps up my skin- in a good way. Available in 2 types- Pink Label & Gold Label. If you ask me what's the difference between this and the one in a gold bottle, I'd say they are exactly the same. I tested both and they are ditto. I guess Skin79 just wanted to offer a different colored packaging. Hot pink was my first choice, of course, and I love it! Available in only 1 shade, which is not so light. What's best about it is it doesn't dominate my skin, my skin dominates it.

Price ~ Around Rs.1200.

Gillette Venus ~ Best Razor Ever!

Loving, loving, LO-VING Gillette Venus Razor! It's the best razor I've ever used. And it's pink!

About GilletteVenus:

• 3 blades surrounded by soft protective cushions ~ The cushions gently smooth out your skin for a close, smotth shave
• Indicator Strip ~ It has a blue stripe that fades when you are no longer getting the optimal shave.
• Venus Shaving Compact stores your razor and up to 4 sealed ShowerSafe blade refills together in the shower.

The best thing about it is the pivoting head, which moves with the contours of the body. Shaving underarms is a cakewalk!