Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Dermalogica Brighten Up! Kit: Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, Dermalogica Microexfoliant and Dermalogica Total Eye care Review


Dermalogica Brighten Up! Kit:  Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, Dermalogica Microexfoliant and Dermalogica Total Eye care Review


 After halfheartedly nixing the repurchase of my most favourite Neutrogena Deep Clean Foaming Cleanser of the year 2014, I wanted a Cruelty-Free replacement. I already repurchased Himalaya Aloe vera Facewash but it failed to conform to my squeaky-clean-non-stretchy requirements. Before using the Dermalogica Microexfoliant, I had already prepared an identical exfoliant at home using rice flour as a base. I wanted to try the original product as well, so I purchased this online from Flipkart

Dermalogica Microexfoliant alone retails around 975 INR for 13grams, so this kit definitely is worth the price.

Usage:
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel: 45 days, once in the morning.
Quantity: 50ml

Dermalogica Microexfoliant: Thrice a week or after cleansing on dull skin days.
Quantity: 13g

Dermalogica Total Eye care SPF15: Used twice (hence I am skipping the review)
Quantity: 4ml
Dermalogica Brighten Up! Kit:  Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, Dermalogica Microexfoliant and Dermalogica Total Eye care Review

Price for Dermalogica Brighten up! Kit:
1945 INR

Cruelty-Free Status:
Cruelty-Free [Listed on PETA and Leaping Bunny certified but acquired by Unilever since June 2015]

Paraben Free? I can still read 'Paraben' in the ingredient list of Cleansing Gel and Total Eye care listed in the end, in minor quantities.

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel Review:
The texture is distinct, a cross between liquid and gel. It does not lather more than required and starts to break down with water. A pea sized is enough for cleansing morning skin might require more if using post makeup removing.
The results are squeaky clean without over-drying, just as they assert. And the effect radiates with a light on my forehead, nose and cheekbones after cleansing. I wish the sebum did not take the luminosity away. I have used 60% of the product, and get ahold of whenever my skin appears dull.
My skin was oiliest with little acne during the phase I switched to Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel.
Sadly, this cleanser did not help in reducing acne or even clearing them nor do they assert the same.

Recommendation: Try it for the especial texture and the luminosity it imparts from the first use. I am certainly using this for special occasions and dull days.

Dermalogica Brighten Up! Kit:  Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, Dermalogica Microexfoliant and Dermalogica Total Eye care Review

Dermalogica Microexfoliant Review:

The texture resembles finely milled Rice flour except there is bead like granules that dissolve on massaging.
This unlike rice flour does not feel gritty; imagine oatmeal mixed with rice flour in equal. This foams when it comes in contact with water, just like Baking powder with water.
Anybody with sensitive skin should probably prefer this over cream scrubs. I dislike regular scrubs with the results that my skin is irritated and often rosy post usage. Also, I have abandoned products with non-dissolving micro-beads as they have been fatal to fishes and other aquatic creatures. Ban the Bead!
And going by the ingredients list, I prepared a mixture that works the same except the texture is gritty though non-irritant and non-foamy.

1 TBS Oatmeal finely sifted through muslin
1/4th TBS Rice flour
1/4th Licorice powder [jesthamadh (Marathi) /yeshtimadhu (hindi)] (key to brightening skin)
½ TSP Wheat flour
a pinch of Baking powder (not baking soda)

 
This mixture works the same except Dermalogica Microexfoliant contains Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, a surfactant used in cleansing products, including bath soaps, bubble baths, and shaving cream, detergents, and shampoos. (Source: cosmeticsinfo.org)
It instantly brightens the complexion though fails to clarify blemishes. What I dislike is the packaging, so I neatly taped all the dispensing holes to avoid flying away or wastage.

Dermalogica Brighten Up! Kit:  Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, Dermalogica Microexfoliant and Dermalogica Total Eye care Review

Recommendation: If you find most of the scrubs irritating on your skin. This could be the gentlest option and is easily available online.
I may repurchase the Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel but not Dermalogica Microexfoliant. I am saving these both for especial days. And for exfoliation, I prefer oatmeal and honey over counter bought scrubs. I have already switched to Derma prescribed facewash for acne, I would definitely update if I repurchase.


Dermalogica Brighten Up! Kit:  Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, Dermalogica Microexfoliant and Dermalogica Total Eye care Review

Dermalogica Total Eyecare SPF15 First Impression:

I switched to Dermalogica Total Eyecare SPF15 after I ran out of my Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Concentrate. [3ml lasted me for more than two months, heavy texture]
Dermalogica Total Eyecare SPF15 is lighter and absorbs faster, just a few pats and it vanishes. No greasy residue and barely there feeling, I have not used it under concealer yet.
But next morning after cleansing, my under eye area is plumper, smoother and feather soft to touch. I like it better than Fresh Black Tea Age Delay.

