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.

Pond's White Beauty All-In-One BB+ Fairness Cream Review

Hey ya ya ladies! Today I am going to review yet another BB cream on B.B.B :P. 

Pond's White Beauty All-In-One BB+ Fairness Cream is the new kid on the BB block and here is what I think of it.

PRICE:  ₹ 69

QUANTITY: 9g

INGREDIENTS:

WHAT IT CLAIMS: With the Pond’s Institute’s dual-acting sophisticated skin lightening GenWhite™ Cover Formula and SPF 30 PA++ advanced sunscreen protection, Pond’s white beauty™ BB+ fairness cream not only improves skin texture and effectively lightens skin from within but also provides natural looking instant glow for Indian skin.    Clinically proven to lighten skin tone and reduce dark spots, GenWhite™ Formula is enriched with a powerful mix of Vitamin B3, Vitamin E, Allantoin and advanced superior sunscreen protection. 
 

• Instant natural coverage     
• Non-pores clogging     
• Light, non-oily texture     
• Lightens from within epidermis level     
• Reduces dark spots     
• Evens skin tone SPF 30 PA++ protects from UVA, UVB and visible light.

MY EXPERIENCE: After the sad demise of Pond's TM and the onslaught of BB creams by every other brand, it became quite tough to choose one over the other. But Pond's once again made it to the top of my BB cream list with this new launch. Pond's White Beauty All-In-One BB+ Fairness Cream comes in a pretty pink-white tube with a tiny nozzle. It has got a nice subtle fragrance. Only a little amount (like in the pic below) is required to cover my face. I apply it after a moisturiser and this gives a semi matte effect when topped over it, on my dry skin. The shade suits me well and gives a nice glow and evens out the darkness underneath my eyes without giving a white cast. It stays put for quite a few hours and doesn't melt off easily like other BB creams, unless you are out in the sun for hours. 

Used flash, hence it looks a bit whitish

It doesn't provide much coverage (and I don't expect that too, since I use only a tiny dollop of it).  And neither did I see any reduction in dark spots or permanent whitening of skin (which b-t-w is an absurd claim). Since it comes in small tubes, one can just try it out without burning a hole in the pocket.

WHAT I LIKED:

• Brightens and evens out skin tone.
• Gives a semi matte effect when topped on my regular moisturiser.
• A pea-sized amount is enough to cover my face and neck.
• Doesn't give a white cast like most other BB creams. Blends well with skintone.
• Has SPF 30 (though I doubt the pea size amount would be able to give effective sunscreen coverage).
• Lasts for quite a few hours without melting.
• Didn't irritate my skin.   
• Comes in a travel friendly tube.
• Economical and affordable.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• Comes in one shade.
• Don't expect much coverage.

VERDICT: Out of all the BB creams I have tried so far, this one suited me the best. I like the semi matte effect it gives and how it evens out my skin tone. A must try for sure!

RATINGS:  4.5 out of 5

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

Lakmé Clean Up Fresh Fairness Face Wash Review

The continuous pitter patter of the rain and no sign of the sun...uggh! That's not how a 'Sun'day should start (pun intended!). Chuck it, let's concentrate on the review of the new Lakmé Clean Up Fresh Fairness Face Wash. I have been trying out this one for last few weeks and here is why I like it!

PRICE:  ₹90

QUANTITY: 50g

INGREDIENTS:

WHAT IT CLAIMS:  Lakmé Clean Up Fresh Fairness Face Wash removes visible dirt and impurities preparing your skin for a deep cleansing experience. Enhanced by glycerine and Vitabeads,  this facewash moisturizes your skin keeping it clean, fresh and visibly fair.

MY EXPERIENCE: The Lakmé Clean Up Fresh Fairness Face Wash comes in a pretty pink, flip cap tube. The consistency is thick gel like with micro beads that are not visible to eye. It has got an amazing (though cosmetic) fragrance which I totally love. It takes very little quantity to foam up and lathers up very well. The micro beads helps in mild scrubbing. It has got menthol, which leaves a fresh, cooling sensation on skin, which is quite a welcome after a tiring day at work. 

