The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10% – Botox in a Bottle?

I came across the Ordinary Argireline Solution 10% on an Youtube shorts almost a year ago. The video claimed this product to be ‘botox in a bottle’. I immediately got intrigued and started digging a bit more. I watched a couple of more videos from the skincare experts whom I have started trusting over the years and also did a bit of independent research to understand this ingredient well. According to various articles that I have gone through, Argireline is a synthetic peptide that has several different potential wrinkle-fighting and anti-aging effects. It is claimed that, similar to Botox, Argireline prevents the muscle movement that leads to wrinkle formation. So, it can be effective for areas where we usually see repetitive muscle movements such as the forehead and around the eyes. Since Argireline also boosts the function of collagen, it helps to fight fine lines and improve overall moisture levels in the skin.

Product Description

It is supposed to be the part 2 of the skincare regime as suggested by the brand itself. It is formulated to treat dynamic lines, signs of ageing, crow’s feet.

Argireline Solution 10% offers an advanced formula targeting dynamic forehead, “eleven eye”, and smile lines in an effective, “non-injective” way. By incorporating a high concentration of Argireline™ , this lightweight serum improves the appearance of facial areas prone to deep-set lines, resulting in smoother, more relaxed skin.

Use the solution, daily, on the forehead and around the eyes, before moisturisers, in AM and PM routine.

Patch Testing is highly recommended. Discontinue using, if any sensitisation or irritation persists and approach a Dermatologist. It is free from Alcohol, Animal Testing process, Esters, Oils, Gluten, Nuts and Silicone.

Ingredients List

Aqua (Water), Propanediol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Gellan Gum, Sodium Chloride, Isoceteth-20, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.

Key Ingredient – Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Where to buy it in India

I couldn’t find it available on the Nykaa website which usually retails all the Ordinary products in India. So, I ordered it from Styledotty.com. They basically sell a lot of beauty products from UK/US/Canada to Indian customers. That’s why the price is in a higher range compared to other Ordinary products available in India. This 30 ml bottle costs Rs 1650 on their website. It came with a ‘use before 12 months’ tag. The shipping is free for first time customers and you can look out for some offers they give from time to time. In the official Ordinary website it retails for EUR 10.10.

My Take on The Ordinary 10% Argireline Serum:

What is it ? This serum has a lightweight watery consistency with Argireline™ Peptide complex which is known to be a proprietary solution of Acetyl hexapeptide-8. Peptides are amino acids which are known to be the building blocks of essential proteins for our skin like collagen and elastin. I have come across a lot of multi-peptide serums offered by the prominent skincare brands but Argireline solution provides more targeted solution for dynamic lines/wrinkles among all other peptides. It mimics the impact of botox by limiting the movement of facial muscles around eyes or laugh lines. However, what I have understood from my research and after using this product that we should not expect a very significant impact similar to botox because it is after all a non-injectable solution and there is no solid proof that it penetrates the deepest levels of our skin like what botox does. Hence, it may not have a very long lasting impact too.

Who is it for? If you are someone into preventive skincare and not yet sure about doing botox or any other cosmetic procedure then you can give this serum a try for overall smoothing effect on your soft wrinkles. Also, I personally felt that this serum boosts the moisture level of the skincare other than its wrinkle smoothing properties. So, if you have dry skin, this will give you a plumper skin.

Did it work on me? So, let me say first that both me and my mother used it. My mother is in her late 50s and me in my early 30s. The impact was different for both of us. I thankfully still don’t have crow’s feet or prominent lines on my forehead yet. Also, from all the reviews that I read and from the brand’s own description, I understood that this serum should be used only on the targeted areas and not on full face. So, I applied it only on my forehead, around my eyes and on the laugh lines. I used it for 6 months and I am still using it. I cannot claim that I saw any conspicuous effect of limitation of muscle contraction around the areas I used it. I deliberately tried to frown a couple of times 😀 after I used this serum and I actually could do it :p. However, this is also true that I did not see any new wrinkle/fine lines appearing on my skin in the last six months and the area around my eye look super tight. Due to working long hours in front of screens, I was noticing that my under-eye area was looking very dull and dehydrated. After using the Argireline solution, it looks so much better now. So, from a preventive skincare point of view, I am going to continue to use it.

Now, coming to its impact on my mother’s skin, it actually did not do much as we hoped for. She obviously has deeper permanent lines around her eyes and on forehead and neither she nor me saw any improvement whatsoever in terms of smoothening those lines. However, she has dry skin and she felt that this serum gives her skin a glowing, hydrated and youthful effect. She uses it on her entire face.

