PR Info: Now Lip Liners from the Lakmé 9to5 range

Exciting new Lip Liners for those perfectly luscious lips.

After a successful launch a few months ago, Lakmé 9to5, now adds lip liners to its kitty of office styling products. Providing a longer lasting professional finish for perfectly defined lips, this new addition comes in six subtle shades best suited for daily office wear. The Lakmé 9to5 Lip Liners glide smoothly on the lips providing a satiny texture.
Dermatologically approved, these lip liners contain a waterproof, long-lasting formula that gives you luscious looking lips all day long.
Available in six shades: Brick Rose, Beige Pink, Boardroom Brown, Pink Blush, Red Carpet and Fine Wine
Priced at: Rs. 375/-
So make sure your office-styling kit is complete with this new addition in the Lakmé 9to5 range.
About Lakmé:
Contemporary Indian beauty expert Lakmé continuously innovates to offer a wide range of, high performance and world-class color cosmetics, skincare products, and beauty salons. In addition to leveraging Unilever’s worldwide expertise, Lakmé also partners with leading cosmetic house, Milan-based Intercos Italia, Schwann Stabilo Germany and Paris-based Fiabila. Combining international cosmetic technology with an in-depth understanding of the Indian woman’s needs, Lakmé also offers its consumers a comprehensive beauty experience through its products and services at the Lakmé Salons and Studios.
For further information log on to www.lakméindia.com

Maybelline Color Show Nail Lacquers - Shade Choco Sin and Bold Gold Review

After a price hike of Maybelline Colorama nail polishes, beauties on a budget were looking for alternatives. But guess what Maybelline launched the much awaited 'Color Show' collection just at the precise time. Maybelline Color Show Nail Lacquers are new additions to the Indian beauty market and they have already created a buzz all over, what with super affordable prices and 40 gorgeous shades to choose from. 

Choco Sin

 

Bold Gold

PRICE:  ₹75

QUANTITY: 6ml

SWATCH: 

MY EXPERIENCE: As you can see from the swatch above, Choco Sin is a perfect chocolaty brown, that goes opaque in 2 coats giving a nice semi-matte (rubbery) finish, whereas, Bold Gold is a metallic gold shade with micro shimmers that goes opaque in single coat with a shiny foil like finish. The brushes provided are of good quality and doesn't get frayed.  Both the shades apply smooth and semi-dries pretty fast but what I didn't like is that it gets finger imprints even after hours. Coming to the staying power, it lasted on my right hand (that faces more torture) 3 days without any chipping, while on the left hand didn't chip at all even after 5 days, after which I removed it. Comes in cutesy small bottles, the quantity, quality and the price just make it apt for all nail paint lovers. 

WHAT I LIKED:

• The consistency and texture of the polishes are nice and doesn't streak. 
• Semi-dries pretty fast.
• Lasts 3-5 days easily, without any chipping (depending on how much torture your hands face)
• Super-duper affordable.
• Available in 40 gorgeous shades.
• The quantity provided would last a few applications and then you can re-buy, in that way saving up on dried up polishes. 

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• Finger imprints even after hours of application.
• Why doesn't Maybelline launch the LE shades (esp. the glitters/sequins/polka dots) here too?! We are thirsting for them...Do ya' hear?! :(

VERDICT: I hope and pray Maybelline launches those LE collections here too and I have a feeling that they would go OOS even before they reach the stores :P. As of now, I am liking quite a few others from the 40 shades available and the Bold Gold seems good enough to try some stamping designs. Whatsay?

Have you tried any of the shades? 

RATINGS:  4.5 out of 5

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

PR Info: AVON Clinical Pro Line Corrector

The Breakthrough: ANEW Clinical Pro Line Corrector with A-F33, an industry first molecule exclusively available through Avon*, fights wrinkles delivering breakthrough results, creating a new gold standard in anti-aging.

The Backstory: Since its founding two decades ago, Avon ANEW has consistently introduced transformative and highly-effective anti-aging skincare breakthroughs, beginning with the introduction of the first mass market product with Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHAs) Technology in 1992. Twenty years later, the brand continues to pioneer anti-aging skincare through an alliance with NeoStrata Company, a global leader in topical anti-aging technologies. In collaboration with this skincare authority, Avon is bringing a powerful new molecule to the market that even dermatologists do not yet have: A-F33, a newly discovered anti-aging molecule that promises to revolutionize the skincare landscape.