Coming to the results, it cleanses skin properly without drying it out. Even, not much skin tightening is noticed as compared to other facewashes. As for the fairness claim, you know as well how these brands bait on such claims. So no, it didn't turn me into any "fair"y queen! As for the price, it suits my pocket and one tube would last long as you need only a small amount each time.

WHAT I LIKED:

• An effective face wash, that doesn't dry out skin.
• The texture lathers easily and the microbeads provides mild scrubbing .
• Love, love,... love the smell.
• I love menthol and this has got it.
• A little goes a long way with this.
• Effective packaging and affordable.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• Doh! Why the fairness claim!

VERDICT: Apart from the fairness claim, I loved everything about it. Going to review the scrub and the mask from this range soon! Let me know if you have tried this range! :)

RATINGS:  4.5 out of 5

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

Pond's Age Miracle Cell Regen Day Cream SPF 15 PA++ Review

I can't emphasise enough how anti-ageing products are important for our skin esp. if you are in mid 20s and above, start on your anti-ageing regime before your skin shows signs of ageing. 

Today I am reviewing the Pond's Age Miracle Cell Regen Day Cream SPF 15 PA++. Read on to know how this made my skin happy.

PRICE:  Rs. 449

QUANTITY: 50g

INGREDIENTS:

WHAT IT CLAIMS: 
It works deep within your skin helping it act younger and giving it 3X more renewal power# while protecting against age-accelerating UVA/UVB rays. It visibly reduces fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. Pond’s age miracle delivers the following results: 

 - Fights against fine lines and wrinkles - Visibly reduced appearance of age spots
 - Protection against the UVA/UVB rays
 - Deeply moisturised skin to preserve its youth

MY EXPERIENCE: Pond's Age Miracle Cell Regen Day Cream comes in a classy outer packaging but sadly it is of no use after you take out the tub. The glass jar/tub is a little heavy. I don't understand why Pond's invests on packaging so much. Even though they look so gorgeous, they are hardly of any use later. Back to the point, this cream did miracles for my skin. Yes! :D It did make my skin look better in more than one way. It worked on the acne marks and reduced them considerably to the point of invisibility ;). Those little laugh lines were less noticeable. And IT DIDN'T BREAK ME OUT!!! I enjoyed flawless skin for 2 months since I started using it.

The cream is thick in texture and moisturises skin well but I feel it doesn't do much on the hydrating part. Only a little amount is required for each application so one tub lasts quite long. It has got the typical Pond's cream smell that doesn't bother my nose much. On to the not so good part, it gives a whitish cast for initial 1-2 minutes but then it sinks into skin leaving a glow (which might "look" like bit oily in summers) on face. I totally love the effect. Other than that I don't find anything wrong with this one.

WHAT I LIKED:

• Works on acne spots and reduces them considerably.
• Controlled breakouts on my sensitive skin.
• Laugh lines visibly reduced. Don't have wrinkles, so can't comment on that.
• Skin does look younger and all glowy and radiant.
• One tub lasts two months easily even on daily usage.   
• Classy packaging. 
• Has SPF 15 PA+++ 

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• Gives a whitish cast initially on application.
• Might feel a little heavy in summer and won't suit oily skin in this season.
• Not a con, but I would like to suggest Pond's to invest less on fancy packaging and make it more pocket friendly maybe.
  

VERDICT:
I loved this one so much that I ordered the serum from this range next to try out in this summer. (But that's a whole different story and my skin is back to its dark days :( Would review that soon!) But gals esp. with dry skin, do check out this one if you want to start with your anti-ageing regime and looking for good products. This one is definitely worth a try! :)

RATINGS:  4.75 out of 5

Maybelline Clear Glow BB Stick Review

BB creams are quite a rage in India at the moment. After my tryst with Maybelline BB Cream Review, I was quite excited to try out the new BB stick from their range. Read on my review to know if I liked it better than the cream version or not.

PRICE: Rs. 250

QUANTITY: 10g

INGREDIENTS:

WHAT IT CLAIMS: 

• Mineral clay formula guarantees 12hr shine control.
• Contains Salicylic acid to manage combination & oily skin.
• Provides a soft, matte and radiant finish.
• Sweat-resistant and sebum - resistant formula leaves skin fresh all day.
• Hides appearance of pores & imperfection.
• Contains SPF 21/PA+++ that protects skin from sun damage.
• Instantly evens skin tone.
• Provides a power-light feel on skin.

