Review and Swatches: Nivea Fruity Shine lip balm in Pink Guava

I always use lip balms as I somehow believe they protect my lips from any harmful chemicals in lipsticks and so so.

What with our desi markets not as updated or as voluminous as the West, I never bothered much about tinted lip balms and was always faithful to the colorless beauties.

Then I got this one free with some purchase I made from Health and Glow and I soo love this one!

I wish we get more n more such nice ones as gifts J

Check Nivea’s website here for the product: http://www.nivea.in/products/lip-care/fruity-shine/fruity-shine-pink-guava

What Nivea says:  “Delicious guava scent and rich ingredients for extremely soft and glossy lips in a luscious deep red tone”

Price is around 100 INR for 4.8 gms of the product.

I love this one! I absolutely love the fruity smell, the slightly sweet taste, the light sheer coral-pink [I don’t know why they say “deep red”!] shade with shimmers and the nice moisturizing effect it gives,

I wish this was a bit long lasting than the 1-2 hours staying power it has.

The casing is strong and sturdy and the cylindrical bullet shape of the product makes it very easy to apply unlike their tube design which is a messier process.

This is not strongly or even medium tinted.. In fact to see the coral pink shade you have to swipe it 5-6 times espl on pigmented lips like mine.

I don’t mind this as I love the feel of this balm.

I love Nivea more so cos I discovered it doesn’t do animal testing.

It has been pretty had to buy products in India as the major players like Lakme and Loreal are all animal-testers and I had to avoid them..

And that also meant, limited range of lippie availability way back when I was in college i.e. 2001-2005.

But now I am happy that lots of alternatives are available like Lotus, FACES, Body Shop etc.

Check Ank’s review of this in IMBB here.

You can buy Nivea’s Fruityshine in Pink Guava here:

-          From Style Craze: http://www.stylecraze.com/Products/style-craze-skin-care-lip-balms/Nivea/nivea-lip-care-fruity-shine-pink-guava/pid-847035.aspx  Price is 116 INR

-          From violet bag: http://www.violetbag.com/lip-balms/1496-nivea-lipcare-pink-gauva-48-gm.html Price is 120INR

-          From Urban touch: http://www.urbantouch.com/nivea-lip-care-fruity-shine-pink-guava/4005808012107/p/ Price is 129INR

-          From Snapittoday: http://snapittoday.com/nivea-lipcare-fruity-shine-pink-guava-(4.8-gm)-p390t Price is 124INR

-          From medplubeauty: http://medplusbeauty.com/products/nivea-lip-care Price is 122INR

Aint it exciting to see so many nice websites?? J J J J J

Review and swatches: Avon Simply Pretty Eye Defining Pencil in Metallic Blue

I met Neha through IMBB and she is a lovely person who sends me avon & oriflame products which is a boon to me as getting cosmetics here is very challenging!

She also advices me on nice products every month and I usually get a cover from her at least once a month. This eye pencil is one of the smart buys I made as it is cheap and yet it gives a lovely finish over eyes..

The color is a brilliant bright blue with instantly brightens up the eyes but unless you wanna look like you are going to a hawaiin beach party, avoid wearing strong blue shades over your eyes as a single color..trust me, brilliant blue lined eyes are only for models!

I usually apply this over my black kajal or eyeliner and then lightly blend it to give a touch of exotic but not too much..

A best way to apply colored liners is to add it to the corners of your eyes..or to the rim of the upper lid line…

I got this for 69 rs but the normal price is 110..

I never apply colored pencils to water lines and I think that’s safer too!

Overall I think this is a nice budget buy espl for college girls.. J

Check shivani’s review of Green & brown shades in IMBB here

Review and Swatches: Lotus Herbals Naturalblend Swift Make-up Stick SPF-15

I got this while I was searching for quick-fix product during my stuff-for-marriage preps.

I heard from my friend that to have a quick makeup stick is the easiest way 2 fix makeup [it’s not! easiest way is to carry sm mineral powder with powder puff to apply evenly on face. No brush pls]..

So I searched around and found 2-3 brands offering panstick, like Maxfactor and Diana of London..

Maxfactor was a no-no for me cos of animal testing and I had not then heard of DoL.

