Biotique Bio Cucumber Pore Tightening Toner

Biotique Bio Cucumber Pore Tightening Toner

(Price Rs.175/- for 120ml)

 

I was using The Body Shop’s Aloe toner for over 2 years. It’s such a huge bottle and honestly I hadn’t used it religiously everyday. I still managed to finish 3/4^th of the bottle but the product crossed it’s expiry date. Otherwise when I realize a product is about to expire, I try to use it in other ways. However, it completely passed me to check this toner’s expiry. I hate wasting products especially the pricey ones. Anyways I have quite liked this one for my sensitive rash prone skin. Very soft and gentle on the skin. Almost like water. Read the mini review HERE. 

So when I got done with this one, I immediately ordered one online (It was on 30% Off, hence online) But TBS orders take quite some time to reach, and I started noticing the effects of NOT using a toner immediately. For temporary basis, I bought this Biotique toner (The sales woman suggested me this seeing my troubled skin). Biotique products have fared well on my skin before and it wasn’t too pricey so I picked this up.

What this claims-

An Ayurvedic medicine with Therapeutic properties and not a cosmetic product.

A pore tightening toner with Himalayan Waters. For Normal to Oily skin.

Contains-

Daru haldi Root 0.1%, Dhania Fruit 2%, Maju phal 2%, Peppermint Oil 0.85%, Kheera  jal Q.S

No mention of any other chemicals or preservatives. (Now I don’t know if it’s not there or they choose not to mention them...)

Biotique Bio Cucumber Pore Tightening Toner

My Thoughts-

The first time I unscrewed the cap and poured it on my cotton pad, it distinctly smelt of Cucumber and alcohol. I was immediately doubtful about it. Well, let’s just say it’s not a sensitive or gentle toner. It did burn on my rashes and inflamed parts. It felt like a strong astringent. However that could be ‘coz of the peppermint oil present in it. It also felt like an exfoliating toner. My face was freshly washed but it still took off remnants from my skin. Somehow that was very satisfying. It stripped off my skin of any oil or dirt and left my skin fresh and supple. It certainly was quite strong than what I was used to and didn't know what to expect or how my skin would react to it.

Thankfully it did not break me out and hence I kept using this.

Read here to know how a toner changed my skincare game.

3 months since, I LOVE this toner. I never skip on this. Not one day. I have seen such a huge difference since using this. I did receive my TBS toner, but I intend to use this first. And I’m already half bottle down! Even though it’s slightly on the stronger side, it did not irritate my skin. Rather it cools it down and preps my skin for moisturizer. It has helped with my rashes and the texture of my skin. I leaves my face squeaky clean and gets it ready for some fresh moisturizer.

It is very important to immediately moisturize the skin after using this, since it is so stripping. This is great for troubled and acne prone skin. But it’s always better to do a patch test or a trial to check if it matches your skin. If your skin is trouble free and you only want to balance the Ph level of your skin, then a gentle toner should be fine.

I think this toner performs really well. And I found a gem at this price!!

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Love,
SS

Aroma Magic Aloe Vera Sunscreen Gel with Spf20

Price: Rs.285/- for 100ml 

Kolkata is so hot and humid right now, that even my trusted Neutrogena ultra sheer drytouch sunblock gets uncomfortable and sticky after a while. It's still my favourite for cooler or more comfortable weather. My summer saviour is usually the Lotus Herbals Safe Sun Matte Gel sunscreen. But I gave it to mom. 

I almost repurchased the Lotus one when this super cute cyan coloured tube popped up. An Aloe Vera sunscreen gel sounded just perfect to me. 

The colour is sooo cute, my babe thinks it's his toy! I have to keep it hidden from him!

Now for a little backend info:

SPF protect our skin only from UVB rays. For UVA protection look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide in the ingredients because these protect against the full spectrum of UVA rays. So make sure your sunscreen/sunblock protects you from both UVA and UVB.

Ideally, higher the SPF, your skin is protected longer and better. But contrary to common belief, it is not always advisable to use an SPF higher than 50 on a regular basis. Very simply, higher the SPF, higher protection at a cost of more chemicals.