SWATCH: 

MY EXPERIENCE: Maybelline Clear Glow BB Stick comes in a compact twist stick packaging. The stick seems dry, but on application there isn't any kind of dryness and it feels like wet compact powder, that settles to give a powdery finish (the light feel, matte finish as per the claims ;) ). 

I got the shade Fawn, which is a little darker for my skintone and looks muddy on my face and makes me look sick if I layer it up on its own. Hence, I start with my moisturiser with SPF that gives me a whitish cast and then apply a single layer of the BB stick which balances and evens out my skintone.

On my face (Ok get ready for some grossness, :P)

Left: Bare face                                                    Right: 1-2 layers of BB Stick

It covers redness, as seen in the pic above.  And works great to even out the slight dark circles I have. But it doesn't give much coverage on spots/acne and layering it up makes my face look ashy. It doesn't melt off easily, however it does come off a little with sweat. The price tag is okay considering the quantity, only if they launch some shades between the two available (Radiance 02 and Fawn 04, how about the 03 one??). 

WHAT I LIKED:

• Light feel, easily blendable consistency.
• Gives a semi matte, powdery finish.
• Evens out redness and dark circles very well.
• Keeps face shine free for 3-4 hours easily even in this hot weather.
• I quite like the stick packaging.  
• Priced reasonably for the quantity. 
  

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• Limited shades selection. 
• Doesn't cover blemishes/spots.
• This particular shade looks dark and ashy on my skintone if I layer it up.
  

VERDICT: I think this definitely works better than the cream version, only if they come with more shade options, I would definitely like to re-buy. Have you tried the Maybelline Clear Glow BB Stick? Share your views.

RATINGS:  4 out of 5

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

Iraya Fruit And Nut Scrub Review

Hey ya ladies! :D I am back, with the review of Iraya Fruit & Nut Scrub, which I have got long long back but posting about it so late *talk about procrastination* :P. Read on to know how it worked for me.

PRICE: Rs.345 

QUANTITY: 50g

INGREDIENTS:

WHAT IT CLAIMS:

With fresh extracts and pulp of apple, quince, apricot, this gentle face scrub effectively cleanses, removes dead cells, improves skin texture and tones the skin. Regular use helps maintain  smooth, soft skin and a glowing luminous complexion.

MY EXPERIENCE: Iraya Fruit & Nut Scrub comes in a glass tub packaging, with a screw lid, that doesn't always close properly. It has got a subtle fruity smell. Coming to the texture of the scrub, the scrub particles are finely milled and suspended on a gel like base. It isn't scratchy/harsh on skin but effectively scrubs away the dead cells and impurities, leaving skin soft and smooth. It makes my skin feel a tad bit stretchy (I have dry skin), so I follow up with a moisturiser.
 

I didn't find much cons with this, as it pretty much does what it claims. Only the price is a bit pinching, but then most of the natural/handmade products are priced high.

 

WHAT I LIKED:

• Scrubs skin effectively leaving it soft and smooth to touch.
• The scrub particles aren't too harsh and doesn't scratch skin.
• A little amount is required and the gel base spreads easily.
• Subtle fruity fragrance.
• Iraya doesn't test on animals and is made from mostly natural ingredients.  

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• Expensive for a scrub.
• Packaging isn't user friendly.
• Available online and select spas.

VERDICT: I like how it rejuvenates my skin, though I am yet to see any long term effect. If you are looking for a natural scrub that works and doesn't harm your skin, you can try the Iraya Fruit & Nut Scrub.

RATINGS:  4.5 out of 5 

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AuraVedic Ritual Cleansing Ubtan Mask Review

Hey ya ladies! :D Today I am going to review the AuraVedic Ritual Cleansing Mask which I received quite a long time back but took my own sweet time to test it (guilty! :P).

PRICE:  Rs.200

QUANTITY: 50 g

INGREDIENTS:

WHAT IT CLAIMS:  
Prepared from a traditional formulation of natural herbs nourishes skin for smooth, radiant & glowing skin. Natural extracts of Sandal & Saffron ensure that the beauty of the skin is enhanced and nourished.

