And a very Nutty Day to you Ma'am... Summer Face Pack- the NUTS edition [ Hydrating Anti- Oxidant Rich Mask] :)

When I think of face packs, I usually go for my staple ingredients.. carrots, green tea etc etc.. you know the stuff.

This time, I decided to try something a bit different. 

I was munching on  some peanuts the other day and was congratulating self for choosing a healthier snack than is normal, when it struck me - how about trying this as a pack?

And I did.. and it was Awwwwwwwweeeesommeee!!!

So here is the list of ingredients I used: 

Almonds - Washed, soaked for 1hour

Cashews - Washed, Soaked for 1-2hours in Warm water

Olives - de-seeded, soaked for 15mins

Pumpkin Seeds - Fresh from the fruit, not the dried ones.. Soaked for 30mins

Peanuts- Soaked for 1hour in Warm Water

Sunflower Seeds - Soaked in Warm water for 1 hour

Take all the ingredients and make a paste of them. 

If you've very oily skin, avoid using the olives and mix in some rice powder or tomato juice to reduce the oily effect. 

If you are very very dry skin-ny, then you can add a drop or 2 of olive oil to make the mix a bit more rich. 

If you have dull, pigmented skin, add some drops of lemon juice to the mix.

 

After 15-20mins, moisten your hands and massage well to do a gentle exfoliation.

Now, gently remove the pack using a moist washcloth. 

How do you feel? My skin felt hydrated, plumped and kinda glow-y :)

Let me know what you think!

All images are courtesy of Pixabay.com

What Not To Buy: Essence Liquid Eyeliner in Black

There are some products that I really really wished worked as it should - cos though it suckIs in one aspect, it is really good in some other aspect. Does that happen to you?

Introducing to you - Essence Liquid Eyeliner, with innovative 'flock' applicator [no idea what that means!]

If you check reviews on the blog world, this has got some golden reviews. 

Price is $2.99 USD and you can check it out here - From Ulta

What I Like..

Check that conical cap - Like it? I do. 

I find this has a nice packaging like most other Essence products. 

I could find only 1 shade -black- in my local Shoppers Drug Mart. 

The foam or sponge tip applicator is very soft on lids. 

The color applies smoothly and without any kind of tugging.

This has a Jet Black color - I so love it. 

Sometimes when you get a liquid eyeliner, its all greyish black...but not this one!

It stays for a good 4-5 hours without any creasing. 

It sets pretty fast too and is fairly smudge proof.

I won't say its water proof, but it doesn't fall apart on 1st contact with water

What I don't like..

Funnily enough, I don't like it because of its 'innovative' flock applicator. 

Now, if you love this, if you can get a hand on how to use this - good for you.

Trying out the liner from different angles - I promise, I was not trying to make a thick line, this is just the way it went on!

I can too - cos I have been applying liquid eyeliners with all sorts of wands, from the time  I was 13.

But for someone new to liquid eyeliners, or someone looking for easy application - I wouldn't really recommend this at all.

Check how the applicator applies the color - especially towards the end of the line...

Reason is - the sponge tip is conical in outline and the tip is a bit too flexible.

So what happens is, if you're not very careful or very experienced, instead of a precise line for that Cat's Eye look, you'll get thicker weirder shaped lines.

While, you can always argue about the learning curve and all that, I'd say go ahead and get the  ELF Liquid Liner [Review here] - its easier to apply and a lil bit easier on the pocket too!

Overall: For the $2.99 price tag, this one won't break your pocket. But if you're a novice to eyeliners and is planning to get something to test it, I wouldn't suggest this one for sure!

Cruelty Free Beauty Box - Petit Vour June Beauty Box

I am all for Cruelty Free beauty..
I try my best to avoid brands that do animal testing [which is why you don't see any L'Oreal or Covergirl makeup reviews here]..
So when I saw this beauty box that focuses on Vegan Beauty products, I immediately signed up.




Petit Vour operates out of US [what doesn't!] and costs $15 USD per box.
As usual, beauty lovers in Canada are stuck with a slightly hefty shipping cost of $8 - thank you, dear Canadian Customs fellas!
They also ship international.
You can find all details here: http://www.petitvour.com/pages/new-box

June Box

The packaging is lovely with a pink box - that's an instant love, right there!



This month's box featured 1 full size [I think] nail polish from NCLA and 4 samples.