We did not experience any allergic reaction, still I would recommend everyone to do a patch test before using it. I used it after I cleansed my skin with the Neutrogena hydro boost cleanser and sealed it with the Neutrogena Hydro Boost water gel moisturizer. The Ordinary Argireline 10% serum works well with other peptide serums like The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA (I did not try this combination though).

Hope you found this review useful. Let me know in the comments section, if you have used the Ordinary Argireline 10% serum.

Favorites, Makeup, Product Review

Bobbi Brown Fluid Powder Foundation (Shade – Natural) – Review

If you are an oily/ combination skin person, chances are that you are really choosy like me about the foundations you apply. For many years, I have avoided wearing any foundation because it simply made my skin look horrible after 2 hours or so in humid weather like in India. Also, it was difficult to buy and try high-end products on a student budget. I was simply happy with a bb cream or a compact powder. Now, after so many years, in my thirties, I have started understanding my skin so much better and what products work for me. I recently purchased the Bobbi Brown skin long-wear fluid powder foundation with SPF 20. Bobbi Brown products never really disappointed me. I like their products because of their natural finish which makes me look like me just in a better way. So, let’s give you my honest opinion about the Bobbi Brown Fluid Powder Foundation.

Price and Quantity: I bought this foundation from Nykaa at INR 3700 for a 40ml tube. This is also available at Bobbi Brown stores and in Sephora stores and on their websites too. I know it is pricey but they have 36 months of shelf life and this particular foundation works really well for oily/combination skin which you will get to know more about in this review. I felt this is a good investment.

Product Description (As per the packaging): Bobbi Brown’s first-ever liquid-to-powder foundation that self-sets into a comfortable, soft-matte finish. Formulated with a Power Protein Complex to help skin look smooth and healthy, this lightweight, sweat-resistant formula controls oil and stays color true all day. Plus, it keeps skin protected on the go with environmental, blue light and UV filters.

Ingredients:

Active Ingredients: Ensulizole, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide.

Inactive Ingredients: Water\\Aqua\\Eau, Dimethicone, Methyl Trimethicone, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Isopentyldiol, Hdi/Ppg/Polycaprolactone Crosspolymer, Lauryl Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Hydrated Silica, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Whey Protein\\Lactis Protein\\Proteine Du Petit-Lait, Isononyl Isononanoate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Serine, Aspartic Acid, Glutamic Acid, Leucine, Alanine, Lysine, Trisiloxane, Arginine, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Threonine, Proline, Triethyl Citrate, Valine, Lecithin, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Dimyristate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Tromethamine, Sodium Chloride, Glycine, Magnesium Sulfate, Silica, Disodium Edta, Bht, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499)] .

My take on the Bobbi Brown Skin Long-wear Fluid Power Foundation:

Packaging: The foundation comes in a stylish dark black tube packaging which I absolutely loved. It is so much easier to take out the exact amount of product that I need from a tube than from a usual glass bottle. There is no need to worry about spillage. Also, it is so much easier to carry when you are travelling. I really like the fact that Bobbi Brown tries to make the packaging of each of their products very travel-friendly. Check out my review on their skin concealer stick. It was also designed to be used on the go.
Texture: The texture of this powder foundation felt very smooth and soft when I first took out a small amount on my palm. Also, I quickly realized it is extremely lightweight compared to any other foundation I have tried so far. It looks and feels like a tinted moisturizer but the surprising thing is that it sets very quickly. That is why they call it a powder foundation. So, it is important that we blend it very quickly while applying it on the face otherwise it will be really difficult to blend it due to its powder finish. What I do is, I simply put 2-3 dots on one side of my face and then dab it with a damp beauty blender and after that, I start working on the other side of my face.
Finish: This powder foundation gives medium coverage and a natural finish. It makes my skin even-toned and fades the dark spots. Although it gives a powder finish, it never made my skin look too dry. It says it is suitable for all skin types, but based on my experience this is actually a great foundation for oily or combination skin. Dry-skin people need to use a moisturizer before applying this powder foundation. If you are looking for a full coverage foundation then probably it is not the right product for you. I believe this powder foundation was designed specifically targeting people who love fuss-free make-up and probably don’t spend too much time layering up products.
Staying Power: I have worn this foundation for a good 8-9 hours and believe me or not, it kept my skin completely oil-free even at 35-36 degree celsius. I did not use any setting spray or any compact on top of it. I was blown away by its staying power. This is the perfect foundation for office make-up as I can guarantee you will not need to touch-up. Your face will look the exact same the whole day as it was when you entered the office. It also has SPF 20 which makes it suitable for day use.
Shades: Another good thing is that they have multiple shades available suitable for brown skin. On the Nykaa website, they have at least 12 shades. I would recommend going to a store and picking the one matching your skin tone. I bought it online and went for the shade ‘N052-Natural’ which worked for me perfectly. It does not make me too white or too dark. This powder foundation gives me a very natural finish yet makes my skin look even-toned and bright.
In this pic below, I have not used any primer or moisturizer or concealer and applied only 2-3 drops of the foundation on my skin for a light coverage.