**Update: I tried to search for this particular Kit, but it was a February 2015 edition, free with the purchase of
£50. The products are available separately. check the SOURCE

Sunday, August 23, 2015

My New Camera: Bokeh Photography, Literary Love-Letters and the rest

My New Camera Canon 70D for Beauty Blogging: Bokeh Photography, Literary Love-Letters and the rest.

Bucket List: A Wall full of Pictures. [Probably in the living room]
Someday, I will have a wall full of pictures and stories behind each that would have the privilege of being on it. 
A Wall of fables, fantasies and tales... I would call it.

My mind was overwhelmed with Bokeh Photography for more than twenty-two months. I put the lights over my bed’s headboard for added ambiance  and it would always show up unfocussed in the pictures. Bokeh. was all I wanted. And then I toppled in this phantasmagorical world of photography.

When I bought a compact camera, I did not plan, walked into the store and purchased the first camera I noticed. A baseless rather unconcerned behavior I would call it.

Much later after winding up the academics, I experimented with photography again. This time I tried Bokeh Photography with the Canon Ixus 510 hs. And the results were admirable. Here are few pictures:

Bokeh Photography with Compact cameras Canon ixus 510hsBokeh Photography with Compact cameras Canon ixus 510hs

When I was deciding on a Digital SLR, I did not wanted to start out with the beginner ones. I am inquisitive and I don't do things halfheartedly. I had both my eyes on the Canon EOS 70D. And I would have waited till eternity...
After a lot of contemplation I finally bought Canon 70D! 

Natural light bokeh with Canon EOS 70D DSLR
view from my window
Bioderma in India buy online,  Bokeh with Canon EOS 70D DSLR Photography

Yves Saint Laurent Beauty YSL Rouge Volupte

Infinity Bokeh with Canon EOS 70D DSLR PhotographyNatural light bokeh with Canon EOS 70D DSLR
Natural light bokeh with Canon EOS 70D DSLR

I am smitten! Can't you tell?


 Bokeh with Canon EOS 70D DSLR Photography

An ode to his eyes... [INCOMPLETE]

Portrait Photography would be the next after mastering the art of Bokeh. I cannot yet explain the fancy and mind boggling words like Aperture, Field of depth and gah gah. And the best part about 70D is I can click my own pictures with a remote, tripod and the highly adjustable screen.


I am thinking of Poesies in images next...

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Asus Diva Meet in Mumbai ~ Launch of Five Asus ZenFones along with Asus ZenFone Selfie.

Source

Few days ago, I got a chance to attend the Asus Diva meet at The Grand ITC, Mumbai. The meet essentially was held for the launch of FIVE Asus Phones with Asus ZenFone Selfie garnering monumental consideration.

The event started around 7 in the evening, followed with an official launch of Asus ZenFone Phones by Asus Managing Director Mr Peter Chang and with deeper insights about the functions and specification by Mr Charles. But the crème de la crème of the sprightly evening was VJ Anusha Dandekar’s tips on Selfie Makeup. Anusha profusely shared all her precise secrets of taking perfect selfies. Before I list down Anusha Dandekar’s ‘Perfect Selfie’ secrets. Here are the Asus ZenFone Phones that were launched that evening.

Asus MD Mr Peter Chang
Zenny in the drive

ZenFone 2 Deluxe: See the crystal miracle
ZenFone 2 Deluxe (ZE551ML) delivers powerful all-round performance and beauty in abundance, with a gorgeous new multifaceted polygonal finish accentuating the signature ZenFone 2 Ergonomic Arc design. ZenFone 2 Deluxe features a 5.5-inch Full HD IPS display, 13MP/5MP PixelMaster cameras, 2.3GHz 64-bit Intel® Atom™ processor with 4GB RAM and 4G/LTE connectivity. ZenFone 2 Deluxe also features ASUS BoostMaster fast-charge technology for 60% capacity in just 39 minutes. As with all other ZenFone 2 models, ZenFone 2 Deluxe includes the latest ASUS ZenUI — the world’s first fully-customizable mobile interface — and Trend Micro™ security software for safe web browsing.

