Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts

Review: Fresh Rose Mask

What it is:
A hydrating and toning gel mask that contains real rose petals.

What it is formulated to do:
Rose Face Mask is a hydrating and toning gel mask that restores suppleness and radiance to the skin. The first-of-its-kindformula contains real rose petals that literally melt into your skin. The formula contains 50% pure rose floral water and is enriched with cucumber extract, rose oil, aloe vera, and porphyridium cruentum (a "smart" algae that seeks out the areas of your skin that needs moisture the most).

What else you need to know:
This innovative mask, formulated with real rose petals, was certainly an industry first. In fact, when Lev Glazman, co-founder and Director of R&D, initially briefed his team of chemists on the project he was told it couldn't done. After months of research and lab experiments, Rose Face Mask formula was approved and launched in 2001.


My review:
Fresh Rose Mask is bloody expensive! 3.4oz retails for $55. The jar is massive and it should last for at least 6 months if I use it weekly.

As soon as you open the jar, you are enveloped in a soft rose fragrance tempered with cucumber. It is truly fresh!! You can see rose petals suspended in the mask. The texture is like a gel, and the mask when applied is translucent. The color is brown.

I cleanse my skin, dry it and then apply a thin layer of the mask. On my tanned skin, I cant even see the mask. My first thought is how cooling, and soothing it feels. The fragrance is truly luxurious, reminds me of a spa. I leave the mask on for 10 mins and wash it off with warm water.

Results: OMG!! This mask is a god sent for folks with dry flakey skin. I had recently tried an at home microdermabrasion product, and it scrapped my skin OUCH, and left black marks. You know the type you get when you scrape your knee... I had to cover it with 5 layers of concealer and foundation..but I digress. This mask hydrated my skin so much that when I gently rubbed the towel over those scabs, they came off immediately. Halleluiah!!

Overall, if you can shell out the money, I would highly recommend this mask. You must at least get a sample from sephora and give it a try. Let me know what you think. I just know you will love it!!

What are your favorite hydrating masks?

Review: Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment


From sephora.com
What it is:
A rich, velvety balm that dramatically helps repair damaged hair.

What it does:
This now legendary, cult classic features Ojon oil, nature's golden elixir, in its purest, most powerful form. After just one treatment, this rich, velvety balm dramatically helps repair damaged hair and increases strength against breakage. A must-have for lifeless, dull, brittle, frizzy, flyaway, or unmanageable hair, this product restores vibrant health to even the most deeply damaged hair.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Phthalates
- Triclosan

What else you need to know:
This balm is scented with the creamy, sweet aroma of Tonka Bean, Vetiver, and Benjoin.

Research results:
In a dry combing study using shampoo and Restorative Hair Treatment, participants saw 64% improvement in the condition of dry, damaged hair after just one treatment.


My review:
This mask is not cheap. 1.5oz costs $19.50, and 3.1oz is $33.

The consistency is like vaseline. But when you rub it between your hands it melts instantly and turns to oil. I apply it generously to my ends and reduce the amount as I move towards the roots.

I leave it overnight as a treatment, and wash my hair the next day. It did not stain my white cotton pillows. The product reminds me of the times when I was young and my mom used to oil my hair. This never worked for me, since the massage caused a LOT of hair fall. So I no longer oil my hair, and use this product instead.

Results are just stunning!! My hair was becoming rather dry (even after religiously applying the One n Only restorative mask weekly). I felt like my hair needed some over night treatment. The next day I wash with One n Only products and my hair is so shiny, and so soft.

The cons, and these are some serious cons with the product: the product really stinks. Not just of tobacco, but like stale tobacco - I smelt like an ashtray all night. The smell goes away when you wash your hair, thank god.

But, the product makes my hair so beautiful, that I endure the smell. Overall, if you can get past the fragrance issue, you will really enjoy this product. I highly recommend it!!