Let me quickly list down the pros and cons of the Bobbi Brown Fluid Powder Foundation

Pros:

Keeps your skin oil-free and even-toned the whole day
Buildable, light-weight formula
Gives a very natural finish, fades dark spots
SPF 20
Travel Friendly

Cons:

Expensive
May not be suitable for dry skin

Hope you found this review helpful. Let me know your thoughts in the comments section. Have a nice day 🙂

Favorites, Product Review

Minimalist Hair Growth Actives Serum – Review

BeMinimalist is a rapidly growing home-grown Indian brand which is fiercely competing with some of the biggies in the skincare/haircare industry. I have tried a couple of serums from this brand and I was pretty impressed with their effective solution targeting very specific skin concerns and that too in pocket-friendly pricing. I have never tried a lot of products for my hair. It is mostly just shampoo, conditioner and coconut hair oil. Recently, I have been noticing a lot of hair fall. This can be because I started working from home at the beginning of the pandemic and somehow this has increased my anxiety level significantly. I have tried some home-based remedies but they did not really improve the condition. While I cannot really control my stress level even if I try really hard, I tried to look for some anti-hair fall serums and stumbled upon the Minimalist 18% Hair Growth Actives Hair Serum For Reducing Hairfall & Growth.

There is a kind of similar product by the Ordinary as well. Basically, you will find a lot of similar serums targeting the same concerns by both the ordinary and Minimalist. Minimalist products are usually cheaper than the Ordinary. I cannot really compare the hair serum by the Ordinary with the Minimalist one at the moment. I am sure that one is also very good but I am pretty much impressed with the Minimalist Hair Growth Actives Hair serum.

Price and Quantity: The Minimalist Hair Growth Actives Hair Serum is priced at INR 799 for a 30ml bottle.

Product Description: The product description mentioned here is based on the information available on the packaging.

What it is: A powerful hair growth serum with a blend of 5 proven ingredients (capixyl, redensyl, procapil, anagain, and baicapil) in a high concentration of 18%. A potent combination of peptides and extracts for fuller, thicker hair.

Features:

Hair growth formula: A super potent, multi-functional hair growth serum containing 5 proven ingredients. Capixyl 5% + redensyl 3% + procapil 3% + anagain 3% + baicapil 4%. Starts to show reduction in hair fall by 4th week and new hair growth by 8th week.
Safe and powerful: A completely safe, yet powerful serum for both men and women, that can be used everyday without any side-effects that are generally associated with other treatments.
Potent ingredients: Infused with saw palmetto extract and sanguisorba officinalis (SO) root extract to further boost the performance of the serum.
High quality ingredients: All ingredients are sourced from leading suppliers – capixyl (Lucas Meyer, Canada), redensyl (Givaudan, Switzerland), procapil (Sederma, UK), AnaGain (Mibelle AG, Switzerland), baicapil (Provital, Spain)
Clean and transparent formulations: This formula has a pH value of 5.0- to 6.0 and is fragrance free and silicone free.

Ingredients: Butylene Glycol, Aqua, Dextran, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract, Propanediol, Arginine, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Germ Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Gluconolactone, Calcium Gluconate, Glycerin, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Apigenin, Oleanolic Acid, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Sprout Extract, Isomalt, Sodium Metabisulfite, Larix Europaea Wood Extract, Glycine, Zinc Chloride, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Saccharide Isomerate, Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract, Serenoa Serrulata (Saw Palmetto) Fruit Extract, Capryloyl Glycine, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Lactic Acid

My take on the Minimalist 18% Hair Growth Actives Serum:

