Category Archives: Makeup

Favorites, Makeup

NARS Light Reflecting Foundation: A Worthy Investment?

Finding the perfect foundation shade is like finding a needle in a haystack. If you have a medium to fair skin tone with warm undertones, you know the struggle. Too orange, too pink, too ashy and the list goes on. So when I finally got my hands on the NARS Light Reflecting Foundation in the shade Punjab, I had high hopes. Spoiler alert: it delivered.

First Things First: Price and Quantity

Let’s talk numbers because let’s be honest, this is a splurge. The NARS Light Reflecting Foundation comes in a 30ml bottle and retails for ₹4,500 in Nykaa and honestly it is hard to get a discount on this.

Yes, it’s an investment. But considering you get a high-performance, skincare-infused foundation that doubles as both makeup and skincare, it starts to make sense. The bottle is made of recyclable glass, which adds to the premium feel . Plus, a little goes a long way, more on that later.

NARS Light reflecting Moisturizer: shade Punjab

The Texture: Light as Air

One pump of this foundation and you’ll immediately notice how thin and fluid the consistency is. It’s not thick or gloopy like some full-coverage foundations can be. The texture is almost serum-like, which makes sense given that the formula is packed with skincare ingredients.

When I first dispensed it, I was a bit skeptical. Can something this light really provide decent coverage? The answer is yes, and it does so beautifully. It blends effortlessly, whether you use your fingers, a brush, or a damp beauty sponge. I personally found that warming it up with my fingertips and then pressing it into the skin gives the most natural finish .

The formula contains 70% skincare ingredients, including biomimetic oat to soothe and calm the skin, Japanese lilyturf to strengthen the skin barrier, and cacao peptides with milk thistle to protect against environmental aggressors and blue light . It’s also vegan, non-comedogenic (so it won’t clog pores), and free from mineral oil, silicone, talc, fragrance, and alcohol .

The Shade: Punjab (My Perfect Match)

Now, let’s talk about the star of this review: the shade Punjab. If you’re unfamiliar with NARS’ shade system, they’ve been industry leaders in inclusive shade ranges long before it became trendy . Punjab falls in the medium to fair skin tone category with warm, golden undertones, which are very suitable for Indian skin tone.

For reference, if you’ve ever used MAC NC30 or Studio Fix in NC35 and found it to be a decent match, Punjab will likely work beautifully for you. It’s that perfect balance, not too yellow, not too peach, just a warm, natural glow that looks like skin.

The brand recommends allowing the foundation to dry down on your skin to confirm the match, as the shade can settle slightly . I found this to be true. It blends into the skin beautifully after a minute or two.

After blending NARS light reflecting moisturizer

Versatility: One Foundation, Many Looks

What I appreciate most about this foundation is how versatile it is. You can wear it sheer for a no-makeup makeup day, or build it up to a solid medium coverage for events or evenings out .

  • For a natural daytime look: One thin layer applied with fingers gives a “my skin but better” finish. It evens out redness and blurs imperfections without looking like you have foundation on.
  • For full glam: Two to three pumps, applied with a brush and then pressed in with a sponge, give a beautiful, buildable almost full coverage that photographs beautifully. The photochromic technology in the formula adjusts to different lighting conditions, so you never look washed out in photos or flashback .

It also plays well with other products. I’ve worn it over silicone-based primers, water-based primers, and even just on top of moisturizer or sunscreen, and it performed consistently each time. Setting it with powder helps extend the wear, though I found it held up well on its own for about 8-9 hours easily.

My Take: The Good and The Not-So-Good

The Good:

  • Skin-like finish: This foundation truly lives up to its “light reflecting” name. It gives a natural, radiant finish that doesn’t look greasy or overly dewy. It strikes that perfect balance between matte and glow .
  • Comfortable wear: It feels weightless on the skin. I often forget I’m wearing foundation when I have this on.
  • Skincare benefits: After using it consistently for a few weeks, I genuinely noticed my skin looked clearer and more even, even on days I wasn’t wearing makeup. The brand’s clinical studies back this up, showing improved skin clarity after six weeks of use .
  • Shade match: If you’re in the medium to fair with warm undertone category, Punjab is a godsend. It doesn’t oxidize or turn orange throughout the day.

The Not-So-Good:

  • Price point: There’s no getting around it, ₹4,500 is steep for a foundation. But if you’re someone who values skincare benefits and a natural finish for a full day wear, the cost per wear might justify the investment.
  • Coverage limitations: If you’re looking for full coverage to conceal intense hyperpigmentation or active acne, you’ll still need a concealer. This is a medium-coverage foundation, and while it builds, it doesn’t reach full coverage territory .
  • Not for super dry skin? Some reviewers with very dry skin found it wasn’t hydrating enough on its own. If your skin leans dry, layering a hydrating serum or moisturizer underneath is a must .