Review: One 'n Only Argan Oil Products

I am not much of a "hair person", but of late as with skincare, I have decided to reduce the sulphate and parabens in my hair products as well. Also, I recently had a brazilian blowout treatment and got highlights which means I also needed a product that would not fade my color.

After trying many many products, I found the best and most affordable sulphate and paraben free shampoo and conditioner; the brand is called One 'n Only Argan Oil and can be purchased from Sally Beauty.


What I like about these products:
  •     Free of sulfates, phosphates and parabens

  •     Safe for chemically and color-treated hair: 

  •     Provides color protection

  •     Affordable. All products mentioned below retail for $9.49 ($8.49 with the sally beauty card). Also sally beauty often has 20-25% off sales.


[1] One 'n Only Argan Oil Shampoo
This product does not strip my hair. It adds volume and improves shine and manageability. The argan oil hydrates my hair. I love it so much that I take multiple bottles for my family when I visit India :-)


[2] One 'n Only Argan Oil Conditioner
While I LOVE the shampoo, the conditioner is okay. Not very moisturusing. This I will not repurchase. If you have dry hair skip this and get the mask below.

[3] One 'n Only Argan Oil Restorative Mask:
I use this in the shower once a week as a heavy conditioner. I leave it on for 15 mins while I shave etc. It product claims to: "help improve texture and manageability. Leaves hair looking healthy with incredible shine. Provides color protection and helps reverse damage caused by environmental factors, heat stress, and chemical color treatments" - and it really delivers!!


Review It Cosmetics: Bye Bye Undereye Concealer

I am completely loving this concealer nowadays. I have reviewed a ton of concealers here (part 1) and here (part 2). This concealer was included in part 2, so please read the details there.

In this post, I am attempting to include pictures to show you the concealing and brightening effect of this product.



With out concealer. I dont have very back dark circles, but I don have some




Undereye area with concealer. I have not yet applied foundation so the forehead etc is looking really dark in comparison.

Do you like this makeup? Check out this post for details.

MAC "Mac me over" Collection!!!!!!!

It's supposed to be released on Aug 25th. These are some things that I am eyeing!

  • Social Light, Curvaceous lipgloss

  • Butternutty shadestick

  • Equilibrium and stunner blushes

  • all neutral eyeshadows if they are unique: Moleskin, Creamy Bisque, carbonized, outre

  • Avenue, midnight blues fluidline

What are you planning in getting from this collection?

Review: Korres Ginger & Vitamins Foundation

I have been taking really good care of my skin of late. Here are some posts about my skin care routine if you are interested:

Skincare routine

Updated skincare routine: Winter specific

Latest addition to my skincare: Kiehl's Vitamin C serum

Due to this, I find I don't have to use heavy or full coverage foundations anymore. Recently I started using the Korres Ginger & Vitamins Foundation in shade LF4 in the center of my face and LF5 around my mouth where I am darker and on my forehead. Using two shades sort of softly contours my face as well. If you dont have the darker problem areas like me, you can just use one shade.

I am so happy with the finish - it's not dewy or matte or shiny - just looks glowy and natural with a lovely sheen. Do I make sense?

The foundation is almost like a tinted moisturizer, will a little more coverage than a normal tinted moisturiser. But its not medium to full coverage at.

 It retails for $28. From the sephora website:


What it is:A lightweight, water-based foundation that is packed with vitamins to balance the skin.

What it does:Korres Ginger & Vitamins Foundation provides sheer to medium buildable coverage, a creamy finish, and SPF 10 UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum sun protection. This brand favorite contains ginger to tone and clarify with Antioxidant Vitamins C and E to prevent visible signs of aging.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Mineral Oils
- Petro-chemicals
- Propylene Glycols
- Ethanolomines
- GMOs
- Synthetic Dyes
- Synthetic Fragrances

I love how it's without parabens and other chemicals which I am trying to reduce in my products anyway.

Have you tried this product before? If yes, what were your experiences?

What's your favorite foundation for summer?

