StudioWest Long Lasting lipstick - Honey Glaze

Another one from my Studio West Haul!! 

 I bought 3 of their lippies, one from each range.

StudioWest Lipsticks

This post is about Pure Passion Long Lasting Lipstick in Honey Glaze.

Price: Rs.450/-

 

It's the topmost lippie in the above pic. Firstly I LOVE the packaging of this one the best. It's Oh-so-Classy!!

StudioWest Long Lasting Lipstick in Honey Glaze

StudioWest Long Lasting Lipstick in Honey Glaze

 

StudioWest Long Lasting Lipstick in Honey Glaze swatch

StudioWest Long Lasting Lipstick in Honey Glaze Lip Swatch

StudioWest Long Lasting Lipstick in Honey Glaze Lip Swatch

The colour is a very neutral peachy shade with earthy undertones. Hence it suits the Indian skin to the T. 

I love these kinda shades. It brighten ups the face without being too loud.

It glides smoothly on the lips without tugging. The finish is demi-matte and keeps the lips feeling well moisturized even after hours of fading away.

What I love about this one is it camouflages dry and chapped lips beautifully. My lips were genuinely crazy chapped while taking these pics but I feel my lips still look quite decent here…

  

It lasts for about 4 hours on me with light meals. It does transfer little. However fades away evenly. I hate when lipsticks fade away from the middle leaving a border :| This one doesn't do that.

One of the most comfortable lipsticks I’ve worn.

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Have you tried these?

StudioWest Irresistible Lipstick in Hint of Brick

 Irresistible Lipstick in Hint of Brick  {Price -Rs.295/-}

StudioWest has come up with some really nice cosmetics range. They have two range – Pure Passion and Maaya. However the lipsticks are from the Pure Passion range. They’ve brought out 3 kinds – Irresistible Lipstick (Creamy), LongLasting Lipstick (Demi-matte) and Chubby Sticks (Balmy).

I bought 3 of each range. Check out my entire Haul Here.

The Irresistible Lipsticks are cheaper than the remaining 2 types and come in a range of colours from nude browns, pinks to reds.

These have a creamy finish and go real smooth and opaque in one application itself. Very comfortable to wear. Does not bleed.

The stay is decent enough. It stays on me for 3 hours then fades evenly leaving the lips moisturized. I call it decent because all creamy lipsticks last on me for 3-4 hours max. (Frankly they cannot last longer unless it’s matte or stain)

It does not settle on my fine lines or exaggerate my chapped lips. It rather makes them look moisturized and healthy.

To be honest, these are not exceptionally different from the other good quality, moisturizing lipsticks in town. But I maybe biased ‘coz again it’s a good quality Indian made lipsticks that are reasonable priced. And StudioWest sure did well with these.

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You should definitely try these to support Indian brands or just visit the counters once; you will definitely find a perfect nude for yourself.   

The Body Shop Haul

The Body Shop Haul

Yup, I had a big fat haul from The Body Shop in the past 2 months. These are the products I collectively bought over December'15 and January'16 during their sales. All the products you see, have been purchased at 50% Off. Hence makes me a tad bit less guiltier about the splurge. Bought these mostly online, some directly from the store.

The Body Shop Haulhttps://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3683422876236646666#editor/target=post;postID=7482331133042764688

1) Ginger Anti-Dandruff Shampoo - A rebuy. One product which does help, to quite an extent, keep the dandruff at bay. Cleanses the hair and scalp perfectly. More importantly, this helps my sensitive scalp to stay calm and not itch.

2) Banana Shampoo - Since the Ginger Anti-dandruff shampoo and the Banana conditioner worked for me, thought of giving this a try. 

3) Banana Conditioner - A rebuy. I liked using this in combination with the Ginger shampoo. It moisturizes my hair without any build up. Keeps it tamed without over weighing it. And I love the smell.

4) Fuji Green Tea Body Wash - Loved the fragrance. Fresh, lemony scent! I'm saving this for warmer weather. Sure gonna love it then.

5) Argan Oil Body Wash -  Haven't included it in the pictures above. Had ordered it online but the cap was broken when it reached me. Thankfully there was no spill. So transferred it into another bottle. Is what I'm currently using. Love the scent and the feel of it.

[I had mailed The Body Shop regarding the broken item, but never received any response from them. Disappointing.]  

6) Tea Tree Skin Clearing Foaming Cleanser - Previously used the Tea Tree skin clearing facial wash. Loved it. Was one of my 2015 favorites. When I saw the foaming cleanser on sale @ 50% Off, thought to grab it. Wanna check out if it's different. I'm hoping it to be better since it costs more than the face wash.  
[Guys, how is a facial wash any different from a cleanser? Let me know in the comments below]

7) Aloe Soothing Gel - Again a rebuy. Another 2015 Favorite. A must have for me. Have tried other aloe vera gel but nothing really works as this one does on me.

The Body Shop Haul

8) Shea Beautifying Oil - Been wanting to try one these beautifying oil since long. A dry oil that can be apparently used from head to toe. Can be used as a hair oil, serum, body oil, facial oil... Let's see how this works out.

