The Body Shop Haul | Amazing SALE!

ONLINE BUY

The Body Shop Smoky 2 in 1 Gel Liner : The Brown one's on 50% Off. Never used this before. Shall be put on test. 

The Body Shop Fresh Nude Foundation : I bought the shade-Fiji Sand. Thankfully it's a perfect match! Have only tried this once. Shall be put on test. 

The Body Shop Tea Tree Facial Wash : A rebuy. Already finished 3 bottles of this. Got this for the husband really.

The Body Shop Foaming Facial Wash : Again a rebuy. I prefer the gel facial wash more. but it's ok!

IN STORE BUY

The Body Shop Body Polisher :  I struggle with back acne and a Body Polisher/Exfoliater is something I've been meaning to purchase since a very long time.Although I've successfully gotten rid off my back acne to a large extent (shall dedicate a separate post on the 'hows'), it's good to maintain the same.
 

The Body Shop Vitamin E Eyes Cube : I haven't seen or heard any reviews on this before. This could be a limited edition, 'coz it's not even listed on The Body Shop India website. But it looked and (the tester) felt quite interesting. The product itself feels very cooling against the skin. I'm hoping it'll work for my under eye bags and provide basic hydration to the eye area. 

The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil : Finally got this. The Sales Rep at the South City Store gave me 1ml sample and I HAD to buy the full size product. Got this at 30% OFF (25% + 5 % member)

The Body Shop Tea Tree Mattifying Lotion : I'm all for mattifying lotions in this humid kolkata weather. The tester seemed great. Let's see how this turns out. I kind of have good vibes about this one. Got this at 30% OFF (25% + 5 % member)

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid : Finally they're mine!! Bought the shades - Goa Magnolia, Sydney Amaryllis and Mauritius Dahlia.  Swatches and review coming soon.

Got this at 30% OFF (25% + 5 % member)

The sale will last till June'17 end. The website already has the offer going on. This time around I could see many bestsellers on 50% Discount which is amazing. A fair share of skincare, haircare,  bath, makeup, fragrances and accessories. Quite impressed with the variety and an amazing chance to restock or try out the products. 

P.S. This could be an amazing gifting option. Mix and match products to gift friends and family. The expiry dates are nowhere near on these products. So grab them before they're all gone.

Do pick your favorites till they last, coz they're definitely selling off like hot cakes!

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Love,

SS

The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost

The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost Serum

The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost Serum

Price - Rs.1695/-

The company Claims-  Instant smoothing radiance. With Vitamin C rich Amazonian camu camu and Community Trade Brazil nut oil. For Dull skin.

My skin has been acting bonkers since my delivery. It's been over a year but my skin still can’t make up it’s mind. It’s a postpartum effect that happens to a lot of women. However, my skin was getting even more dull and tired looking and I had to do something about it. I happened to come across this product and The Body Shop was having a massive sale. So what better time!

It’s a very small size tube which holds 30ml of product. Quite an expensive one for the price tag. The bottle comes with a pump which is a huge plus. The product itself is yellow in colour with slight reflective particles. It has a gel like consistency. On applying, it smoothens out the skin texture just like a primer. It feels a bit silicone-y. A check at the ingredient list confirms the silicone present in it. It has a citrusy orangey fragrance, which I LOVE! On looking closely, the reflective particles can be seen doing it’s job, giving the illusion of naturally glowing skin without being fake or glittery.

This however does not stay for long. But it preps the skin for the next steps – moisturizer, makeup, etc. I was surprised to see it smoothen the texture of my skin to give it an almost flawless finish. Makeup applies beautifully on this. It also reduces the appearance of pores and fine lines...visibly.

Honestly, I did not find any major improvement regarding the dullness. But since it smoothens the texture, it does impart the appearance of a more healthy looking skin.

So to conclude, this product does not really serve the purpose for which I primarily bought it but I find myself using it quite frequently because I love how my skin looks after using this and also the smell!

However I wouldn’t rebuy this even at 50% sale like I did the first time. I’d rather just use my primer.

Suggestion - Can definitely give this a miss. 

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Love.
SS

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 Face Shop - Real Nature Sheet Masks

Price: Rs.100/- for each mask

Korean beauty products have taken over the beauty world up in storm. God bless Nykaa for introducing some of these Korean products like The Face Shop and Innisfree to us who don't have easy access to Sephora.

Nykaa has been upping it's game day by day. The offers Nykaa provides are irresistible at times. One such was when I found The Face Shop Masks on 'Buy 5 Get 5' offer. I had to get them! 

The one's I got are the Real Nature Masks
Shea Butter, Aloe, Cucumber, Pomegranate, Olive, Lotus, Lily. 

Out of these, I have used Aloe and Shea. I also made my husband use the Lily one :D

Honestly, Sheet masks are more of a luxury product, really. Donot expect it to work on a particular skin issue. The effect lasts for a few hours or at the max a day.

