Skincare, Bath and Body Favourites 2016

On a random note. I have not categorized this post. However these are not all but the best products I used last year.

1) The Body Shop Tea tree Facial Wash

I'm on the 3rd bottle. Need I say more? However I do not use this everyday. Whenever I feel even a start of an acne or pimple or when my skin isn't behaving well, is when I use this. It can be quite drying though.

2) Plum Hello Aloe Face Wash

I loved using this last year. It's a light everyday face wash with no harmful chemicals. Especially for sensitive skin. 

3) Neutrogena Black Head removal Scrub

A light scrub that has minute granules. What I like about it is that the granules donot dissolve with water and hence I can take my time and scrub efficiently. Mainly for black head removal, but I use it on my T-Zone, cheeks and chin. I try to use it twice a week and not everyday since I have very sensitive skin.

4)  Plum Green Tea Clear Face mask

Been loving this! I use this once weekly (at least try to). The claims of this product seem perfect my skin type- sensitive, acne prone. And I really like it. Can't say it stops acne completely but It sure does soothens it and brightens the face. 

5)  Fab India Haldi Chandan Mud Pack

Another mask I use alternately to the Plum Green Tea one. This is an old school simple haldi chandan combo mask. even better if you can make it home but me too lazy for that :| It brightens the face and keeps it squeaky clean.

6) The Body Shop Aloe Toner

Been over 2 years that I've been using this. Does exactly what it claims.

7) The Body Shop Aloe Soothing Gel

Can't live without it. On my 3rd tube. I use this as a serum. No other Aloe vera gel works on me like this one!

8)  La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+

This deserves a solo post. Coming soon.

9) Neutrogena UltraSheer Drytouch Sunblock SPF 50+ 

Been years and tube after tubes. This is still the best sunblock I've tried.

10) Nivea Body Lotion

It's not too greasy, has a fresh fragrance. Also has UV protection. It moisturizes the skin decently. No complaints here.

11) Sure deo roll on

Alchohol free deodorant which actually works to keep odour at bay.

12) Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula

This has been a saviour for my dry cracked feet. The thick solidified cream works like a charm for super dry areas like feet, chapped elbows, etc. 

13) The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Body wash and Argan Oil Body Wash

The Body shop Body washes have always been a favourite. I especially like Fuji Green Tea last year. Such a fresh scent! Argan oil variant is amazing for winters.

 14) Biotique Bio Green Apple Shampoo

A shampoo without chemicals is hard to find that actually works. This is one. It claims to be a shampoo and conditioner together. But I use a conditioner after washing my hair with it.

15) Organix Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Intense Moisturizing Treatment 

Ah-maz-ing for dry and rough hair. I have already use 3 tubs of this and still can't get enough!

16) Organix Argan Oil Serum
Smoothens the hair. Controls the frizz. Love the scent.

17) The Body Shop Vitamin E Lip Balm

This Lip balm is the bomb.com! It does not sit glossy like many others. This one when applied, after a while gets absorbed into the skin, and actually heaks the skin. It is perfect to put under matte lipsticks.

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Foor makeup favourites, visit my previous blog.

Love,

SS

Makeup Favourites 2016

Let's get straight to the point...'coz it's gonna be a long one :P

These are a few of my favourite things....

FACE:

1) Colorbar perfect match primer: 

     It's a silicone based primer. Very little of it is required and it smoothens my skin like silk!!  Also, pores look a lot minimized!

2) Ponds White Beauty BB cream

     Have tried tons of other BB/CC creams. I keep going back to this one. This is perfect for Indian summers and is not too drying during winters too. Amazing coverage and gives a very natural finish. For those with extremely dry skinned may find this a tad bit drying but mix a little drop of moisturizer and it'll be perfect. I feel, it is the best BB cream in market as yet. If you are not a foundation kinda girl, like me, this will be your best friend! Only disadvantage is that it only comes in one shade :(

3) L'Oreal Paris True Match Minerals

     OMG!! I think I discovered an HG product. I was very skeptical while buying this ( 'coz it's a lil pricey). But I've heard such rave reviews about this from my favourite youtubers that I had to purchase this. It literally is magic in a bottle! In a powder form, but it has such an amazing coverage! This powder is all you need if you want to even out your skin tone and have a few blemish marks. It comes with a brush which is thoughtful but I don't like it. It pokes :( I use this with my Real Techniques Buffing brush and Voila! An airbrushed finish! It's Magic...I'm telling you.

4) Maybelline New york Fit Me Concealer and  Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer

     I don't think I need to explain why. Blends like a dream. Does not crease. Stays on for atleast 5-6 hours. The quality is as good as the high end concealers.

EYES:

5) Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definers

     I have everything that may be considered "problematic" with an eye. I have small, hooded, extremely oily eyelids. Nothing and I mean NOTHING stays on my eyes. I finally found this one! This is one eye pencil which actually stays a decent amount and time. I will cry and cry sooo hard if they ever discontinue this!  