MY EXPERIENCE: 
We live in an age of "smart work", instead of hard work, and like to implement it in all spheres of life, so why not incorporate the same in our skin care regime. And for that, these readymade ubtans are God sent. Who has got the time nowadays to collect the herbs and churn out an ubtan for skincare and follow it up every week! :P     

AuraVedic Ritual Cleansing Ubtan Mask comes in a simple tub packaging, in powder form. I like to mix it with raw milk and apply it on face and neck, keep it for 15 minutes approximately (until it turns a little dry and stretchy), and then wash it off with normal water. Skin might feel a bit stretchy, so its better to follow up with a moisturiser.

 
As for the results, it gives a cleansed, radiant skin and also adds some softness and smoothness, with a little golden yellow tinge (the instant glow is due to the turmeric, and the tinge would be more obvious if kept for a longer time). It has got a subtle sandalwood smell, which is quite soothing, but it isn't that obvious or OTT, if you are not fond of the smell. Only a little amount is required per use, so this tub would last really long. The instant radiance however doesn't last long. It comes handy to rejuvenate skin before any special event/parties. 

WHAT I LIKED:

• Gives instant radiance, rejuvenating dull skin.
• Adds some softness and smoothness to skin.
• Subtle, soothing sandalwood smell.
• Simple, no fuss and effective packaging, since the product is in powder form.
• Price is okay, as a little amount is required every time and one tub would last long. 
•  All natural ingredients. No animal testing. 
  

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• The effect is for a short term, though regular use might provide some added benefits because of all the natural ingredients.
• Available online mainly.
  

VERDICT: A great option for those who want to include natural ubtan in their skin care regime, minus the effort to start it from scratch. Let me know if you have tried it.

RATINGS:  4.5 out of 5 

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

Cosmedic Eracne N Night Therapy Review

Happy Republic Day to my Indian friends :)

Today I thought of reviewing the Cosmedic Eracne N Night Therapy gel which I have been trying out on and off for past 3 weeks. If you are suffering from bouts of acne, read this review to know if this night therapy is effective or not.

PRICE:  Rs.755

QUANTITY: 50 g

INGREDIENTS:

WHAT IT CLAIMS:
Breakthrough overnight gel treatment therapy simultaneously heals acne, decreases oil production, reduces the appearance of scars and prevents future breakouts within days. Our proprietary pore clearing complex combines irritation-free BioSuphur, Salicylic Acid and Retinyl Palmitate for synergistically improved results.     
Hypoallergenic - Non-Comedogenic - Oil-Free - Fast-Absorbing


MY EXPERIENCE: Cosmedic Eracne N Night Therapy comes in a simple green, tub packaging. But, due to the texture and consistency of the gel, I think the tub packaging is really disadvantageous. The mouth is a little too small for my large fingers, and if I try to pour it out, too much quantity comes out leading to wastage. The texture and consistency is a bit slippery and thin serum like and for that I would have preferred a pump dispenser bottle. It has got a medicinal smell, which is a bit strong initially but then hardly noticeable after sometime. 

Anyhow, the main point is if the gel/cream works or not and yes it does, to a great extent. I get two or three (sometimes a lot more) acne every month, which is a serious mood breaker, as the marks that are left, takes longer to fade. After I started using this gel, I saw that it controlled the breakouts and didn't let the present acne to grow bigger. The gel spreads easily and takes a little time to get absorbed. On application it leaves a little tingling sensation and feels a bit sticky (like in case of aloe vera gel), but that subsides in a few minutes. Once it gets absorbed, there is no oily/sticky feeling. However, it doesn't moisturise skin (nor does it dry out). 

Not only does it control acne, but I have seen the acne spots I had, became a little lighter but it still has long way to go to give complete spotless skin. I also stopped using it in the middle to check if the acne comes back, but fortunately I didn't get any new bouts in the past 3 weeks. The price sounds steep, but then only a little amount is required everytime and one tub would last really long, and when I say that it means really long. :P To sum up,

WHAT I LIKED:

• Serum like consistency that doesn't feel heavy on skin.
• Doesn't make skin oily.
• Controls formation of acne to a great extent. 
• Lightens acne spots.
• Didn't cause any irritation.
• No OTT claims, and works as per the claims.
• It is a little pricey, but the tub would last long.
• No new bouts of acne even after I stopped using it in the middle for a few days.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: 

• The tub packaging doesn't work for this kind of serum like consistency. Also, add the hygiene issue.
• Doesn't moisturise skin much.
• Not a fan of the medicinal smell.
• Available online and select outlets. You can buy it from here.
  