A Little Bit About The Brand

NARS was founded in 1994 by French makeup artist and photographer François Nars. It all started with just 12 lipsticks sold at Barneys New York, but the brand quickly exploded into the beauty powerhouse it is today .

What sets NARS apart is its no-rules approach to beauty. François Nars famously said, “Don’t hold back. Be bold. It encourages others to do the same”. That philosophy is reflected in everything from the bold shade names to the brand’s commitment to inclusive shade ranges long before it was the industry norm .

In 2000, NARS became part of the Shiseido Group, which brought even more skincare expertise to the brand’s complexion products . The Light Reflecting Foundation, launched in 2022, is the culmination of that expertise, a true makeup-skincare hybrid that prioritizes skin health alongside cosmetic performance .

Final Verdict

Would I recommend the NARS Light Reflecting Foundation? Absolutely yes.

If you’re looking for a foundation that gives a natural, radiant finish for office or party wear while actually improving your skin over time, this is worth every rupee. It’s versatile enough for everyday wear and special occasions, feels comfortable on the skin, and photographs beautifully.

However, if you prefer full coverage or have extremely dry skin that requires intense hydration, you might want to test it out first or be prepared to layer with a good moisturizer.

For me, this has earned a permanent spot in my makeup rotation. It’s one of those rare foundations that makes me feel like I’m enhancing my skin, not covering it up. And at the end of the day, isn’t that what we all want?

Have you tried the NARS Light Reflecting Foundation? What’s your go-to shade? Drop a comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Standard
Favorites, Makeup

My Favourite Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipsticks for the Office

Finding the perfect office lipstick is a bit like dating. You need something that looks good, is reliable, doesn’t demand too much attention, and will last through a long day of meetings, coffee runs, and the lunch.

For me, the search ended when I discovered the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution lipsticks. They strike that elusive balance between high-impact colour and comfortable wear. Today, I want to give the spotlight on two hero shades that I use almost everyday at office: the iconic Walk of No Shame and the newer love, First Dance.

Price and Quantity

These lipsticks are definitely pricey an investment in your daily glamour, retailing at Rs 3950 (first dance) and Rs 3650(walk of no shame). I don’t know why there is a price difference even though both of them belong to the same line. Nykaa gives good discounts during the sales.

Are they cheap? No. But when you consider the quality of the ingredients, the pigmentation (a little goes a long way), and the fact that the formula doesn’t dry out your lips, it feels like a justified luxury.

Texture

The name “Matte Revolution” is incredibly accurate. This isn’t flat, chalky, drying matte. Charlotte Tilbury famously infused these lipsticks with an orchid extract, which gives them a truly revolutionary texture.

When you glide it on, it feels almost balmy, smooth, creamy, and comfortable. It sets down to a matte finish, but it’s a “matte” that still has life and a velvety softness to it. It doesn’t settle into lip lines or emphasise dry patches, which is a godsend when you’ve been sitting in air conditioning all day. Both shades have this identical, dreamy texture and are perfect for office-wear.

Longevity

For an office environment, you don’t need something that requires industrial-strength remover at the end of the day, but you also don’t want to reapply after every sip of tea.

The Matte Revolution formula wears off gracefully. You’ll get a good 4 to 6 hours of solid, vibrant colour before it begins to fade. It will survive a coffee and a light lunch, though a greasy meal will require a touch-up. Because of the balmy texture, when it does fade, it fades evenly and leaves a lovely stain behind, rather than crumbling or disappearing in an unflattering ring around the inner lip. It’s the epitome of a low-maintenance, high-performance lipstick.

My Take

Now, for the main event. Here is how these two shades specifically work their magic in an office setting.

Left : walk of no shame; Right : First Dance

Walk of No Shame

This shade is a legend for a reason. It’s a unique, impossible-to-pin-down blend of brick red, berry, and rose. In the office, this is my “Power Player” shade.

Walk of no Shame

Why it works: It commands just the right amount of attention. It’s a statement colour that says you are confident and mean business, but because it has those rusty brick undertones, it’s softer and more sophisticated than a primary, in-your-face red. It pairs beautifully with a crisp white shirt or a navy blazer. If I have a big presentation or a day full of important meetings, Walk of No Shame is the shade that will make me feel like I’m in the boardroom, ready to conquer the world. I have almost emptied my first bullet. That’s something!

First Dance

If Walk of No Shame is the CEO, First Dance is the effortlessly charming Head of HR. It’s a stunning, muted rose with the slightest hint of a pinky-peach warmth. It’s basically the “my lips but better” shade.

Why it works: It brightens up the face instantly, giving you a healthy, awake glow, essential for those early Monday mornings. It complements every single eye look, from a bold smoky eye to a simple wash of colour, and it goes with every outfit in my work wardrobe. First Dance is my reliable, friendly, and universally flattering go-to.

Conclusion

So, which one deserves a spot in your handbag? Honestly, it depends on your office personality.