I have never used a hair serum before and did not have much idea how this is going to be. So, when I first took out a few drops on my palm it looked and felt a lot like a yellowish hair oil. I put the serum on my scalp directly and just gently rubbed it. I tested for 2-3 days with a small amount just to see if it gives me any allergic reaction. Thank god, it did not cause me any irritation.
The texture of this serum is definitely oily but it did not make my scalp excessively oily. I applied it 3-4 times a week at night before going to bed and washed it off with a mild shampoo the next day. Now, this can be a challenge to wash your hair 3-4 times with shampoo if you are used to doing hair-wash only once or twice a week. I cannot get away without a hair wash because on the second day of application, it definitely made my scalp very oily and it gave me difficulty sleeping with that oily scalp. I know it is probably a weird problem but I simply cannot sleep with an oily scalp.
Now coming to the result part, I have been using it almost for one and a half months. I did not notice any significant hair growth but my hair fall problem is significantly reduced. Earlier, I was seeing a lot of hair on my pillow cover, in my entire bedroom and in the bathroom but going by that I can for sure say that this serum worked for me to reduce my hair fall quite a lot.
I read a couple of reviews where people mentioned that they had acne after using this product on their forehead. I did not experience it. I kept the application part limited to a maximum of 4 days a week and also washed it off with shampoo the next day. Another problem people mentioned is that after discontinuing they have noticed that their hair fall has increased. I am still using this serum and plan to use it for another month or so. I will update this post after I discontinue using this product.
From the ingredients list, I could see that there are a lot of actives in this formula. So, it is better to use a very small amount and check if it suits you or not and then decide how much amount you want to use on a weekly basis. If you have any doubts or face any issues, immediately consult with your dermat.

Hope you found this review useful. Have a nice day 🙂

Update

As promised here is the update after I stopped using the hair serum. My hair fall has definitely increased but not at an alarming level like it was happening before I started using this product. I also spotted a lot of baby hair growth recently. So, the hair growth happened but not immediately after I started using this product. I would say, after 3 months or so I could actually see some new hair and feel some volume when I touch the back part of my head.

Favorites, Product Review, Skincare

YBP Barrier Repair Tonic – Review

I am back with a great product review today. I mentioned in one of my previous blogs that I have been using the YBP barrier repair tonic for quite some time now and I wanted to share my experience with everyone. Sadly, due to extremely busy days in the past few months, I couldn’t pull myself to sit and write a detailed review. Firstly, let me share with you this is an AMAZING product which has improved my problematic skin texture. It truly says what it does! How great that is!

I don’t know why this product is not that popular yet. Maybe because it is not available on Nykaa! That is a surprising fact though. I remember YBP used to sell their initial make-up products through Nykaa and their own website but their skincare range is only available on their website currently (at least that is what I am aware of). I think they have a very niche market and their production is also limited compared to their peers. But I gotta say they have an amazing eye for every little detail in terms of packaging and tries to come up with products which really make a difference.

Description: As mentioned on their website, here it says “Barrier Repair Tonic is a multi-benefit brightening/exfoliating treatment that effectively works in reducing excess oiliness, redness and congestion. This luxurious facial tonic helps with improving skin texture and resurfaces and softens skin while significantly improving skin elasticity and the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation. Formulated with gentle yet effective blends of Acids, Zinc Sebum, and Plant Extracts that not only exfoliate dead and strongly pigmented cells, but they also encourage cell turnaround to renew the skin.”

Price and Quantity: 60 ml spray bottle of barrier repair tonic retails for INR 1500.

Ingredients: Aqua, Urtica Dioica Leaf Water, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Glycerin, Zinc Chloride + Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein + Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract + Thymus Vulgaris Extract + Malva Sylvestris Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract + Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Sodium PCA, Laminaria Digitata, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Phenoxyethanol + Ethylhexylglycerin, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract + Magnesium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Lactic Acid, Sodium Gluconate

What I liked about the YBP Barrier Repair Tonic :

Packaging: All their products come in handmade paper packaging. The spray bottle is made up of glass and is aesthetically pleasing.
Consistency: The product is water based as you can see from the ingredient list. When you spray a certain amount onto your palm it feels and looks like any other toner. Once I put it on my face it simply gets absorbed. I don’t need to blend or anything. I simply pat it gently over my entire face and the product does not make my skin dry or oily. It just feels very refreshing like it would have felt after a face wash with water.

Does it work? Well, at the beginning of 2022, I had a horrible breakout on my face. It was gut related and I had to make severe changes in my diet. But, along with that, I understood that my skin barrier is compromised and that is when I started looking for something which will improve my skin barrier. Let me tell you, I have never used any product from YBP previously. I thought to give this one a try and it worked!!

