Bourjois Sweet Kiss Lipstick in Fuchsia Cosmopolite (80)

Heyyy Girls!!!
My favourite make up brand Bourjois has come out with a few new lipsticks as an addition to the existing Sweet Kiss range of lipsticks. It is part of their Paris/Delhi/Shanghai Autumn 2011 Trends.

 

Neon lip colors are huge this season. We have seen them in movies, on the catwalk and the streets. Get them in pink, red or orange, neon lipsticks are definitely hear to stay!

Getting back to today's lipstick review, I have previously written a detailed post on some other lipsticks from the Bourjois Sweet Kiss line and how much I'm in love with them. But here is a quick description of the Sweet Kiss Autumn 2011 collection for those uninitiated.

(picture with flash)

" URBAN OR ETHNIC, SUBTLE OR FLASHY, DARK OR FAIR, PINK IS AT THE CORE OF THE 2011 CATWALK TREND.

Be daring and embrace the ethnic trend in just one flick! Take your pick from our 3 new luscious Sweet Kiss shades and get ready to dress your lips in radiant colour.

The formula is enriched with natural Argan oil and vitamins C* and E with an incredibly soft and fine texture, for maximum comfort and up to 8 hours of moisture. "

Price : INR 650

Quantity : 3 gms.

Available at : All Central and Westside stores

Keeping in mind the neon trend of lip colors, I purchased the number 80 Fuchsia Cosmopolite lipstick from the Autumn 2011 collection. 

Fuchsia Cosmopolite is a bright fuchsia color with a heart of pink. Don't let the bright color scare you, once applied on your lips, it gives a vibrant pop of fuchsia pink to the lips. I would suggest you wear this as a lip stain and apply it preferably with a lip filler for the perfect smudged look.

 

I am absolutely in love with my new Sweet Kiss lipstick, make sure you try these too and let me know how you like them!



LipIce Sheer Color Natural Review

Heyyy Girls!!!
Winter is finally here and all of us are hanging on to those chapsticks and lip balms as if life itself depends on them ;-P
So today I will be reviewing the LipIce Sheer Color chapstick which along with moisturised and soft lips also gives a sheer pink color. Read on to know more...

LipIce says :
"With LipIce Sheer Color Natural, you can now protect your lips while making them look beautiful. LipIce Sheer Color Natural is a lip balm that mysteriously turns from white to pink, on application. LipIce Sheer Color Natural comes with :

• Natural Beeswax that nourishes and replenishes your lips.
• Natural Olive Oil that softens and keeps your lips moisturized.
• Vitamin A, C and E with deep moisture that keep the lips soft, supple and fresh."    

Price : INR 190


Quantity : 5 gms.


Available At : All Health & Glow outlets

LipIce claims to be Japan's No. 1 Lip care brand and given that the Japanese are eons ahead of us when it comes to all things cosmetics, fashion and lifestyle in general, when I saw this chapstick on display near the billing counter at my local Health & Glow I just knew I had to grab one.

LipIce comes in a cute pink and silver chapstick tube with pink flower motifs designed on the cap. Seriously cute! The chapstick is white in color and has no fragrance as such. The chapstick is smooth to apply and glides on like butter would. I was so happy with the super moist lips this chapstick gave me, I completely forgot about the sheer pink color it changes to after a couple of seconds. Checking my make up in the car mirror is a habit of force and needless to say (once you see the pictures below) that I was simply blown away by how pretty and pink my lips looked!
    

Application :
You can use this as you would any other chapstick. However, remember that the more LipIce you apply on your lips, the deeper the pink color gets. Also the chapstick should not be turned out completely from the tube as it may break.                    