The Technology: Inspired by Nobel Prize-winning research that looked at blocking mechanisms of protein production, ANEW Clinical Pro Line Corrector leverages the power of A-F33 Aminofill, an innovative molecule that has been found in testing on skin cells to work in a way that other well-known anti-aging ingredients like glycolic acid, retinol, and CoQ10 don’t by deactivating critical collagen blocking in skin cells to help unleash untapped collagen. A-F33 is formulated to help stimulate skin cells to produce skin matrix components.  ANEW Clinical Pro Line Corrector helps begin to reduce the look of deep and fine wrinkles in just seven days.

From The Experts: Dr. Cheryl Karcher, Board Certified Dermatologist and Professional Consultant for Avon: “ANEW Clinical Pro Line Corrector with A-F33 is so truly exciting to me because of what it could mean to the future of anti-aging skincare. Deep wrinkles start to be addressed in the first week of use which is quite impressive for a topical anti-ager. The visual results of this product are impressive.”

Anthony Gonzalez, Senior Skincare Manager, Avon Research & Development: “Avon introduces ANEW Clinical Pro Line Corrector formulated with A-F33 to take a multi-faceted approach to boosting collagen. This revolution in wrinkle fighting stands to be as game changing as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and Retinol were in the 1990s.”

Barbara Green, RPh, MS, Vice President Clinical Affairs and Technology, NeoStrata Company Inc.: “We were excited to partner with Avon to bring this advanced compound to market and deliver a groundbreaking transformation to the anti-aging world.  Through our collaboration with Avon scientists, we discovered the benefits of the A-F33 molecule and we are thrilled about the effects this discovery has on skin and what this compound could mean for the future of the anti-aging industry altogether.”

The Results:

• Fine lines and deep wrinkles begin to look reduced in just seven days**
• Over time, 100% of women showed a reduction in fine lines**
• Produces up to 50% improvement in overall fine lines and deep wrinkles in 11 weeks**
• Faster and better than a leading dermatologist-inspired wrinkle treatment**
• 5 out of 10 women considering a cosmetic procedure who tried ANEW Clinical Pro Line Corrector said the serum improved their skin so much they decided to postpone the procedure ***

PRICE: MRP 1,799

AVAILABLE: September 2013

WHERE TO BUY: Available exclusively through your personal Avon Representatives. Call on 011-3377 2866.

The New 12hr Maybelline Colossal Kajal Review

I have been an ardent fan of the old Maybelline Colossal Kajal. So when Maybelline re-launched it in the 12 hour version, I was eager to try it out.

 

PRICE:  Rs.175

QUANTITY: 0.35g

INGREDIENTS:

WHAT IT CLAIMS: The deepest black Kajal, creates bold lines & is smudge free for up to 12 hours.

Colossal Intensity + Colossal Wear for Colossal Striking Eyes.

SWATCHES:  

 

MY EXPERIENCE: I don't want to repeat all that I already said over here (read for detailed review). I am just going to add the points, where I found it better/worse than the previous version.

WHAT I LIKED: 

• The 12hr stay claim is pretty true. Yes I tested it for 12 hours and it stayed on with just a little bit of fading (due to accidental rub).
• Doesn't smudge, budge or give raccoon eyes. 
• Water proof, sweat proof, rain proof! :P
• For more, go here again.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: 

• It is not more intense than the previous version IMO, and I would have liked it better if it had a bit of sheen to it.

VERDICT: True to it's claims, the new Maybelline Colossal Kajal is all set to win hearts of kajal/kohl lovers again. Deducted ".05 " this time as I wished a little more intense, black sheen from this new version, which the old one lacked.

RATINGS:  4.95 out of 5  
  
**Product sent by PR for consideration but it doesn't influence my honest opinion! Read my disclaimer.

PR Info: The Nature's Co. Beauty Wish Box

Be ready to get beauty-struck!

Specially for all you beauty addicts, The Nature’s Co. launches the ultimate beauty indulgent box full of natural surprises.
 

The Beauty Wish Box, a pampering treat that contains a gorgeous array of 6 deluxe size sample beauty products in a dedicated theme from The Nature’s Co. – ranging from hair care to skincare, body care and fragrances – delivered to your doorstep monthly, so you get to sample the products before buying it and acquaint yourself with the alluring experience.

 

And the journey does not end there – inside every box are vouchers, free gifts and much more from some top notch brands! For our first month we have Sia Art Jewellery, a renowed jewellery brand giving exclusively to the Beauty Wish Box subscribers their discount vouchers.

This festive and holiday season, we shine the spotlight on three beauty boxes, October being the Wedding Special Beauty Wish Box, November the Winter Special & December the Travel Special.

All subscriptions purchased by 10th of each month will receive the current month’s box. Any subscriptions post 10th of each month will receive the following month’s box.