ZenFone 2 Laser: See at the speed of light
ZenFone 2 Laser models all benefit from a powerful 13MP PixelMaster camera with an f/2.0 wide-aperture lens to capture stunning, high-resolution photos with zero shutter lag — augmented by laser auto-focus technology that empowers users to capture perfect clarity in just 0.3 seconds. Available in 5-inch (ZE500KL), 5.5-inch (ZE550KL) and 6.0-inch (ZE601KL) versions with up to 1920 x 1080-pixel Full HD resolution, ZenFone 2 Laser also incorporates the latest and toughest Corning Gorilla Glass 4. It boasts an up to octa-core 64-bit Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ processor with up to 3GB of fast memory for unwavering performance.

ZenFone Selfie: See the perfect you
ZenFone Selfie (ZD551KL) is a trailblazing fusion of fashion, technology and craftsmanship that lets users see their perfect selves, with dual 13MP PixelMaster cameras, dual-color, dual-LED Real Tone flash both front and rear, plus laser auto-focus for ultra-fast shots with complete clarity.
ZenFone Selfie’s Ergonomic Arc design and intuitive rear key makes capturing selfies easier than ever, with live digital cosmetics to apply some magical glamor — all enjoyed instantly on the stunning 5.5-in Full HD display.
ZenFone Selfie’s exceptional front-facing PixelMaster camera has a huge 13MP resolution and an f/2.2-aperture, 88-degree wide-angle lens to capture more of every smile. The unique Selfie Panorama mode enables selfies with an outlook of up to 140 degrees, so everything and everyone becomes part of the shot.
ZenFone Selfie’s rear camera is just as advanced, with a large f/2.0 aperture lens for superior low-light shots. Both cameras are engineered with five-prism Largan lenses and top-quality Toshiba sensors, and include dual-LED Real Tone flash technology for perfect illumination in any lighting conditions. ZenFone Selfie also delivers superb macro photography that works on subjects as close as 6cm, plus rear laser auto-focus to compose shots in the blink of an eye.

ZenFone Max: See for longer
The highlight of the new ZenFone Max (ZC550KL) is its incredibly-long-lasting high-capacity 5000mAh lithium-polymer battery that gives users an unprecedented amount of mobile freedom.
ZenFone Max has a bright and clear 5.5-inch IPS display with wide viewing angles, protected by the latest Corning® Gorilla® Glass 4 for unrivalled scratch-resistance, strength and everyday durability. At the heart of ZenFone Max is a powerful yet power-efficient 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor with up to 2GB of RAM. ZenFone Max features a 13MP/5MP PixelMaster cameras with a wide f/2.0 aperture, and the rear camera also boasts laser auto-focus for sharp, near-instant shots.

ASUS ZenPad 7.0 (Z370) and 8.0 (Z380)
ASUS ZenPad features clean lines, embossed-leather patterning, and premium styling influenced by fashion accessories such as clutch bags and wallets for a luxurious appearance unique among mobile devices. Ergonomic rounded edges make ZenPad comfortable to hold and carry, and its polished metallic frame adds a bold visual accent.
ZenPad is the world's first tablet to feature an innovative interchangeable cover design that lets users easily customize their tablet with functional back covers. These can provide extra features and additional color options, while perfectly matching ZenPad’s looks. Zen Clutch is a sophisticated carrying and protection solution for ZenPad; Zen Case lets users outfit ZenPad in their choice of five sleek or vivid colors and features a fine leather texture; and Audio Cover brings immersive 5.1-channel surround sound to a tablet for the first time. Power Case extends ZenPad’s battery life, giving users up to 16 hours of usage to easily get them through their day or even the longest international flights.
ASUS ZenPad features the exclusive ASUS VisualMaster suite of visual enhancement technologies — including ASUS Tru2Life and ASUS TruVivid — that brings advanced image-processing found on high-end TVs to a tablet for the first time and provides comprehensive visual optimization. ASUS Tru2Life analyzes each pixel in an image before it is displayed and performs an intelligent contrast and sharpness adjustments to boost dynamic range, revealing even the smallest details to ensure an incredibly realistic viewing experience. ASUS TruVivid improves screen clarity, brightness, and touch responsiveness by transforming the conventional six-layer display design into a two-layer, fully-laminated design that eliminates the air gap, resulting in higher optical transparency for brilliant color and improved brightness.
ZenPad is the world's first tablet to integrate DTS-HD Premium Sound, delivering the ultimate sound experience. DTS-HD Premium Sound transforms stereo audio into virtual surround sound so users can enjoy incredible, theater-quality audio right on ZenPad.
ZenPad is available with LTE/3G connectivity and phone functionality or as a Wi-Fi-only model.

Asus 'Mascot' ZENNY
The Phones at display

I checked out all the Phones but I was taken with the clarity and artistry of the Asus ZenFone Selfie Phone. The colours available are ideally feminine with Pink and Tiffany Blue and ofcourse Black.


