Happy New Year :)

Hope you guys are having a blast. Here is a toast to new beginnings. :D

 Wish you all a very Happy New Year :D

KKcenterHk Nail Art Water Decals Review and New Year’s NOTD

Hello beauties! It’s New Year’s Eve and tomorrow we will be entering 2012. So I would like to wish you guys loads of happiness, love, prosperity in the coming year. A toast to the new beginning, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! :D

Today I would love to show you and review some lovely, funky nail art water decals from KKcenterHk.

KKcenterHk is an online nail art and makeup store, which sells a lot of items such as fake lashes, makeup palettes and nail arts.

I received three sets of nail decals, one each from their N.Nail French Tip Nail Art, Christmas DIY Nail Art, X&D Full Nail Art collections. Links and individual prices are given below.

N.NAIL xmas Christmas Water Decals DIY Nail Art- WDBLE125

PRICE: Rs.119.14

QTY: 20 decals

N.NAIL Water Decals French Tip Nail Art- WDB022

PRICE: Rs.119.14

QTY: 15 decals 

Would post a NOTD with this soon. :)

X&D Full Nail Art Water Decals- 02#

PRICE: Rs.213.92

QTY: 10 decals

 

My NOTD:

For tutorial on how to apply the Water Decals please refer here.

MY EXPERIENCE: Nail Art Water Decals is an easier way to prettify your nails if you are not confident of doing nail art with free hand and do not want to spend a lumpsome amount at a nail spa.

They make your nails scream for attention and definitely get a second (as well as third, fourth and fifth :P)  look from the onlookers and get ready for all kind of questions like ‘Where did you get it from?’ ‘How did you do it?‘ and comments on how lovely these look.

I found the the N.Nail water decals easier to work with and maintain than the X&D Full Nail Art decals. I got some air bubbles and roughened edges with the X&D Full Nail Art but that maybe because of my naivety of using it for first time. Also, chipping depends on the quality of base coat and topcoat along with the decals. 

WHAT I LIKED:

• The designs are beautiful but complicated to do with free hands.
• Comes in a nice packaging, with a protective covering on each sheet of design.
• KKcenterHk has a huge, mindboggling range of the Nail Art Water Decals.
• They’re definitely cheaper than a session at nail spa.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• The X&D full decals come in sets of 10. However the sizes don’t match for all 10 nails.
• Starts chipping in 2-3 days.
• Have to be ordered online from their website.

VERDICT: I really liked trying out these funky water decals and would love to try out some more.  

They are giving 20% off discount on all items from 30/Dec/2011-3/JAN/2012 using code KK2012newyear20off !

All B.B.B readers also get a unique coupon code : BLGB637BE10, Coupon Amount : 10% Off, valid till 8/Feb/2012. 

RATINGS:  3.75 out of 5

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

LASHEM Measurable Difference Lash Gel Review

Hello ladies! New Year is around the corner. What resolutions have you made for the coming year? I didn’t make any as I never follow through them. :P

Coming back to today’s post, after trying out for 4 weeks I am here with my review of the LASHEM Measurable Difference Lash Gel. 

PRICE:  $69.99

QUANTITY: 3.5ml

INGREDIENTS & DIRECTIONS TO USE:

WHAT IT CLAIMS: “Experience the difference with our dual-patented lash boosting formula that is sure to condition those beautiful lashes! This lash boosting product works great on short, brittle and weak lashes. When it comes down to beauty we know it’s all about the eyes. Also works great on eyebrows. Irritation free, prostaglandin free and no prescription needed!

BENEFITS: 

• Eyelash boosting formula.
• Protects your lashes and is designed to help improve the overall condition and appearance of eyelashes. 
• Specifically formulated to deliver essential proteins, vitamins and rejuvenating ingredients that can nourish the structure of lashes, while adding shine and appearance. 
• It is ideal for women and men with brittle, weak, thin or short eyelashes. 
• Helps amplify volume by strengthening and rejuvenating lashes. 
• Helps promote lash flexibility and durability. 
• Adds moisture and shine to lashes and improve elasticity. 
• Can also be used on eyebrow. 
• Great for lash extension users! Help those broken, brittle lashes.”