9) Vitamin E Intense Moisture Cream - Have heard rave reviews about this. Hoping it'll work wonders on my post partum dehydrated skin.

10) Life is Gold Perfume Oil - Loved the fragrance. This one was an impulse buy.My first perfume oil. Quite intrigued. It's so tiny that I can carry it with me everywhere. And look at that pretty bottle!!

11) Shea and Honeymania Hand cream - Uhm.. who doesn't need a hand cream?!

I think I'm done Body Shop hauling for an entire year!

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Which one's have you used. Did you splurge into the TBS sale this year??

Momster Diaries# 3 Skincare Routine [during Pregnancy]

When I was pregnant last year, my first trimester thankfully was pretty ok. I didnot face any morning sickness or  discomfort. My skin was also acting fine... rather well.

However by the time I entered 2^nd trimester, my skin started acting up. It got dry and very dull. I did not have acne or pimples but got a few rashes on my cheeks.

The main issue I faced was my swollen hands and feet. Firstly I had to remove all the rings on my fingers. My fingers were swollen, dry and itchy! So were my feet. My feet were so swollen that it was scary. No shoe fit me anymore and I was praying that they’d come back to normal self...soon!

I tried to maintain a routine throughout my pregnancy that did help me quite a bit.

I made sure to massage Olive oil all over my body before bath. Especially my hands, feet  and  my face. During my showers I used only Dove soap since it did not dry my skin even further. Also I was avoiding parabens and sulphates as much as possible. For my shampoo and conditioner, I used The Body Shop Ginger Anti-dandruff shampoo and Banana conditioner / Sunsilk Ginseng Shampoo+Conditioner.  After my bath, I’d apply the Bio-Oil on my stomach, bust and my butt. 

Then used TheBody Shop Cocoa Body Butter on my hands and legs. This was the only lotion/butter that actually stayed and moisturized my body for a decent amount of time.

For my face, I made sure to religiously follow the CTM routine. I cleansed my face using The Body Shop Tea Tree cleanser (during summers) and Neutrogena deep cleanser (during cooler weather). Toned my face and neck with the The Body Shop Aloe Toner. Then used the Neutrogena Oil free moisturiser for combination skin/ Neutrogena Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50 while going out. This was my routine for the day.

For the night, I'd repeat my Cleansing and Toning routine. Then use The Body Shop Drops of Youth Night  mask.

I used Boroline on my lips as a lip mask. Nothing can cure my chapped lips as well as boroline.

I tried to maintain applying Bio-Oil “atleast” twice a day.  And remember to rub your belly softly and rotate your hands in one direction, while massaging it, so you don't disturb the baby's position. Stretch marks usually appear on the lower tummy area and the breasts (due to pregnancy). So make sure, the areas are well moisturized. Remember, you can’t treat stretch marks, maybe lighten them a bit. But ideally you can prevent it as much as possible by keeping your body moisturized beforehand.

However, you are bound to have a few stretch marks after delivery, and they're nothing to be ashamed of. Don't treat them as scars but as marks/reminders of your pregnancy months. 

So ladies, if you are expecting,the key is to keep it simple and as moisturized as possible.

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Are you facing any issues? Or do you have a tip/trick to share? 

StudioWest PurePassion Vivid Nail Color in Cotton Candy (263)

StudioWest Pure Passion nail paint - Cotton Candy

StudioWest Pure Passion nail paint - Cotton Candy

StudioWest Pure Passion nail paint - Cotton Candy

StudioWest Pure Passion nail paint - Cotton Candy NOTD

{Price – Rs.145/-; 9ml}

I’ve been completely sucked into the pastel nail craze and I love it! I can’t help but buy every pastel shade I see. So ofcourse I had to buy this one from StudioWest.

A pale almost white with a hint of pink in it. It was love at first sight.

On first application it comes out quite sheer. The bottle says to apply 2 coats but I needed 3 coats for an opaque finish. I can’t be sure whether the other colours go sheer or opaque in 1 coat since this is the only shade I’ve tried. It dries decently soon. I checked my nails within 4-5 mins, and it was completely set.

 [You know how, sometimes a polish looks and feels dry when lightly touched and then smudges when you continue with your life!!  Exasperating.]

So this was “completely” dried within 4-5 mins which I think is ok. Ofcourse the Maybelline’s Express finish Polishes have set the bar way too high on the setting front for other brands. But otherwise, this fares decently.

What I like about this polish is even though I put 3 coats without waiting too much in between, it did not clump. Not one bit. Clumping is a problem I face with the Colorshow nail paints.

The colour is very similar to Maybelline Color Show in Constant candy. Only Constant candy is more opaque in one coat but clumps like crazy on second or more coats.

StudioWest I feel is more glossy. I personally prefer the StudioWest to Colorshow with respect to this particular shade.

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Have you tried any shades from this range? Do you like it?

Lakme Enrich Satin # P168 Swatch

Lakme Enrich Satin P168 - Review

Lakme Enrich Satin P168 - Review

Lakme Enrich Satin P168 - Review

Price-Rs.260/-
Update: 20% Off on Nykaa. get it at Rs.208/- here.