Subscription costs are as follows:

Month Subscription – Rs. 595/-

Quarterly Subscription – Rs. 1645/- Save Rs. 140/-

Half Annual Subscription – Rs. 3215/- Save Rs. 355/-

Annual Subscription – Rs. 5950/- Save Rs. 1190/-

Also get 35% Discount Vouchers on full sized products on subscription to sample size. 

Get ready for your monthly beauty splurge & let the pampering begin!

Store Addresses:

Delhi

Shop No S-12(b), 2nd floor, Plot No. A-3, Select CITYWALK, District Centre, Saket, New Delhi - 110 017.

T: +91 11 46150600

Mumbai

Unit No. S-15, 2nd floor Block No. 34/14B, "Palladium" Phoenix Mills Compound, 462, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400 013

T: +91 22 40047447

Store LG007, Lower Ground floor, Infiniti Mall, Link Road, Malad (West), Mumbai-400064.

T: 022-42958769

Unit G-77, Ground floor, R City Mall, L. B. S. Marg, Ghatkopar (West), Mumbai-400086.

T: 022-66429804

Kolkata

Shop S-010, ground floor, South City Mall, 375, Prince Anwar Shah Road, Kolkata-700068.

T: 033-40643506

Pune

Unit No.F-38,1st Floor, Phoenix Market City, Viman Nagar, Pune – 411014.

T: +91 20 66890338

Bangalore

Unit G-08, Ground Floor, Phoenix Marketcity, Mahadevpura Post, Whitefield Road, Bangalore - 560048.

T: +91 80 67266187

Chennai

Shop No. S-012, Ground floor, Express Avenue, 50L, Whites Road, Roypettah High Road, Chennai - 600 014.

T: +91 44 28464009

Website: www.thenaturesco.com

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/thenaturesco

Twitter Page: twitter.com/Thenaturesco

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-natures-co

Pinterest: pinterest.com/thenaturesco/

                   Instagram: http://instagram.com/thenaturesco

The Body Shop Wild Rose Hand Cream Review

Hey ya beauties! I am back after a long gap again. Life is busy or maybe, I am just too messed up. I hope to peek in here as and when I get a chance. For now, let's move on with the review of my first hand cream from The Body Shop in Wild Rose.

PRICE:  ₹495 

QUANTITY: 30ml 

INGREDIENTS:

WHAT IT CLAIMS:  
Wild Rose Hand Cream will provide moisture to mature skin while helping to even out skin tone. The Body Shop's hand cream is infused with fragrant rose hip oil so skin is hydrated and protected. Best for mature skin. 100% Vegetarian, Never Tested on Animals, Contains Community Fair Trade Ingredients, No Sulfates, No Phthalates, No GMOs, No Triclosan  

MY EXPERIENCE: I have repeated many a times here about my dry skin problem and my hands are the most affected area of this problem, dry, rough hands all throughout the year which becomes flaky in the rainy season as well as in winters :(. While browsing through the hand creams section in the TBS store, I liked the smell of The Body Shop Wild Rose Hand Cream the most. I have never been a fan of the rose fragrance in any products/perfumes as I always find it too artificial, but this one was amazing as it smells exactly like real rose buds. The cream is really lightweight and absorbs pretty fast without leaving any sort of greasiness.

But the main gripe I have with this one, though it says for matured skin and all, it fails to give my hands adequate moisturisation and requires frequent re-application. Also the cream collects at the mouth and oozes out on opening the cap, so one has to be careful while storing it. Summing it up,

WHAT I LIKED:

• Captivating, 'real' rose fragrance.
• Non greasy and lightweight.
• Sinks into skin fast.
• The Body Shop's promise of No Animals testing, No Sulfates, No Phthalates, No GMOs, No Triclosan.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• Not adequately moisturising leading to frequent re-application.
• Requires proper storing.
• Hefty price tag for a hand cream, specially when it isn't that amazing at work. 

VERDICT: I scored it 4 only because it makes my hands smell oh-so-nice. Loved the 'non-artificial', rose smell, for the first time ever. If you don't have severe dry hands like mine then you might like it better!

RATINGS:  4 out of 5

Maybelline Cheeky Glow Blush - Shade Creamy Cinnamon Review

Hey ya ladies! I am back with a review after such a looongg time! Today we would focus on the newly launched Maybelline Cheeky Glow Blush and I am going to share my views on the shade Creamy Cinnamon from this range.