Also fair skin is more susceptible to the harmful rays and chemicals resulting into skin damage. The darker skin suffer less skin damage (comparatively) due to higher melanin pigment.

Now, by thumb rule, if my skin starts getting damaged or tanned after staying in the sun for 20 mins, an SPF 20 will protect my skin 20 times more. Hence 400 mins i.e for 6.6 hours. And one needs to re-apply sunscreen anyway if you sweat or wipe your face. So I don't see the point of using higher SPF on a daily basis and subjecting my skin to more chemicals, when I am protected for 6 hours approx or I have to anyways re-apply my sunscreen when I'm out 'coz i'm continuously wiping my face. Do I make sense?

Coming back to this product.

1) Meant for Oily and acne prone skin.

2)This serves both my purpose of aloe vera gel and sunscreen.

3) Super light on the skin. Immediately soaks into the skin.

4) Non-sticky and matte finish once absorbed.

5) Did not break me out

6) Can be applied under makeup.

7) Does not make my skin oily.

8) Pocket friendly

  

Putting it straight, I LOVE this sunscreen. It checks all the boxes. Can't get over how cute it looks.  Will definitely repurchase  this for daily use. However in case of a holiday or somewhere out where you know the sun will hit you hard, I'd suggest a sunblock with higher Spf. Neutrogena drytouch and Lotus Herbals safe sun matte gel still topping the list for Higher SPF.   

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Have you used this? Which sunscreen are you using this summer?

Love, 

SS 

The Body Shop Lip Butter

I remember when I got introduced to this brand, the first product I heard about were lip butters and the lip duos. However, after years of using The Body Shop products, only last week while browsing through their store at Acropolis, Kolkata; I realized I still hadn't tried their oh-so-famous lip butter. Taking advantage of their "Falling for you" sale, I immediately bought the lip butter. They only had it in Shea [I assume by the sign on the cap, however, it isn't mentioned anywhere]. Does it come in only one variant? Let me know if there are others?

This makes a set to the Vanilla Bliss lip balm I had bought 2 years back [It has shimmers!] I really liked it but it was a holiday edition. I never found it again.

I bought this for Rs. 250/- [10ml]

The Body Shop Lip Butter

The Body Shop Lip Butter

The Body Shop Lip Butter

I really like this product. It feels very soothing on my super dry and chapped lips. Unlike most lip balms, this does not sit on my lips. After 5 mins, my dry lips literally soaks in the butter and it feels really moisturized. 

The main ingredient is Hydrogenated Castor Oil. Free from parabens.

It even tastes kinda sweet :P 

I'm not sure whether it'll melt in hotter days, being a butter. That's yet to be seen. The butter being in a tub form seems to be the only con. Not the most hygienic. But if I judge correctly, the texture does change according to the weather hence a tube or a stick form wouldn't work.

The size is tiny and very handy. It fits well into my handbag. And I love having it all the time. For emergency cases, it's an  easy cure for dry hands or any dry patches anywhere.  

If you're wondering whether it's better than lip balms? Then yes, it works better than MOST lip balms [except one]. Light and creamy in texture and more moisturizing. 

Although, I prefer The Body Shop Vit E lip balm with spf 15 over this. If I take Vit E lip balm out of the picture, I'd pick this lip butter over every other lip balms.

Well worth it's value. Not too costly and it actually works.

Another 'The Body Shop' product that surely impressed me.

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Have you used this? What do you think of lip butters? Or would you rather prefer a lip balm? If so, which one?

Makeup Revolution Salvation Palette - Run Boy Run

A very very VERY long due post. I've been meaning to complete this but for some reason or the other (read procrastination) this just remained in my drafts for over 6 months now. Very ashamed. But on a brighter note, this gives me ample time to use this and review properly and give you guys the correct analysis.

I am super impressed with the packaging. It is very sturdy and comes with a huge mirror. Comes with an applicator with a sponge tip on both ends. The palette in itself is very sleek and compact and hence ideal for traveling. Over time, due to use, the palette may start looking dirty but I don't mind that. I think of it as #wellloved.

The shadows are one of the best quality shadows in  the market.

