Liz Earle Brightening Treatment Mask Review

Hey ya! I’m back with another Liz Earle product review today. It is their Brightening Treatment Mask. I have found all the Liz Earle products that I have tried till date to be luxurious, with goodness of many natural ingredients, which greatly pampers your skin. This product is no exception.

 PRICE:  £13.50 (for starter kit. Sample size also available) 

QUANTITY: 50 ml 

INGREDIENTS:  Aqua (water), Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, Montmorillonite, Hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) water, PEG-20 stearate, Silt, Prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, Panthenol, Cetearyl ethylhexanoate, Cetearyl alcohol, Cinnamomum camphora (camphor) oil, Parfum (fragrance), Citronellol, Hexyl cinnamal, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde, Butylphenyl methylpropional, Linalool, Lactic acid, Potassium sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Sodium methylparaben, Sodium propylparaben.  

WHAT IT CLAIMS: “ Problem: dull, lacklustre skin.
  
Solution: our fast-acting ‘minute’ mask instantly revitalises. Containing stimulating camphor oil and toning witch hazel to help give your skin a natural-looking radiance.  Use in the morning or whenever a quick fix is needed.  Naturally active ingredients include aloe vera to help cool and soothe, toning witch hazel and purifying white clay.  

Not suitable for sensitive skin”

DIRECTIONS TO USE:  Use whenever your skin needs a quick fix to leave it radiant and revitalised.  Apply to clean, dry skin. Leave for between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. Soak the pure muslin cloth in hand-hot water and gently wipe away residue.  Follow with Instant Boost Skin Tonic.  You will experience a slight tingling sensation. This is normal. However, as a common sense precaution, do not use on sensitive skin and avoid the lip and eye area.

MY EXPERIENCE:  Liz Earle Brightening Treatment Mask starter kit comes in pump dispenser bottle. The mask is a slightly greyish in color, whipped creamy in texture and has strong camphor smell. The starter kit comes with a pouch bag containing the pump bottle and 1 piece muslin cloth. I have used this product five times till date. Twice on random days and thrice on consecutive days to see the difference in results, though it is instructed to use once or twice a week but many people use it daily too. It gives a slight tingling sensation but that goes away in few seconds and one need to keep the mask just for 2 minutes maximum, so not a bother. Following is my take on the product, 

WHAT I LIKED: 

• Skin feels refreshed and clean after every use. The muslin cloth gently exfoliates the skin.

• I love the strong camphor smell, but can be bothersome to sensitive noses.
• It gives a slight brightness/glow to the skin instantly.
• After wiping it away skin feels tightened up a bit and I follow up with washing my face with cold water and Liz Earle moisturiser.
• This is a fast acting product made keeping in mind the fast pace life of today’s women and you just need to invest 4-5 mins hardly for the whole process. 

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• The brightening effect doesn’t last long.
• I have got some tiny eruptions on my face after my third use but I don’t know whether it is because of this product or due to the sudden weather change (Yes it has suddenly turned cold here) or both. 
•  Not available here but can be bought online through their website. 

VERDICT: As I said earlier, this is a luxurious product for special treatment to skin and very apt before going for some party/outing, for adding an instant brightness to the face. You can try this if you want some extra pampering for your skin. 

RATINGS:  4 out of 5

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

Dove Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner Review

Hello lovely people. Hope you all are doing great.  I am again getting a bit lazy after all these festivities but thought of writing a few posts anyhow. So today I would be reviewing the Dove Nourishing Oil Care Conditioner that I received a few days back and have been using it daily. There is this new innovative formula of incorporating “oil” care in hair care products by every brand nowadays but hey, I am not complaining as I am totally anti-hair oil freak and this serves the dual purpose of conditioner and oil :P
 

PRICE:  Rs.160

QUANTITY: 180ml

INGREDIENTS & DIRECTIONS TO USE:

WHAT IT CLAIMS: “Dryness, which is the very first sign of damage, makes your hair look dull and feel rough. The reason behind this dryness of hair is lack of nourishment. That's why treat your hair with Dove Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner that has the power of double nourishment. It is the next generation conditioner with golden ribbon inside that contains Vita-Oils to nourish your hair from deep within, leaving no greasiness on the outside. Its white ribbon that contains the conditioner locks-in the nourishment to keep dryness at bay. So, restore your hair's smoothness and softness with Dove Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner.”

MY EXPERIENCE: Dove is one brand that I always had a love-hate relationship with. Forget ‘love’, it was only ‘hate’. Neither the damage therapy shampoo/conditioner nor their famous soaps worked for me ever. So I wasn’t holding any expectation from this product. But I am glad to be proven wrong this time. This one product won my heart with its ultra-rich creamy formula that managed to keep my hair soft, smooth and manageable throughout the whole day. As I said it is a thick cream conditioner unlike other runny conditioners and with two stripes of gold and white works it’s magic to keep the hair hydrated, soft and smooth. I use two dollops of it and apply it from 1 -2 inches leaving the scalp to the tips of my hair, keep it on for 2-3 minutes and then wash it off.