I have loads of pinks and fuchsia lippies. I wanted to try a true purple shade. The only shade that came in mind was MAC Heroine. But frankly I saw no point in buying a shade that expensive not knowing whether I’ll actually like it.

Spirits above heard me! Last year, Lakme came out with some new vibrant shades in their Enrich Satin range. Some bright corals, pinks and purples at an amazing price! Without any second thoughts I picked up this shade. And thank god I did, ‘coz it has definitely been one of my favorite lippies since then.

Lakme Enrich Satin P168 - Review

Lakme Enrich Satin P168 - Swatch

It goes on smooth. No tugging with this one. It isn’t overly creamy at the risk of sliding off. But it is moisturizing enough.

The colour payoff is amazing. Opaque colour with 1 swipe. You’ll just need to go over it twice to perfect the application. You can definitely build up the colour if desired. After say 10 mins, it sets into a demi matte finish.

Lakme Enrich Satin P168 - Lip Swatch

Lakme Enrich Satin P168 - Lip Swatch

Lakme Enrich Satin P168 - Lip Swatch (in artificial light)

I was majorly surprised at it’s staying power. It stayed on me for 5-6 hours beautifully with minimal eating. With proper meals (read oily), it stays for about 4 hours. As the hours go by, it starts looking more pink and leaves a nice strong stain. I personally like lipsticks which leave a stain.

However the staying power could pertain to this shade specifically since it is quite deep. The lighter shades may not stay that long or leave a stain.

Lakme Enrich Satin P168 - Lip Swatch (After 4 hours)

It smells typically of lakme lipsticks which does not bother me. I rather have fond memories attached with the scent. Takes me back to those times when I’d play with my mom’s lakme lippies.

However these are NOT transfer proof. They do transfer on cups, on my husband and my baby.

But again Lakme does not claim these to be matte/non-transfer lipsticks. They are exactly what they’re called. Satin finish.

I am highly impressed with this one. Especially a shade like this from the drugstore at Rs.260. And good quality too.  This girl couldn’t ask for more!

A very close shade to MAC Heroine I'd say. A creamier texture.

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What do you think? Have you tried this shade? Like it? Yes/No?

Momster Diary #2 Preggo rants [Talkathon]

Preggo rants|  Not so hunky dory after all.

Being pregnant is a boon; a miracle. It’s the happiest and the most cherished moments in a woman's life... Or not. 

Well, to be honest, it’s not all hunky dory for most women. It's supposed to be  "the blessed" 9 months. However, no one warns us about the stress, the pain, the "morning" sickness which lasts all day. No one understands the mood swings. The tension a pregnant woman goes through.

I remember one lazy evening, chatting with my husband, having a good time. Discussing about our future and how our life was to change once our babe was out and about. When, all of a sudden I felt my chest constricting and an extreme emotion welling up, and I burst out crying! I was sooo upset in a span of 20 seconds flat! I was dead sure that I’d be the worst mom ever ‘coz I couldn’t cook! Obviously! Have you ever heard of a mom who can’t cook? A woman who can't  cook? Yea sure. Its her choice to want to or not. But never a mom. A mom ALWAYS knows how to cook! A mom cooks the best meals ever! What was I going to do?? That thought hadn’t even subsided when I remembered I couldn’t drive even! #wailing like a baby #pun intended.

Well to cut it short my poor husband didn’t know what hit him that day.

So all this stress and being physically weak do take a toll on us.

Thankfully I didnot suffer in my first trimester. Only a subtle case of heartburn (acid reflux).

My skin, however, had a mind of its own while I was pregnant. Initially it was perfect!! Although no pregnancy glow (honestly I think the “pregnancy glow” shizz is all a myth) but I definitely had super clear skin.

My happiness was short lived ofcourse. By 4^th month my skin went all cray cray. I had rashes and allergies on my face one after the other. My skin was super oily one day, then super dry another day.

By 6-7 months , my hands and feet were swelling  up. And they weren’t a pretty sight trust me. By 8^th month, even my footwear refused to fit me.

My palms and feet were super dry and itchy! Talking about itchy, boy, did I have itchy breasts!! #awkward in public

Back aches and cramps. Don’t even get me started! Especially lying down. There was a time when I couldn’t switch sides 'coz it hurt like a beaachh. My husband had to help me up to a sitting position.  But thankfully that lasted for only a week in my 2^nd trimester and during the end of the 3^rd trimester.

My delivery happened in the 37 th week, so thankfully I didnot have to face the full brunt of the last few weeks.

Pregnancy, sure isn't easy. You'll have thousand things to crib about and then that one ultrasono will make everything worth it. All you ladies who are expecting, just hang on. Try to enjoy every moment even. 

Feel every kick. Give in to every craving. Laugh at your own wobble. Flaunt the bump. Bask in how strong and powerful you are. 'Coz woman, it's no less miracle that you have 2 hearts beating inside of you. 
Brace yourself to understand what love truly means, when you have that piece of you in your arms, sleeping peacefully. 

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Are you in that stage of life? What' going on with you? And if you are a mom already, tell us your story!