It instructs to cleanse and tone your face and then apply the sheet mask.

However, it's said, donot keep the sheet mask more than 20 minutes on your face,'coz the mask then starts absorbing back the moisture. And you don't want that! The serum is quite light and watery. One does not need to wash it off later. You can just massage it well in your skin. I like to take the extra leftover serum in the packet and use it on my neck, collorbone area and hands. 

Nonetheless, sheets masks are very rejuvenating. Especially after a day out in this hot Indian summer. [May is the new March they say...and it sure feels like it.] Sheet masks feel like a boon!

Especially, if you suffer from very irritated and sensitive skin, where the sun causes red patches and little bumbs on your face/skin. A sheet mask after a tired day out is the best thing ever. It helps cool the face and put in all the moisture right back.

I make sure to use a sheet whenever I've had a long day out in the sun. It helps cool my skin and soothe any sun burns. The immediate effect is really great. I feel amazing right after the mask also my face seems more plump and well nourished.

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Love,
SS

EMPTIES Jan-Feb-Mar'2017

Empties QTRI 2017

  The Body Shop Aloe Toner - I still have 1/4th of the product left but it's way past it's expiry date, so I need to throw it out. I already have a back up of this and I love it! This is a dream come true if you have oily and sensitive skin like me. I have a post on why this changed my skin for good HERE. It may help you, if you have troubled skin too.

The Body Shop Drops Of Youth Bouncy Sleepy Mask - Done! Fin! Have to share my views on this exclusively soon! Already re-purchased this one. Just the fact that, I managed to finish a skincare product without struggling AND bought a backup says a lot about it. Expensive but worth every penny 'coz this shiz works! Also lasts a loong time so really the price won't pinch you in the longer run.

The Body Shop Aloe Soothing Gel - This was my third tube. Aloe gel is a must for me. And this really works on my irritated, really sensitive skin. Highly recommend this for all those with similar skintype (Oily and Sensitive). Did not re-purchse this, only because I wanted to try something different which works but isn't so expensive. Rs.745/- for an Aloe Gel kills me man! Hence I bought the The Face Shop Aloe gel. Really hoping it works. But if you don't mind spending the amount or you really want something to soothe the skin especially in this hot summer sun, give this a try. Expensive but effective.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) - I think now will be good time to review this. Spoiler Alert - Initially, and by that I mean, in the first 2 weeks of using this, I was kinda disappointed. I thought it was disgustingly over hyped. I had no intentions of repurchasing it. But I did. And ofcourse there's a catch. I shall post about it real soon. [I promise. No really]

Clean & Clear Skin Balancing Moisturizer - Oh! How I love this product. I don't see many bloggers talking about this anymore. I know everyone must've used this atleast once in their life time [Read during their teens]. But this is such an old gem. I HAVE to have this in my vanity. This is amazing for oily skin. A water-based moisturizer. I have used this as a cream cleanser all my life. It gets rid of very stubborn makeup, every last bit of kajal from the tightline and lash line without irritating my eyes. A Musthave!



Sure Roll-On Deo - I prefer roll ons to aerosols any day. 'Sure' Roll On may not keep you smelling amazing the entire day. But it will help make your sweat odourless. Do I make sense? We sweat and we will, no matter what [at 40 degrees obviously!!] But this deo will help control the odour and not make you stink. I usually put this right after a bath. Then before leaving, spray some perfume [not directly on the skin. You don't want to do that.] on clothes from a distance, so you don't get perfume marks on your clothes. A musthave for me.

Nivea Whitening Roll-On Deo - So, when I was pregnant, my under arms had become really dark. Apparently that's normal. When pregnant, areas such as underarms, areola (the area around the nipple) tend to darken. So post partum, I tried home remedies such as scrubbing with lemon, potato, for it to get back to normal. That was when I bought this roll on. My underarms are back to normal now. But honestly, I'm not sure whether I should give this roll on the entire credit.These things do subside on its own.

BBlunt Temporary Hair Colour in Blue Velvet – I finished the smaller can. I think the quantity is too little. I could use it only twice. For those with long hair, this would be enough for just one use. But it’s a fine size if you wanna try it out first. I enjoyed it on the two occasions I used this. But DONOT wear white while using this, since it transfers. And also makes the hair crispy and stiff. Also you need a lot of product for the colour to actually show up. It’s fun but “toooo” temporary.

Mayblline Hypercurl Mascara (Waterproof)– I couldn’t see it curling my lashes. But again no mascara by itself can curl my short stubby lashes. So I don’t blame this mascara. I found this too clumpy though. But it does give volume to the roots of my lashes. It demands too much effort and there are better mascaras out in the market.    

Maybelline Lash Sensational (Waterproof) – Already bought another tube. Review and details about this mascara here.