WHAT I LIKED:

• This is the first conditioner which is able to keep my hair so manageable and tangle free throughout the whole day. I comb my semi-dried hair in the morning and then go to college and it doesn’t stray from its place much. I can just run my fingers through if it does a bit and everything settles back and I am really thrilled with this experience.
• It has added a healthy shine to my hair in just these few days which is commendable.
• Like most good conditioners, it makes hair really soft.
• Doesn’t weigh my hair down but gives a smooth appearance.
• Has a nice smell which lingers even after washed off. If you don’t like fragrant conditioners then you may not like it.
• With all its goodness, I guess the price is quite justified.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• It didn’t control the frizz completely. To be honest I have this layer of frizzy (read: sun-fried) hair on top but nothing seems to tame it completely. However, they look a bit healthier than before.

 #Tip: Never apply conditioner to your scalp. Conditioners contains chemicals that coats your hair to make them look soft and shiny. Remember the hair itself is dead " no living cells in it ". But the follicle at the scalp is 'alive' , like your skin, to grow the hair and it absorbs everything you give to it.  So use your conditioner 1-2 inches down from the roots to the tips to make your hair look healthy without causing any future damage.

VERDICT: It does what it claims and so I am really satisfied with this conditioner. If you are going through a damaged/dry hair phase try it out once atleast, to see if it works for you or not.

RATINGS:  4.75 out of 5

** Being a member of  IndiBlogger.com, I received a gift hamper of Dove Nourishing Oil Care Range but it doesn't influence my honest opinion! Read my disclaimer.

Are we getting ripped off ?

Well, we all love to try out the foreign brands whether in skincare or makeup or clothing. But do we ever ponder over that if we are paying excess or over and above than what we could have invested on some local brand. Are we being ripped off only because of the brand name and seal? 

I came across this serious issue during attending one lecture in college. We have a subject called Values and Ethics in our M.C.A course that deals with several issues of environment and pollution, society and culture, industrialization and growth and so on and so forth. So in this particular lecture, the topic of discussion was British economist E. F. Schumacher's appropriate technologies who quoted the famous phrase "Small is beautiful" for his collection of essays related to diverting our focus on cottage industries rather than foreign industries. I would like to quote (not word-to-word though) a few things that the lecturer discussed on that topic - 

"...Do we have any idea that the branded jeans that we wear for e.g. Levi's are manufactured where? It is manufactured at Aravind mills with our own raw materials and labor for a cost of around Rs. 300 and then are exported to U.S. for just labeling of the Levi's tag and are imported back again, to be sold at much higher prices. What was this brand Ruf n Tuf that was so much in demand a few years back? The rejected pieces that were not labeled under Levi's and was rebranded under a new name "Ruf n Tuf" to be sold at much lesser prices......" 

And not only Levi's, Aravind/Arvind mills has tie up with many other foreign brands and also manufacture a huge range of their brands. To read more about that click here. Not only the customers are being ripped off but the laborers too are being cheated of their share from this huge price difference. I tried searching the net for some relevant articles but could not find much on this issue and I am sorry for this hurried post.

So what do you think about this issue? Aren't we getting fooled to pay those insane high prices for our own materials and the share of it which rightfully belongs to those hard laborers who are being deceived in this process? Isn't it high time that we focus on our own small scale industries and patronize them.

I am not saying that we should not buy any foreign brands but shouldn't we consider what exactly we are paying for? Well, it was a small attempt to generate an awareness. The information provided are true to my knowledge, however if there is any misconception/misinformation I would be happy to acknowledge it.

Pond's Age Miracle Tinted Moisturizer Shade Sheer Rose (02) Review

Hello beauties! Hope you are having a great time with Diwali and Halloween preparation and celebration :x. 
Like me if you are not fond of heavy foundations here is a product for you. I am about to review the Pond's Age Miracle Tinted Moisturizer in the Shade Sheer Rose. Well, I had a small tryst with the Pond’s Age Miracle range a few years back (even before I hit twenty) with their Age Miracle cream and I absolutely adored it because it made my skin so glowing and radiant and un-blemished, but then discontinued using it as my friends suggested that it should not be used at such young age. I don’t know if they were right or wrong but yes I loved using it very much. So coming back to today’s review, here is my experience with their tinted moisturiser.

PRICE:  Rs.215 (On offer for Rs.200 at Violetbag.com)

QUANTITY: 30ml

INGREDIENTS:

WHAT IT CLAIMS: “Experience the dual power of anti-ageing skincare with a natural "no make up" finish with our lightweight, tinted anti-ageing moisturizer.