Anusha Dandekar’s Perfect Selfie Makeup Secrets.
I wouldn’t get into much of her exclusive liking about makeup. But here is how she advocates keeping it natural and stylish.

1) MAC Studio Fix or Powder Foundation to even out skin.

2) MAC Soft and Gentle or any other Highlighter/Bronzer to accent the Cheekbones.

3) Oodles of Voluminous Mascara Coats.

4) Lip gloss [Dab, rest on the eye lids]

And voila! You are fixed for some breathtaking Selfies.
Anusha also approached the Selfie Angles, counseling some of the Divas take unbelievable Selfies with the Asus Zenfone Selfie.
Here are pictures of some of the fun group selfie activities:

Panaroma Selfie Time

The winning was accomplished with Zenny Pendrives and Lolly flashs. The event was sprightly illuminated with Asus Zenfones, Selfies and Angles.

ZENNY Pendrives

You can check more about Asus: https://www.asus.com/in/
ASUS Global Press Room: http://press.asus.com
ASUS Global Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/asus
ASUS Global Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/asus

You can preorder you ASUS Phones on Flipkart!
*These picture are provided by Asus, few of them are clicked by me for no watermarks. =)

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Cruelty Free Makeup in India: Lotus Colorkick Curved Liquid Eye Liner Review

I took longer than usual to sense the pros and cons of the Lotus Colorkick Curved Liquid Eye Liner.
Not that late, when it is time to repurchase this with a surprising verdict. I am mentioning how I prefer using the curved eyeliner and a reason my hopes are dashed. I would not wantonly call this a copy of NYX Cosmetics The Curve Liner, though I wanted it at some point.
The curve control kept me consumed all these months, I kept ciphering the ways. But once the control puzzle was resolved, I learnt a wondrous trick.

Cruelty Free Makeup in India: Lotus Colorkick Curved Liquid Eye Liner Review

Uses: 20 times or more.
The tip is moderately flexible and pointy.
Cruelty-Free Status: Cruelty-Free
Price: 725 INR

Cruelty Free Makeup in India: Lotus Colorkick Curved Liquid Eye Liner Review

I refrain Tight lining with Gel eyeliner because most of the time, it glides down on my contacts blurring my vision. And I found my perfect tight liner. I tight line: Upwards to inwards. I prefer drawing a thin line close to my lash line. The gaps are filled without any residue to glide down with moisture.

The Curve is assistance if you cannot apply eyeliner or you cannot draw straight/fine lines. You have to hold this as you intent to draw your lines by resting the tip on your eyelids horizontally. And redo till you get your desired stroke/line. This is what precisely the straight tip and the curve combination deliver. [I figured!]
I have tried the same method with Maybelline pen eyeliner, but that is effortful since either your fingers or pen intermediates the vision.


Cruelty Free Makeup in India: Lotus Colorkick Curved Liquid Eye Liner Review
Tightline & Lined with Lotus Colorkick Curved Liquid Eye Liner

Feline flicks and Winged eyeliner application becomes plain sailing. I rest this in an angle I want to wing out and then slowly draw inwards. The degree of the angle depends on the drama I fancy.
Lotus Colorkick Curved Liquid Eye Liner stays on until you remove it off with a cleanser or makeup remover. It strikingly does stay unaffected through rain, humidity and sweat, unless you rub it off.


Cruelty Free Makeup in India: Lotus Colorkick Curved Liquid Eye Liner Review
Eyeliner following my natural lid curve & Winged with Lotus Colorkick Curved Liquid Eye Liner

What displeases me is the quantity and the finish. I have loved Maybelline Gel eyeliner and I do not want to repurchase it. I miss the gel eyeliner finish with this. The texture is liquiform and wets the skin surface on application, almost like a liquid eyeliner. It turns out glossier and the glossiness builds with layering. I prefer matte or gel finishes in the morning and daylight.
0.4 ml for 725 INR, Definitely EXPENSIVE!

To conclude, I use Lotus Colorkick Curved Liquid Eye Liner for Tight lining; No eyeliner look and when I fancy effortless even winged eyeliner. And to top off my brainwork, I would repurchase this but not before I check out Kryolan Gel Eyeliners.
[The only decent Cruelty-free and probably Vegan eyeliner in India, I must mention]


Saturday, August 08, 2015

Airtel 4G Sim just a Tweet away: Get your AIRTEL 4G sim by tweeting #GetAirtel4G

In the world of Technology and a social lifestyle that requires virtual connections, one cannot be slow paced. Because Life is fast paced like an action movie, a slow connection equals being dead.
I multitask a lot more than required being a lifestyle and beauty blogger. But I dislike wasting time for waiting to load the website and videos. My Wi-Fi connection is a waste which never connects when I have to work. But when I am out, my 3G connection doesn’t work well with my patience.
Imagine you are Youtube-ing something and the amount of time, it streams losing patience and interest at once.
Frustrating isn’t it?