Lipstick Colorbar (Bare) – My all time favourite nude lippie. This shade looks amazing on every skintone. I still have a little product left but it’s turned bad. I bought this lipstick 5 years back. It’s high time I chuck this asap! I really want to re-buy this, but I have too many nudes at the moment in my vanity. So many, that this time I can’t even trick my conscious into buying myself another one.

Lipstick Lakme Enrich Satin P162 – Practically the entire bullet is unused. I remember buying and taking this along on my Gangtok trip and used this all through that trip and that’s it. It got pushed somewhere deep behind and almost never used it again. Found this when I finally arranged my vanity but it has fungus on it now! I really shouldn’t buy so many lipsticks, I can’t even use them! Lesson learnt. Another motive added for my resolution – Lipstick Ban.

Mothercare All We Know Baby Oil – Use this on my baby. And it’s a good lightweight oil. Absorbs quickly into the skin and keeps the skin supple. But frankly, I still prefer Johnson’s Baby Oil. If only they would exclude the Mineral Oil L

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?

FABBAG December 2016 - "THE PARTYHOLIC"

Better late than never no? I received this month's Fabbag a few days back. Been meaning to upload it asap but anyways... Been quite a hectic week!

So I quite liked the holographic checks this month. And thank god I received the black one. I didn't like the other colors (based on the few pictures I came across). Yeah for the first bit! So let's dig in...!

The theme- "The Partyholic" is fitting for the last month of the year. And I'm quite happy with the bag this month. Fabbag has included 2 full size products and 2 "very appropriate"deluxe sized samples. 

 

IBA HALAL FOOT MASSAGE CREAM is a well timed product and I welcome it with open arms! I have extremely dry foot and this could be a savior. It has very attractive ingredients like Olive oil, Cocoa butter, Shea Butter, Jasmine. This is a full size product. This will be my first product from this brand and I know I'll use it up within 2 weeks.

NATURAL HAIR MIST seems like an interesting product. A kind I've never used before. Hair mists could be very useful for summers. I haven't opened this one yet and hence don't know how it smells. Although I could not find any ingredients list on this one. I  feel ok about this one. After all, that's the whole concept about subscription boxes is get to try new products.

 

 This is the product I'm most excited about! I love the brand PALMER'S COCOA BUTTER FORMULA. I already use its other products and love them. In a roller form is even better! This one's getting a permanent space in my handbag! Since it's an oil, even 15 ml will last me a long looong time. 

 CITY COLOR BE MATTE LIPSTICK IN PHOEBE was my choice of product this month. I had chosen Briana from the same line last month. But since it was the first time I was quite skeptical about the product. On receiving it, I loved it! So had to order another on from there. The above swatch is just 1 swipe. Super pigmentation, great staying power. Transfers when touched but stays on me for almost 5-6 hours.

Overall, I'm quite happy with this month's fabbag!

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Love,

SS

Plum Hello Aloe Caring Day Moisturiser

 It's been a while that I bought my Plum goodies. Check out the entire Plum Haul here.

Plum is a brand exclusively found online. They have their own site and are also available on Nykaa. However keep an eye on their own site, since they keep having some good deals.

Plum claims to be sans all harmful chemicals. Please note, they donot claim to be a natural/herbal product. All ingredients are mentioned in their packaging along with what's NOT in it.

[ Price : Rs.450/-]

 
I use this when I'm home and have no plans of going out since it has no SPF in it. 

It is of a creamy texture - not too thick nor too thin. But here in Kolkata, even the lightest creams can be a greasy torture. But this moisturizes my skin well minus an oily film on my face. 

Especially with the improving weather, this feels very light and sinks into the skin quickly. I have extremely sensitive and combination skin type. Been using this over a month now and it has not broken me out.

The squeeze-y tube is perfect for traveling.

My skin does not feel overtly moisturized but it does the trick for good 3-4 hours. 

It does claim to be perfect for dry and sensitive skin. I agree for sensitive skin but it might not work too well in very cold weather for very dry skin.

But for oily/combination skin, this could be blessing!

Personally I think it's a tad bit costly for a moisturizer but if you have sensitive skin then this could be worth a try.

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Have you tried Plum Products?

With Love,

SS

Plum Green Tea Pore Cleansing Face Wash Review | Short and Sweet

Plum Green Tea Pore Cleansing Face Wash: [Rs.345/-]

 I'm done with this tube! 

• It's clear, gel based with green tea minuscules in it which burst when rubbed in. 
• Meant for oily and acne prone skin 
• It foams pretty well. 
• It cleanses my face without drying it out. I don't get that stretchy feeling after, which is always a good thing. 
• It hasn't broken me out or irritated my skin.

I have combination skin type. However it's intolerably humid in Kolkata so I'm oily most of the times these days. 

I use this twice a day MAX. 

Frankly I can't say much on the "pore cleansing" claim since I can't make too much of a difference. 

But it's a good mild facewash. Considering it is sans all harmful chemicals, it definitely delivers what it claims.

 I really want to try the "aloe" variant next.