I obviously became more conscious about eating clean and included more veggies and fruits in my diet before making changes in my skincare routine. I also decluttered my skincare routine because once you have breakouts, there is no point in mixing and matching products. We need to be minimalistic and just use the products which will not aggravate the situation. So, after cleaning my face I simply use the YBP Barrier repair tonic as a toner. Earlier I used to notice a sudden redness post washing my face. Later I realized it is happening as the pH balance is not maintained. The barrier repair tonic completely changed the situation for me. My skin feels very calm and well hydrated after application. One of the product claims was that it maintains the optimum pH balance of our skin and I think it actually does! I don’t see any redness or any type of skin irritation. After applying this tonic I let it get absorbed into my skin and then proceed with a serum or you can use any hydrating face moisturizer. As I understand this tonic will help to lock in the moisture in the skin for hours and also reduce excess sebum production. I have seen visible improvement in my skin texture and I have stopped getting acne completely. I will stress the fact that it is a combination of a clean diet, less stress and the right skincare product which will give us the dream skin that we want. No standalone product will be a game changer.

This tonic is going to be a staple in my skincare routine and I sincerely hope that they don’t discontinue the product. I am at my second bottle and this has been definitely a key product which has healed my skin in the last 7-8 months.

What I did not like about YBP Barrier Repair Tonic:

The only two complaints that I have are that I specifically did not like the smell of the product. It has a lot of natural ingredients and does not contain fragrance and maybe that is why the smell is a little weird but I try to ignore it because of the amazing things it does for my skin. The second problem is that it is a bit expensive for a 60 ml bottle. They give some discounts from time to time on their website. So watch out for them.

Hope you found this review helpful. Have a nice day!!

Favorites, Product Review

Current Favorites -March Edition

Before I start, I know it is a bit late to write about March favorites but I have added a lot of diverse genres under this monthly favorite category. Hope you will find something relevant for your choice. I could not write a February favorites post either, as I had too much work at office. I work in a bank and the last 2-3 months of a financial year-end always become crazy. Anyway I took a small vacation and now I am well rested. So back to writing 🙂

Skincare:

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence : I have already reviewed about this product in my blog. Please read it here. This has been included into my daily skincare routine. I am totally in love with this one.

Laneige water bank moisture essence (Image courtesy – Nykaa)

Avene Triacneal Expert Soin Emulsion : I have been trying the Triacneal emulsion from the brand Avene for the past 3-4 months. This drugstore product contains retinal which is very effective for improving skin elasticity and removing fine lines. I will write about my detailed experience in a separate post definitely. So far I have liked this product although it gave me one or two pimple initially but not a breakout.

Avene Triacneal Soil Emulsion – Image courtesy Nykaa

Make up :

Masaba Nail Polish (Guts) : Tried the summer yellow nail trend as well. I bought the nail paint from the Own it like Masaba range from Nykaa. I loved other colors from this range earlier.

Own it Like Masaba – Guts (Image courtesy -Nykaa website)

Etude House Dear Darling Tint : I got it as a free gift because I bought some other products from this brand. Heard a lot about Benetint but have never tried them. I actually felt tints will not be suitable for my lips as I have a bit of pigmentation on my upper lip. But I guess due to staying home for more than a year, the pigmentation situation has improved. The tint worked for me. It gives a very natural color to my lips. Does not feel like I am wearing lipstick. Also, it is super affordable even if you buy it.

Food products:

Kadha Mix (Immunity Booster) : Not sure if it has improved my immunity level but it claims to contain a pretty good list of great ingredients. I drink it as a replacement to my morning tea. It has a zing and definitely feels good after drinking a full cup of kadha in the morning. During this covid times you can give it a try.

Darjeeling Tea : Recently visited Darjeeling (like every other Bengali) to take advantage of working from home :p. Bought a pretty good load of Darjeeling tea from one of their oldest tea shops called Nathmulls. They have teas ranging from 100 Rs for 100 grams till 100000 Rs for 100 grams or may be more than that. So you can buy based on your budget. One thing is assured. Their tea is pretty awesome.

Snackible Waffles : Snackible is a very well known healthy snack maker. I absolutely loved their oatmeal stroopwafel which costs just Rs 60 per piece (40 grams). All their snacks are baked and very tasty. I also tried their Belgian chocolate and cinnamon waffles but I did not find them right now at their website. May be they are out of stock.

