Mega Festive Season Haul - Part I

Hey ya! Hope you are doing good! As I have promised to post my recent haul, so here it is. :D

The festive season has started here in India. Durga Puja which is a huge festival for us Bongs (Bengalis), has commenced on 27th September with Mahalaya and the non-bongs are also celebrating the Navratri. Durga Puja or Durgotsav means loads of shopping, lots of eating and having fun, to us, along with the rituals during these 9 days.

So coming back to the shopping part, here is what I have bought. I mainly stock on clothing suitable and comfortable for college wear and also some ethnic stuff. Now I should stop babbling and show you the pics (please don't mind the stupid backgrounds and the pics look a little distorted as I needed to rotate them to get their full length). ;)

I mainly rely on Pantaloons or Shopper's Stop for buying my clothes. All these are bought from Pantaloons, unless otherwise stated.

I love this yarn dyed cowgirl shirt, though the pic makes it look a bit washed out. Price: Rs.999

The cute bows caught my attention and I had to buy this. Price: Rs.699

A Black Shrug to go with the previous top. This has got a multipurpose use. Price: Rs.899

I like these Balloon tops or whatever you call them as they hide those extra bulges and adds a cuteness factor. Price: Rs. 850

Another one . It looks a bit flashy in the pic but looks very sober in real. Price: Rs.899

Another balloon top. Rs. 849

 

Finally an ethnic wear. A Kurti in the same old anarkali style (which I am not that fond of but I really loved the color of this one and it fitted me well) Price: Rs. 1149 and the leggings is from local market Price: Rs.120

A Black Denim with some thin red threadwork. Price: Rs.1699

 

A black n blue Jealous 21 jeans with some fake rhinestones design on the back pockets. Price: Rs.1799

I wish the pics had come out better and I hope you didn't mind the wrinkles on some as I had to trial and retrial them so many times. Well this was my clothing haul. The part II of the haul is coming up soon! :D

Awards Time!

Hello wonderful people. I received some awards again from my fellow blogger friends here.
On to the awards now,

I received this award from Pandora`s Box who is a very talented blogger and reviews perfumes and make them sound (uhmm...smell actually ;) ) so interesting!

I received these awards from Rids who is also a cute blogger friend of mine and does awesome product reviews.
Don't forget to follow them. I have done the other rules here.

I thought of modifying the rules a bit and add some of my own. Hope you don't  mind ;)
So here they are,

• Tell 3 things that you love about yourself.
• Tell 3 things that you don't love/hate about yourself.
• Tell about 3 places that you want to visit or have visited.
• Tell 1 crazy thing you have done or would like to do.

And don't forget to mention the sender of the award and also the 15 blogs you would like to pass these awards on to and notify them.

And I would like to pass these on to the following lovely bloggers.

Makeup and Beauty Reviews!!

Corallista Makeup Blog  

Addicted to Blush 

**~Peaches & Blush- Beauty Blog ~** 

Blush and the Blog 

Beauty And The Blog 

Pink Clouds  

Poohkie's Place  

The TraceFace Philes 

Opinionated Little Finger 

-— My Kiss ʼn Make-up —- 

A peek into my life.. 

Rinny's Beauty Diary 

My Beauty world!!

I love Shopping

 

What I have been reading?

Hello my lovely readers. I have started this blog to share my views on products that I use/used and also promised that I would also talk about my other interests, however I have neglected that section for a while.

So today I thought of sharing with you one of my recent reads. I have started reading the Shiva Trilogy series by Amish, who is a 36 year old, IIM (Kolkata) educated boring banker turned happy author, by the way :P

The Immortals of Meluha is the first part of this Trilogy series.

From Google Images

I borrowed this book from one my lovely friend and classmate after I read it's snippet on net and was completely hooked on.

ABOUT: ‘The IMMORTALS OF MELUHA’, the first book of the Shiva trilogy is a No. 1 National Bestseller, having sold over 100,000 copies since it’s launch in March, 2010.