I relieved a sigh when I read Airtel is launching 4G in India covering 296 towns. I am a user myself, so I am waiting to switch to 4G as soon as I can.


So How do you get your own AIRTEL 4G Connection?
So if you already own a 4G handset, here is greatest news of all. Airtel now offers a unique 4G SIM delivery service. All you have to do is: Tweet #GetAirtel4G and you get your 4G SIM delivered to your home free of cost. Isn’t this praiseworthy of Airtel for being so consumer-friendly?

How and where do you Tweet?
Tweet #GetAirtel4G to @AirtelIndia.
Then @AirtelIndia would reply you a link directing to you to fill in your address or personal details with regards of 4G SIM delivery.
That’s all you have to do to get your Airtel 4G SIM. So if you already have a 4G handset, go ahead to get your 4G SIM delivered at your doorsteps.

Yesterday I insisted one of my friends to switch to Airtel 4G and asked him to follow the steps I mentioned above. And to our surprise his Airtel 4G SIM arrived at his doorsteps in less than 4 hours!
AirtelIndia’s 4G SIM delivery seems just like their 4G service: speedy and rapid.
Go Tweet and Get your rapid Airtel 4G SIM in a jiffy.

Saturday, August 01, 2015

Garnier White Complete Speed White Fairness Facewash and Multi Action Fairness Cream Review: #7DayGarnierChallenge


Product is sent by PR.

My ties with Garnier White Complete Facewash were incessant until my mother switched her Hair colour brand. These tubes would always come handy while traveling or while I would run out of my cleanser, always free with some or the other product.
I have used both the Face wash and Cream in the past. But Garnier claims White Complete Speed White to be Our Best Ever Formula (sic). I am also listing out how this formula is different from the previous ones I have used in the past.

Usage: 7 Days (6 nights)


Garnier White Complete Speed White Fairness Facewash (sigh).
The consistency is creamier than before and fragrance is refreshing and a zing of citrus (quite strong). Indeed a Squeaky clean skin feeling post the usage without stretchy feel.
The major difference I would say would be the consistency and fragrance. Though it instantly brightens the skin, but the brightness is dismally impermanent.


Garnier White Complete Speed White Multi Action Fairness Cream.
There is a mammoth dissemblance in the New Formula and Old. The old formula left an oily residue, fence-sit to absorb (at all) and left a white cast. And the old formula would cause redness on my cheeks if used during day. So I astutely used it only at night, I followed the same with the new formula as well. I used it as my night cream for 6 nights after cleansing/toning.
The texture is improved and has shifted gears from Greasy to Featherweight. I wouldn’t be surprised if it would be foamy and effervescent: it is that light. The new formula absorbs instantly though the white cast is inescapable. The fragrance matches the face wash, Citrusy but bitterer. (I wonder why)
Also the fragrance lingers for quite some time. And the skin does appear bright noticeably but nothing dramatic. This makes a light hydrating moisturizer for Combination skin. Even though this contain high amount of Stearic Acid, I had no acne issue because of Garnier White Complete Cream since it contains Benzyl Salicylate.


The Fairness Counter claim.
It would be imbecilic of me if I tell you my skin is fairer than before But more imbecilic of you than me If you would actually believe it.
The verity is that this would only even out your skin tone and get rid of acne scars (fading). With regular use this may get rid of your tan and restore YOUR Natural Fairness (skin tone). And the Brightness would last as long as you use this duo.


Cruelty Free Status: Non Cruelty Free.
Price for Garnier White Complete Speed White Fairness Facewash: 145 INR for 100grams
Price for Garnier White Complete Speed White Multi Action Fairness Cream: 160 INR for 40grams

I wish this Range included Night Repair Creme/ Cream and Serum that would work best for oily skin.
You have to try it to see if this New Formula suits your needs. (Even skin tone and Rapid acceleration of fading scars)
Claim your Sample of the new improved Garnier White Complete Multi Action Fairness Cream HERE
After you Claim your Sample, You need to Comment with your experience below.
You can independently share your product experience on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram ( check my sidebar for my respective handles) by Tagging Makeup Discourse & Garnier India with the hashtag #7DayGarnierChallenge.
One of you stands a chance to win a Garnier Gift Hamper (Hair and Skin). The Lucky commenter will be chosen by Garnier India.

Goodluck! =)