Snackible Stroop Waffle – Image courtesy Snackible website

Show recommendations :

Here is a full list of shows/ movies that I have watched (not specifically in March, may be in the last 3 months).

If you want to watch something funny, feel good, light, relatable or just want to watch something for your eyes only (talking about fashion and stuff) try Ginny and Georgia, The bold type, Sweet Magnolias on Netflix. If you are more into thriller/murder mysteries do watch Versace, The Serpent and Criminal UK on Netflix and The Undoing on Hotstar. Versace is the dramatic depiction of the assassination of Gianni Versace. The Serpent is also based on a real life con-man cum serial killer Charles Sobhraj. Criminal UK is a collection of criminal interviews (Kit Harington aka Jon Snow and Kunal Ayyar aka Raj from Big Bang Theory in one of the episodes). I saw some finest performances in all three. The Undoing also offers a lot of twists and turns. It kept me hooked but I found Kidman’s acting a bit too dramatic.
Watched 2 movies – I care a lot and Eyes wide shut on Netflix. I liked ‘I care a lot’ just for Rosamund Pike’s acting. The story was weak and they could not use Peter Dinklage in my opinion. Eyes wide shut is a pretty old movie and also the last movie of Stanley Kubrick. I would call the movie ‘interesting’.

I also watched The Big Bull on Hotstar which is based on the life of stock broker Harshad Mehta. I did not like it because I watched Scam 1992 earlier and I felt whoever has watched Scam 1992 is not going to like the Big Bull because the performances were simply not convincing and the story was rushed. It failed to capture the depth of the characters. So I will recommend to watch Scam 1992 on Sony liv.

I rented Snyder Cut from the app Bookmyshow. Those of you who do not know Zack Snyder who was the original director of the 2017 released Justice league left midway and the movie was later completed by Joss Whedon. So the 2021 released Snyder cut is Zack Snyder’s version of the Justice league. Of course it was a 4 hour long movie but at the end of it you are surely going to like it. Personally I really liked the last 1 hour. You can feel the sincerity and passion of Snyder behind this movie.

Youtube Channel:

I have started following 2 skincare special youtube channels. First one is Doctor V. She basically reviews different products and their ingredients and advises people of color which ingredient is going to work for them and which can be harmful. I have learnt a lot about ingredients from her.

Another channel is Doctorly where 2 skincare specialists debugs different types of skincare myths. The thing that I liked about them was that they call a spade a spade. Never advise to follow the trend and just give their honest opinion about skincare products or rituals.

Hope you liked the mini reviews. Have a nice day guys 😀

Favorites

2021 Monthly Favorites- January Edition

I decided to pen down my monthly favorites across various categories e.g. food items, skincare, make-up products, books and even home decor stuffs. So here is a list of my January 2021 favorites.

Looms and Weaves Dry Kerala Ginger powder – I do not take sugar or any artificial sweetener in my tea. It is also little difficult to grate ginger every time I am pouring myself a cup of tea. So this dry ginger powder is a quick fix. I tried spices like cinnamon and cardamom from the this brand called looms and weaves and they were of amazing quality. So, did not hesitate to order the ginger powder from this brand. The flavor and smell feel authentic to me. It is organically grown and free from any preservatives. I bought the 50 gm jar first for just Rs. 140 and then later bought a 100 gm jar for Rs. 230 from Amazon. Sadly, the 50 gm version came in a glass jar but the 100 gm version came in a tin jar but anyway the product does its job. You can also use it for cooking or baking purposes.

Organic India Tulsi Mulethi Tea bags – My entire family loves the Organic India tea because of their health benefits. I have influenced a lot of my friends to buy them and they were pretty happy after using. The Tulsi Mulethi is a new variety that I found on Amazon. You can also get it from Fab India Stores. There are 25 tea bags inside the packet. It is particularly useful for reducing stress and to boost immunity against cough and cold. I just love the aroma and it instantly relaxes my nerves. Definitely worth a try.

Nykaa Own it like Masaba Nail Polish – I bought 2 shades from the Masaba Range of Nail paints in the shades – Savage 293 (color- leafy green) and Unfiltered 292 (color- Teal). I love both of these 2 shades which come for around Rs 199 but I got them at Rs179 for 15% discount which is a pretty good deal. The colors are bright and fun with a glossy finish.