It is set in 1900 BC, in what the modern Indians mistakenly call the Indus Valley Civilisation. The inhabitants of that period called it the land of Meluha – a near perfect empire created many centuries earlier by Lord Ram, one of the greatest monarchs that ever lived.

The once proud empire and its Suryavanshi rulers face severe perils as its primary river, the revered Saraswati, is slowly drying to extinction. They also face devastating terrorist attacks from the east, the land of the Chandravanshis.

To make matters worse, the Chandravanshis appear to have allied with the Nagas, an ostracised and sinister race of deformed humans with astonishing martial skills.

The only hope for the Suryavanshis is an ancient legend – ‘when evil reaches epic proportions, when all seems lost, when it appears that your enemies have triumphed, a hero will emerge’.

Is the rough-hewn Tibetan immigrant Shiva, really that hero?

And does he want to be that hero at all?

Drawn suddenly to his destiny, by duty as well as by love, will Shiva lead the Suryavanshi vengeance and destroy evil?

"The Immortals of Meluha" is available online and in bookstores. Two more books are to follow. “The Secret of the Nagas”, book 2 of the Shiva Trilogy, is tentatively scheduled for a mid August 2011 release. The title of book 3 is "The Oath of the Vayuputras".

 

This was a fun read and in a totally unexpected casual colloquial language gets a good grip on young minds. I have finished this one and now eagerly waiting to get my hands on “The Secret of the Nagas”. You can read the small snippet of the first chapter of this book here.

# I have a question though, why all the IIMites are turning authors nowadays? Last I heard they teach MBA and not literature! Just Kidding! :P

Disclaimer: Images and About information taken from website.

Product Information: Lumiere Mineral Cosmetics

Hello beauties! Hope you are having a great Sunday! Do you know Mineral make-up is the best way to get a flawless look on your skin, without destroying your skin textures. Well today I would like to introduce you to another range of mineral cosmetics by Lumiere called Lumiere Skin & Beauty Bar.

****************************************************

ABOUT:  Lumiere Mineral Cosmetics believe there is a beauty in all of us, and each of us adorns our own unique qualities. 

From Website

"Our mineral cosmetics are formulated to simply enhance the finest of our features and assist with those areas we like the least. Whatever your skin type may be, delight yourself in the look and feel of naturally, smooth and radiant skin with our complete line of mineral cosmetics.


Don't hide the beauty you possess, captivate it! "

Their range comprises of the following products and their detailed ingredients. 

Flawless Foundation:
premium grade serecite (colorless mica), titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, iron oxides, boron nitride, silica, magnesium stearate, squalane

Luminesse Foundation:
premium grade serecite (colorless mica), boron nitride, zinc oxide, avena sativa (oat powder), titanium dioxide, iron oxide, tocopherol (vitamin e)

Cashmere Foundation:
silk powder, serecite (colorless mica), titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, boron nitride, iron oxides

Bronzers / Blushing Bronzers:
premium grade serecite (colorless mica), boron nitride, zinc oxide, mica, avena sativa (oat powder), titanium dioxide, iron oxide, tocopherol (vitamin e) may contain : carmine, tin oxide, calcium aluminum borosilicate

Silkies:
boron nitride, iron oxide, may contain: magenese violet

Matte Eyeshadow:
premium grade serecite (colorless mica), boron nitride, zinc oxide, avena sativa (oat powder), titanium dioxide, iron oxide, tocopherol (vitamin e)

Eye Shimmers/Liners:
mica, iron oxides, Titanium Dioxide. May contain ferric ferrocyanide may contain : carmine, tin oxide, calcium aluminum borosilicate

Flawless Finish:
premium grade serecite (colorless mica), iron oxides, Magnesium stearate

Body Shimmer:
mica, corn starch, iron oxides, titanium dioxide

Veena Velvet Foundation:
premium grade serecite (colorless mica), titanium dioxide, avena sativa (oat powder), zinc oxide, iron oxide, magnesium stearate.