 I love it! To bits. I am forever addicted to Makeup revolution palettes. (Atleast powder palettes). This palette literally made me want to put an effort and wear eyeshadows on most days then ever. Has definitely solved a lot of issues which I shall get to in a while. 

Also this made me buy a blush palette which I adore!!! Read all about this beauty here.

Price: Rs 1350. /-

Buy it here

Makeup revolution Salvation palette - Run Boy Run

Makeup revolution Salvation palette - Run Boy Run

This palette has a total of 18 shades. Out of which 12 shadows (first 2 rows) are shimmer and sheens. And the bottom row comprises of 6 matte shades. The shades are named quite long but kinda cute. I like long names anyday than just numbers.

These blend like a dream. They donot look chalky no matter how light the shade is. Even the matte ones blend beautifully. 

The shimmer and sheen shades i.e the top and middle row have amazing pigmentation. Just one swipe gives good pigmentation. However the matte shades are not as much pigmented but they are still great.

There's very little to almost no fallout with this. From what I've experienced, it depends on the brush I'm using. With Real techniques brushes there's no fallout. But with other (not so great quality) brushes, I find minimal fall out.

It's difficult to find such palettes in the indian market at such reasonable rates.

Makeup revolution has other variants in Salvation line. All worth checking out. I was basically looking for matte shadows which also had a black matte hence chose this particular palette.

So let's go over each shade...

Makeup revolution Salvation palette - Run Boy Run

Makeup revolution Salvation palette - Run Boy Run Swatches

Makeup revolution Salvation palette - Run Boy Run

Top Row

Trying to catch you: Baby pink (sheen)

Running is Victory: Nude-y Pink (shimmer) *Just a slight layer of this in the day gives the eyes a gorgeous sheen and catches the light beautifully*

Sun will be guiding you: Deep brown (shimmer)

Day is a prophecy: Golden brown yellow toned (shimmer)

Another day: Warm toned brown (sheen)

It's time to run: Frosty/Icy Blue with silver (shimmer)

Makeup revolution Salvation palette - Run Boy Run Swatches

Middle Row

World is not meant for you: Metallic grey with silver (shimmer)

Hide behind me: Bronzy gold (Frosty shimmer) *A beautiful nude sheen for dark skin*

Dying to stop you: Frosty pink with chunky shimmer

Break out from society: Cranberry orange (sheen) *A very uncommon shade*

Don't have to hide away: Yellow toned Gold with chunky shimmer *All you need on the eyes for a wedding or a blingy ethnic outfit*

You will be my boy: Deep purplish brown with gold/orange shimmer. *Very hard to describe. The swatch below does no justice at all. A very unique shade*

Makeup revolution Salvation palette - Run Boy Run Swatches

All shimmer/sheen shades in one go.

Makeup revolution Salvation palette - Run Boy Run Swatches

Bottom row

Follow me: Cream colour (matte) *Brightens the eyelids. Sometimes I also use this as a setting powder to brighten the under-eye area over my concealer.*

Head To The Hills: Light warm brown (matte) *Use this to neutralize my eyelids and blend other shades *

Run Boy Run: Warm brown (matte) *Deeper than Head to the Hills. Also to neutralize and blend other shadows*

If I do, I'll definitely hit pan with the above 3 shades first. I practically use these everyday.

Makeup revolution Salvation palette - Run Boy Run Swatches

Girl On Fire: Dusty pink (matte) 

You Are Finally Mine: Taupe brown (matte)

Head Start: Black (matte) *The reason I chose this palette*

Makeup revolution Salvation palette - Run Boy Run Swatches

Needless to say, I am in love. Cannot recommend this enough.

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Do you own any of these? Which one?

Love,

SS

Maybeline Lash Sensational Mascara

Hey guys!

I don't think I've ever reviewed mascaras before. To update you, I have small asian hooded eyelids with non-existent lashes [I'm not kidding. You'll see the proof in a while.] 

Hence I usually look for lengthening mascaras. Those for volume usually clump my lashes and I do NOT like that look!

