Bourjois Sweet Kiss Lipstick - Shade #51 Rose Seduisant Review

Hey ya ladies! Today I would be reviewing the Bourjois Sweet Kiss Lipstick in shade Rose Seduisant. This is the third bright pink lipstick in my stash, which I told you about in some earlier posts and  the bright pink phase I am going through! Read on to know whether I love it or hate it. ;)

PRICE:  Rs.650 (Rs.750 current price)

QUANTITY: 3g

SWATCHES:

Top: Without flash, room light; Bottom With flash

MY EXPERIENCE: Bourjois Sweet Kiss Lipstick comes in an attractive, classy purple casing, with a sliding button that is quite unique and with a shade indicator at the bottom. The shade Rose Seduisant is a blue based bright pink and it does look quite stark on my yellow undertone. The shade is an exact match of ColorBar Velvet Matte Oh My Magenta shade, only that one is not blue based. The texture of this lipstick is satiny, and it glides easily on lips. It is highly pigmented and two swipes gives a complete opaque coverage. It is not moisturising, rather it dries out my lips as the time passes.

Coming to the staying power, it lasts for 3 - 4 hours easily even with a little snacking in between. However, it doesn't survive through a heavy meal. It transfers easily on to objects and leaves a slight tint after fading. However, it dries up my lips so much when it fades, and the tint settles into fine lines of my lips and starts looking ugly, which I hate the most about this lippie. Add to that the ever increasing price, I think my cons list just got bigger. :P

WHAT I LIKED:

• Attractive packaging with shade indicator at the bottom.     
• Satin finish that glides easily on lips.     
• The shade Rose Seduisant is a blue based bright pink and definitely looks great, even though it makes my yellow undertones more prominent (that happens with most bright colors, so can't help it ;) ).     
• Easily lasts through 3-4 hours with some snacks in between.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• It dries out my lips as the time passes.
• Transfers easily.
• While fading away, the tint settles into the fine lines of my lips that looks ugly.
• The ever increasing price.

VERDICT: I am not really impressed with this lipstick and I think I have better options at half the price of this one. So I am really not digging it. What about you?

RATINGS:  3.75 out of 5

Beauty Check - Part 11

Eyebrows are often the neglected part in our makeup routine, however they are a very important part of our face as it frames and defines our face. Recently, there has been a lot hullabaloo about different brow styles. Thick, bushy, painted eyebrows have been 'in' the past season.

The Fall 2012 trends is about taking it one step further. Adorn those brows with some embellishments.

Pasted feathers or gems? Take your pick.

Or do you like studs ( not horses silly! :P )?

Or you can't have enough of neon?

What do you think? After those neon lipsticks, are we ready to sport these crazy eyebrows too?

**Images are sourced from Google for representation purpose only. Read my disclaimer.

Nivea Whitening Cell Repair and UV Protect Body Lotion Review

I like this time of the year. The weather is so soothing, clear blue skies, it's neither too hot nor too cold, and the festivals are around the corner, so more excitement, shopping, and having fun. And to look your best in this festive season you need the extra pampering for your skin, hair and health. 

Today I would be reviewing another skincare product, which has become my favourite in this season, the Nivea Whitening Cell Repair and UV Protect Body Lotion.

PRICE: Rs.225

QUANTITY: 250 ml

INGREDIENTS: 

WHAT IT CLAIMS: Specially developed for the needs of Asian skin, offers the power of nature with 40 times higher Vitamin C concentration that works from deep within and repairs skin layer by layer to recover skin’s white tone (even with frequent sun exposure). The innovative fast absorbing formula with unique Super Fruit extracts – Acerola Cherry and Camu Camu – repairs accumulated damaged dull skin and boosts skin’s natural barrier to fight sun induced skin damage for radiant skin.  Its advanced UVA/UVB filters protect your skin from UV – rays, which induce pigmentation and causes dark and uneven skin.      
Result: Your body skin is noticeably whiter and smoother so you look and feel your most beautiful.

MY EXPERIENCE: Nivea Whitening Cell Repair and UV Protect Body Lotion comes in a sturdy white flip top cap bottle packaging. The texture of this lotion is light, body milk like, that gets absorbed in a jiffy leaving soft, smooth, hydrated skin. I love the fragrance of this lotion, it's cherry, it's warm, it's spicy, oh I don't know how to explain :P and it stays on skin for quite a while, but it's not OTT and won't bother your olfactory senses in case you don't like the smell. 