If you love to make a subtle but powerful statement and want a lipstick that acts as armour, go for the iconic Walk of No Shame. It’s a classic for a reason.

If you prefer a softer, romantic approach to office glam and want a shade that simply enhances your natural beauty, then First Dance is your perfect match. It’s the shade that will get you the most compliments of “you look so well!”

Whichever you choose (and let’s be honest, having both for different moods is a very valid option), the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution formula ensures your lips will look fabulous, feel comfortable, and stay camera-ready from your morning commute to your evening wind-down. Happy priming

Standard
Makeup

Nudestix Nudies Blush All Over Face Color -Naughty N’ Spice Blush Review

If there’s one makeup trend I am fully here for, it’s the “no-makeup makeup” look. You know the vibe, skin that looks like skin, but better, with a natural flush that makes it look like you just went for a brisk walk. I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect cream blush to achieve this, and the Nudestix Nudies line kept popping up on my feed. After seeing the shade Naughty N’ Spice everywhere, I finally decided to see what the fuss was all about.

Here is my deep dive into this little tube of magic.

First Impressions & The Shade: What is “Naughty N’ Spice”?

Let’s talk about the star of the show: the color. Naughty N’ Spice is described as a “cool, strong pink” by some beauty enthusiasts , but to me, it reads as a gorgeous dusty rose. It has a slightly muted, warm tone that stops it from looking too bubblegum-pink or childish. It’s the kind of color that looks intimidating in the tube but melts into the skin to give you that I naturally woke up looking like this flush . It’s sophisticated, romantic, and surprisingly universal.

The Price Tag: Is It an Investment?

A Nudestix Nudies blush typically retails for around INR 3500 . It isn’t exactly a drugstore steal but I bought it at a 20% discount from Nykaa.

However, you have to consider what you’re getting for that money. This isn’t just a blush; it’s a multi-tasking product. You’re paying for the brand’s “clean” formula, the innovative packaging, and the fact that this one stick can do the work of three products . While it stings the wallet a little upfront, the quality and versatility help justify the cost.

Texture and Application: The “Swipe and Go” Formula

This is where the Nudestix formula really shines. The texture is a buttery-soft, luxurious balm that applies like a dream . It has a unique cream-to-powder finish. When you first swipe it on, it feels creamy and hydrating, but once you blend it out, it dries down to a soft, natural matte finish that isn’t flat or drying .

You can draw it directly onto your cheeks, and it glides on smoothly without tugging at your skin . Because it dries down, it also has some oil-absorbing benefits, making it great for those of us who don’t want to look too greasy by the end of the day . It’s buildable too. You can do one light layer for a sheer hint of color or layer it up for a more intense pop .

After blending

My Take: The Good, The Bad, and The Multi-Tasking

After wearing Naughty N’ Spice for a few weeks, here is my honest breakdown.

What I Loved:

  1. The Versatility: This is marketed as an “All Over Face Color,” and it means it. I’ve used it on my cheeks, my lips, and even my eyelids for a monochromatic look that ties my whole face together . It’s perfect for travel or for those mornings when you’re running late and need to look put-together in 60 seconds.
  2. The Packaging: The dual-ended design is genius. One end holds the product, and the other has a built-in synthetic brush . Even better? The brush twists off, so you can actually wash it regularly without ruining the stick . Plus, it comes in a cute metal tin with a mirror, making it easy to toss in your bag for touch-ups .
  3. The Natural Finish: It truly looks like skin. It blurs the appearance of pores slightly and just gives you a healthy, youthful glow without any shimmer or glitter .

The Caveats:

  1. Longevity: On my cheeks, the color lasts a solid 5-6 hours before it starts to fade . But, if you have oilier skin, this can get reduced. On the lips, it won’t survive a meal .
  2. Texture Sensitivity: While it’s smooth on cheeks and eyes, I did find that it can catch a bit on dry patches on the lips . So, a good lip balm underneath is a must if you’re using it as a lip color.

How to Use It: Tips for the Perfect Application

If you pick this up, here’s how to get the best results:

  • For Cheeks: Swipe the stick directly onto the apples of your cheeks and blend out using the built-in brush, a damp sponge, or your fingertips. I find that fingers really warm up the product and make it melt in seamlessly .
  • For Lips: Apply the stick directly to your lips. It feels lightweight, not sticky, and gives a lovely stain of color .
  • For Eyes: Dab a small amount onto your eyelids and blend the edges with your finger. It creates a soft, romantic wash of color that lasts all day, especially if you have a primer underneath .

Conclusion: Who Should Buy This?

Buy it if: You love a quick, easy, natural makeup look. If you’re a fan of cream products, minimalist routines, or multi-tasking makeup, this is your new best friend. The color is stunning, the formula is foolproof, and the packaging is travel-friendly.