Product rave: Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate

It's one the the MOST effective vitamin C serums that I have ever used, and I have used a few in the past like:

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum® Collagen Booster ($48)

Diana Yvonne Vitamin C Serum 12% ($40)

Avalon Organics Vitamin C Vitality Facial Serum ($24)

Beyond Belief Vita C+ Antioxidant Serum ($9)


I have been using he product for over a week and my skin looks brighter, plumper and glowy. This is the only new product that I have incorporated in my routine this week. It powerfully treats lines & wrinkles with 10.5% Pure Vitamin C!

This Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate is formulated with a high concentration of 10.5% Pure Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) known for its affinity with skin and its powerful ability to improve the appearance of skin aging. With continued use over time, this treatment has a significant and progressive effect on marionette lines around the mouth and sub-orbital wrinkles in the eye area as well as other facial lines and wrinkles. In addition, skin shows a noticeable improvement in texture and radiance.

Yes, it's pricey, 1.7oz costs a steep $56, but damn it I am worth it :):)



What are some skincare products that you are loving?


Pink Flower Scents haul and review

I don't know what's wrong with me, but of late I am obsessed with all things bath and body and candles. And I have been trying out a bunch of e-tailers. My first order was from pinkflowerscents.com. Over all I am VERY VERY impressed, and am placing another order this week :):):)


The box arrives

Items so beautifully packed
Tarts - back

Tarts - front (had my name on it too..so sweet)

soaps

travel sized scrubs and whipped soap

Extras!!

Extras unwrapped!!

They sent a sample of budy butter in lavender moon, EDP is strawberry sugar, and an 8 oz candle in Black wood marshmallow.

Here is what I ordered, and my reviews:

What I loved: A++

Scrubs
They make two types of scrubs, foaming sugar which is a soap+scrub, and a regular radiant scrub.
Other than the scent type (over 500 choices!), you can also customize the scent level (normal, low, high), exfoliation level (medium, high), an scrub type (shea butter, goat milk)

I got these in shea butter, high exfoliation
  • Radiant Skin Sugar Scrub Travel Size - Scent Lavender Moon      $4.50
  • Foaming Sugar Scrub Travel Size - Scent Karma    $4.50
  • Foaming Sugar Scrub Travel Size - Scent Lavender Sandalwood $4.50

Tarts
These are highly scented, and the throw is great! The size is 1oz and they cost $1.20 each

I ordered Triple Scented Soy Tarts in
 - Fresh Cut Roses
-  Island Fresh
-  Kai
-  Karma
-  Shampure
-  Spring Rain
-  Tuscan Herb
-  Stargazer Lily
-  Tahitian Tiare Flower
-  Lavish Laundry

Linen and Room Spray  
  • I got the scent Provence. 4oz  for   $6.95. The staying power is awesome. My comfortable smelled of roses for 2 days!

Soaps and such
  • Coffee Bath Bar - in Wood Coffee (Type Shea Butter, size 4 oz)     $4.95
  • Foaming Bath Whip Travel Size - Scent Shampure          $3.95. This product is a cream based soap. Very gentle and moisturizing.


These items where just okay - not too impressed
Botanical Bath Bar - Scent Karma    $4.95

Again, you can customize the scent type (500+ choices), scent level (low, normal, high), soap type (Shea Butter, goats milk, cocoa butter), and exfoliant/Botanical (Calendula Flower, rosemary, sage etc.)

I did not like the scent of this product. I got a foaming scrub in "Karma", and loved that. But the "Karma" scent in the soap is a little off - dont know why. I will let it cure for another 2 weeks, and try again.


They offer free shipping over $60, and they have a 15% sale going on until Friday Feb 25 (code: fb200)

Please note I am not affiliated with this company, nor am I getting paid to write this review. I just want to share the love:)


More pics of what I ordered:








Lakme Black Stain Kohl


Lakme Black Satin Kajal is a new product that was launched with the Gypsy Collection. It retails for Rs. 150.