There was a perfume  'Yogini' from Harvey Prince - this is brand new area for me as I am not a perfume person.
Not because I don't love perfumes, but cos I get allergic to some scents and my husband is allergic to all strong scents.
So, I can't really review this scent.
It looks okay - nothing fancy.
More like a drugstore product than anything high end.



There were 2 hair care products - 1 shampoo and conditioner from Evolvh.
I wonder how you pronounce that..I am going with "Evolve-huh" :)
I am all excited after reading the ingredients but......
But...Unless this does something magical, I am not going to purchase this, considering the price tag!


The last sample is from MUN No. 1 Aknari Brightening Youth Serum
Again, I am excited to try a sample of a $95 skin care product especially after reading the ingredients.
Only, hmmm... I am a bit skeptical as to how much of a change I can see with this sample.
Still you live and learn.
Who knows, that might be my next big purchase!



Last product is the nail polish and this is one awesome Winner... woohoo..
The color is amazinggg.. its a pastel Aqua green color that applies so wonderfully.
Its creamy and it goes full color on one swipe.
Instant Love and soooo puurrrrfect for the season!
I am getting more shades of this. Expect an NOTD soon!



Overall - This is a nice box that tries to hit at all aspects of beauty.
I wish there was a way to customize so I could avoid things I am not excited about or things I can't use!
But well, there is always the fact that Nothing Tried, Nothing Found [an edited version of an old proverb :)]
So, am excited about July box... Lets see how that one goes!

An NOTD post with 2 Sallys: Mermaid nails...

I was randomly poking around my nail colors thinking, what could I wear bright enough to look Summer-y...

So I applied 2 coats of Sally Girl's nail color - I think the shade is Dumped but it may be discontinued. 

Its a gorgeous metallic sea blue shade with green tints.

The color reminded me so much of the sea and the mysterious green-blue shades that I almost felt home-sick [not cos I am a mermaid,but cos my home is just 2Kms away from a beach]

So, I snooped around a bit more to see how I can make this more 'sea'-y and I found this shimmer polish from Sally Hansen. 

Its one of their Diamond Strength one in shade 'Twist of Lime' - very appropriate considering the bright green shade.

I really liked the finished effect - though on camera it looks more Green than Blue. 

Reminds me of warm sunny days walking on the sands....

I also applied Sally Hansen Triple Strong strengthener as my base coat, cos my nails need all the strength I can get!

 

5 Lip Glosses I am lovin this Summer - NYX, Soap and Glory and Tanya Burr!

I am all for bright bold juicy colors this Summer.. colors that screams  'Joie de Vivre'. 

These are some of the lip colors I have been enjoying before Fall sets in with shades of Wine and Berry [not that I mind] :)

From Top Left - NYX Butter Gloss in Cherry Pie, NYX Glam Gloss Aqua Luxe Glosses in Paint the Town and The Last Party, Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss in Yummy Plum and Tanya Burr lip gloss in Exotic Island

You can find reviews of these glosses here:

NYX Butter Gloss

Soap and Glory

Tanya Burr

NYX Glam Aqua Luxe Gloss - [Mini Reviews below]

From L to R - NYX Aqua Luxe in The Last Party, SG Yummy Plum, NYX Aqua Luxe in Paint the Town, Tanya Burr and NYX Cherry Pie

NYX Glam Aqua Luxe Lip Gloss are not your office lippies- they are purely fun, party glosses. 

I wouldn't advise wearing these lip colors alone or even full on lips as the shimmer can be a bit over powering, especially with The Last Party. 

How I use - I dab it on the center of my bottom lips, not reaching the lip lines, but staying just a bit inside, to add a glossy shiny look.

They are very pretty but is a bit difficult to remove cos of all the shimmer, so I would always suggest keeping a wet wipe handy.

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Shameless and How to Make a Bold Lip color more wearable..

Revlon is hands down the Winner when it comes to creating classic no-brainer risk free lip colors in Drugstore. 

I think they are the YSL of the Drugstore, because if you rank drugstore brands for the sheer range of colors, finish and consistent quality of lip colors, Revlon stands taller than others.

Do you agree? No?

Just think of Cherries in the Snow, Fire and Ice, those Lip Butters... ah, now you're nodding.. :)

Revlon's Colorburst Matte Balms have been in the market for some time but its only recently that I got a chance to buy this particular shade because most of the time they are either sold out or the tubes are opened & smeared all over!