Skip it if: You prefer a high-impact, glossy, or extremely long-wearing (12-hour+) blush. If you don’t like using cream products or have very oily lids that break down cream shadows quickly, you might want to pass.

For me, Naughty N’ Spice has earned a permanent spot in my everyday makeup bag. It’s the perfect pick-me-up that makes me look fresh and alive in seconds .

Standard
Makeup, Product Review

MAC Strobe Dewy Skin Tint (Light 4) – Review

I recently purchased the MAC Strobe dewy tint in the shade light 4. I am not a regular foundation/concealer person but I love to put a skin tint while going out. I love the MAC strobe creams and decided to give this Strobe dewy tint as well and I must say I was not disappointed.

Price and Quantity:

The retail price for the 30 ml tube is INR 3300 with 36 months expiry date. Mac runs offers on their products all year round, however, I found the product to be quite expensive. I remember in my college days I loved applying a CC/bb cream. Skin tints fall in the same category but this MAC one is totally out of reach for college goers. I bought it from the Tira website. You can also get it from official MAC website or Nykaa.

MAC Strobe Dewy Skin Tint Review

Product Description:

A sheer, illuminating tinted moisturizer with light-bending effects that’s infused with hyaluronic acid, shea butter, squalane and vitamin E.

Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer, Hydrating, Sheer Buildable Coverage

Give your skin a hint of sheer, luminous tint with our tinted moisturizer featuring pearlescent, light-bending effects. The colour-true tinted moisturizer in 16 stretchable shades features sheer, buildable coverage with a lightweight gel-balm texture that cocoons skin for a comfortable, soft all-over glow. The formula is infused with good-for-skin ingredients including hyaluronic acid, shea butter and squalane. There’s also antioxidant-rich vitamin E to protect skin from environmental aggressors such as blue light and pollution.

Ingredients:

I could not find a detailed ingredient list online. They mentioned only Hyaluronic acid, shea butter, squalane and vitamin E. The full list is available on the outer packaging.

My Take on the MAC Strobe Dewy Skin Tint:

Shades: MAC always provides a lot of shade options suitable for all skin types. I think they launched almost 16 shades but in all the Indian websites I mostly found 8 shades. However, I found that those 8 shades will cater to most of the Indian women. Now, coming to the shade choosing part, I think you should test it out in a store first to get the correct shade. I chose light 4 but I feel it is not an exact match for me, it makes me look a bit bronzed.

Packaging: It comes in a transparent white tube with a black lid. It is a very light-weight travel friendly packaging.

Texture and Finish: The texture is quite thick and takes time to blend. Do not expect this to be as smooth as the strobe creams by MAC. Also, one needs to be really careful with the quantity as even 1/4th a pea size may look too much. So, just go really easy first and then choose the exact amount you need. It leaves a very even looking, smooth finish and a stunning glow. In their product description, MAC mentioned a ‘light bending effect’ and they stood true too their claim. It highlights my features at the right places and gives a sculpted look if I may say so. It stays like that through out the day. Doesn’t make my skin look extra oily or greasy at all. Still if you are worried you can use a setting powder to tone down the shimmering effect. It will set off to a beautiful satin like finish.

Coverage: It says that it gives a sheer coverage. I don’t expect or want a skin tint to be high coverage.

Finishing Thoughts: This skin tint is definitely what I am going to repurchase if they keep it in the market. I found the finish better than the Thank You Framer Luminous CC Cream. There are a lot of shade options for everyone. A tiny dot is what it takes for the desired result in my case. So, one tube is going to last quite a lot of time. It gives the naturally radiant finish under indirect sunlight or in an in-house setting but do test it out before going out, otherwise you may look like a bulb under sunlight :p

I personally would recommend to use a primer underneath so that it helps you to blend the product easily and you will not end up using a lot of product as well. If you are in a hurry then mix it up with your spf/ face moisturizer on your palm and then spread it out evenly.

Hope you found this review helpful. Do let me know in the comments about your favorite skin tint.

Standard
Makeup, Product Review

Thank You Farmer Luminous CC Cream – Review

Hello! Hope you are having a lovely day 🙂

Today I want to share my quick review of my current favorite CC cream from the brand Thank You Farmer. If you are someone like me who doesn’t want to apply a foundation/concealer every time you go out yet you want a dewy glow and even tone, then you are going to love this. I am talking about the luminous CC cream from Thank you Farmer. I exactly don’t remember what CC creams stand for, most probably color corrector but anyway they are a multipurpose product. It can be used as a strobing cream to get the dewy glow or get some color correction or even to conceal some dark spots. So, here is my review on how the Thank You Farmer Luminous CC cream performs across all the categories.

About the Brand:

Thank You Farmer is a Korean skin care brand that believes in creating products that focus on pure and honest ingredients. This brand is cruelty-free and vegan and all products are hypoallergenic. I am sure most of you have already seen their viral sunscreen stick. I am going to review that soo to.