Pro's of LipIce Sheer Color Natural :

• Affordable Price
• Sleek and tiny LipIce will fit in anywhere and is great to carry along for instantly soft, pink lips
• Has a variety of fruit flavoured balm on offer. Also, two other LipIce Sheer Color are available : Color Lame which has shimmer and looks like gloss and Strawberry which is flavoured. 
• Intensely moisturises lips and hydrates them
• Color pigment is pretty and saves the trouble of applying a lipstick on top of a lip balm
• Pink tint lasts long on lips and inspite of eating and drinking leaves a gorgeous yet natural stain

Con's Of  LipIce Sheer Color Natural :     

• LipIce chapstick is kind of delicate and hence I would suggest you use it carefully lest it snaps

To Splurge or Not to Spurge :
Yes please! Splurge on this one. It's great for the winters with no hassle of juggling both your lip balm and lip color. Less is more and LipIce chapstick is definitely less. I wear this chapstick to the gym and I love the way it leaves my lips feeling and looking. I'm planning to stock up on these on my next trip to Health & Glow.


Final Verdict :
LipIce Sheer Color Natural gets a 4.5/5 from me!   
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum

Heyyy Girls!!!
After the Olay Regenerist Cream Cleanser, comes the Regenerating Daily Treatment Serum!

 

Olay says :
"Regenerist Regenerating Serum uses a highly concentrated form of our amino-peptide + B3 complex combined with Olay moisture. Suitable for everyday use, it helps visibly regenerate skin’s appearance and leaves skin feeling velvety-smooth. 


Perfect for normal skin, dry skin, and combination skin, add it to your skin care routine to: 
• Soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles 
• Improve skin’s texture 
• Hydrate for the appearance of visibly firmer and more elastic skin over time "

Price : INR 1299


Quantity : 50 ml.


Available at : All leading departmental stores

The serum comes in a greyish silver bottle with a pump dispenser. Very attractive yet mature to look at, which makes sense given its an anti-ageing product. The pump easily dispenses the required quantity into your palm. The serum, itself is a clear fluid with an ointment like texture. The fragrance is nice and for the best description, pretty much like any other face cream you may have used. 
When applied on to the face, the serum is instantly absorbed into your skin leaving no traces of any kind of product. Signs of an excellent serum!


Application : 
Once or twice a day, after cleansing, use your fingertips to smooth Regenerist Regenerating Serum evenly onto your face and neck. It can be used alone, or under moisturiser or make-up. Applying this serum after a hot steamy shower while your pores are still open is probably the best way to get maximum results.

Pro's of Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum :

• Nice Packaging
• Moisturises while treating signs of ageing
• Instantly absorbed into the skin
• Can be used with make up in place of a primer
• Leaves skin super soft and smooth to touch

Con's of Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum :

•  Expensive

To Splurge or Not to Splurge : 

Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum is a nice serum which certainly moisturises your skin while fighting signs of ageing. Except for the steep price, which can be taken care of by not buying an additional moisturiser given that this Serum does the work of both, I think its got all pro's and no other con. Plus, I have worn this beneath my make up a couple of times and my make up did look fresher and lasted longer. 

Final Verdict : 

Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum gets a 4/5 from me!

Olay Regenerist Cream Cleanser Review

Heyyy Girls!!!
All the commercials asking me to start taking care of my skin and the ageing issues it might face finally got to me and I decided to buy the Olay Regenerist Cream Cleanser. Not for me, but Darling Hubby ;-) However, knowing me, I just had to try it out to let you Girls know if what Madhuri Dixit claims in the commercials is true...



Olay says :
"Olay Regenerist Cream Cleanser speeds cells’ natural regeneration in two ways. First, oxygenated derma-beads gently remove dead skin cells. Second, the creamy formula regenerates skin's surface at the cellular level to detoxify it. Add it to your skin care routine to:
• Exfoliate to detoxify skin
• Deep clean and hydrate."

Price : INR 349

Quantity : 100 gms.

Available at : All leading departmental stores



Regenerist Cream Cleanser comes in a plastic tube with a flip top. The Regenerist branding with the black and red colors on the tube is quiet striking and easy to spot amongst the aisles full of self care products. The cleanser is easy to dispense from the tube and can join you on your trips too as the plastic flip top is pretty sturdy and seals well. The cleanser itself is white in color with minute exfoliating beads which aren't visible to the eye. The cleanser smells nice and simply adds to the experience of cleansing your skin.