I hate when that happens, don't you? 

Price is around $8-10 CAD but I got mine on sale [yay!].

Packaging is pretty neat - a sleek matte violet-purple casing with a silver bottom. 

About the product:

Like all other lip crayons, these are twistable retractable chubby crayons. 

They have a minty feel - common to all Revlon Lip Crayons and I like that. 

I was initially a bit worried that like some matte lippies, this one may not be very easy to apply, but it was pretty smooth in application.

However for dry skinned ladies, I would suggest prepping your lips before applying this - which is true for any matte lipsticks. 

Why I love this...

The color. That's the answer in one word. 

A bold violetish purple shade in a Drugstore brand? How often do you find that!

 Lets all support the Drugstore brands to come up with such natty colors!

This color does not apply sheer, unless you want to dilute the finish by applying over a nude lip balm or something.It applies patchy if you try to dull the intensity by rubbing your lips.

This happened when I tried to get a sheer color - patchy, aint it?

This is not a true matte, its more of a Satin matte finish - which I feel is more forgiving on lips than a true matte lipstick. 

I love the bold color that it gives in just 1 swipe.

This shade from Revlon has been compared to MAC's Heroine, so if you don't want to shell out for Heroine, here is the dupe!

Staying power is also pretty neat - around 4-5 hours.

It doesn't stain lips as much as Revlon Lacquer Balms, but still, there some staining. 

And what I don't like...

Hmmm... tough.. Nothing much, except that when the color fades, it can be a bit patchy, so either carry your wet wipes or be ready to re-apply.

Overall:

For the price, this is one bold lipstick you should try. 

Making a bold lip color like this, more wearable.. 

If you're scared of the too bold brighter color, here is what you can do to make it more easier.

• Exfoliate your lips with a lip scrub or sugar-honey mix
• Apply lip balm and lightly massage your lips in circular motions. Leave for 10mins.
• Apply a tinted lip balm or sheer lipstick - either in a very nude shade or a shade closer to the bold lip color you're trying to wear.
• Avoid a stronger shades cos that can dilute the lip crayon shade. 
• If you have a spatula, warm the spatula under candle flame. If not, bring a candle flame or lighter slightly close to the crayon tip, so that the wax can melt a bit. Caution - don't bring it too close, as the intent is only to get the wax a bit more melted and not to burn the stuff!
• The purpose is to get the color is a bit more creamier. Use a lip brush or a q-tip in either of the above case to apply the lip color.
• Start applying from the inner part of your lips to the out side. 
• Once you have applied the lip color, give a minute or two to set. Do not rub your lips or it may transfer.
• Now, if you're happy with the color, good. If you wish to dilute the color further, use a pink-ish nude lip gloss or tinted lip balm over this. 

Remember that this may result in a non-matte effect. If you wish to get a diluted matte look, go for the "Blot- and Re-apply" till you get the color and finish you want.

5 Lip Crayons from Drugstore for a Mid-Summer Day out!

I made this list after noticing the lippies I turn to for an outing or a walk in the park.

Notice that there are no pinks? That's cos I am having a hard time finding that perfect pink shade in a lip crayon... The search is on....

You can find the reviews for most of these here:

NYX Chunky Dunk in Sex on the Beach
Revlon Colorburst Matte in Shameless
Hard Candy All Glossed Up in Chic
Revlon Just Bitten in Rendezvouz
Revlon Colorburst Lacquer in Provocateur

From L-R: NYX Chunky Dunk Hydrating Lippie in Sex on the Beach, Revlon Colorburst in Shameless, Hard Candy All Glossed Up in Chic, Revlon Just Bitten in Rendezvous and Revlon Colorburst Lacquer in Provocateur

L-R: NYX, Revlon Provocateur, Revlon Rendezvouz, Hard Candy Chic, Revlon Shameless

Please note that I am not saying these are your best options.. these are what I think would work good for a fun day out in the Sun.
So what do you think?

A Tale of 2 Highlighters ... Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer in Reserve Your Cabana and Something Surprising which you gotta see!

I say, don't be narrow minded when it comes to makeup products.. cos so many of them is meant for something but actually does something else better. 

I have had lipsticks that apply patchy but work beautifully as a cheek color. 