Price and Quantity:

The retail price for the 40 ml bottle is INR 2719 but it is available right now on Nykaa at a 20% discount which makes it Rs 2175.

Product Description:

Thank You Farmer Be Beautiful Luminous CC Cream SPF30 PA++ contains micro-pearls that reflect light to achieve a luminous, illuminating effect. Intense hydration helps in maintaining a moist skin barrier. Presence of vitamin E, shea butter gives a glossy, youthful complexion. Niacinamide promotes brightening and helps with dark spots. Adenosine helps in decreasing appearance of wrinkles by energizing skin’s surface, thus promoting smooth, youthful complexion.

Ingredients:

Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Titanium Dioxide, Glycerin,Butylene Glycol,Alcohol Denat., Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate, Niacinamide, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glyceryl Stearate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Mica, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polysorbate 60, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cetearyl Alcohol,PEG-100 Stearate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Silica, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Behenyl Alcohol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, Adenosine, polyurethane-11, Disodium EDTA, Tin Oxide, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77492, CI 77491.

My Take on the Thank you Farmer Luminous CC Cream:

Packaging: This BB Cream comes in in a shimmery pink plastic bottle with a sleek black pump. The bottle is so sturdy that I mistook it as a glass bottle. The pump is precise to get the amount you need. The packaging is really stylish and looks premium. It is easy to carry around your handbag.

Ingredients: I don’t consider it as a skincare product. This is obviously a makeup product but these days I am seeing a lot of brands are coming up with makeup products that do a double duty as a skincare product too. This is also similar. However, it contains denatured alcohol which strips off our skin of the natural oil of our skin. So, that’s a minus point. It has SPF 30++ which can give you a certain amount of sun protection but definitely it is not sufficient to replace your sunscreen. Still it is better than nothing. I would give it some points for the attempt to make it a solid multipurpose product. It contains fragrance but it didn’t bother my nose. It also contains Mica which gives that slight shimmering effect which I usually don’t like but it is very subtle in this case. Overall, I would say treat it as your any other makeup product and cleanse your face thoroughly to remove all the residue at the end of the day.

Texture and Finish: When I first took out the product it exactly looked like any other foundation and the texture is somewhat thicker than usual BB/CC creams. I apply it with a damp beauty blender. It helps to give the natural glow and don’t make my face look cakey. If you blend it really nicely (and you have to be quick because it kind of sets quickly), you will get that even looking, smooth dewy finish. It stays like that through out the day. Doesn’t make my skin look extra oily or greasy at all. Still if you are worried you can use a setting powder to tone down the shimmering effect. It will set off to a beautiful satin like finish.

It somehow doesn’t blend well when I try to apply it with my finger tips or a foundation brush. So, my recommendation will be to try it with a damp beauty blender. Also, don’t forget to prime your skin up before applying this or you can simply mix the CC cream with your moisturizer. It will help to blend this CC cream really well and give you a very naturally glowing smooth finish.

Coverage: This gives medium coverage to fade the small dark spots if you are using just one pump. If you are looking for a full coverage then you may need a little more to apply it to the targeted areas.

Shades: Unfortunately I didn’t find any other shades for this Luminous CC cream. Not sure if they are just not available in India or they just made only one shade. This is really for people with lighter skin tone and it can make your skin really ‘white’ if you go overboard with this product. So, you need to find the right amount for your skin complexion and also blend really well to get the desired impact ‘your skin just better’.

Overall, it works for me to just quickly get an even toned glowing skin before I step out. I can use it as a tinted moisturizer or even as a highlighter as well. Doesn’t make my skin look oily and stays on for a whole day. But, as of now I can see only one shade which is really unfortunate. So, this is not a blind buy. If you find it in a store, please try it out before buying.

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

Standard
Favorites, Makeup

L’Occitane Facial Cleansing Oil – Review

I have been searching for a good facial cleansing oil aka makeup remover for quite some time. I was using the Plum E-Luminence Simply supple cleansing balm as a makeup remover but since I am almost done with it, I wanted to try something new. Recently I came across the L’Occitane’s Facial Cleansing Oil and bought the mini version to give it a try. Here is my quick review on that.

Price and Quantity:

Usually L’Occitane’s products are quite expensive but the good news is that they have a mini version of the facial cleansing oil which is affordable. The 30 ml bottle comes at Rs 400 and trust me this 30 ml bottle will go a long way. I just need a pea size amount to cover my entire face. So, if you are someone who doesn’t put a lot of makeup frequently, go for the mini version. The 200 ml bottle comes for Rs 2150. Also, L’Occitane gives a lot of freebies/trial packs. So watch out for them. You can get this facial cleansing oil at Nykaa or at the official L’Occitane website as well. But, I noticed their official website doesn’t have the mini version.

L'Occitane's Facial Cleansing Oil

Product Description:

Infused with anti-ageing immortelle and soothing calendula flowers from the south of France, L’Occitane’s Facial Cleansing Oil – a pH friendly make-up remover leaves skin feeling cleansed, smoother, energised and purified from daily urban grime.