My favourite Mascara has been Loreal Million lashes for the length it gives and Maybelline's colossal mascara for the volume it gives and yet does not make the lashes clumpy.

Maybelline has launched the Lash Sensational Mascaras recently in India. But it has been out in the market for quite some time now.

My dear husband was sweet enough to get me these from Thailand before it released here.

Price: Rs.500/-

 

This has 2 variants. Water resistant and Water proof. 

I usually opt for water proof ones. I do not wear mascara on a daily basis and thanks to Kolkata Weather, waterproof is what I need.

I had heard such good reviews about this one amongst Youtubers that I just HAD to get my hands on these, especially because it was being compared with Benefit's Roller Lash.

First of all, the wand blew my mind. It has a curved wand. The bristles of which are short at the start and get longer gradually. This makes it super easy to get each and every lash and probably discover some more lashes that you never knew existed!

The bristles are quite spaced out because of which it separates the lashes very well. 

The most unique feature about the mascara is that the bottom part of the wand has bristles in shape of a tiny comb. This little comb is sooo amazing for the lower lashes. Also to clear any clumps.

Please excuse the pathetic swatch. But this is to give you an idea, how much of a difference it makes for non-existent lashes like mine. However, 2 coats of this makes my lashes too clumpy and me no likey. I'm almost done with this tube. Initially I thought the formula was too thin and runny. Also it picks up a lot of product. So I'd first swipe off the excess product and then use it and tada!

However I truly fell in love with this mascara after a month when the formula got a tad bit tacky.

  The tube is over 5 months now and has started getting dry. [That could be a reason for the clumps in 2 coats *looks sheepishly*]

Nonetheless, I like just one coat of mascara (any mascara). It gives my lashes a very natural look and more importantly make them visible.

The mascara stays on me for atleast 4-5 hours. After that it flakes a bit. 

Truly waterproof. It needs a good strong makeup remover to come off. Or in my case baby oil does a damn fine job.

This mascara is definitely worth the money. Thankfully it's decently priced. It has the potential of becoming many's HG mascara!

I already have a back up of this. But to be honest I'd rather just keep this wand and rebuy Loreal Million lashes for length and everyday use (It is water resistant not waterproof) and Maybelline Colossal waterproof for more volume.

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It's almost Christmas guys! Do you have any plans?

Love,

SS

Roots Professional MorocVita Oil

Hey guys!!

 

I've had an eye for THE Moroccan Oil Hair treatment for a verrrry long time now. The mixed review is what has kept me from buying this. And ofcourse the unreal price tag! Moreover I got myself a Moroccan Oil Hair spa in COLORS here in Kolkata, and it was OK-ish. Maybe I had too much expectation but it felt just like the Loreal/Wella ones... So I gave it a rest.

While searching, I found quite a good feedback on the brand- Roots. I have and love their combs, hair brushes and blow dryer. I think they're one of the best quality out there. However using a product is very different than using their tools! 

So my search for a good Argan Oil with minimal harmful chemicals kind of came to a halt when I found this. The little reading, "Derived from Moroccan Argan Tree" already had me sold. And then came the Nykaa sale!!

Since it claims such good things and it was on 50% sale, I just HAD to pick it up.    

Price: Rs.2000/-

Sale price on Nykaa - 999/-

Roots Professional Morocvita Oil

Roots Professional Morocvita Oil

Please check the below pic for the ingredients list and all that it claims.

Roots Professional Morocvita Oil

It's not really an oil. DONOT use it as an oil/ overnight treatment but treat this as a serum. The texture is more of a serum which is very light and feels very smoothening on the hair. That is because of the silicone content in the oil. Silicone in skincare and hair care is often spoken unfavourably of BUT...

In fact, silicones are one of the most effective ingredients in skincare and haircare, ofcourse depending on what you are actually aiming for.

Dimethicones being water insoluble forms a protective layer on the hair, and does not let the moisture (or humidity) pass through, hence giving the hair a shine and smoothening effect.

Since it helps retain the moisture already present in the hair, it also conditions the hair.

Products containing silicones are mostly good for conditioning and controlling frizz, which is exactly what I need. 

Add caption

Like I mentioned, this is more of a serum rather than an oil. 