With super-fine color spheres to even out your skin tone and the same active ingredients of one of our best anti-ageing moisturizer, Advanced CLA Complex + SPF 15 PA++  for that smooth, natural finish with a luminous radiant glow.”

MY EXPERIENCE: I have been using this tinted moisturiser for past two weeks and so far I am just loving it. Pond's Age Miracle Tinted Moisturizer comes in 3 shades, Sheer Ivory (01), Sheer Rose (02), Sheer Honey (03). As I bought it online I didn’t get the chance of testing out all the shades and had to rely on online swatches and guess work. I chose Sheer Rose to be on the safe side and it suited me perfectly. However, I guess all the three shades are quite similar to each other (from reading other blogger’s experiences) and you couldn’t go much wrong with either of them. As the name suggests they are very sheer that doesn’t give much coverage, but it gives a dewy radiance to the face that I absolutely adore.

WHAT I LIKED:

• A perfect moisturiser for all the seasons as it is not heavy at all and provides sunscreen with SPF 15.
• It adds radiance to the face and keeps it glowing and fresh for a good 6-7 hrs unless washed off. I am using it before going to college and my face still maintains the freshness even after coming back.
•  A pimple was budding out but it didn’t let it surface, so it does some miracles too :P and no, I am not using the Makari soap anymore, as I have finished it up long time back and so, this was the effect of this moisturiser only. I can vouch for that because I had similar experience with the Age Miracle cream I was talking about earlier.
• It keeps oiliness at bay. I experience a lot of facial sweating and oiliness in humid climate, so I really loved it on my face and if set with powder it lasts long.
• The packaging is nice and effective. The nozzle of the mouth is perfect for dispensing the right amount of product.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• I wish they would give a bit more quantity for the price.
• Though I don’t consider it a con but it doesn’t give much coverage to blemishes or spots as it is very sheer compared to foundies.
• I am not sure if it would be moisturising enough in the winter months for dry skin, but I have to wait a few more days to see that.

VERDICT: I simply love it and would keep it in my stash always, as I don’t like foundations. If you are looking for an everyday useable tinted moisturiser then you must try it.

RATINGS:  4.75 out of 5

HAPPY DIWALI :)

WISH YOU ALL LOADS OF HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY ON THIS AUSPICIOUS DAY! :-* :x

L’Oreal Pearl Perfect Facial Foam Review

Hello lovelies! I am back with my reviews! Yay! :D So what’s on the table for today? Well, it is the L’Oreal Pearl Perfect Facial Foam which I recently purchased in my VioletBag.com haul. I was looking around for a nice facewash for everyday use and chanced upon this one while surfing the site. I have been using it for almost past two weeks and I thought of reviewing the same today.

PRICE:  Rs.175 (Rs.163 on offer at VioletBag.com)

QUANTITY: 50g

WHAT IT CLAIMS: Instantly removes make-up, cleanses skin thoroughly and eliminates all impurities. Contributes to a complete Whitening effectiveness. Brightens the complexion day after day. Helps to clear off excess dead cells from the skin's surface for a brighter and more luminous skin.This innovative foam lathers abundantly in contact with water and rinses off easily, leaving your skin extremely soft, clean and comfortable.

INGREDIENTS:  Aqua, Palmitic acid, Myristic acid, Lauric acid, Potassium hydroxide, Stearic acid, PEG-7 Glyceryl cocoate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Diodium laureth sulfosuccinate, PEG-150 Disterate, Glycerin, Ascorbyl, Glucoside, DMDM Hydantoin, Calcium pantetheine sulfonate, Limonene, Linalool, Benzyl benzoate, Propylparaben, Fragrance, Disodium butylparaben, Cetyl hydroxyethycelluouse, BHT, Butylphenyl methylpropional, Citronellol, Sodium chloride.

MY EXPERIENCE: The L’Oreal Pearl Perfect Facial Foam comes in a pearl white tube which I think, first attracted me and I went ahead to buy it . The consistency of the face wash is soft and creamy and it looks pearly white. However, it belies its name and doesn’t form any foam at all. I use it after coming back from college (to test it on whatever little makeup I have on my face along with all the dirt). A large blob is sufficient to spread over face and neck but it spreads like a creamy cleanser and doesn’t lather at all and so I don’t get the feeling of a cleansed skin. If you take very little amount it won’t even spread and cleanse properly. To sum it up, I would say,

WHAT I LIKED:

• Removes makeup to an extent (not completely).
• Didn’t cause any break outs.
• Fragrance is a bit unusual but nothing OTT.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• I didn't see any whitening, brightening or lightening of skin.