When it comes into contact with water, it transforms from a silky smooth oil into a milky emulsion that is gentle on the skin but tough on make-up and impurities like pollution. Immediately, skin feels fresh and the complexion is clear. Day after day, skin becomes more supple and soft.

Non-comedogenic. Tolerance tested under dermatological and ophthalmological supervision.

Ingredients:

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil – Peg-40 Sorbitan Peroleate – Isopropyl Isostearate – Caprylic/capric Triglyceride – Coco-caprylate/caprate – Parfum/fragrance – Helichrysum Italicum Extract – Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract – Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil – Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil – Tocopherol.

My Take on the L’Occitane Facial Cleansing Oil:

Packaging: The packaging is very minimal. The mini version of the facial cleansing oil comes in a transparent plastic bottle with a navy blue pump. There is no outer cap to protect the pump but unless you press it accidentally there is no chance of leakage. The pump allows you to take out the exact tiny amount you need. It is quite travel friendly.

Texture/Color/Odor: It is simply like an oil but the oil is smooth, spreads easily all over face. Doesn’t have a grainy texture. It has a typical herbal smell but there is no added fragrance to it. It doesn’t irritate my nose or my skin.

Did it do the job? yes, it did and did it absolutely perfectly. let me first tell you how this should be used. I take only one pump(just a pea size amount) on my palm when I am using liner, mascara, foundation, concealer ( in short full face of makeup). If you are using just say liner and maybe some concealer you will need just half a pump. After that, I spread it all over my face and gently massage. It doesn’t feel sticky at all. Then I add a just a few drops of water on my face and the oil turns into a milky emulsion. Some more gentle massage and poof! all the makeup is gone. I wash my face with water and also do a double cleanse with a very mild cleanser from Cetaphil. If you don’t want to double cleanse, that is also totally fine. This oil based cleanser doesn’t make my skin greasy or oily at all. It actually looks nourished afterwards because it balances the pH level of the facial skin. The advantage of using such oil based cleanser is that it doesn’t strip off the natural oil of our skin and doesn’t make the skin extremely dry. Every time my skin looks smooth and glowing after I use this.

Another very important point regarding which I was very cautious is that it does not irritate my eyes. Even the waterproof mascara or eye liner comes off so easily without irritating my eyes. The formula is absolutely praiseworthy.

If you are someone who gets extremely anxious to remove all the heavy makeup when you come back home very tired, please give this a try. This is amazing!

Am I going to repurchase this?

This is for sure going to be a staple in my makeup bag. I actually didn’t find any cons for this product. Anyone with a dry or oily skin can use this. You can always do a double cleanse afterwards with a mild cleanser but the L’Occitane’s Facial Cleansing Oil has definitely made my life so much easier. I am going to buy this again.

If you have tried this, let me know if you have liked it too, in the comments section 🙂

Standard
Favorites, Makeup, Product Review

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder (Medium) – Review

I have never been a powder person. I am talking about any type of powder here like talcum powder or setting powder or loose powder. However, the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder has changed my view. It’s been a life-saver for an oily skin girl in a super humid weather. I have used the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Setting Spray previously and has been in love with it. The Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder didn’t disappoint either, in fact it surpassed my expectation.

Price

The 8 gm product retails for Rs 4300 on Nykaa website. I know it is too pricey. They also have a mini version which costs around Rs 2500. They have a refillable version too available on their brand website but I don’t think they have launched it in India yet.

Product Description

A super-finely milled powder that feels like cashmere on your skin, blurring the look of lines and imperfections for a soft focus-finish. Sweet almond oil and rose wax help to promote smoothness and moisture of the skin. Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder features nourishing ingredients to prevent excess shine and brighten the look of your complexion. It gives your skin a long-lasting, soft-focus airbrushed looking finish. You can use the powder on its own to mattify oily areas or on top of your concealer and foundation to set and perfect.

Supercharged Ingredients:- Rose Wax (Rosa multiflora flower wax): Extracted from the flowers of the Multiflora Rose, the wax helps to nourish and moisturise the skin.– Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil: A vegetable oil containing oleic acid, with softening and moisturising properties.– Light-reflecting Pearls: Pearlescent pigments diffuse light at it hits your face in such a way that it helps to luminate the complexion.

Ingredients

Talc, Mica, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Dimethicone, Silica, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Zinc Stearate, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pei-10, Propylene Glycol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Rosa Multiflora Flower Wax, Tetrasodium Edta, Water, Dimethiconol, Tilia Cordata Flower Extract (Tilia Cordata Extract), Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, [May Contain/Peut Contenir (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499)].

How to Use

Using the Powder & Sculpt Brush, apply Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder around the nose, T-zone and any other oily areas that need to be mattified. This can be used on top of any Concealer or any Foundations to set them.