VERDICT: It works and controls acne, but this is tested on my dry, problematic (adult acne) skin, which gets a few acne every month. I can't vouch for severe acne cases. It is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and oil-free, so it won't worsen or irritate your skin. But the results might vary. Hence try it at your own discretion.

RATINGS:  4 out of 5

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

Rustic Art Organic Sunscreen Lotion Review

Howdy! :D Yes I am back with another review and today I am going to talk about another natural product brand "Rustic Art", and would review the Organic Sunscreen Lotion from their range. 

I know you must have heard a lot about this brand, but in case you haven't here is a little info on them. :)

ABOUT:

Rustic Art is an enigmatic tale. From the time the organic & virgin base oils and essential oils are extracted till the time the final creation is complete, our every product has a story to tell. The fragrances are not just originating from the herbs and the flowers but also from the hands of the women who actually put all the ingredients together and make the ultimate creation.       

We, at Rustic Art, promote environment-sensitive issues and everything that we do supports these causes:

• Supporting Skilled/Unskilled Labour
• No Machinery Used, Thus Energy Conservation
• Eco Friendly Techniques
• No Animal Testing
• No Animal Fats
• No Child Labour

It goes without saying that our products hold up to each of these concerns. Apart from these, our products are completely natural without a trace of chemicals, synthetic colours, artificial fragrances, alcohol, etc. So when you use a Rustic Art product, you know that it’s entirely natural.

Moving on with the review of the  Rustic Art Organic Sunscreen Lotion.

PRICE: Rs.750

QUANTITY: 80 ml

INGREDIENTS:

WHAT IT CLAIMS:
Made of all organic and natural substances that protect the skin from sun damage, this lotion is an all-in-one skin care before you step out in the sun. It is gentle, safe and effective. SPF 20+

MY EXPERIENCE: Rustic Art Organic Sunscreen Lotion comes in a pump dispenser packaging. The lotion is pale pink in color and medium thick in consistency. It has got a calamine lotion like smell, which is a bit strong initially, but fades away soon.

What I liked the most about this sunscreen lotion, is that it doesn't feel heavy, doesn't leave any whitish cast, doesn't make skin look ghostly white in flash photographs, like most other sunscreens tend to do. It gets absorbed in skin quickly but needs a little extra blending. Doesn't feel oily, but my dry skin would have preferred a little more moisturisation. Ofcourse, you can layer up with your moisturiser, but I prefer to not to use too many products at a time. Now the bad, it is priced exorbitantly high and the SPF is too low for that purpose. But then, no matter how high SPF one uses, sunscreens require frequent and proper method of application, else any sunscreen would be useless. I don't tan easily *touchwood*, so can't vouch for how much it works on preventing tan. But, as we all use sunscreen to prevent skin damages from sun, this works pretty well. 

WHAT I LIKED:

• Pale pink lotion, that spread easily and gets absorbed quickly with proper blending.
• Doesn't feel heavy, nor does it leave any whitish cast like most sunscreens tends to do.
• Doesn't make you look ghostly in flash photographs like other sunscreens.
• Didn't cause any skin irritations.
• Nice but strong smell, which fades away after a while.
• The quantity would last long.  
• Chemical free and no animal testing. 
• I love the sturdy yet beautiful packaging. 
  

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• Price is really steep. 
• Low SPF. But then, no matter how high SPF one uses, sunscreens require frequent and proper method of application to be effective and prevent tanning.
• Available online only. 

VERDICT: If you are into natural products and like to include organic products into your skincare regime, here is a good option to try out. Albeit, the price is high, but then the quantity provided would last really long. I hope they come out with a smaller version at a reduced rate, so that everyone can try this out before investing on the bigger one. Let me know if you have tried this and whether you liked it or not!

RATINGS:  4 out of 5

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