So I decided to go with Lotus and got this and boy, do I regret!

Price is 249 and there is a decent quantity available.

The stick is creamy enough and spreads decently enough on skin and is easy enough to blend with fingers.

Okay, I have nothing bad about the product quality. It provides medium coverage and can be used as a concealer but cannot agree with the “compact” effect.

SPF15 is definitely a boon and I wish more & more makeup products should have this feature.

Now where I have the problem is with the packaging and usage.

As you can see, the product looks weird and has stained the entire cap area.

That is cos it broke off the second day when I accidentally dropped it and smeared all over the cap.

It took some serious efforts to push it back and by god, it was messy!

While the ‘dropping’ part is my fault, I do think that for a stick packaging the pack should have been more sturdy.

I didn’t drop it very hard, so I think the design should have been smart enough to cover that.

What is the point of a stick that breaks easily and smears all over and in general becomes useless?

Swatch: 1 swipe of the product

You can see the blended effect on the right side of my hand..

I wouldn’t recommend this nor oppose this, I would rather say that if you are

-of the super-careful type

-is always on the go

-need a quick fix in place of liquid/cream foundation

-hates powder foundations

you can try this!

Auravedic Harmonising Hair Cleanser

I love herbal products, espl ones that has the magic tag ‘No Parabens’ .

So when I saw Auravedic on sale in 99labels.com, I checked the brand online and found some nice reviews.

Since  I can never have enough of soaps or hair cleansers, I got this along with a skin polish I had reviewed earlier

This is what is given on the website. I couldn’t find any reviews on this product specifically.

The product I received looks kinda different from the one shown in website, so I am guessing mine is a slightly off-dated item

Its comes in a plastic bottle, not very large in fact pretty small! Since its transparent enough, you can see the color and quantity.

I found the labeling simple and decent but not very attractive. A lil more on graphics side would have been appreciated!

My idea of a herbal product packaging is Freshline’s super cute one [check the Urban touch website for Freshline products]

The good part is that the ingredient list is given in detail and looks good. I am also hooked on the fact that this is a non-animal tested product.

I love the fresh feeling fragrance and feel that this cleanser has. My scalp feels very clean after washing with this.

The shampoo is a greenish medium thick liquid.

On the downside, the price 150/- is a bit high considering that for medium long hair like mine, a lot of product is required, which means this will hardly last me for 1month!!!!

But I guess to get that fresh feel on hair without added problems of paraben, paying 150 every 2 weeks sounds good..

Also couldn’t find any volumising effect as mentioned on the label..i wonder why companies make such tall claims!

Now the only problem is finding this online L or in stores… I don’t see this in stores and this item is not available online in Beaute Naturelle store.

Auravedic products can be bought here : Beauté Naturelle, an online shop for herbal products.

To buy or not? If you come across this and if you like paying 150INR for getting a fresh-feel wash for approx 2-3 weeks, you can buy this.. J

Fast clean and effective hair wash? Try KP namboodiri's Ayurvedic Antidandruff Shampoo

I saw this when I was browsing a local store and KP Namboodiri’s is an old brand known for tooth products so I thought why not!

I am very happy I did cos this costs just under 20rs and gives atleast 15-20 super clean fresh hair washes.

I don’t think its very effective against dandruff for long term but then unless it’s a treatment I doubt if anything is that effective!

Aroma Magic Beautiful Skin blended oil - My latest Love!

Beautiful Skin Oil

(Skin Rejuvenation)

Blended Skin Oil Benefits

Rejuvenates the skin, diminishes fine lines on face & neck & makes it firm & smooth. For normal & aged skin

Quick Overview

Aromatherapy Oil for complete skin rejuvenation.

Details

The oil enhances the growth of new cells and helps diminish appearance of fine lines on face & neck. It works as a skin vitalizer, which restores youthful radiance and makes skin smooth and silky.

How to Use

Cleanse face & neck and then apply 4-5 drops of oil. Use every day in morning and at night.

Qty

15ml

I just love love love this oil.. I decided to start on aromatherapy recently after seeing a friend who is totally glowing now, post trying all hoolas with oils and massages and everything. I use this in various forms:

-          directly on my face at night after warming it up between my fingers

-          mixed in the water I use for doing steaming

-          mixed in face packs and creams

-          mixed with olive/coconut oil for a face massage.. [this is the most effective one!]