My Take on the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Powder

Packaging – This powder comes in a beautiful rose gold metallic case with a mirror and the CT logo. It is very lightweight but the downside is that it does not contain any applicator/sponge. This felt really inconvenient to me. Often I forget to carry a separate brush for the setting powder while travelling. I think for a high-end product at this price point, this is a let down. Also, I noticed the outer side of the compact is very prone to attract finger prints which makes it look very messy sometimes.

Texture – The texture of the powder is silky smooth. It is definitely very fine milled as claimed by Charlotte herself. It spreads like a dream on the face and honestly I never really feel that I applied powder on my face. It gives a matt finish but does not make the skin look dry at all. Since I have oily skin, I have noticed that after an hour or so my face looks dewy with a subtle glow and I absolutely love that. It gives my skin that healthy natural glow and also keeps my makeup underneath it totally as it is.

Does it do the job? yes and it is amazing at it. Here are the Pros of Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder

  • The powder blends like a dream. It is finely milled and the texture feels silky smooth.
  • It sets the makeup instantly and keeps it that way for 5-6 hours.
  • Although it mattifies the skin at the beginning but after a while it leaves a beautiful radiant glow to the face once it blends with the natural oil of our face. However, it does not look greasy or oily at all. More like a soft dewy finish with a healthy glow.
  • Hides the pores around my nose. Does not crease. Does not make my makeup appear cakey.

Are their any Cons? Unfortunately yes but still I will give this product a 8.5 out of 10 and I am definitely going to repurchase it.

  • It is quite expensive.
  • It does not have any applicator. Disappointed 😦
  • They have only 4 shades – Fair/Medium/Tan/Deep. I think for average Indian skin tone, the fair one is too fair. I purchased the medium and it is somewhat a neutral shade. I think they can introduce a few more other shades like their other product ranges.
Standard
Makeup, Product Review, Skincare

Laneige Glowy Lip Balm (Berry) -Review

I recently stumbled upon a new lip product from Laneige which I believe is a recent launch to the Indian market (not sure though :p). It is their glowy lip balm range which has 4 shades or types. After my great experience with their lip sleeping mask (which I still use), I did not give a second thought while purchasing one of these lip balms. Let me share my honest review here with you guys.

Price and Quantity: 10 ml cute little tube comes at a price of INR 690. It is available in Nykaa. They come in four variants – grapefruit (coral), berry (pink), peach (light yellow/orange) and pear (green).

Product Description (According to the brand):

Lip balm that coats the lips with a layer of moisture and makes them look supple and glossy.

Benefits:

– Daily moisturizing: It instantly removes flakes and makes the lips look hydrated as though the lips are coated with a breathable layer of moisture.
– Texture that’s smoothly wrapping the lips: It applies as though it’s wrapping the lips with colorless thin layers, so the lips feel light, while still not damaging the color of the lipstick.
– For a healthy voluptuous look of the lips: It adds a natural healthy color to make the lips look full, voluptuous.

Texture: A tube type lip balm that fits the sticky form as if to coat it thinly.

Recommended for:

– Concerned about dry lips
– Concerned about dead skin cells when wearing a matte-finish lipstick
– To create a glossy and supple look of the lips

Full Ingredients list: Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Hydrogenated Poly (C6-14 Olefin), Diisostearyl Malate, Polybutene, Phytosteryl Isostearyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Microcrystalline Wax / Cera Microcristallina / Cire Microcristalline, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, Synthetic Wax, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Mica, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla)Wax / Candelilla Cera Hydrocarbons / Cire De Candelilla, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Fragrance / Parfum, Candelilla Wax Esters, Dimethicone, Dehydroacetic Acid, Methicone, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba)Wax / Copernicia Cerifera Cera /Cire De Carnauba, Silica, Yellow 10 Lake(Ci 47005), Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Blue 1 (Ci 42090), Water / Aqua / Eau, Propanediol, Bht, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli)Extract

My take on the Laneige Glowy Lip Balm ( Berry):