PRICE:  ₹250

QUANTITY: 7gm

WHAT IT CLAIMS:

For Cheeks that glow with a natural finish

• Ultra light weight, silky, blendable powders
• Meet the new blush on the block. So Silky and smooth, it blends flawlessly for the most natural finish.
• Soft texture for a natural hue.
• Easily blends with your skin color

SWATCH: 

Left: Hand swatch  Right: Top: Without flash, in daylight; Bottom: With Flash

MY EXPERIENCE: Maybelline Cheeky Glow Blush comes in a thin plastic packaging, without any mirror. The shade Creamy Cinnamon is a dusty pink kind of shade. The texture of the blush is soft and the finely milled powder blends easily. It has got some fine shimmers which are only visible under flash light as you can see in the swatch above. Pigmentation is a bit low, but that works wonderfully for this blush, as you can layer it like you want. For daytime, a swipe or two would give that rosy glow and for the night, 3-4 swipes gives that intense color. In the swatch above I have applied it heavy handedly for the color to show up well.

Coming to the staying power, it is exponential to the number of layers/swipes you apply. On an average it would give a 3-4hrs of wear, disappearing slowly, even on dry skin. To sum it up, 

WHAT I LIKED:

• Soft, satiny texture that blends easily.
• The shimmers are not too obvious.
• The color is buildable.
• The shade is a pretty dusty pink which would suit most of the skin tones.
• Doesn't pinch the pocket much.   

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• Flimsy packaging. 
• Not very travel friendly as no mirror or brush is provided.
• Staying power could have been better.

VERDICT: A pretty affordable blush that would be just the perfect companion for college goers or those who are new to makeup and want to start experimenting with blushes. 

Let me know if you have tried it! :)

RATINGS:  4 out of 5

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

My Vellvette Box..umm Bag (August) and adieu!

My final box bag from Vellvette arrived today. It arrived pretty early this time. So thanks to Vellvette team for being so prompt. 

The August bag is based on the theme "TICKET TO HOLLYWOOD " But, the products? Have they impressed me? Uhmm...NO! :-|

So here is what I got,

• Just Herbs Anti Wrinkle kit ( Repeat product?!)
• Sally Hansen Lip Inflation Extreme ( Clear gloss! Why do Vellvette send me everything in clear? Clear nailpolish, clear gloss. Dude, I do love colors! )
• H2O Restorative Eye Cream (The only product I am looking forward to try out.)
• MMMM Bonus:  SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Gel(The tube is so small, I wonder if there is anything inside?!)

All that novelty for subscription boxes has worn off, since I saw I am not using 80% of the products that I got in these boxes. Apart from the June Box, none impressed me much and so I am saying good bye to Vellvette Box here and now. 

Are you still excited about these beauty boxes in India?

Lakmé Skin Stylist Contest Phase 2: Entry 1 by Poorna Banerjee

Poorna 's instant glam styling using Lakmé Styling Kit products.


And so the Lakmé Skin Stylist Contest Phase 2 on B.B.B comes to an end here! Eagerly waiting to see who will share the stage for the LFW this 26th August. Excited? Me too! ;)

 

Lakmé Skin Stylist Contest Phase 2: Entry 1 by Gowthami Sundaram

Gowthami's instant styling using Lakmé Styling Kit products.

Lakmé Skin Stylist Contest Phase 2: Entry 6 by Surbhi Agarwal

Surbhi's Insta-Glam Style using Lakmé Styling Kit products.

Lakmé Skin Stylist Contest Phase 2: Entry 5 by Surbhi Agarwal

Surbhi's instant styling with Lakmé Styling Kit, for a day out shopping!

Lakmé Skin Stylist Contest Phase 2: Entry 4 by Surbhi Agarwal

Surbhi's instant styling for a morning walk using Lakmé Styling Kit products!

Lakmé Skin Stylist Contest Phase 2: Entry 3 by Surbhi Agarwal

Surbhi's instant pajama party style using Lakmé Styling Kit

Lakmé Skin Stylist Contest Phase 2: Entry 1 by Renji Anooj

 

Renji's Glam Look with Lakmé Styling Kit.

Lakmé Skin Stylist Contest Phase 2: Entry 2 by Surbhi Agarwal

Surbhi says: In India, Sari is known as the most beautiful attire and the traditional cultural dress, so here I am creating a look today which is inspired by the same theme.

Lakmé Skin Stylist Contest Phase 2: Entry 1 by Surbhi Agarwal

 

Surbhi says: "It is a traditional look and I just liked that Lakmé Styling Kit products which actually proved to be some magical wand to me. I think this pic says it all the story of drab to fab ;)"

Lakme Skin Stylist Contest Phase 2 Commencement And Some Announcements

Hey ya! As all my 4 winners Surbhi Agarwal,  Poorna banerjee, Renji Anooj, and Gowthami Sundaram have received their Lakmé Styling Kits, so the Phase 2 of the Lakmé Skin Stylist Contest starts here. 