The effect is just awesome. I had some marks on my face due to a recent allergic reaction, which totally faded and my skin looks tighter and younger [which is a big deal now that I am on the wrong side of 25 L]. Also the fragrance is so refreshing….. I just love em..

Jordana Easyshine Glossy Lip Color in Mango Delight

I have a love hate relationship with Jordana.

I hate hate hate [no words enough] their horrible quickliner for eyes.

But then I do love their blushes [will be reviewing soon] and this one.

It is a fun product. Check my review in IMBB here: http://makeupandbeauty.com/jordana-easyshine-glossy-lip-color-mango-delight/

Cheers!

Some FAQs and personal experience on Glycolic peels

I had recently written an article in IMBB on Glycolic peels.

Please check it here if you plan to do one and wish to avoid some rookie mistakes [Which I didL]

Link:  http://makeupandbeauty.com/glycolic-peel-treatment-personal-experience/

Cheers!

Faces Canada Moisture Rich lipstick in shade First Lady

I absolutely loves FACES Canada brand. They come up with some nice product ideas and they have superb shades in their range also.

Another best thing is their range is available in most online shopping websites: Urbantouch.com, cosmetix.in, healthkart.com, medplusbeauty.com, stylecraze.com, snapittoday.com.

I picked this one on offer from Healthkart.com and I love this.

This has got to be the most creamiest lippie I have ever tried.

It is so creamy that it melts almost like the NYX ones.

Price is around 349 INR but you can get it for 270+ on offer through various sites.

Enjoy the pictures.

I love the transparent bottom showing the color but I wish some indication was also available in the top cover as well.

Check the melted tip .. L

Neha has reviewed this in IMBB. Check it here: http://makeupandbeauty.com/faces-canada-moisture-lipstick-lady/

I am planning to buy more stuff from this range… Love em!!!!

Online shopping experience with Goodlife.com

Online shopping experience with Goodlife.com

After moving to a small town area post marriage, I stay far far away from the nearest shop where if I ask for a lip balm, people will give me Tiger balm! L No kidding, happened to me. So most of my shopping is now restricted to online and I am very very happy that our e-commerce world is expanding very nicely.

Recently I had to buy baby shower gifts online from Firstcry.com and I noticed that they had a sister site, goodlife.com. I was reminded of websites like apothica and drugstore which have more than 1 site within site, so people can buy different items from the 1 location. I really liked the concept and the website is also designed nicely enough.

However, checking recently I found that they have not updated their brand listings but they have added some products from various nice companies like bodyshop, bioline etc.

This is how their order history page looks like:

They have a detailed order page with the tracking details mentioned.

The best part I liked was they provided free shipping [ a nice deal considering even UT now made free shipping only for 300+ orders] and they have COD option for INR 200+ orders as well, which is a boon for 1^st time buyers.

Now the only gripe I had was with AFL courier people who took around 1 week+ to deliver this to me! However, the CSR at goodlife.com called me and assured me that he will track it and close it and was closely following if and when I received this. So additional marks for good Customer care.

This is how the package came.

This came in a cardboard box similar to healthkart and fashionandyou packaging. I don’t mind this packaging but I do wish the cover was more weather-proof. The logo was clearly printed on both sides. The invoice was pasted over the front of the box, which I kind of wish they didn’t as I don’t want to advertise all the products I buy to the courier personnel! A copy of the invoice was also kept in the box.

All the products inside were bubble wrapped nicely and came without any damage.

On the whole, I found the experience was okay, but I will definitely ask them to try another courier for my city!

On the whole, this is a promising website and I hope they will expand it and make it interesting for buyers. J

Online shopping experience with Medplusbeauty.com

I was lamenting the lack of a wider variety of makeup products online when I happened to stumble across this website and I couldn’t believe my luck. The sheer variety of makeup brands took my breath away [they have recently added Givenchy!!!!!]  I have seen medplus medical outlets but I was still apprehensive about buying from this website as I couldn’t find any reviews of this website anywhere. Still, I was tempted to check this website out and here is my experience.