• Doesn’t lather much which is the most irritating factor for me. It forms like a layer of cream (like men’s shaving cream) which I am not fond of.
• Hurts like hell if it goes inside the eyes.
• Doesn’t give the cleansed feeling which I get from other face washes.
• Leaves my skin dry and stretchy.
• Considering the other cons the price seems a bit burning the pocket.

VERDICT: Honestly, I would go for the Himalaya herbals neem face wash over this one at less than half the price. Dry skinned beauties stay away from it.

RATINGS:  3 out of 5

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What I have been reading this month?

Hey friends. I won't be posting any reviews today as my laptop has been formatted and in the process of installation of the required softwares. 

So today I would like to share with you, the two books I have been reading this month. First is the The Secret of the Nagas which is the second book of the Shiva Trilogy, the sequel to the No 1 national bestseller, The Immortals of Meluha.

ABOUT: Shiva’s hunt for the Naga who killed his friend Brahaspati and targeted his wife Sati, takes him down India’s major river networks, searching for traitors and seeking allies in his war against evil. But evil is rising again, more potent than ever. A whole nation is dying. Another, suffering for no fault of its own. Everyone is suspect: new friends, old allies and even his philosopher guides. At every corner, Shiva finds evidence of Naga activity. A crown prince is murdered. A people held to ransom for a miracle drug made only by the Nagas.  Shiva’s journey takes him across the length and breadth of Swadweep, to the land of the Brangas and further south, deep into the Dandak forest. Shiva searches for the truth in a land of deadly mysteries – only to find that nothing is what it seems.  Book 2 of the Shiva trilogy takes up from the point where Shiva is dashing to save Sati at the end of The Immortals of Meluha. Does he succeed? His archenemy seems to be winning every encounter. All Shiva knows for sure is that the Chandravanshis aren’t evil. But then, neither are the Suryavanshis. So who or what is evil? And who is the mysterious Naga that stalks his family? What does he want? What is The Secret of the Nagas? 

Read an episode of the book here.

Personally, I just loved this book (if you can just ignore the silly conversational language used) and can't wait to read the third part of this trilogy series, The Oath of the Vayuputras, to be released.

Few days back I also completed reading the latest by Chetan Bhagat, Revolution 2020.

 

 ABOUT:  
Once upon a time, in small-town India, there lived two intelligent boys.
One wanted to use his intelligence to make money.
One wanted to use his intelligence to create a revolution.
The problem was, they both loved the same girl.
Welcome to Revolution 2020. A story about childhood friends Gopal, Raghav and Aarti who struggle to find success and love in Varanasi. However, it isn’t easy to achieve this in an unfair society that rewards the corrupt. As Gopal gives in to the system, and Raghav fights it, who will win?

Read an excerpt of the book here.

Well, IMO the story made a good start and held promise till the middle, after that it went downhill and became a narration of a third grade melodrama and the climax didn't leave its mark on my mind. Expectations from Mr. Bhagat has increased after the "Two States" and this book was a complete disappointment. All I can say is good luck for the next time. 

**Images from Google Images.

Lumiere S&B Bar Lumi Lips - Shade Holy Grail & Full of Grace Review

Hey ya people! I am back with another Lumiere product review. It is their Lumi Lips (lipgloss range) and I have received two sample sized glosses from them in shade Holy grail and Full of Grace which I am about to review today.
 

PRICE:  $3 for mini size lip wands that I have received. Available in larger Lip wands and tubes too.

QUANTITY: Not mentioned.

The whole range of colors:

 

INGREDIENTS: 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)

WHAT IT CLAIMS:

" High shine for that "wet look" glossy finish. Enhanced with moisturizing jojoba oil that is long wearing and surprisingly not "sticky". "

SWATCHES:

MY EXPERIENCE: Since I love using lipglosses I was excited to try these out. These are very sheer lipglosses and the main plus point of these glosses are that they are not sticky at all. They keep lips moisturised very well and this is due to the presence of Jojoba oil I guess. Full of grace gives a hint of color while Holy grail is a plain gloss.Following is my take on these two glosses,

WHAT I LIKED:

• Superbly moisturing and devoid of any glitters/sparkles.
• Doesn’t feel sticky at all but has an oily feeling.
• Stays on lips for more than 2 hours without touch-ups.
• Easily comes off with water/cleanser.
• A wide range of colors available.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• Both the shades I received are very sheer and not suitable for pigmented lips. However you can top it on your lipsticks to make them look glossy.
• I didn’t find it glossy but rather oily on my lips.
• Didn’t like the oily smell.
• Have to be ordered online and adding shipping costs doesn’t make it a “hot “ product to reach out for with the cons above.

VERDICT: I am not really fond of such sheer lipglosses, however if you just want some gloss to top it on your lipsticks these could be a nice option. You can buy them here.

RATINGS:  3 out of 5

 

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