I use it-

1.   After washing my hair to smoothen and control frizz. 
2.  As a heat protectant. 
3.  Apply 2 drops of it on dry hair (once everyday, even if I have not washed my hair) whenever I leave  home during the day since it also claims to protect against UV rays.

Lets just say, this is my new love! I use it as my serum, heat protectant, SPF for my hair, frizz controller or on days when I feel my hair is looking dull.

My hair is loving the oil [serum]. It is extremely lightweight and doesnot weigh down the hair.

It controls my frizz and makes it look visibly smoother and shinier. I also like the light fragrance. And it is going to last me forever!

But the bottle is So. Damn. Heavy. I cannot travel with it at all. The bottle is quite hefty and made of glass. The pump is very convenient though. But the cap on it is very loose. [That just could be my piece] But because of that it keeps slipping from my hand. I'm too scared I'll drop it someday [Being the butterfingers that I am!]. 

I know I can transfer some in a containier while travelling, but I'm much too lazy for that. Also it is quite tedious and time consuming. Needless to say - Messy!

A must buy for those who have dry, damaged and frizzy hair. Especially at half the price!!

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Love,

SS

Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip Creams | Swatches

I don't think I need to introduce these babies! They’ve been around for quite some time now. However they've recently made a comeback everywhere! And for all the right reasons!

The Soft matte lip creams have become so popular ‘coz everyone’s going crazy over Matte lippies this year and these are probably the most comfortable (not to mention the cheapest) matte creams out in the market.

 

Miss Claire Soft matte Lip Cream ; Shades- 03,05,10,11,12,15A,17A,18A

Miss Claire Soft matte Lip Cream ; Shades- 03,05,10,11,12,15A,17A,18A

Miss Claire Soft matte Lip Cream ; Shades- 03,05,10,11,12,15A,17A,18A

 The best and exact dupe of NYX soft matte lip creams. With NYX hiking their price, Miss Claire has come into the picture harder and stronger than ever before.

The brand itself is really good and the quality is surprisingly amazing for the price.

The quality, texture, finish, fragrance... practically everything is exactly like the NYX soft matte lip creams. Most of these are exact dupes of the shades even. I personally feel buy NYX only if you want a particular shade that you can’t find in Miss Claire.   

For those who still haven’t tried any of the two... Guys you NEED to pick these up and stock up if you’re not from Mumbai or Pune or a place where these are easily available.

 

Miss Claire Soft matte Lip Cream ; Shades- 03,05,10,11,12,15A,17A,18A

It is basically a liquid lipstick which is extremely smooth and super easy to apply. It sets into a powdery matte finish. Although matte, it does not dry  the lips at all or give that dry stretchy disgusting feeling.

It has a slight vanilla-ish scent (the same as NYX soft matte lip creams).

It lasts for about 3-4 hours on me then starts fading. However it depends on the shade too. Darker the pigmentation, longer the lipstick lasts. Again, the lighter shades like 03, 05, 15A  may need a few more applications for an opaque finish. Shades like 07, 10, 12, 18A go on opaque on 1 application itself.

I also have shade No.07 but missed it while photographing these. Realised it was missing while editing :\ Shall update the swatch later.

As you can judge by the pics, I couldn’t help myself but buy all the shades I could get my hands on except for the ones I knew wouldn’t suit me. Guys there are shades like – 02,09,17 which are brown shades which could be an awesome MLBB for deeper skinned beauties!

You need these in your life...without any second thoughts. You shall not regret it. I promise.

I got them from an Instagram Store- pinkktreat 

Pinkktreat is Delhi based. I received my package 25 days after I placed the order (a little later than estimated) but received them in mint condition nonetheless. Every lip cream was sealed. The courier details were sent on whatsapp so you know exactly when it's sent and also no issues tracking the package. She also very kindly sent a free Sivanna lip crayon as a gift.

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PS: The caps of these lipcreams are matte suede finish. However 2 of the lipcreams I received -10 and 18A have glossy caps. The quality is the same as all others but I'm not sure whether mine's like that or do those shades come in glossy caps itself?? Any idea guys?