You all need to create a makeup look (preferably based on the theme of instant styling for office/party) using the Lakmé Styling Kit and do a step-by-step photo album/collage along with the products in the frame and mail me it to my id beautybrainsbrawns@gmail.com along with the photo album/collage as attachment.  

  
Also, there is another exciting news for my B.B.B readers (open to Indian fans only). Even if you are not a winner of the Lakmé Styling Kit in the phase 1, you can still participate in the Phase 2 and win a chance to be a part of Lakmé Fashion Week 2013 and feature in the Style Studio. All you have to do is to create a step by step makeup look using the Lakmé CC cream and click photos with it in the frame and send the photos to me.

The last date to send in all your entries is 18th August. The entries would be judged by the Lakmé team and the best look across all the contests running will be selected. 

 So who is ready to get  featured in the Lakmé studio of Style at Lakmé Fashion week Winter Fest on 26th August?! ;)

Sunsilk Radiant Shine Shampoo and Conditioner Review

Time and again, Sunsilk has proven that it's a brand to reckon with, amidst the pool of well known haircare brands. The new Sunsilk Radiant Shine Shampoo and Conditioner is my (hair's) new found love! Read on my review to know more.

Shampoo

Conditioner

PRICE:  ₹112

QUANTITY: 180 ml

INGREDIENTS:

Shampoo

Conditioner

WHAT IT CLAIMS: Sunsilk Radiant Shine has ultra light fusion of oils from ingredients famed for their beneficial effects on hair –  Argon, Jojoba, Camellia, Almond and Olive. The dual effects of oiling and washing to a large degree soften the hair texture not just from the outside, but actually aim to ensure that the hair receives its share of nourishment at periodic intervals. The light oils permeate upto three layers deep and give hair a natural sheen that stays as the day progresses. Sunsilk Radiant Shine shampoo and conditioner work in combination to produce an enduring visibly glossy look that stays on and on!

MY EXPERIENCE: In the past few months, my hair saw a tryst with most heavily silicone based shampoos (read Dove and TRESemmé ranges), that my hair wanted to take a break from. Sunsilk Radiant Shine Shampoo and Conditioner (it is also silicone based, but quite milder) made the perfect alternative and I have been using this range for past 3+ weeks.

Shampoo : Sunsilk Radiant Shine Shampoo comes in a simple flip top cap bottle. The texture of the shampoo is very runny and light that lathers easily. It cleanses hair properly without drying it out. My hair has gone dull in the monsoon. But this added the much required shine and softness, which I love the most about it.   

It even makes the frizz appear shiny, and they don't look like dry hay. It has got a bubblegum-y, fruity fragrance which I am not that fond of, as it is really strong and it persists after wash. 

Conditioner:  Sunsilk Radiant Shine Conditioner comes in a flip cap tube. The texture is semi-creamy (more fluffy), that doesn't feel heavy on hair. It spreads and washes off easily. It adds smoothness and controls frizz to an extent.

It has got the same fragrance as the shampoo. The shampoo and conditioner duo made my hair more manageable in this monsoon.

WHAT I LIKED:

• Lathers and cleanses hair properly.
• Adds shine, lustre, softness and makes hair appear more smooth.
• Hair doesn't feel weighed down or dull.  
• Controls frizz to an extent.
• Effective packaging and affordable price. 

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• Not fond of the overbearing fruity fragrance.

VERDICT: It is definitely not any miracle product, but it performs as per the claims, and works way better than the other heavily silicone based products.

RATINGS:  4.75 out of 5

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

My (utterly disappointing) Vellvette Box (July)

So my July Vellvette Box arrived pretty late than the previous boxes, resulting in my first disappointment. 

Next, the contents are not that interesting/luxurious and I am not particularly happy about any one of them. I expected a better box as Vellvette completed a year this month.

Here is what I got,

• Sally Hansen Miracle Cure for Severe Problem Nails (which is a transparent base/top coat in actual!)
• Nyassa Morning Dew Body Mist (which doesn't smell much enticing as the name sounds)
• I ♥ Layla Nail polish  in a transparent shade (two base/top coat in one box?! :-/)

 

• Bling’s Nail Applique (have tried these kind of nail stickers before and they are not luxurious on nails as such!)
• LA Glitter Splash Mascara in Abbys  (The only product worth mentioning)

Okay I sound quite sore, but they did provide two full sized products this month. That's good, but I would have liked the products to be more aligned to my choices. And hope this delivery discrepancy doesn't occur again with my next and final box!