MY EXPERIENCE: LASHEM Measurable Difference Lash Gel comes in a sleek packaging, with an eye-liner like brush which helps in easy application. The gel is a clear liquid (almost like water) and gives a slight cooling sensation after application. I have been using it for almost 4 weeks with some misses of 2-3 days in between. I apply it at night before going to bed. Let’s see in the pictures(WARNING! Scary :P) if it really made any difference,

Before. Bare lashes.

After 4 weeks of usage. Bare lashes.

Can you see the roots of the lashes are a bit darker? So I think there is some new growth. Also prior to using this, whenever I used to rub my eyes, one or two lashes would fall. Since I started using this lash gel, the lash fall has reduced considerably.

WHAT I LIKED:

• Have strengthened my lashes and reduced their breakage/fall.
• I could see some new growth of lashes in the pictures although I can’t see as much difference in real as I was never too concerned about and noticed them hard before.
• Didn’t irritate my eyes or surrounding skin. Sometimes it did go inside my eyes but I never felt any discomfort or vision problem.
• I love the packaging as well as the brush which is just apt for the purpose.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• I tried this on my eyebrows too along with the lashes as I have sparse eyebrows. But I am yet to see any measurable difference there. There is a little regrowth but I was expecting more. Maybe in another 4 weeks?
• It is not a fast process. So, one has to be really patient.
• The price is really steep. But there are some discounts going on as year end sale. You can buy it from their website.
• Available online only.

VERDICT: Well, this is not a miracle product and certainly takes it’s own sweet time to show some results. If you have really sparse lashes/brows and have tried everything possible but failed, then I think there is no harm to give this lash gel a try. 

RATINGS:  3.75 out of 5
**Product sent by PR for consideration but it doesn't influence my honest opinion! Read my disclaimer.

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Motives® Shape & Sculpt Duo Review and my first FOTD on B.B.B

Hey ya friends! Today I am back with another review of the Motives® Shape & Sculpt Duo. It is a two-in-one highlighter and matte contour powder that effectively sculpts and gives a desired shape to the face.

Since I am moderately new in the makeup arena, contouring and highlighting were far from my daily makeup routine. But after seeing gazillion makeup tutorials I am now a bit more confident in applying the same though I still have a long way to go to achieve the perfection of a pro. So I was really happy when I got to try this product.

PRICE:  $21.00 

QUANTITY: 10g

WHAT THEY CLAIM: 

Primary Benefits of Motives® Shape & Sculpt Duo:

• Two-in-one highlighter and matte contour powder
• Luxurious formula that glides on smoothly to highlight and sculpt
• Designed for all skin types
• Non-irritant formula
• Paraben, oil and fragrance free

What Makes Motives® Shape & Sculpt Duo Unique?

Double-sided compact that contains everything you need to highlight and contour like a pro. The dark side creates depth in areas such as the hollows of your cheeks. Using the light side brings the eye forward, highlighting areas such as the bridge of the nose or chin. Contouring can help accentuate and hide imperfect face structures, making you look your best every day.

SWATCH:

Okay now my FOTD. Please don’t laugh too much okay :P

I am not wearing any foundation or concealer here, only my Ponds TM as base, set with my Lakme Perfect Radiance compact, Maybelline CS Warm Me Up on lips, a cream lip gloss worn as blush along with the Motives® Shape & Sculpt Duo. This was actually unplanned; as I was just playing around with the stuff I got, so kindly ignore my comfort clothes and unkempt hair as it was really late. :P 

MY EXPERIENCE: Motives® Shape & Sculpt Duo comes in attractive packaging with a built in mirror. Both contour side and the highlighter side have a satin powdery finish and does not contain any glitter/shimmer particles hence absolutely perfect for both day and night makeup too if you don’t like blingy/sparkly cheeks. The product is real easy to apply and blends easily that even a naïve like me could do it. The contour shade is a bit dark and requires only a little amount to blend. The highlighter shade gives a nice sheen to the areas applied.