Veena Veil:
premium grade serecite (colorless mica), avena sativa, oryza sativa (rice powder) may contain: iron oxide

Veena Silk Veil:
avena sativa (oat powder), silk powder, mica, oryza sativa (rice powder), rosemary extract oil, iron oxide

Veena Blush:
premium grade serecite (colorless mica), mica, iron oxide, avena sativa (oat powder), titanium dioxide may contain : carmine, tin oxide, calcium aluminum borosilicate

Silk Radiances:
silk powder, serecite (colorless mica), titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, boron nitride, iron oxide
may contain: carmine, silica, tin oxide, calcium aluminum borosilicate

Silk Blush:
silk powder, serecite (clorless mica), titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, boron nitride, iron oxide
may contain: carmine, silica, tin oxide, calcium aluminum borosilicate

3-D Powders:
premium grade serecite (colorless mica), mica, iron oxide, avena sativa (oat powder), titanium dioxide may contain: ferro ferrocyanide

Lumi Lips:
simmondsia chinisis (jojoba oil) & Ethylene/propylene/styrene copolymer & butylene, mica, titanium dioxide, iron oxide may contain : carmine, tin oxide, calcium aluminum borosilicate, avena sativa (oat powder)

They cover all your makeup needs and all are very reasonably priced. Do check out their website for more information!

****************************************************

I received a few samples of their Eye pigments, Lumi Lips, and Pucker Scrub which were all beautifully packed and look amazing.

I would shortly come up with their reviews. Stay tuned. :)

Product Information: Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint SPF15 and an Update

Hello my lovely readers! Hope you are having a great weekend! Today I am going to introduce you to a new product from Liz Earle. It is their  Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint SPF15.

**************************************************************

With her experience as a trusted beauty specialist, Liz has spent more than two decades working with leading international make up artists for TV and photo shoots, as well as time spent as a magazine beauty editor, discovering more about what women want from their make up.

Over the last three and a half years, Liz and Kim have combined their skincare heritage with the expertise of a specially chosen team of make up professionals to create their much requested colour range. 

From website

ABOUT : "The perfect way to enhance your skin. Our rich and creamy, yet lightweight formula leaves all skin types looking naturally dewy, even and radiant. With mineral UV SPF15, it’s enriched with our own blend of natural source vitamin E, borage and avocado, specially selected to work in harmony with our skincare range.
Apply a little Sheer Skin Tint onto forehead, nose, cheeks and chin, then blend with fingertips over your face.
Suitable for all skin types"
  

PRICE:  £21.00

QUANTITY: 40 ml tube

SHADES: 

• 

  Bare 01

  The palest shade, this suits fair, alabaster complexions.





• 

  Beige 02

  The medium shade, this suits the majority of Caucasian skins.





• 

  Beach 03

  The darkest shade, this works well for suntanned, olive-toned and most Asian skin tones.

****************From Liz Earle Website******************


I received some samples of Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint SPF15  in all three shades.

Here are the swatches to help you decide which one would be more suitable to your tone.
 

 

MY OPINION:

I tried it on my face and I think, I lie between Beige 02 and Beach 03, but Beige 02 suits my tone more as Beach 03 tends to look more dark and yellowish while Beige 02,though a little light, blends well with my skin tone.

The skin tint has a thick cream texture and it needs fast fingers to blend it well. It gives a sheer coverage as the name suggests.

I hope Liz Earle comes with some more shades in the future that lie in between these three so that every woman can find their suitable shade.

**************************************************************

UPDATE: If you remember my review about the Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic then you must know I was talking about the Spritzer format of the same. Well the Liz Earle PR team was kind enough to send me the Spritzer format toner. I also received their Autumn & Winter newsletter 2011 (which you can see at the back) that contains details about all the Liz Earle products.

           

I was delighted to see that they always care for their customer and give priority to the customer's satisfaction with their products which many other companies should learn from.

