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.

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 ^_^

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.)

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.

                                            

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 ^_^

♥~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~♥

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...

Olay Creme Ribbons Body Wash (Rs.179.00)

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you slather yummy ice-cream on your body? Well, now there's an alternative to that without tempting the flies. Olay Body Wash Plus feels so creamy and smells so good it can be a non-fattening substitute for the sweet tooths who want to shed the extra kilos.
'Helps you move moisture where you need it' is the tag line which is true because its creamy texture really moisturizes the skin. There are different types like Creme Ribbons with almond oil (pink), Lotion Ribbons with aloe extract (aqua), Body Butter Ribbons(purple), Spa Exfoliating Ribbons(blue), Tone Enriching Ribbons(gold.) I'm using the first two at the moment and they're both great.
If you have very dry skin or you're just one of those who care less about applying lotion after bathing or are always in a rush, this is the body wash for you.



♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

FACE CLEANSING BASICS

• Choose a cleanser that suits your skin type the most. Dry, Oily, combination, sensitive, acne-prone,  whitening, you take your pick. It's good to alternate between two types of cleansers, one for morning and the other for evening.
• Wash in upwards and circular motions. Thorough cleansing takes about a minute. Rinse with lukewarm water and finish off with cold water. Splash water onto face but wipe it from the chin upwards instead of the other way around like we most often tend to do ( let's leave that to gravity.) Just be careful not to get water inside your nose.
• Never use the same towel you use to wipe the rest of your body and hair to wipe your face. Keep a separate towel only for your face. Well, it just makes sense.
• Pat your face dry, don't rub, especially around the eyes. Pat it completely dry only if you are going to apply toner or moisturizer immediately, otherwise it is better if you leave face a little wet till the time you apply your moisturizer.
• Toner or no toner? This depends on your skin type. Some people think it is a totally unnecessary product and some don't go a day without including it in their skincare regimen. Those with very oily and acne-prone skin rave about how toner helps prevent breakouts and some don't even know what it is (In this case, ignorance really is bliss.) Rosewater is a mild toner without alcohol and an easy option if you just want to hydrate your skin when it feels tight after cleansing.
• Moisturize. Again, apply in upward strokes, including your neck.

AMAZING OILS

Johnson's Baby Oil has been an adult beauty staple for ages. We love to use it after shaving and waxing when the skin is very sensitive and also when we just need that extra shine on the legs when in those hot minis. Always keep this handy because babies are not the only ones who need gentle care.

The Body Shop Spa Wisdom Monoi Miracle Oil is worth a try even though "Miracle" is overstating it a little bit. Made with Tahitian gardenia flowers and coconut oil, it can be used on hair, body and also as a bath oil.

Parachute 100% Pure Coconut Oil can be used on the body and hair. It is also recommended by dermatologists for extra dry flaky skin. For rough feet and cracked heels, apply before going to bed and wear cotton socks.

Vaseline Cocoa Butter Vitalizing Gel Body Oil - This is not available in India yet, but I've read some good reviews about it and now I desperately want to try it. Let's hope it arrives before winter. The information below is from the Vaseline USA website:

When skin is healthy, light reflects off the rich color below the surface, giving it an amazing, natural glow. But daily showers strip natural, protecting oils from skin allowing essential moisture to evaporate.

Cocoa Butter Vitalizing Gel Body Oil, used after bathing, replenishes skin and locks in moisture for naturally radiant skin.

Key Ingredients

Brazilian nut oil - rich in essential nutrients known to boost skin's moisture barrier

Almond oil - naturally high in minerals and known antioxidants

MAC DSQUARED2 COLLECTION

MAC DSQUARED2 COLLECTION will be launched this fall. I won't mind having some of the products, but the packaging is kinda 'Blah!' for my taste. I mean a collaboration with a high-end fashion label does brings about high expectations, but these just look like usual MAC packaging with 'DSQUARED2' written blandly on them (which will probably come off with daily handling and sweaty fingers.)
Will skip on this collection and wait for the next one, hoping for some prettiness :)

MAC PREP+PRIME TRANSPARENT FINISHING POWDER

Everyone should have this powder, including guys (ok, 'some' guys) :) and even the make-up virgins, if only to reduce the sweaty shine and dullness.

It has replaced all my compacts. One universal shade suits all skin tones, so you don't have to go through the 'I hope I got the right shade' worries. It cuts down the oiliness and reduces your pores. Don't get scared by the 'white' because once you apply it, it's a match made in beauty heaven :)

With this, your makeup won't look piled-on, even after foundation and concealer. It's a hassle-free and no-fuss product which is hard to find fault with.

*Tip: Once you peel off the sticker covering the holes, too much of the powder comes out and can easily fly everywhere. I suggest you peel the sticker, cut it in half and then stick it back on to cover   half of the holes. This way it's easier to get only as much powder as you need on your brush.


Price~ Rs.1250.

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick ~ Lickable

Got the MAC 'Lickable' lipstick recently and I'm quite happy about it in spite of the fact that I wanted 'Girl About Town' in the first place but it wasn't available at the time.
The two shades are very similar except that GAT has more of a blue tone and Lickable is more reddish, in my opinion. I'd say I like the cremesheen finish more than the amplified because the former gives a smoother finish unlike the amplified which moves around when you lock your lips.
What's amazing is it stays within the lip line even without a lip liner. Absolutely loving it!!!

It is also very pigmented so if you don't want it to look to loud, apply it with a lip brush.

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^