This is how the website looks:

This is their order details page. I couldn’t find the tracking number in the website but they send me an email with the tracking details.

They provide free shipping for orders above 300 and so I tested the waters by ordering some stuff that will get me free shipping. J  They have COD offer only within Hyderabad for now, but I hope they will extend it to the rest of India as well.

They send the package via Bluedart and it promptly reached me the 3^rd day. This is how the package looked. The logo was printed on all sides of the cardboard box.

All the items were bubble wrapped together and they also left an invoice copy inside.

The best thing IMHO is the range of brands this website provides. I was so happy to see most of the Bourjois products, Diana of London and some other brands which I couldn’t find locally. I do wish they’d add some sales and discounts and offers etc, but they have a value point system in place, which I am not very sure of. 

Another good thing is the makeover application they have [see the snap shot]. I got a Tips and Toes luster lipstick based on the shade the model was wearing but unfortunately it turned out much darker than the shade in the picture [but thankfully a nice shade for winter, so I am okay!].

On the whole, this is another website I am gonna watch out for and I hope they will add more sales offers  and make it interesting for buyers. J

My recent IMBB posts

Hi,

Check my latest IMBB posts!

Revlon Vital Radiance Moisture boosting lip color in Melon 020
http://makeupandbeauty.com/revlon-vital-radiance-moisture-boosting-lipcolor-melon-020/

Tips and Toes Eye pencil in Jade Green
http://makeupandbeauty.com/tips-and-toes-eye-pencil-jade-green-review/

Review: NYC blushable creme stick in Plaza pink

Hi Everyone,

This is a nice one from NYC and i unfortunately picked the wrong shade.
Check my review in IMBB here.

Review: Khadi Vit E Hair Cleanser Soap bar

This was an impulse buy and unlike my other impulse buys, I dont regret this at all!!
It has the most lovely scent that a hair cleanser can provide or so my husband claims.. :)

The ingredient list is not that clear but I am not bothered as this is a Khadi product. Now as a pure cleanser, this doesnt work that well cause it makes even my inherently oily hair rough and frizzy. 

I use this after my hair cleansing. I just rub it briefly over hair to get a mild lather and then wash it off.

Always remember to condition if you are using this, else you are going to curse this all the way.

An alternative is to use a mild hair potion like silk and shine which is non-fragrant.

The cost is INR 55 and it lasts for a long time also. This is a nice product if used as a "perfume for hair".. :)

Review: VOV Dupe products in market!!!!!

I think VOV, M.A.C and Loreal are 3 brands which must have 1000s of dupes in market. I have seen M.A.C eyeliners in stores for 150INR, so you can guess how much of a "MAC" it is!

Check this VOV dupe I found in a store in Kerala. I picked this up just out of curiosity, mainly cos it was just 120INR. Well, as you can guess, I dont use this product except when I am doing experiments which I do on my arm.

It contains a mirror + foundation + shimmer powder, which can be used for setting.

Can you see anything from the powder swatch? No? that is cause it is useless and doesnt show!

All I have say is, BEWARE of DUPES!!! There is nothing like WOW-products for WOW-price..its always WOW-products for "OH-MY" price :)

Review: VOV Glamshine Liquid liners in 3 shades - Gold, green and red

Hi Everyone,

Everyone buys duds of products, but then it falls to my lot i think, to buy all the possible duds you can ever expect to find in any sale!!! :( I dont know why this happens, I can only blame Online shopping problems and trust that if I were to buy these from shop after swatching I might buy differently.

I got these from Fashion and You sale on VOV. I must say that the gold liner is decently pigmented and is a nice bright gold shade. Ruby red is also okay dokey. But the green! Wow! The most useless eyeliner you can find!
Its almost like buying cheap glitter from shop, mixing it with water and trying to apply it over your lids.

Check the pics below:

From top to bottom, the shades on the swatch are gold, ruby red and green. Notice how sheer and less pigmented the green shade looks!

 The only good point is that it is just 180rs per item but still i feel like I could have used that 360 INR for something I actually would use! What with no ingredients listed, not able to find this product in VOV website, I am very disappointed about this purchase. I think all of these are VOV dupes!!!!