Brown Kajal/kohl Pencil – I tried 2 brown Kohl pencils. Brown Kohls gives a softer look to the eyes as compared to black ones and I prefer to use them for my lower lash lines. So the ones I tried were Nykaa Glamoreyes Color Eye Pencil in the shade Bronze Beam and the Sugar Kohl of Honour Intense Kajal in the shade Brown Bag. The Nykaa Eye pencil comes for Rs 450 for 1.2 gms of product and the Sugar Kohl Pencil comes for Rs 249 for 0.25 gms of product. I liked both of them and will do a detailed review in a separate post.

Books – My current reads are Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely and Calcutta Chromosome by Amitav Ghosh. Predictably Irrational is a book on behavioral Economics and has been a very enjoyable read for me so far. The Calcutta Chromosome is a fictional novel which has been very popular but I didn’t get a chance to read it earlier. I am hoping to complete both of them by next weekend and will share a review soon. I know I really hate to read a book with multiple breaks but my current schedule has been crazy and I even hardly got time to write a blog post here.

So that’s it for today! Have a nice Tuesday 🙂

Favorites, Product Review, Skincare

Laneige Cream Skin Refiner Review

I got my hands into the Laneige Cream Skin Refiner finally after hearing rave reviews about it. When I first checked out the product on nykaa I was little confused about the ‘Skin Refiner’ part. As per the product description it was written that it is a “Miraculous skin fortifier, deep hydration repairs and strengthens skin barrier. It is a toner with new formula in which a whole bottle of cream is dissolved with safe ingredients to keep the skin hydrated and healthy. Leave your skin moisturized at the first step of your skin care routine with Cream Skin Refiner.” From the description I felt this is a toner but may have a moisturizing effect as well and decided to give it a try. So here is my review of the product.

Price and Quantity: The product comes in 2 sizes. The 150 ml bottle retails for INR 1850 and the 50 ml bottle retails for INR 750. I bought the 50ml one just to try the product first. It comes in a simple translucent white sturdy plastic bottle with a white cap. You just need to simply pour the product on your palm. There is no pump or anything like that; very standard packaging as expected from a toner.

Features:

– A two-in-one formula that preps and softens like a toner and moisturizes like a cream
– With Cream Blending Technology™ exclusive of Laneige, a jar of cream is dissolved in skin toner
– With White Leaf Tea Water having content of amino acid enriched through the specialized shadow-growing method
– It strengthens the skin barrier and provides a lasting moisturizing effect
– Cream Skin Refiner is filled with mild and safe ingredients which provides moisturizing effects for dry and sensitive skin

Ingredients : Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl- 10 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propanediol, Disodium Edta, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol.

My take on the product :

Price point wise I feel the product is pretty reasonably priced if we compare it to other K-beauty toners.
The packaging is on-point. Whenever I think about Laneige packaging all their products are packaged in a way which is user friendly with high quality material and muted yet beautiful colors. Their lip sleeping mask comes in pink tubs, water sleeping mask comes in blue tubs and hence cream skin refiners come in white bottles. No surprise. They want to visually send a message to the customers of their product’s intended usage. I dig that.
Now coming to the ingredient list. Obviously I do not have any professional qualification about this but I do check the ingredient list and do my research. The first ingredient is water as this is a water based toner. Their ingredient list mentions Meadowfoam seed oil which acts as an emollient that creates a protective seal over our skin to lock in moisture. It contains butylene glycol which is a Conditioning agent that add a layer of softness or improved texture to our skin. 1,2-hexanediol is used as a synthetic preservative and moisture-binding solvent which creates the clear liquid consistency and also helps to dissolve other substances. This does not contain any nasty chemical like paraben or phthalates.
When I first pour the product onto my palm I saw a milky white water like/ runny consistency which is what a toner is supposed be like. I simply applied the toner on my face and pat it dry slowly with my fingers. It got absorbed quickly and instantly my skin felt very moisturized and hydrated as well. This is not exactly how we feel after applying a toner right. This is where the cream skin refiner part is coming into play. It looks like a toner and feels featherlight on skin but leaves the effect of a moisturizer. This product is supposed to work great for normal and dry skin. However, it worked really great for my oily skin in relatively cold and dry weather. Not sure how it will feel in a hot and humid weather though. Laneige claimed to use a whole bottle of cream inside a bottle of toner using their trademark cream blending technology. That sounds scary for someone who has oily skin but it felt absolutely nourishing and hydrating for me without having any greasiness or any discomfort to be precise. This is indeed a magic bottle.
Coming to how I added it to my skincare regime, I firstly washed my skin with a cleanser and then applied this toner and after that applied the Laneige water sleeping mask before going to bed. When I woke up my skin looked super glowing and felt moisturized. This toner works great with a night cream or a light moisturizer and it will not make your skin heavy or greasy for sure.
Am I going to repurchase this? YES! for sure 🙂 It won my heart.