WHAT I LIKED:

• The two in one product makes it really easy for contouring and highlighting in limited time.
• Very smooth texture and easily blends.
• Comes in a sturdy packaging with a mirror inside and is travel friendly. However if there was a brush provided with it, it would have been a complete package.
• Doesn’t feel heavy on skin or clogs pores.
• The product contains a lot of quantity so the price is quite justified I guess.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• I think it comes only in one shade. Though that matches most of the skin tones, more shades for the contour would have been better.
• Availability is an issue. You can buy it from their website.

VERDICT: This is a fabulous product for contouring and highlighting at one go that gives a matte finish on your cheeks and complements your everyday makeup.

RATINGS:  4.5 out of 5

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

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What's new on B.B.B :-)

Hey friends! So new year is around the corner and my head is buzzing with new ideas and I hope some of them become fruitful in the near future. 6 months onto beauty blogging and I am so addicted to it, but only reviewing products bore me down and I am sure it does you too. :P

From Google Images

So what new ideas am I talking about? 

• Well you have seen so many new brands/sites been reviewed here on B.B.B. Wouldn't it be interesting to know the person behind such brands/sites? Yes, I am going to start a a new interview series where I will post some exclusive B.B.B interviews of the entrepreneurs behind such brands and sites. I am sure that this will inspire many of us and who knows there might be some aspiring entrepreneur among us and this would work as great boost for them? I am still thinking of some nice funky name for the series. Any suggestions?  It would be a Sunday series. So one new interview every Sunday.
  

• Also, if you still didn't know it, I have started a new section called B.B.B Specials. Here I will provide you with the latest sales/discount news on my favorite brands/sites. Check it out now for the ongoing offers and sales.

• I am planning to work on my Beauty Check series and also add some DIY tips.Whatsay?

• I have also spruced up my other pages, go and have a look. 

Oh and I forgot to tell you. Sadly I didn't win the HandmadeReviews Beauty Blog awards but I am one of the shortlisted blogs there. Thanks for all the love and support you guys have shown here till now and hope to get the same in future too. :-*

Motives® Pressed Eye Shadows – Shades Studio 54 (Shimmer) and Star Struck (Shimmer) Review

Hey friends hope you had a great time on Christmas and enjoying the holidays. I am loving the chilly weather and the lazy afternoons. And the holidays are providing me with ample time to play around with my makeup stuff, plan for my blog posts and come up with some new ideas. :)

So today I would like to talk about the Motives® Pressed Eye Shadows that I received recently for review purposes. The shades that I got, Studio 54 and Star Struck are of shimmer variant.

  

PRICE:  $12

 

QUANTITY: 1.8g

WHAT THEY CLAIM:

Primary Benefits of Motives® Pressed Eye Shadow:

• Impeccable color retention that does not run or crease so you always look your best
• Even, smooth and silky application for a glamorous glow
• Deflects the light away from fine lines, skin imperfections and hyper-pigmentation, creating a flawless look
• Mix and match to create a soft, natural or dramatic look
• Paraben, fragrance and oil free

What Makes Motives® Pressed Eye Shadow Unique?

Ultra smooth and luxurious, these eye shadows are crease-proof and deflect the light away from fine lines to help visibly reduce the signs of aging for a bright, polished look. The Motives Pressed Eye Shadows have impeccable color retention that does not run or crease so you always look your best. They glide on ultra smooth with incredible hold, a flawless look, and a luxurious feel and finish. Take the guesswork out of looking gorgeous. The Motives Pressed Eye Shadow promises to give you the long-lasting, high-color look you have always wanted.

INGREDIENTS: Not mentioned.

SWATCH: 

Used Studio 54 all over lid full blown upto crease and Star Struck from browbone and blended till crease.

MY EXPERIENCE: The Motives® Pressed Eye Shadows arrived to me safely sealed in bubble wraps and outer cardboard box. So none of my products were broken. Both the eye-shadows are really beautiful on their own. I like to use them together and have tried them with and without bases. They blend easily and lasts long even without a base.