Application :

Wet your face with water. Dispense suitable amount of Cleanser on your palm. Dot the cleanser all over your face and gently massage into your skin. Please note this Cleanser will not foam or make bubbles. Rinse off with water. Use twice daily as part of your Cleansing routine.



Skin looks frsh and bright after using Olay Regenerist Cream Cleanser

Pro's of Olay Regenerist Cream Cleanser :

• Creamy Cleanser with micro beads to gently exfoliate your skin, every time you wash
• Smells nice
• Does not foam which in turn is respectful to mature skin
• Leaves your skin looking fresh and soft to touch

 Con's of Olay Regenerist Cream Cleanser :

• Price. But with the results of this Cleanser and when compared to other anti-ageing products available in the market it seems kind of apt.
• Does not thoroughly remove make up from skin. When wearing make up, make sure to use a cleansing milk/make up remover before washing your face with this
• Made my combination skin oily. However, given I'm only in my early 20's and this one's for mature skin (skin gets drier as you age) one must give it the benefit of doubt



To Splurge or Not to Splurge :I have only used it a couple of times as I bought this one for my DH. It did leave my skin looking fresh and was respectful while cleansing. Mature skin needs to be handled with care and the products used for it should be mild and gentle. Olay Regenerist Cream Cleanser is certainly a good cleanser for you if after years of neglect, you now want to treat your skin with the love and respect it rightfully deserves. All my 30+ Girlies, you might want to give this cleanser a try. 

Final Verdict :

Olay Regenerist Cream Cleanser gets a 3.5/5 from me!

Dove Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner

Heyyy Girls!!!
After the review of Dove Nourishing Oil Care shampoo comes the review of its conditioner!

Dove says :

"A conditioner helps keep your tresses tangle-free and beautiful, after every shampoo wash! It also locks in the moisture, so your hair stays healthy, and protected against dryness and hair damage.

Presenting the New Dove Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner Dual stripe conditioner with power of double nourishment Dryness, which is the very first sign of damage, makes your hair look dull and feel rough. The reason behind this dryness of hair is lack of nourishment. That's why treat your hair with Dove Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner that has the power of double nourishment. It is the next generation conditioner with golden ribbon inside that contains Vita-Oils to nourish your hair from deep within, leaving no greasiness on the outside. Its white ribbon that contains the conditioner locks-in the nourishment to keep dryness at bay. Restore your hair's smoothness and softness with the Dove Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner."

Price : INR 160

Quantity : 180 ml.

Available at : All super markets and general stores

The conditioner comes in a plastic tube with a flip top. Again, easy to dispense but a little tricky to travel with. The packaging and the logo of the conditioner is identical to the shampoo's. The conditioner is thick, much thicker than a regular conditioner. When dispensing the conditioner you will see two different strips in it. A white conditioner and a golden ribbon of Vita-Oils. The fragrance of the conditioner is pleasing and reminiscent to other Dove hair care products. It does not fade after washing and lingers mildly in your hair.

 

Application : 

Dove Nourishing Oil Care Conditioner is much thicker than other conditioners, hence I would recommend using this on dripping wet hair after shampoo. Squeeze out excess water from your hair, take the required quantity in your hand and rub between both the palms. Now, directly apply on the length and ends of your hair. Avoid applying conditioner on your scalp or roots as it may leave your hair looking greasy and flat. 

Leave the conditioner in your hair for up to 3 minutes and rinse, preferably with cool water.

 

Pro's of Dove Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner :

• Reasonably priced
• Thick strip of conditioner with nourishing oils
• Instantly absorbed into the hair
• De-tangles hair
• Split ends and damaged hair is visibly reduced
• Hair is much softer to touch and smells nice

Con's of Dove Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner :

• Even after repeatedly using this conditioner, even on a daily basis I could not find any cons. I wanted to list the flip top cap as a travel hazard but when a conditioner gives such amazing results, you may just want to over look it. 