  • Let’s first talk about the packaging. The lip balm comes in a very cute and sleek pink tube. Laneige has customised the colour of the tube based on the variant. You simply need to squeeze a bit of the product from the tube and directly apply on the lips. The berry variant comes in this pink tube whereas grapefruit comes in a coral, pear comes in green and peach comes in a somewhat yellowish-coloured tube. The pink colour of the berry variant will remind you of their bestseller lip sleeping mask. The packaging looks and feels premium. No complaints about that.
  • There is a sweet bubblegum kind of smell to this lip balm. Not sure if they customised the fragrance based on the variants. I really wish they got rid of it especially since it is a lip product. I know a lot of people like this type of smell on their lip balm but it is simply not needed and we may not see the impact immediately but fragrance may cause problems in the long run. The good thing is that the balm does not have any taste if you accidentally lick it.
  • There is a slight sheen to this lip balm. I spotted mica in the ingredients list. So, maybe it was added to give this effect. When I applied matte lipstick after using this lip balm, that shimmery finish was still there and I did not like it. So, I try to use a very minimum product or take a tissue to remove the excess balm before applying a matte lipstick. But, on the other hand, if you want to use it as a lip gloss, it will work pretty well. Just use it on top of your usual lipstick and it will give you a glossy and moisturized finish. Although it has a pink tint when I took out the product on the back of my hand but the colour gets neutralized when you spread it on your lips. So, if you are wearing it on top of any shades of lipstick, chances are this balm will not change the shade at all. It doesn’t look like a tinted lip balm but I have pigmented lips. So, maybe for others, it may give a slight pinkish tint but my guess would be that the colour payoff is almost ignorable. If you are looking for a tinted lip balm then this is not the product you should buy.
  • Coming to the texture, it is a bit thick but not sticky like the Laneige lip sleeping mask. It softens my chapped lips almost instantly and keeps them that way. I have used a lot of balms which either take time to soften my lips or the dryness comes back rather quickly in a few hours. This is not the case with the Laneige glowy lip balm. It keeps my lips hydrated and soft for the entire day even after having a full-course meal.

Let me quickly list down the pros and cons of these lip balms

Pros:

  • Keeps the lips super moisturized for the entire day
  • Instant relief for chapped lips
  • Non-sticky, non-greasy, tasteless
  • Travel friendly and I am actually using it as an alternative to the OG lip sleeping mask just because of the ease of application 😀

Cons:

  • Contains fragrance
  • Not tinted (that’s not exactly a problem but the four different variants with different coloured packaging may confuse people that these are tinted)

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

Standard
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 🙂

Standard
Makeup, Product Review

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray – Review

A very new addition to my makeup bag is a setting spray. I recently purchased Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray and I am definitely loving it. Charlotte Tilbury’s make up range is available in Nykaa. Setting sprays are very essential part of any makeup artist’s kit. They act as a good primer and when applied on top of makeup, they keep the makeup intact for the whole day and also leaves a dewy finish to the skin.

Price and Quantity: The travel-size 34ml spray bottle comes at a price of INR 1750. The 100ml bottle comes at a price of INR 3000. I think it makes sense to purchase the 100ml bottle because it will go long way and it is simply travel friendly. Even if you are outdoors or at the office restroom, you can just quickly spray it off for instant hydration.

Product Description:

Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray weightlessly primes and sets for up to 16 hours* for the perfect looking makeup day, every day. Instantly lock in your look with Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray for makeup magic that looks just applied! This delicately scented, long-lasting, next generation setting spray is a magical beauty amplifier inspired by the smoothing, pore blurring effects of Charlotte’s world-famous airbrush makeup family. The high – performance formula works in harmony with your complexion-enhancing foundation, concealer, bronzer and powder to create a weightless veil of hydrating goodness and a flawless – looking finish! No melting, no fading, no creasing!

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Amp-Acrylates/Allyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Pvp, Phenoxyethanol, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Polysorbate 20, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice Powder, Parfum (Fragrance), Potassium Sorbate, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Pistacia Lentiscus Gum, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Phenethyl Alcohol

My take on the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray:

  • Comes in a transparent glass spray bottle with a rose gold lid. It is a familiar Charlotte Tilbury branding and packaging. The product has a slight floral scent. Not too bad for my taste but I wish they could avoid the fragrance.
  • The formula is very light, doesn’t make my skin oily or greasy yet gives my skin a hydrated dewy look. The product claims that it locks in makeup for up to 16 hours, with no melting, fading, or creasing. I have not tested it for 16 hours but I can say I have seen that it kept my skin oil-free, my concealer did not crease under my eyes, nor did my eye shadow got smudged.
  • I hold this setting spray at my arm’s length and spray 2-3 times max and that does the job. Also, make sure to shake the product before use so that you get a fine mist spread evenly over the face.
  • I sometimes use it also as a primer. This helps to blend the powder foundation or concealer really well into the damp skin. Also, it definitely increases the staying power of the makeup. Even you can quickly spritz it after few hours of the initial application of the makeup to get the fresh dewy look instantly.
  • It works well for both dry and oily skin. If you have dry skin, it will give you the much-needed hydration and definitely prevent making your skin look cakey and tired. If you have oily skin, it will take the extra shine off your skin. You don’t need to use a setting powder if you are using this setting spray. This spray is just a fine mist and does not make the skin too wet. It gets absorbed instantly into the skin with a few gentle pats.

Let me quickly list dows the pros and cons of this product.

Pros:

  • Works well for both oily and dry skin
  • Set the makeup for quite long hours without a retouch
  • Fine mist, easy to get absorbed
  • leaves a dewy finish

Cons:

  • Expensive for the Indian market but one bottle will go a long way.

Hope you will find this review helpful. Have a nice day 🙂

Standard