It is non greasy and keeps my skin hydrated for really long, however I do use a bit extra amount for my dry body skin. I have been using it for past three weeks or so, but I haven't seen any dramatic whitening of skin and since I am at home mostly these days, I can't vouch for whether it helps in tanning problem, though it slightly evens out skintone and makes my dry, flaky skin look healthy. It is perfect for summer/monsoon season, though dry skin would require more intense moisturisation in winter. Price is economical, but comparatively higher and the quantity lower, than other available options. To sum it up,

WHAT I LIKED:

• Non greasy, light formula that gets absorbed in the skin within minutes seconds of application. 
• Keeps skin soft, smooth and hydrated.
• Love the beautiful smell and it stays on skin for a while.
• Makes my dry, flaky skin look healthy and evens out skintone to an extent.
• Would suit all skin types in summer/monsoon.
• It is economical and easily available.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• Dry skin might require intense moisturisation in winters than this is able to give.
• Don't expect it to alter your skintone.
• Comparatively pricey and lesser quantity than other body lotions available.
  

VERDICT: The beautiful smell of this lotion has won my heart. Afterall, who doesn't want to smell nice. If you are looking for a non-greasy, hydrating body lotion then you might give this a try.

RATINGS:  4 out of 5

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

Pond's Age Miracle Concentrated Resurfacing Serum Review

Hello my lovely ladies! :) I am back with another another anti ageing product review. If you want to know why I use these products then go here. I would be reviewing the Ponds Age Miracle Concentrated Resurfacing Serum today.

PRICE: Rs. 695

QUANTITY: 30 ml

INGREDIENTS:

Cyclopentasiloxane, Water, Glycerin,Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Cyclohexasiloxane, Glycolic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride,Ethylhexly Methoxycinnamate,PEG-10 Dimethicone, Isomerized Linoleic Acid, Acetamide MEA, Pentasodium Aminotrimethylene Phosphonate, Parfum, Titanium Dioxide, Bht, Mica/Titanium Dioxide, DMDM Hydantoin, Retinol, Cetyl Alcohol, Cholesterol,Stearic Acid,Sucrose Distearate,Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate,Butylene Glycol,lodopropynylButylcarbamate,IronOxide. 

WHAT IT CLAIMS:  This intensive anti-ageing serum boosts your skin with daily dose of our highest concentration of wrinkle-fighting and age spot -reducing technology.      

• Boosts age-damaged skin with our highest concentration of anti-ageing actives     
• Intensively fights fine lines and wrinkles     
• Visibly reduces age spots  

Advanced CLA4 complex combines our latest anti-ageing actives: CLA + AHA + Pro Retinol + Retinol Boosters for our most effective anti-ageing care.   

How to enjoy radiant, youthful skin: Use morning and evening all over thoroughly cleansed face.     This serum is contained in a special packaging in order to preserve its actives. Please refer to the inner leaflet for opening instructions.     

As the formulation works, a slight tingling sensation may be felt. Discontinue use if irritation persists. Dermatologist tested. Non-Comedogenic. 

MY EXPERIENCE: Ponds Age Miracle Concentrated Resurfacing Serum comes in sleek, silver, sturdy, pump dispenser packaging. I use this as a daytime face moisturiser, right after taking a bath. This is sufficient to provide the required moisturisation and I don't require to layer it with any other cream, I feel that would be too heavy for my dry-combi skin. The texture is quite rich without actually being heavy/oily. It tingles slightly on applying but that lasts only a few mintues. It adds a radiance to face (it photographs really well ;) ), and prevents lines/wrinkles to show up, though it makes my face a bit oily after 4 hours. 

I was quite peeved with the sudden prominent laugh lines around my mouth area and this helped to minimise them/ keep them at bay. It didn't cause any breakouts but it didn't stop the occasional zits I get :( Also, I expected it to work on lightening the acne spots to some extent but it failed to do so (I have used one of their Spotless serum before, forgot the name actually :P, and it worked great to clear away the acne/ dark spots to a great extent!). It is pricey, but compared to other available options it is still reasonable. It works as per the claims of anti ageing treatment, but not more than that. All in all,

WHAT I LIKED:

• Rich yet light in texture and gets easily absorbed.
• Provides enough moisturisation on its own.
• Helps keep my laugh lines from being prominent.
• Adds radiance to face.
• Require only 3 pumps of the product to cover entire face and neck, so the 30ml quantity would really last long.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• I hoped it would lighten the acne spots but it didn't.
• Pricey, but comparatively reasonable being an anti-ageing product.
• Turns skin oily a bit after 4-5 hours.