To Splurge or Not to Splurge :

Yes. This conditioner is perfect for dry hair in need of nourishment. The Vita Oils in it make it perfect for the winters. In fact I would suggest you use it with the shampoo from the same line for best results and complete nourishment of your hair.

Final Verdict :

Dove Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner gets a 4/5 from me!

Dove Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo

Heyyy Girls!!!
I am finally down to reviewing the most talked about shampoo in the market currently! Yipeee I'm so excited :-D

Dove says :
"Hair often feels rough and dry after a hair wash, that's because ordinary* shampoos strip your hair of its natural oils. New Dove Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo is enhanced with Vita-Oils that go deep inside the hair fiber and help lock in the nourishment of oil; making hair smooth, shiny and beautiful with every wash. 


Dove Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo with Fiber Actives and Vita-Oils give Vitamin enriched nourishment to make your hair resilient to damage."


Price : INR 210


Quantity : 375 ml.


Available at : All super markets and general stores

I have always trusted Dove as it is one of those rare brand which although retails at drug store rates but gives the results which at times can easily compare to many high street brands. Dove shampoo is omni present in my shower as it gets back the good hair days even when I have ill treated them. When the promos of the Nourishing Oil Care range started I just knew it had to be purchased. Every Indian girl has grown up oiling her hair and it can very well be credited for the thick, luscious Indian mane. Hence, a shampoo which provides your hair with the nourishment of oil is something that definitely needs to be given a shot.

The packaging is pretty much same as most other Dove hair care products. Tall white plastic bottles with different color bands on them to distinguish each type from the other. The Nourishing Oil Care range has a golden flip top with the Dove logo on it. The shampoo's logo with a drop of the golden Revolutionary Vita Oils has been designed to keep it looking eye catchy over other hair care brands including other Dove products. However the only drawback is that this shampoo bottle, given the flip top would not be travel safe.

The shampoo is golden in color with what looks like shimmer particles and the consistency is thick. The fragrance is classic Dove shampoo which is a delight to the senses and lingers in your hair long after drying. The shampoo foams well and thus very little is required at each wash making it last longer. Application of the shampoo is similar to your other shampoo's. 


Pro's of Dove Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo :

• Inexpensive
• Easily available at all super markets, general stores etc.
• Lathers well and hence will last longer
• Cleans scalp without stripping hair of oil making it suitable for daily use
• Leaves even damaged hair hair soft and moisturised
• Smells nice and keeps hair fragrant even after drying

Con's of Dove Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo :

• Contains SLS and Silicones
• May leave a residue with excessive use due to the presence of silicones. Make sure you use quantity sufficient for your hair thickness and length and dilute shampoo with water once on your scalp.

To Splurge or Not to Splurge :Dove Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo is a boon for hair that is dry and even more so, after a wash. This shampoo even while cleansing will nourish your hair as the name very well describes. It leaves your hair soft, moisturised and smelling great. Would recommend this for any one who wants to give their hair the extra TLC with every wash.

Final Verdict :

Dove Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo gets a 4/5 from me!

Lakme Eyebrow Pencil Review

Heyyy Girls!!!
A quick review of this amazing pencil which I've seen my mother use forever and now I depend on it too for filling in and shaping my brows!

Lakme says :
"Comes in an intense black shade. Darkens, defines the eyebrow for the complete look.

• Water-resistant formula ensures no smudging or smearing.
• Easy to sharpen and use 

Lakme Eyebrow Pencil comes in an intense black shade. It Darkens, defines the eyebrow for the complete look. It is Water-resistant formula that ensures no smudging or smearing and easy to sharpen and use."

Price : INR 30

Available At : All Lakme outlets and cosmetic stores





 

Lakme Eyebrow Pencil is a tiny sleek pencil just like the regular stationery one's. It comes sealed in a plastic wrapper that needs to be torn open for use. The pencil has a plastic cap and a dark black pigment. You can sharpen this pencil using either a regular pencil sharpner or even a razor.