From Lakme's website:
[1] Jet black kajal for the blackest black delivery in just one stroke. Draw a sharp, intense line or smudge for a smoky finish.
EMA says: I can't agree more!!

[2] The easy-to-use pencil glides on super soft and smooth, with a glossy finish only satin can provide!
EMA says: hell ya!!!

[3] Create bold and beautiful eyes with this water resistant formula that keeps color and shine in place without spreading.
EMA says: This is where this product failed me. I have to set it with matte black eyeshadow to keep it from moving on my waterline. But it's a kajal it's supposed to smudge...

Over all: 4.5/5

Black eyeliner showdown!



 


  1. Revlon Eyeliner Pencil (bought in India)
  2. Covergirl Perfect Blend Basic Black  
  3. Loreal Liquid Pencil Liner Black
  4. Rimmel Black Soft Kohl
  5. Revlon Color Stay
  6. Biotique (Indian brand)
  7. MAC Feline
  8. Stila Onyx
  9. VLCC  (Indian brand, has been discontinued I think!)
  10. Hashmi Kohl (Indian brand, known to contain lead)
  11. Lakme Black Stain (My most fav. kohl. Indian Brand)






Urban Decay Naked Palette Vs. MAC Eyeshadows

Since the UD Naked palette is quite hard to find, I thought I'd do a quick comparison with MAC eyeshadows.





There might be other MAC eyeshadows that are closer to the ones in the UD Naked palette, but I tried to find the closest ones from my collection.

[1] I could not find a dupe for Darkhorse in my MAC single eyeshadow collection. The closest I have is perhaps NARS Mekong? But Darkhorse pulls more green..
[2] Satin Taupe is the closest color to Sidecar that I have, but I would not call it a dupe at all. Satin Taupe pulls more gray than Sidecar.

I LOVE this palette. Its a dream for a neutral lover like me. I cant wait to try out some looks with it..


Correctors showdown!! Pic heavy

I have been meaning to show pictures and swatches of my favorite correctors for a while. So here it goes. I have tried really hard to take good closeups, so please click on each image to see the true colors.

Bobbi Brown Correctors: Dark Bisque (Left) and Peach (Right)

Bobbi Brown Corrector Dark BisqueBobbi Brown Corrector Dark Bisque



Eve Pearl Salmon Corrector: Medium (Left), Tan (Right)




Eve Pearl and Bobbi Brown Size comparison



Laura Mercier, Ben Nye and Make up forever (MUFE)

Concealer Refills - Blue Neutralizer No. 1







Please see more details about them in these posts:


My skintone fluctuates between NC40-44. My verdict on correctors, NOT concealers:
Under eyes:  Bobbi Brown Dark Bisque (when I am NC42-44ish) and MUFE No-1 (2nd shade from right).
Around my mouth: I am much darker around my mouth area. I would say around NC45-47. Eve Pearl in Tan is PERFECT!!!
Spots on my face: Laura Mercier SC-04

MAC Siahi Dupes and my fav teal liners

MAC Siahi looks pretty darn close to Stila Peacock (1) to me..

  1. Stila Peacock
  2. Chambor Forever Navy 306 (bought in India)
  3. Chambor Peacock (bought in India)
  4. Prescriptives Blue Grotto (discontinued)
  5. Loreal HIP loose Kohl Teal
  6. MAC teal pigment




  1. Stila Peacock
  2. Chambor Forever Navy 306 (bought in India)
  3. Chambor Peacock (bought in India)
  4. Prescriptives Blue Grotto (discontinued)
  5. Loreal HIP loose Kohl Teal
  6. MAC teal pigment

Review: Stila Prime Pot

I bought the Stila Prime Pot in Caramel beige for $20.



What it is:
A water-resistant eyeshadow primer that delivers flawless, creaseless eyeshadow wear all day and night.

What it does:
This innovative formula is crease-resistant and extends eyeshadow wear all day. When used as a base, Prime Pot's unique polymers adhere to eyeshadow and create impeccably smooth lids, keeping excess oil at bay. These lightweight matte eyeshadow primers are universally flattering for all skintones.