Now coming back to Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic in Spritzer helps to spritz over face and body to revitalise at any time. The fine mist can even be used over make-up.

I have now started to use it in this way before applying the moisturiser. And I am really loving it. Thank you Liz Earle!

Well that was quite a long post! I hope you didn't mind! :">

Himalaya Herbals Refreshing Fruit Pack Review

Hello friends. As promised in my last post I am back with the review of Himalaya Herbals Refreshing Fruit Pack. This was my first tryst with a ready-made face pack from any brand. I usually don’t have much time to pamper my skin with face packs and all but when I received this product I thought why not, let’s see if it revitalizes my skin as it tends to get dull because of all pollution and stress it undergoes through.
 

 PRICE:  Rs.110

QUANTITY: 100 g

INGREDIENTS & DIRECTIONS TO USE:

MY EXPERIENCE:  

I use this after I have scrubbed my face with the Himalaya Herbals Apricot Scrub. I follow the notion that a face pack work well on cleansed skin, when the skin is more receptive. I may be wrong but that’s what I believe. I have used this some 5-6 times and I didn’t see any wonders on my skin, neither any blunders (hey it rhymes :P )! Following is my view on the product!

WHAT I LIKED:

• I love the effect of the Scrub + Face pack routine that leaves my skin soft and smooth and adds a bit glow.
• The cream is pretty thick in texture and that is good in case of a face pack (which I like about DIY-at-home face packs).
• It has very mild herbal smell and doesn’t irritate your olfactory senses.
• Price is very reasonable and smaller versions are also available so you could try out them and then invest in the larger ones.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• It says “Causes a tingling sensation” but it was more like my skin was on fire the first time I used it. However the sensation stays only for some 30 seconds. And after regular usage you get used to that. And also the tingling/burning sensation proves that it is working on your skin.
• I can’t really confirm about its claims of removing black heads (as I don’t have them as such) and minimizing wrinkles (again I don’t have them till now *touch-wood*), also I am a bit impatient to see any long term effects of a product which doesn’t give some immediate results.

VERDICT: It is a nice, affordable face pack to try out, however there are many DIY face packs one can make at home to use. But if you are a lazy bum like me then surely try out this one.

RATINGS:  3.5 out of 5

***HAVE YOU ENTERED MY GIVEAWAY YET? CLICK HERE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A CREACLIP SET***

**Product sent by PR for consideration but it doesn't influence my honest opinion! Read my disclaimer.

Himalaya Herbals Gentle Exfoliating Apricot Scrub Review

Hello beauties! I am back with another review. How many of you follow a scrub routine in your skin care regime? Well I don’t have any specific skin care regime but I do incorporate scrubbing my skin quite regularly in my schedule. Scrubbing helps to remove the dead skin cells which make you look dull and regenerates a new layer of skin. I was happy using my Makari de Suisse Whitening Exfoliating Antiseptic Soap but it was going to finish up and so I started using the Himalaya Herbals Gentle Exfoliating Apricot Scrub as I received it with the other Himalaya samples.

 

PRICE:  Rs.115

QUANTITY: 100gm

INGREDIENTS & DIRECTIONS TO USE:

MY EXPERIENCE:

I use this mainly before applying Himalaya Herbals Refreshing Fruit Pack (which I will be reviewing soon) or whenever I feel like getting a scrub. Here is what I think about the product.

WHAT I LIKED:

• The scrub doesn’t dry out my skin as it is cream based.
• It has a very mild chocolaty smell which I love.
• The granules are not hard on the skin but exfoliate efficiently.
• Skin feels soft, smooth and fresh after every usage.
• Very decently priced. Only a little amount is required so one tube would last really long.
• Available in smaller 50gm tube. Hence one can test the waters before investing on the larger versions.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• I am not sure if it is really effective on blackheads or not as I don’t have blackheads problem as such.
• Well I won’t call it a con but I would have loved it, if it was a foam based scrub and did a two-in-one function of cleansing and scrubbing! ;)
• It didn’t irritate my skin much but once or twice I have seen some redness which results in some budding pimples. But I am not sure whether I should pinpoint this product for that as I do get occasional zits. So, I would like to warn sensitive skinned ladies to think twice before using it.