Application :

I prefer to keep my Eyebrow pencil kind of blunt as it helps in controlling the excessive lines that may appear from a well sharpened tip. As the lead pigment is dark, use it carefully, simply to fill in any gaps or points in your brow which need to look fuller. In case you end up making your brows way to dark, wipe them with a cleansing tissue. I also blend this pencil well using my finger to make the look more natural. Use this pencil once your foundation is set for best results. 

 

Pro's of Lakme Eyebrow Pencil :

• Inexpensive
• Easily available at local cosmetic stores
• Dark, well pigmented lead
• Does not need to be sharpened frequently making it last longer
• Gives a natural look

Con's of Lakme Eyebrow Pencil : 

• Needs to be used carefully, with a light hand and small strokes to avoid excessively dark eyebrows
• Packaging could be improved and made to look more stylish
• Given its size, is easily misplaced

To Splurge or Not to Splurge :

Lakme's Eyebrow Pencil is a must have for every girl given it helps you shape and fill in your brows especially if your beautician has gone all out on them at your last threading appointment. Also otherwise, it is a great option over eyebrow powder which have minimal presence restricted to high street make up brands in the Indian cosmetic market and hence are not easily accessible to all.

Final Verdict :

Lakme's Eyebrow Pencil gets a 3.5/5 from me! 

Work Wear for Women

  Heyyy Girls!!!
Every time you dress for an interview or the first day at your new work place I am sure you worry yourself sick about what your first impression will be like. The pressure to look professional and committed to your work along with a reflection of your personal style statement is an enormous challenge that you have to achieve. However, a few correct choices in your wardrobe can make every morning spent deliberating over your clothes and accessories a cake walk.





These are some work wear wardrobe staples
1. Cotton blouse
2.Skirt Suit
3.Kitten Heel Pumps
4.Slim dress with belt
5.Pencil Skirt



When planning your work wear the first thing to keep in mind is your office environment, the nature of your job and what level you work at. The goal is to keep your clothing such that it projects an image of being professional and competent. However, you need not sacrifice your personal style statement to achieve this. Choosing the right fit, style, cut and colors will help you immensely in looking committed to your job. I am sure that looking smart will take precedence over looking trendy for most of us.

The trick is to strike the right balance between looking professional yet stylish

1. Color Play - The color of your clothes is what sets the tone of your image at work. Red spells a go-getter while Navy is a confidant you can trust. Gray means conservative while Black is classic chic. These colors can feature prominently in your skirts, trousers, suits, shoes and handbag. To go with these colors pick a cotton or silk blouse in ivory, soft pink, lilac, ice blue creating a softer, feminine look. Avoid wearing jewel toned colors, metallic shades or animal prints to often as they look loud and risky.

Make sure your pencil skirt has a comfortable fit



Popped buttons on your blouse or jacket is an ugly sight you should avoid



Visible panty lines is a huge faux pas. Invest in seamless inners with well stitched skirts/trousers

     

2. Get Fitted - Fit is everything when it comes to work wear. Trousers should be fitted with no visible panty lines, Skirts especially pencil fits should be comfortable to sit and walk around in, shirts and blouses should not have any gaps between button holes. Jackets and blazers should easily button up.

Sarees are an elegant choice for your work wear. Pick them preferably in day colors.



Sarees are an elegant choice for your work wear. Pick them preferably in day colors.





3.The Desi Formal's - Unless your company policy is pretty rigid about power dressing, there is no harm in incorporating some Indian or even Indo-Western pieces in your work wear. A long kurta with a stole and a fitted stretch legging is a good and comfortable option to include. Casual sarees made from cotton or chiffon are great too, provided you can wear them well and are comfortable in a saree through the day.

A well structured handbag lends an air of sophistication to your l



4. Accessorize IT - Do not undermine the power of accessorizing. They can make or break your entire look. Be very careful with what jewellery and shoes you wear and the handbag you carry to work. Make sure you carry a well structured bag to look organized. Slouchy bags like a Tote or a Hobo are a big no as they give a laid back look. Jewellery should be restricted to stud earrings, a wrist watch and a ring or two. Do not wear earrings that dangle or bracelets with charms. Chunky neck pieces are a disaster as they may overtake your entire personality. Shoes should be flats or if you would like to wear heels make sure they are two inches or kitten heels. Peep toes, Pump shoes or Mary Jane's can all be worn with work wear.