Shade Studio 54: It is a shimmer shade with duochrome effect of pink and purple, which I found really beautiful and quite unique. Blends easily, have smooth texture and no fallout. The shimmer particles are not at all OTT rather it comes as a sheen on the lids.

Shade Star Struck: It is a beautiful silver shade. This too blends nicely, and has smooth texture however the shimmer strays a bit around the eyes.

WHAT I LIKED:

• Smooth texture that blends easily.
• Nice pigmentation even without a base.
• Stays fresh and doesn’t crease even after 5-6 hours (that being the longest I have tested it on me) without a base.
• A huge array of selection of colors is available on their website.
• The packaging is really stylish and sturdy. I also liked how the shadows have the name Motives embossed on it.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• Availability is an issue.
• Price is a bit on the higher side when converted to INR.

VERDICT: I really liked the quality of these pressed eyeshadows and wish they were easily available here and was not so pricey. They surely have huge range of colors on every kind of finish and I am sure you will definitely find your favourite shade there. 

RATINGS:  4.5 out of 5

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

Merry Christmas :D

Merry Christmas my beautiful readers and Happy New year in advance. Hope you all have a great year ahead! :-*

LASHEM Double Trouble Mascara Review

It’s Christmas eve today and I can’t believe another year is coming to an end. Time is flying so fast these days…..or is it just us? So what are your plans for today? Well, I am going out with my girls (my friends from school days :D ) in the evening. Just a meet up and eating out maybe.

Okay coming back to today’s review, I would be reviewing the LASHEM Double Trouble Mascara which I received a few weeks back. I have tried it a few times so that I can give you my view on it. This is the second 2-in-1 mascara in my stash, the first being the Oriflame Lash Explosion which I detested. Now, let’s see how this one fared on me?

PRICE:  $19.99

QUANTITY: 6ml

WHAT IT CLAIMS: 

 “Let your lashes do the taking with our infamous Double Trouble Mascara! Now you don’t have to choose—use the volume wand for a long and bold voluminous effect and use the length wand to expand your natural lashes. The lengthening fiber mascara helps extend to the tip of the lashes without clumping and doesn’t irritate your eyes. Extend those lashes for some double trouble fun!”

INGREDIENTS & DIRECTIONS TO USE:

For best results, apply the volumizing black mascara first, and then finish with the lengthening fiber black mascara for those Double Trouble lashes.

SWATCH:

After two coats of 'Volumizing' side.

Final look. After two coats of 'Lengthening' side.

MY EXPERIENCE: As I said, I used this mascara quite a few times. At first it flaked on me. Then I realized I was using it wrong and putting too many coats. 1-2 coats are enough. This is not waterproof and I like this fact for everyday useable mascara. However I feel the naming of the volumizing and the lengthening wands have been reversed which can lead to confusion. The lengthening wand looks like volumizing and vice-versa. Even the directions say to use the volume wand first and then the length one, which is exact opposite to the general belief of first length then volume. Anyways, I don’t want to go any deep with the nomenclature of the product. The ‘volume’ side is thicker in consistency than the ‘length’ one. Hence, the ‘volume’ gets dried pretty fast while the ‘length’ feels a bit wet on application and needs some extra seconds to dry. It gave a little curl and volume to my lashes, nothing dramatic but enough to make them look prettier.

WHAT I LIKED:

• The ‘volume’ side adds a bit of length and curl to the lashes while the ‘length’ side add a bit of volume by sticking few of the lashes in sections as you can see in the swatches above, which makes lashes look thick from distance.
• It didn’t clump on my lashes.
• Comes in a very attractive packaging.
•  Didn’t irritate my eyes and doesn’t weigh down my lashes.
• Since it is not waterproof, so can be removed easily.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• Definitely pricey but they are giving a 10% discount for a limited period. Check it out here.
• Flakes if you put too many coats.
• May not work for sparse lashes as it sticks sections of lashes to give volume.
• Available online through their website only.

VERDICT: This is a nice mascara for everyday wear but then again one might not be willing to shell out that amount for an everyday mascara. If you have medium length normal lashes like me you can give this a try. If you have very thin lashes then it won’t give the desired results.

RATINGS:  4 out of 5

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