VERDICT: I think it is a nice scrub that does its work well and isn’t very heavy on the pocket at the same time. :)

RATINGS:  4 out of 5

***HAVE YOU ENTERED MY GIVEAWAY YET? CLICK HERE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A CREACLIP SET***

**Product sent by PR for consideration but it doesn't influence my honest opinion! Read my disclaimer.

Himalaya Herbals Anti-Hair Loss Cream Review

Hey ya friends! Hope you all are doing good. Well, today I thought of reviewing Himalaya Herbals Anti-Hair Loss Cream that I have been using for quite some time now. I suffer from some serious hairfall problem and it worsens in the monsoons. Everytime I run my fingers through my hair there would be this bunch of strands coming off and it sometimes scares me that I would go bald soon *sob* *sob* (wish I had listened to my Mom when she told me to care for my hair *sigh* ). So let’s see how this product fared solving this problem.

 

PRICE:  Rs. 330

QUANTITY: 100 ml

INGREDIENTS & DIRECTIONS TO USE:

MY EXPERIENCE:  I used this product continuously for some 2 weeks with one day gap in between two applications. Then I stopped using it for a few days, and then again started using it but not regularly, to see how it works for my hair. I apply it to my scalp mainly and comb my fingers through my hair to spread it. I keep it on all night and then wash it off in the morning. Following is my take on it.

WHAT I LIKED:

• The cream is a neither too thick nor too runny and spreads easily.
• Gives a cooling sensation when applied which I find quite relaxing. Maybe because I am a hot head :P.
• Adds some volume and shine to the hair, after it is washed off.
• Doesn’t make hair oily but since it is a cream it dampens it up a bit ofcourse.

• I find Himalaya products to be reasonably priced.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• Okay I am not sure even if there is a 20% reduction in 2 weeks in my hair fall problem as claimed. It is still the same as before. I don’t count how much hair I lost everyday but the size of bunch hasn’t reduced considerably that I could swear by it.
• The cream looks a bit gooey and has a strong herbal smell which is a bit nauseating at times and you can’t go outside applying it on your hair.
• A good amount of product is required for each use to cover the whole scalp. So it may finish up quickly.

VERDICT: I think one needs to be a bit patient with these kind of products. Maybe I would give it another try to see whether it really reduces my hair fall frequency at all.

RATINGS:  3 out of 5

***HAVE YOU ENTERED MY GIVEAWAY YET? CLICK HERE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A CREACLIP SET***

**Product sent by PR for consideration but it doesn't influence my honest opinion! Read my disclaimer.

WARNING: A Ranting Post

Hello my dear readers.Hope you all are doing fine!!  As I have said on my FB page that I would be back into posting from Wednesday and here I am one day before that as I couldn't stay away from you guys.

Today's post won't be about any review or product. I thought of summing up the last 10 days I was M.I.A on my blog through this post. Many things happened around me and/or with me. Nothing too serious :P !
Here is a bit of what I did/ what happened in this last 10 days!

:x I crossed two milestones last week on my blog (100+ GFC followers) and my FB page (50+ Likes) which is a hugeeeeeee milestone for me :D Thank you my lovely readers!


:-*  I completed 5 years with my BF :-* . Okay, technically it was 13 days ago! :">

\:D/ As you might know that the festive season has started here in India and we bongs (Bengali) will celebrate Durga Puja in few days, so I did loads of shopping (okay I am exaggerating :P). Will post about the haul in a few days. Still have some stuff left to buy :D

[-o< We were also hit by a major earthquake measured at 6.8 Richter scale.  The epicenter was at Sikkim but the aftershocks were felt in North-east and Eastern India too. No casualties here but Sikkim faced the heavy blow and damage. Please do pray for their lost souls and recovery.