[rant start] Maybelline did that to me :| I had FINALLY found my perfect Pen EyeLiner - Maybelline Hypersharp, and then they went and discontinued it.WTF?!? No The Colossal Liner isn't better. It lasts on me for a full 10 mins!! *Baahhh*[rant stop]

6) Maybelline Fashion Brow Duo Shaper - Grey

    Easy to use. Hassle free. The powder side is a boon. You can not go overboard with it. 1 product I have started using everyday. Made me realize how much of a difference well done eyebrows actually make! 

7) Makeup Revolution Salvation Run Boy Run Palette

     Oohhh Love this palette! review coming soon. The product being on this list says it all ofcourse. The quality is amazing. Makeup revolution makes some of the best palettes - eyeshadows, blushes and all.   

8) L'Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Mascara

    Amazing for everyday use. Please donot use a waterproof mascara if you wear a mascara everyday. Even though you have pathetic lashes like mine. You'll only make them worse. So I wear this only during cooler weather when I know I won't be sweating. It separates and lengthens my lashes so well! However it does not give much volume. 

9) Maybelline Sensational Mascara (Waterproof)

     Perfect. It gives Length AND Volume. The brush is amazing to get through the tiniest of lashes and it also has a separate comb like side for the lower lashes. It can also be used to separate the clumps. You can read the detailed review here.

BLUSH:

10) Maybelline Colorshow Blush in Creamy Cinnamon

       Perfect color for indian skintone that matches every makeup look. Intensity can be built up. Affordable and good quality. The best kinds :) 

11) Sivanna Shimmer Highligher

      Dupes of Bobby brown and Revlon Shimmer Bricks. If you're new at highlighting like me, give this a try. A good product at an affordable price. 

LIPS: 

12) Rimmel Kate Moss in 19

      My current go to and favourite Nude.

13) Lakme Enrich satin P168

      Oh just look at the swatches and you'll know why!

 

14) Miss Claire - 17A, 31, 12, 42

      Again. Do I need to explain? Cheap and great quality! I'm never buying NYX SMLC again. Moreover I went crazy and bought 19 shades. No, I don't regret buying any of them.

15) Lakme 9 to 5 Matte lip color in Brownie Point and Coffee Command

      Powder matte finish. Just the type I love. These 2 shades are LOVE for me.

NAILS:

16) Nykaa Polishes

      I just wanna get them all! Special mentions - , Lavender Buttercream, Lychee Delight, Lavender Panna Cotta (Matte), Black CherryPie(Matte) for the unique shades!

 

17) Maybelline Forever Strong Super Stay 7 Days Gel Nail Color

       It has spoiled me for other polishes. It dries in no time at all!! I love quite many shades but Mint for life and Rose Poudre has my heart.

BRUSHES

 

18) Real technique Core Collection Brushes

      Amazing quality. Totally worth the hype. I wanna buy the eye brush set too...

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What have been your favourites of 2016?

Love,

SS

 

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

Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip Cream - Swatchfest (19 Shades!)

Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip Cream

Can you count those?... done? 

Yes. 19!! 

Call me crazy? Most chances are, not, if you have landed on this page by your own choice. 

But hey, you can call me the crazy lipstick lady and hell, I won't mind. U-Uh. 

So Hey guys! While cleaning my stash I realized I had a boatload of Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip creams and I hadn't updated since my last. I shall not get into the details about the product since I've already mentioned everything HERE. This shall be a picture heavy post so stay tuned.

Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip Cream

Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip Cream Swatches - 1, 3, 5

Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip Cream Swatches - 7, 8,10

Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip Cream Swatches - 11, 12,15A

Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip Cream Swatches - 16A, 17A,18A

Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip Cream Swatches - 30, 31, 35

Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip Cream Swatches - 38, 39,42

Miss Claire Soft Matte Lip Cream Swatches - 47

 

 

Comment "Pigtails!" if you made it till here!!
Frankly I'm not overtly happy with the swatches. But all shades do not show true in the same lighting somehow :( Nonetheless, this should give you a fair idea about the shades.

Shade 01: An orange-red shade.

Shade 03: I know this washes me out like a ghost. But I mix this on top of darker shades to either lighten the shade or create an ombre effect (especially with Sugar Vivid Magenta) and Oh my! I love it! Also it mattifies the lipstick just right.

Shade 05: The swatch does not do justice at all. This is an exact dupe of NYX SMLC in Antwerp. It's a beautiful coral, leaning more towards pink. This needs 2-3 layers for an opaque uniform application. Will suit fair skin tones

Shade 07: A purple based fuscia. It's a buildable shade. Love it!

Shade 08: A peachy neutral. Will suit fair to medium skintone.

Shade 10: A true red. Makes my teeth look whiter. Will suit all skin tones.

Shade 11: It's a brighter pink in real life. This shade brightens up the complexion. A great shade for round the year.

Shade 12: A shade deeper and brighter than "shade 07". Another favourite. Purple based lipshades always make the teeth seem whiter and suits indian skin tone beautifully. 