VERDICT: If you are in your late twenties, then I would suggest you to start using anti ageing product to maintain that youthful glow and keep those fines lines/ wrinkles from appearing. Ponds Age Miracle Concentrated Resurfacing Serum does work on it's anti ageing claim and adds a radiance to dull skin. But I want something to work on my acne spots along with fighting fine lines, so I am on the hunt for the product that does both.

RATINGS:  4 out of 5

Maybelline EYESTUDIO Vivid and Smooth Eyeliner Pencils- Shade Metallic Silver Review

Fever, fever go away, DON'T come another day :P See I promised to be good, and so I am back, with another review. I have been eyeing the Maybelline EYESTUDIO Vivid and Smooth Eyeliner range for quite a while and as you might know, I like to hoard eye liners so I decided to try the shade Metallic Silver from this range. Today I would be sharing my views on it.

PRICE:  Rs. 200

QUANTITY: Not mentioned. But I am guessing around 1gm - 2gm.

WHAT IT CLAIMS:

• Vivid color and Smooth Application ensure that eyes will never be dull again
• Available in 12 stunning shades to match your every mood
• So easy to apply, you can now be your own make up artist!

 SWATCH:

MY EXPERIENCE: Maybelline Vivid and Smooth Eyeliner Pencils comes in a black bodied packaging with a transparent cap and a shade indicator at the tail-end. The shade Metallic Silver appears more like a gunmetal gray shade with a pearly silver sheen, on my eyes. The texture of the eye- pencil is silky smooth. It glides easily on eyes and requires 2-3 swipes to show up the dark color. 

It stays on my lids for 5+ hours with slight fading. It doesn't smudge/melt and is water-proof too. It is easily sharpenable but that leads to product wastage and I can never get the sharp pointed tip. I quite like the eye pencil, but the shade isn't always wearable. The pencil comes with the date of expiry engraved on it, which I liked very much, but it doesn't have the shade name written on it, which is a disadvantage. To sum it up,

WHAT I LIKED: 

• Silky smooth texture that glides on easily.
• The pencil doesn't melt like other creamy textured eye pencils.
• Stays put on my lids for 5+ hours, with very little fading post 5 hours.
• Smudgeproof and waterproof.
• Sleek black bodied packaging, with the shade indicator and the expiry date engraved on it.
• Comes in 12 different shades.
• Economical and the quantity would last a long time.
  

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• The shade Metallic Silver doesn't suit me always. It would go well with smokey eyes, but on it's own it looks a bit drab.
• The shade name is not mentioned anywhere.
•  Need sharpening, leading to product wastage.

VERDICT:  I would like to try the Gold shade next if I try this range again. Yes I am weird at choosing shades, but I want to gather all possible shades of eyepencils, not necessarily from this range though. It is definitely budget friendly and good quality eye pencil range, so you can give it a try.

RATINGS:  4 out of 5 

P.S. If I sound weird, blame it on the fever! :P

PR Info: Pond’s Femina Miss India 2013

Femina Miss India completes 50 glorious years

Femina Miss India, the country’s most prestigious and credible pageant turns 50! Fifty golden successful years! The national platform that created actors and celebrities like Zeenat Aman, Juhi Chawla, Aishwariya Rai, Sushmita Sen, Diana Hayden Dia Mirza, Neha Dupia, Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta to name a few, who represent the perfect Woman, a woman who has the classic combination of beauty with brains. 

To celebrate this remarkable journey and to unveil the new logo of this historic brand Femina Miss India joined hands with the most credible and oldest name in beauty-- Pond's. Taking this further, Femina Miss India has also partnered with the leading general entertainment channel, COLORS to take the viewers through this exhilarating journey. This showcase is on COLORS is an ode to the Indian woman and her journey to stardom.  

  

Ex-Femina Miss India's Vanya Mishra, Prachi Mishra, and Rochelle Maria Rao with Marc Robinson

Present at this glittering evening,(Vanya Mishra, Prachi Mishra & Rochelle Maria Rao)were the current and ex-Miss India’s and the creme dela crème of society who came together to be a part of History being created in the beauty & fashion Industry. 

To commemorate the occasion, Pond’s Femina Miss India 2013 also released a melodious new sound track, for all the aspiring young Miss India’s. Shibani Kashyap, singer and composer of the song, performed a LIVE rendition of this melodious track which portrayed the essence of real women, the women of today.

Marc Robinson, Ankita Shorey, Miss India International 2011 with Mehar Castilino India's first Miss India

Speaking on this glorious occasion Marc Robinson, Director Operations-Contestant and Creative- Femina Miss India said, “The Miss India platform is truly a legacy and is now celebrating the glorious journey of 50 years. Today, it is the most widely recognized and accepted medium for ushering new talent into the fashion, film and beauty industry. Every girl who makes it to the finals of the national pageant is positioned on an envious platform, second to none, and for her the sky is the limit. Every girl is a winner”.