*-:) I read up on many blogs, added a few more to my reading list and I did find some rather interesting ones.
Also came across a *Open letter* post which I found quite pathetic. It #trended everywhere for the last week and garnered some media attention too. Okay I don't want to go on the gory details of the post and if your are intrigued and want to read the blood boiling, stinking of racism, hypocrite post go to this link and don't forget to read up on the follow up replies on other blogs as well! 

:-B I had my internal exams in college and I happily flunked them. The semester exams are nearing (in next 1.5 months :-SS ) and all I could think of what Lipstick color should I buy. I must have gone completely M.A.D :-?

Okay I would stop my rant here! I don't wanna bore you any more. It was lovely to rant off to you guys though! :-* 

Reviews and haul posts coming up soon. And if you still haven't entered my giveaway, ENTER NOW!

And I got lucky :)

Hello friends! Today I thought of sharing with you a few goodies I have won through the giveaways/contests in last few months. :) 

I was one of the 10 lucky winners of the Nique Cosmetics Giveaway held by Shasie from Live Life In Style. I received a lovely package comprising of mineral foundation, a blush, an eyeshadow and a cutie blusher brush. :x

 
Few days back Models Own were having a 50,000 Likes contest on their FB page, and I was again one of the 10 lucky winners of the 35,000 Likes - GIVEAWAY and won a set of Models Own Summer Polish Collection (6 polishes). Keep your eyes glued on, I am stashing away something for you guys for my next giveaway soon. :x

I also won two other giveaways a month back but I still have not received the packages. Maybe they got lost in shipment but I hope that is not the case and I get them soon. I feel a bit sad about them as in those I were a sole winner and the prizes were awesome too. :(

In any case participation and the anticipation for the results was fun.  So you see one just have to try and you might get lucky!! :D

Try your luck in my 1st giveaway to win a CreaClip set worth $29.99. Click here.

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Review

Hello dearies! Today I will be reviewing the Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic which is the next step for the CTM routine after Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser (read my review here).

PRICE:  £12.25

QUANTITY: 200ml

INGREDIENTS & DIRECTIONS TO USE:

WHAT IT CLAIMS: “This heavenly floral-scented, non-drying toner refreshes, soothes and brightens your skin. Gentle and alcohol-free, it also adds a fine layer of moisture.” Check their website for more.

MY EXPERIENCE: I generally never follow any Cleansing, Toning, Moisturising routine. I do regular Cleansing and Moisturising of my skin but this was my first tryst with the “Toning” part. I have used the Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic after cleansing my face with Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser and following is my take on it.

WHAT I LIKED:

• It has got a lively smell which instantly refreshes your senses. If you are a fan of the old “Old Spice” cologne you will love this. (Psst…I didn’t use the cologne ..it was my Dad’s :P  and I used to love the smell of it.)
• The toner gives a cooling effect to the skin which instantly soothes and relaxes the skin after the rigorous cleansing part.
• The toner is very light and has clear liquid like consistency which doesn’t leave any heavy feeling on the skin.
• It makes the skin look more refreshed and removes any last traces of makeup when used with a cotton wool.
• It contains natural ingredients and is free from chemical preservatives or parabens.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• I was supposed to get it in a spritzer format but I received the bottle one. The bottle format is a bit cumbersome to use. One has to twist the cap, the mouth comes out and then again twist it back down. I accidentally sloshed out some extra product first two times. So one needs to get around to handle it properly.
• It is quite pricey when converted to INR and along with that the shipping charges are also added.
• Only available through online shopping.

VERDICT: I liked the toner but it has got a hefty price tag. If money is not a problem then I would surely recommend you to try.

 

RATINGS:  4 out of 5

***HAVE YOU ENTERED MY GIVEAWAY YET? CLICK HERE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A CREACLIP SET***

**Product sent by PR for consideration but it doesn't influence my honest opinion! Read my disclaimer.