And sometimes a black eye pencil can add superb contoured effect to your Red lip color.

So without more story, introducing you to 2 products that are meant as something else but work beautifully as Highlighters. 

The 1st one shouldn't be a surprise because it is a popular Youtube guru favorite, espl with Emily Noel and that is Wet n Wild's Color Icon Bronzer in Reserve Your Cabana. 

I can't really think of a complexion for which this would be a bronzer unless you're like Edward Cullen. 

For fairer complexions, this could even be a overall luminous powder to add that subtle glow.

For Light Medium to wheatish complexions this would work as a wonderful highlighter. 

You can add this for subtle effect and this is my current daily office wear highlighter, cos its not at all OTT and has no shimmer in it.

I would suggest this for a day use cos of the SPF and also cos its a very subtle highlighter that works well in Daylight than at night.

As you can see [or cant see] it is a very subtle glow...

The next one is a surprise and something I never expected when I got this. Introducing a least likely candidate for Highlighter-ship - Yves Rocher 100% Natural Origin Loose Powder Foundation.

Yes. 

You read that right. 

This is a mineral foundation. 

But it works as a highlighter.  

Cos when Yves Rocher thought they'd make a mineral foundation that would give a luminous glow-y finish, they were not shy or modest..they went full out and created a foundation that if you use as a foundation, would make you look like a disco bulb. 

You can see how luminous the powder is...

I was pretty disheartened when I came home and tried this product, cos this was an impulse buy and I was thinking - how can anyone mess up a mineral foundation, espl a reputed company like Yves Rocher? 

So this was lying in the corner unused, when last day I swatched this for a "What Not To Buy" post and thought, Hmmmm... I tried it with a light hand and was most pleasantly surprised by the effect.

Can you see the highlighter effect? Trust me, its much stronger in person!

This has some shimmers, so I would suggest using this at night. 

For paler complexions this could be a bronzy highlighter for getting that healthy glow-y Summer look.

For medium wheatish complexions, I suggest using this with a light hand and layering it over your blush for a luminous finish.

Overall: Moral of the Story - if you fail in using a cosmetics in one way, try in some other way.. Who knows, you might discover something!

Summer Proof Makeup: Sephora Cream Lip Stain in Endless Purple 04

Yes, I know.
Sephora's Cream Lip Stain has been around.
For some time.
So if you think "Wow, are you just getting to know about this one? So lame!", my answer is No Dear, I have had this from Summer 2013 but I just got my lazy butt around to reviewing it. 



I got this last Summer thinking, Hmmm, I need a long wearing lip color just in case.... but I actually didn't get around to trying it very often and some how it got pushed beneath a lot of other better attractive products [Lets face it, packaging matters and this one sucks!]



Sephora Cream Lip Stain is part of the Sephora collection of makeup and skin care products. If you thought that being a store brand, the products will be cheap, think no more - these beauties costs $16 for 0.169 oz. 



You can find more shades and what Sephora has to say about these lippies here - affiliate link


What I think...

Regarding packaging, as I mentioned, it sucks and has no glamor. Only good thing is the transparent casing helps you to find the color easily.



The wand is soft and helps easy application - nothing great, nothing bad

Shade: Endless Purple is slightly misleading-you'd expect a good dark or bright purple shade. Instead this is a deep berry mauvish shade, that is best suited for Fall/Winter days.



Texture, Scent and taste: I like the creamy texture. It does not feel heavy at all and applies very smoothly. I couldn't detect any serious scent, as long as it does not smell like paint, I am usually good. No taste as well.

Finish: This goes on with a Satin finish for the application and first 15mins. After that it dries down a bit to a matte effect. Now, unless you don't mind [like me] to show the world lines on your lips, you want to exfoliate and hydrate your lips before applying this lippie. Make sure you're doing that at least 15mins before applying this or you won't get a good matte effect.



Staying Power: This one has some good staying power and lasts for around 4-5 hours with food and drinks. Which is pretty impressive, right? 
However, beware - the color fades from center so if you don't reapply, you might end up having scary outlined lips!


Overall: I like this. But not as a stain, cos its not a stain, its a liquid lipstick. There is some slight staining from the color as with most dark/bright lip colors, but that is it. If you're looking for a liquid lipstick and you end up in Sephora, take a look at these beauties before wandering off to the Stila aisle.. :)