Shade 15A: A pink based nude. Not as pale as the swatch in real. A pretty nude for fair skin. Goes on a little streaky. Needs more coats.

Shade 16A: Light pink with warm undertones.

Shade 17A: A universally flattering shade. It's a pink with slight brown undertones and hence makes for a perfect nude for various skin tones. It shows up different on different people but looks amazing on everyone. A sure keeper.

Shade 18A: A true bright orange. Very difficult to carry. Definitely not for the faint hearted.

Shade 30: A bright peach.

Shade 31: A brown based nude. Needs more coats for an opaque application.

Shade 35: A deep neon-ish pink.

Shade 38: A muted dusty rose shade. My second favourite!

Shade 39: A shade lighter than 38.

Shade 42: This one's my favourite!! It's a beautiful wine shade which suits indian skintone like a charm. Looks more deeper wine than in the swatch. A deep yet not an 'in-your-face' kinda shade. If you want to try a deeper shade but scared it'll look "too much", try this!

Shade 47: Another very in trend shade. It's a muted nude with cool undertones. This shade will go with any make up look or any shade of clothes you wear. This one has a permanent place in my hand bag.

Hope this helps! Since I could not find many swatches for the new shades, only fair I upload them myself.

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Which one's your fave?

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

Top 10 Nude Lip Favourites [Roundup'16]

I'm obsessed with lippies. I usually steer clear from foundations on a daily basis. I'm mostly kohl and a lipstick kinda girl. 
However currently, I'm  loving a no eye kohl/liner look with a dash of blush, mascara and lipstick! 

So I was re-arranging my stash the other day and I realized I have way too many nudes (which means no buying new ones!!)  So, I had to jot down my favourite Nude lipsticks in my stash. Hope this helps you incase you are looking for a nude lippie.

So in no real order or rhyme, here goes:

 

L-R: Lakme 9to5 Coffee Command, Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick 19, Revlon Rosy Nude, Maybelline Warm Me Up, StudioWest Honey Glaze 

In sunlight

In shade

Lakme 9to5 Coffee Command: 
Price: Rs.320/-
A warm brown with peach undertone. It has a powdery matte finish. This is the closest dupe I've found to the famous 'My Mahogany' which has been discontinued for quite a while now.

Rimmel KateMoss 19: 
Price: Rs.215/-
 A perfect brownish nude with rose undertones. This is my MLBB shade. I have pigmented lips and this covers the pigmentation in 1 swipe itself. It is creamy in texture. It loses the creaminess in a while but it stays for almost 4 hours on me without eating. 
Fades evenly.


Revlon ColorBurst Lipcolor in Rosy Nude: 
Price: Rs.580 /- 
True to it's name, it is a rosy nude shade. It is almost similar to Rimmel 19, just slightly more peachy. On my lips they look the same. This is more creamy and more moisturising than Rimmel. Has a smoother finish. Even if you have chapped dry lips, this will make it look luscious and flawless. Great for winters especially if you can't bear to wear another super dry matte liquid lipstick!

Maybelline Warm Me Up: 
Price: Rs.386/-
It does not show up as pink as the swatch but it is definitely a pinky nude. I feel this will suit only fair skinned girls coz' if not worn right or when I'm a little tanned this washes me out. 
PS: A very close dupe to MAC Brave.

StudioWest Honey Glaze:
 Price: Rs.450/-
 One of my favorite nude. Just the right blend of brown and peach. Brightens the face. Opaque in 1 swipe. Creamy in texture. Stays for almost 4-5 hours. I love this range from StudioWest (WestSide Cosmetics).

Fave Nudes: Swatches in sunlight

Fave Nudes: Swatches in shade

Streetwear color rich ultra moist lipstick in Berry dreamy:

 Price: Rs.199/-

 I love this streetwear lipstick range. Cute colours, decent stay and best of all... cheap! You can't go wrong with this one. It applies creamy but after a while it turns semi matte.   

Streetwear color rich ultra moist lipstick in Spellbound:

Price: Rs.199/-

A little darker nude. It has a slight mauve undertones.

Miss Clare Soft Matte Lip Cream in 31: 

Price: Rs.150-250/-

I could go on and on about this... A true peachy nude. This is one of the newer shades released. Love this one. A beautiful nude that'll suit many skin tones. The color looks beautiful on everyone. I also recommend 17A (A more pinkish nude) Powder matte finish. Lasts almost 5-6 hours on me.

Incolor Matte me 415: 

Price: Rs. 240-400/-

 I intentionally did not add more super dry matte lippies coz' it's winter and it's always good to give the lips a break and treat them well. However I HAD to add this one solely for the shade. A deep nude with heavy mauve undertones. Shall suit all skin tones. Dries into a super matte formula. Definitely need to exfoliate the lips first. Also can't re-apply over, since it gets all crumbly after 5-6 hours.

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Which is your current fave nude lippie??

With Love,

SS