Size: 0.14 oz


My thoughts: I have dry skin but VERY oily lids. I dont know why this is so..but whatever...Here are the primers that I have used in the past, and returned since they did not work for me:
[1] Urban Decay Primer Potion Original ($18)

[2]Too Faced Shadow Insurance ($18)

[3] LORAC Behind The Scenes Eye Primer

[4] NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base  ($24)

The beauty of the Stila Prime Pot is that is not only primes the lid but also conceals the darkness and blue veins. The texture is quite similar to MAC Paint Pots (my favorite for a neutral look is the shade Layin Low, but it is limited edition). But Paint Pots WILL CREASE!! I typically set paint pot with a transluscent setting powder like these..
Ben Nye's
MUFE HD Powder
Too Faced Primed and Poreless

Paint pot + setting powder works..see my detailed post on "how to conceal dark eyelids". But it takes so much time!! The solution is Stila Prime Pots. I am quite enjoying using this product. Will update again in a few weeks.

Update: Hate to report that this product creased on me even after setting it with powder. I even tried it with Urban Decay Primer Potion etc. Sigh :(

How do I store my lip products?

I found some cute items for staples to store my lipsticks, lipglosses and lip liners. You could also use them for eye liners, mascaras etc.

Deflecto® Stackable Cubes Desktop Organizers, With X-Divider



Deflecto® Stackable Cubes Desktop Organizers with 4 Drawers


My thoughts on the MAC Mickey Contractor Collection

Happy New Year!!!

I know I am super late to the game, but I was away on vacation. I bought a few things from India, but more on that later :)

So here is what I got from the Mickey Contractor Collection:
- Sur blush
- Gana blush
- Yash l/s
- Mehr l/s
- Flesh l/g
- dual ended corrector

I wanted to get the Saffron e/s, but my pro store did not get any..bummer. I forgot to order Siahi e/l - and I am totally kicking myself... Overall, I am quite disappointed by this collection, perhaps since I had such high expectations to begin with.

The Nice
- Flesh l/g and Yash l/s
Yash by itself was not that cute. I think it's mainly because of the uber matte formula. But pair it with Flesh l/g and you get really nice nude lips - no pink, no peach, just a beautiful true nude. Love the combo!

- Dual ended corrector
When I took the product out of the box, I was horrified! No way was this going to work for me. Like you may know, I have severe hyperpigmentation around my mouth, that area is like 5 times darker than the rest of my face. Anyway, so I put a tiny tiny amount of the orange around my mouth using MAC 224 brush. Yuck! Then I put the yellow over it, and OMG the darkness totally faded!! It did not disappear, we can only wish for miracles. Now when I put foundation over it, the mouth area looks quite respectable.

The Okay
- Sur blush
Mauve matte blush. It's nice, but nothing to write home about.

- Gana blush
A pretty gold highlighter, with beige undertones. Nice and muted, but I prefer MAC Hush CCB as a highlighter.


The Ugly
- Mehr l/s
I know people are raving about this color, but it just did not do anything for me. I feel like it looks so similar to NYX mauve lipliner, at least on me.

What did you get from this collection? What worked for you, what did not?


Review: Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer

Hallelujah!!! My search for the perfect concealer is finally over..I bought Eve Pearl salmon concealer in Tan and Medium. I love them both!  I think Tan is just a bit better than Medium.

Please note I am not wearing any makeup, and I applied the concealer on the undereye area only.

Check out the pics:

Search Amazon.com for eve pearl salmon concealer
BEFORE the concealer:




AFTER the concealer




The consistency is between that of Bobbi Brown corrector and MUFE cream concealer. It blends beautifully on well moisturized skin. It looks a bit cakey over foundation, so remember to blend with a wet sponge.

Here are some other concealers that I have tried in the past:
Part 1: Review on Foundations


Part 2: Review on Concealers