Pond’s has had a long and successful stint in Beauty since its launch in 1947 and stands synonymous with beauty in India. They have passionately led the way in understanding women's skin and beauty needs for years. Together Pond's and Femina Miss India intends to provide a platform to many aspiring Indian women to realize their dreams and start living beauty instead of idolizing and admiring it from a distance.

Vanya Mishra with Arun Srinivas Vice President-Skincare Hindustan Unilever Ltd

Mr. Arun Srinivas, Vice President-Skincare, Hindustan Unilever Ltd.  said, ”Pond's, an iconic beauty brand, has been offering every Indian woman a reason to look and feel beautiful for many decades now. Femina Miss India, the renowned beauty pageant platform, celebrates Indian beauty delivering recognition to beautiful women and helping many others live their dreams through these inspirational role models”.

Over the years Femina Miss India has evolved considerably with the changing face of Global beauty and fashion trends. With overwhelming participation of girls from all over India, Miss India is transitioning into a truly national exercise.     

Adding to it, Arun quoted,” Pond's is proud to associate with Femina Miss India on the occasion of their 50th anniversary and this heralds the coming together of the very best – most trusted beauty brand in the country and the country’s premier beauty event”.

Talking about the association, Mr. Raj Nayak, CEO, COLORS said, “We are excited to showcase Femina Miss India’s 50 year milestone journey on COLORS as we see a perfect synergy between both brands and audiences.  COLORS’ is synonymous with content that is different and inspiring and therefore we are happy to welcome Femina Miss India in our bouquet of unique event offerings. As our core audience is the woman, we hope the progressive imagery resonates and inspires them.”

PC Jewellers, the most trusted name in contemporary and traditional jewelery have joined hands with Ponds Femina Miss India 2013 as the Crown & Jewelry Partner. Commenting on the occasion,” Balram Garg- MD, PC Jeweler said,” We are elated to associate with Femina Miss India which has been instrumental in providing a platform that imparts confidence and enhances the personality of young indian women who have been making India proud at the international platform for last 50 years. With shared vision, PCJ, is really looking forward to this worthwhile association”. 

To ensure national representation at the pageant and to encourage participation of contestants from all across India in its 50th year, auditions and selections will be initiated from all regions across India, with 7 City Pageants being held in Pune, Goa, Indore, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chandigarh & Delhi which will ultimately culminate into the grand Finale in Mumbai. The winner of the city pageants will get a lifetime opportunity to fast track to the finals at the grand finale of Pond's Femina Miss India 2013. 

Thank You to all Partners & Experts

PARTNERS
Associate Sponsor	Yamaha
Crown & Jewelry Partner	PC Jeweller Limited
Official Hair Stylists	Tresemme
Fashion Partner	Max
Cosmetology & Aesthetic Grooming Expert	Enhance Aesthetic & Cosmetic Studio
Healthcare Partner	Sanofi Pasteur
Education partner	Sinhgad technical Education Society, Pune
Make up Partner	Lakme
Smile Care Expert	Dr Suhas Lele
Fitness Expert	Payal Gidwani Tiwari/Manish Tiwari for Cosmic Fusion
Cosmetologist and Aesthetic Grooming Expert	Dr. Manoj Khanna
Telecast Partner	Colors

Iraya Wild Lime Purifying Face Wash Review

Hey ya everyone! :D Yes I am back and guess what, I just saw that I have reached 1000+ fans on my FB page. A big THANK YOU to all who made this possible ;) :-* 

It made me so happy, that I got out of my sulking phase :P and here I am with another review. Today I would be posting about my current facewash, which is Iraya Wild Lime Purifying Face Wash, and why I am loving it.

PRICE:  Rs.345.00

QUANTITY: 150ml

INGREDIENTS:

WHAT IT CLAIMS: 

Deeply cleanses, helps to remove excess sebum, oils and pollutants.
For normal to oily acne prone skin.

With the finest margosa (neem), wild lime and Indian sarsaparilla extracts, this purifying face wash cleanses skin of excess sebum, oils and pollutants. Ideal for normal to oily & acne-prone skin. Regular use clarifies and balances the skin, all day.