Hope you found this review useful. Please keep following the blog. Happy Sunday 🙂

Favorites

7 movies I watched in the last 7 days – Netflix Recommendation April,2020

So I have been locked down in my home for almost a month and I have been trying to utilize it to catch up on things which I don’t usually get time to do.Amazingly I managed to watch 7 very good movies in the last 7 days and I would recommend you to watch them as well. Here goes the list!

Shutter Island: Shutter Island is a 2010 mind bending American psychological thriller film directed by Martin Scorsese, based on Dennis Lehane’s 2003 novel of the same name. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as U.S. Marshal Edward “Teddy” Daniels, who is investigating a psychiatric facility on Shutter Island after one of the patients goes missing. Mark Ruffalo plays his partner officer; Ben Kingsley is the facility’s lead psychiatrist.Although It was well received by the critics,the movie is not that well known.I discovered it during my quarantine days and it managed to absolutely engross me till the end.A must watch for all the psychological thriller lovers.

The Departed: Now this one was quite popular and won 4 Oscars but somehow I missed it.This one is another must watch by Martin Scorsese. It is a remake of the 2002 Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs. The Departed stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg, with Martin Sheen, Ray Winstone, Vera Farmiga, and Alec Baldwin in supporting roles.The film takes place in Boston. Irish Mob boss Francis “Frank” Costello (Nicholson) plants Colin Sullivan (Damon) as a mole within the Massachusetts State Police; simultaneously, the police assign undercover state trooper William “Billy” Costigan (DiCaprio) to infiltrate Costello’s crew. When both sides realize the situation, Sullivan and Costigan each attempt to discover the other’s identity before they are found out. The character Colin Sullivan is loosely based on the corrupt FBI agent John Connolly, while the character Frank Costello is based on gangster Whitey Bulger. The movie will keep you glued to your seat till the end.

Seven: Seven is a 1995 American crime thriller film directed by David Fincher. It stars Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kevin Spacey.The film tells the story of David Mills (Brad Pitt), a detective who partners with the retiring William Somerset (Freeman) to track down a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as a motif in his murders.Although I have watched it long time back I watched it again for the nerve wrecking suspense till the end.This just says about my love for crime thrillers especially the ones with serial killers in it :p Watching the young Brad Pitt was another hidden motive of course!

The ballad of buster scruggs: This was a Netflix recommendation and I must say it was really something to spend your time for.The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is a six-story anthology set in a stylized version of the American West; it was written, produced, and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen in 2018. Each story, with its own cast of characters, is distinctive in tone, plot, and setting.They do not have anything particular in common plot wise, but thematically they all tell the huge story of the Wild West – the dark & crazy, sometimes sad side of it. This is a really a tall tale of death wrapped in comic reliefs.

Margin call: Margin Call is a 2011 American drama film written and directed by J. C. Chandor in his feature directorial debut. The principal story takes place over a 24-hour period at a large Wall Street investment bank during the initial stages of the financial crisis of 2007–08 and that is why it feels relevant during this tough economic situation. In focus are the actions taken by a group of employees during the subsequent financial collapse.The ensemble cast features Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Zachary Quinto, Penn Badgley, Simon Baker, Demi Moore, and Stanley Tucci.

The perks of being a wallflower: The Perks Of Being a Wallflower may seem like an unusual title but it’s a simple story dealing with some important issues.This movie is about feeling Love,friendships and of course pain.One of the protagonists is Charlie who is hiding a big secret inside him but dealing with it on daily basis. We can relate to his struggles on many instances.The characters are vibrant,funny,likable but all of them are dealing with relatable real issues and still enjoying their lives.The movie is not a shallow teenage drama.The music was really great and I recommend it strongly.

Forrest Gump: I will end the list with the sweet one. I am sure most of you have already watched it.This is a really feel-good movie which lifts your spirits up even after 25 years because of its innocence may be.This story still inspires me to go the distance and see the world like Forrest did. This movie talks about not giving up in most terrible times of our lives and also caring for our loved ones and understanding their feelings.This will reinstate your faith in the good.Of course Tom Hanks is just incredible in it !!

I will come back with more recommendations!Stay healthy 🙂

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