Basic grooming is a bi-monthly routine you must follow

5. Personal Grooming -  It is very important to look well groomed yet approachable at work. Your hair should be neat and if you do wear any hair accessories make sure to keep them subtle. Well manicured hands and feet and hair free skin are some other necessary steps of self grooming which every Girl should incorporate in her routine. While wearing make up is a personal choice, I have previously written a post on office make up tips so you could refer to it for your make up choices.                  

Pick up dressing tips and cues from fellow employees and seniors

                                                                   
 6. Watch & Learn - If you are still confused about what you should or should not wear at work and what defines Corporate Casual or Casual Friday dressing, take cues from other female employees of your company, preferably a female senior or boss. If there are no reliable females employees to imitate you can pick and learn from the men at work. If they mostly wear formal suits and ties, you should stick to pant suits or skirt suits. Its always a good idea to keep an extra outfit at work in case of emergency meetings or conference calls. Corporate Casual or Casual Friday's means dressy pants and blouses, dresses, denims and skirts. Open toed shoes, sandals and wedge heels can also be worn as past of your casual work attire.

Be Careful about how much skin you show

Mini skirts and Hot pants will only make you a gossip topic amongst co-workers

 

7. Work Wear Mistakes -There are something's you should never be seen wearing at work, even if it is a Casual Friday. This includes hot pants, mini skirts, see through clothes, lacy outfits, torn/ripped/embellished jeans, tee shirts, hats, sneakers, spaghetti straps, wrinkled/baggy clothes and stilettos or very high heels. As trivial as it may sound, the kind of clothes and accessories you wear has the power to affect your image at work. So make well thought out purchases.

Hope this post helps all you Girlie's simplify and sort out your work dressing. After all the clothes you wear to work are not meant to be boring and serious, it should help your career yet not over take it. So, stop stressing and Happy Work Dressing! 

Schwarzkopf Professional BC Repair Rescue Shampoo Review

Heyyy Girls!!!

Winter giving your dry, damaged hair nightmares? It's time to rescue and repair!

Schwarzkopf says : 

"NEW BC Repair Rescue revolutionises hair care with the FIRST Biomimetic hair repair technology.

BC Repair Rescue not only repairs the cells within the hair but also recreates the hair surface Biomimetically; for hair returned to its optimal level of health.

BC REPAIR RESCUE; for a 100% Healthy hair surface, down to every last strand."

Price : INR 540

Quantity : 250 ml.

Available at : All Schwarzkopf affiliated salons

The shampoo comes in a cylindrical plastic bottle with a red bottom. The lid of the shampoo can be pressed open to dispense the shampoo. The shampoo is white in color and smells nice and fresh like all Professional BC products do.

Pro's of Schwarzkopf Professional BC Repair Rescue Shampoo :

• Repairs and visibly reduces damage
• Split ends appear reduced
• Smells nice and lingers in hair
• Since very little quantity is required at each wash, it will last for a long time
• Hair is left smooth and soft without any frizz

Con's of Schwarzkopf Professional BC Repair Rescue Shampoo :

• Expensive, more so than any other Professional shampoo brand in this range
• Not suitable for oily scalp
• Does not thoroughly clean dirt and oil

Hair after wash with Schwarzkopf Professional BC Repair Rescue Shampoo

Closer look at hair after using Schwarzkopf Professional BC Repair Rescue Shampoo

To Splurge or Not to Splurge :

Schwarzkopf Professional BC Repair Rescue Shampoo is an excellent product for hair that has been damaged and stressed to its limits. It actually repairs and cares to prevent further damage. I have been using this shampoo with Schwarzkopf's Smooth Shine conditioner and it gives me salon like results with every use.

Final Verdict :

Schwarzkopf Professional BC Repair Rescue Shampoo gets a 4/5 from me!