MY EXPERIENCE: Iraya Wild Lime Purifying Face Wash is a green colored face wash, thick gel like in texture and comes in a sturdy pump dispenser packaging. The smell is so good, it's like a blast of fresh lime and it made me start liking citrusy fragrances too. Really, it is so raw and pure, unlike other lemony smell mixed with some other fragrances, that I became a fan of it from first use. The gel is thick but spreads easily and lathers really well, and removes all dirt, oil and waterproof makeup too (provided it isn't too stubborn), which is a boon for lazy bums like me. 

It washes off easily without leaving any residue on the skin, except the fresh lemony smell. Though it says for normal to oily skin, it suits my dry-combination skin perfectly and doesn't dry it out further, but a little stretchiness is observed, which is common with most of the face washes I have used. It didn't cause any breakouts but it neither stopped the occasional zits that I get. I seriously don't have much to complain, well maybe except for the price and availability.

WHAT I LIKED:

• I love, love, love the raw, fresh lime smell, even though I was never a fan of citrusy smell ever.
• It cleanses skin well, without drying it out.
• Effectively removes dirt, oil and makeup too.
• Requires only little and lathers well.
• Comes in a hygienic, travel friendly, pump dispenser packaging.
• Iraya doesn't test on animals and is made from mostly natural ingredients.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• Pricey for a face wash (costs more than their body wash :-O)
• Didn't notice much clarifying effect for acne problem.
• Available through Iraya stores and online.
  

VERDICT: Apart from the price and the skin clarifying claim, I loved everything about the Iraya Wild Lime Purifying Face Wash. I think it would suit all skin types (though it is meant for normal-oily skin type as per the label). It provides deep cleansing and leaves a fresh feeling on skin. Totally recommend it.

RATINGS:  4.5 out of 5

Rant post and some announcements ;)

Hey ya! Did you miss me? I was MIA for last few days but blame my broadband connection for that. It got disrupted and my life too. :( I missed out on some great opportunity (blog wise). :(

Anyhow, I am still here, but right now not feeling very well to write up much. I might resume writing posts from tomorrow (....maybe!) and I would be taking it slow now, for some time. Need some inspiration and also a break, and focus on other important things. 
Wow, it feels so good to rant here after such a long time ;) :P.

On other news, I am putting the "Sunday Peek" feature on hold for the time being and might revive the series later on. But, you can still send me your entries if you would like to get featured here.

Also, I want some suggestions from you guys. Let me know what you would like to see on B.B.B? And what you don't like to see here.;) 

Keep rocking darlings! :)

Enliven Skin Care Vitamin A and E Hand and Body Lotion Review

Monsoons aren't exactly in my favourites' list. Not only the dull days and continuous rains depresses me, my skin starts acting up too, getting all dry and flaky. So in need of a good moisturiser and bored with my previous ones (read: curiosity about this one ;) ), led me to try out the Enliven Skin Care Vitamin A and E Hand and Body Lotion and after using it for over 3 weeks, here is my review on it.

PRICE:  Rs.150 - Rs.199 (Marked differently by retailers)

QUANTITY: 400ml

INGREDIENTS:

WHAT IT CLAIMS: Enliven Dry Skin Lotion with Vitamin A & E helps maintain the skin's natural moisture level, leaving it soft and smooth.

MY EXPERIENCE: Enliven Vitamin A and E Hand and Body Lotion comes in a sturdy, semi-transparent, flip-top cap packaging. The lotion is water based yet thick in consistency and has got a mild, indiscernible fragrance. It spreads easily, though takes quite a while to get absorbed completely. However, when it gets absorbed fully, it doesn't feel greasy or make skin oily at all. 

Rather, it leaves a soft and healthy suppleness to the skin and keeps it hydrated for a long time. I don't require re-application except on my hands, which I have an OCD to wash too often :P. However, it is not an intense moisturiser, so might not be enough moisturising for dry skin in winters. The 400ml quantity is huge and would easily last 2 months even on regular usage. In a gist,

WHAT I LIKED:

• The lotion is water based but thick in consistency and hydrates skin well.
• Makes skin soft and supple.
• Doesn't leave any greasy/oily feeling after it gets absorbed completely.
• Come in a sturdy, functional, semi transparent packaging, and one can see how much quantity is left.
• The quantity is huge and the price is economical too.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• Takes quite a bit of time to get fully absorbed.
• Won't be enough moisturising in winters.
• Availability might be a problem as I have seen it only on a few online shopping sites.
  

VERDICT: It is pretty decent and economical body lotion. Though I don't like to spend the extra minutes for it to get fully absorbed, I quite like the light and non greasy formula that adds a  healthy suppleness to my skin and for that it scores high. Would recommend it for dry/dull skin in the monsoons.

RATINGS:  4 out of 5