Makeup Discourse

I’m reviewing Fair & Lovely BB Cream and creating a unique look with it. The product is sent by the brand for consideration.


Fair & Lovely, the brand is synonymous with Fairness. It didn’t come to me as shock when the cosmetic industry was caught in a whirlwind of ‘BB creams’ and all the added alphabets.

Let me start with a note expressing that lets just look at Fair & Lovely entirely as a BB cream keeping aside all the else claims. I have been using Fair & Lovely BB cream for a week now, in the morning after cleansing. I did wear it in the sun and I got a blemish on my nose. So the first thing I did was check the ingredients list. The third ingredient on the list is Stearic Acid which is comedogenic and even found in sunblocks and lotions.

About Fair & Lovely:
Fairness Cream with a Make-Up Finish
~ The revolutionary Fair & Lovely BB Cream combines benefit of fairness cream and make up foundation ~
Fair & Lovely, the pioneer of skin lightening creams and face care expert, launched the New Fair & Lovely BB cream, a revolutionary Fairness Cream that gives a Make-Up Finish. It’s an expert product that combines the benefits of foundation and multivitamin fairness cream - giving consumers access to the instant transformative power of make-up with the goodness of fairness cream.

Why BB cream?
Young Indian women want to look perfect all the time, and do aspire for the instant transformation that make-up/foundation can give, however they refrain from using make-up every day given the harm it may cause to their skin. With the new Fair & Lovely BB Cream make up like transformation is permissible every day, Apart from covering dark spots and blemishes instantly to give make up like flawless looking skin.

Fair & Lovely’s introduces first BB Cream
Enriched with multivitamins and SPF 15 PA++, Fair & Lovely BB Cream also nourishes the skin and protects it from harsh sunlight. Fair & Lovely BB cream mix has been meticulously crafted to now democratize make-up finish for millions of Indian women who want to get impeccable make up like texture to the skin, without worrying about any harm to the skin. It is Fair & Lovely’s first BB product with a vanishing sensory that delivers a matte, non-oily feel, a product tailored to local hot and humid climate. Its unique colour tone inspired by rose gold,blends naturally with Indian skin tones to give that gorgeous looking skin without application of any make up.
Fair & Lovely BB cream is the answer to a girl’s beauty needs, as it cuts down time consuming make up rituals to few minutes. Inspired by the trend of rose-gold, its premium white and rose-gold packaging strikes a beautiful balance – bringing together Fair & Lovely’s fairness expertise and the world of make-up.
So be it the first day in office, or college, or just a fun outing with friends this summer, make Fair & Lovely BB Cream part of the daily skin regime.

Here is a summed up review on the Fair and Lovely BB cream.
My initial thought on using Fair & Lovely BB cream was: The coverage could have been better.
The BB creams I have tried till date gave me a radiant dewy finish, Fair & Lovely for a change gave me a mattified satin/velvet finish.
The deviant thing that I have noticed while using Fair and Lovely BB cream is that if I were to use this on a hot summer’s day out in the sun/open air, after few hours my skin turns sticky. It could be because of high humidity, and I am not a touch up person (unless it is needed). So it becomes cumbersome to wear this on a hot summer’s day. I am looking forward to using this when the weather is clear.


What I liked about Fair and Lovely BB cream
~ The Rose Gold Packaging
~ Velvety Texture post application
~ Mattified effect that lasts upto 2-3 hours
~ Blends easily [If applied instead of moisturizer]
~ A great option for Oily skinned girls
~ It certainly does brighten up the complexion but on darker skin tones it would approximate a whitish cast.
~ Complexion looks nicer in person than in pictures
~ SPF 15 & PA++
~ Affordable and easily available

What I  didn’t like about Fair and Lovely BB cream
~ Universal shade that will not suit darker skin tones
~ It does accentuates dry patches on my combination skin
~ Fragrances in my face products sort of puts me off
~ No Coverage, concealer is quintessential.
~ Comedogenic Ingredient: Stearic Acid?
~ I did not notice any Fairness as per the claims

Everyday Work Wear Makeup ft Fair and Lovely BB cream:
I was challenged to blog about an Everyday Work Wear Makeup look that one could achieve even with their hectic schedule. So I decided I would do a Subtle Everyday Work Wear Makeup that will go with Western as well as Indian formals, and in Five minutes.



Step to Five Minutes Every day Work Wear Makeup Tutorial
~ Moisturize and apply Fair and Lovely BB cream. Blend fast or it becomes difficult to blend.
~ Powder your T zone and apply a Soft Pink blush.
~Use Fair and lovely as an eyeshadow primer and apply flesh toned eyeshadow all over the lid.
  Blend Cool toned Brown colour into the crease. Apply Eyeliner and finish off with a Mascara
~ Apply Coral Pink Lipstick. Top it with a moisturizing lip balm.
~Apply Highlighter on the highest points of your face.




Hair: Pulled back into a simple Pony tail and secured my bangs with bobby pins.

Fair and Lovely BB cream works great as an eye shadow primer. If you have oily lids, do give it a try.

Recommendation: If you are looking for a mattifying BB cream for Oily- Normal skin.
And an Eye shadow primer ;-)

Available in: 9g, 18g, 40g for 49, 79, 169 INR respectively.

Rating:  ♥ ♥ ♥

Maybelline NewYork has launched their Spring-Summer 2015 Collection in India with Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid Foundation, Maybelline Color Show Go Graffiti Nail Polishes and Maybelline Color Sensational Rebel Bouquet Lipsticks in India.

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While I was at the Maybelline counter yesterday, I observed the recent launches and Maybelline Color Sensational Rebel Bouquet Lipsticks captivated me out of their launches. There are total Six shades launched in here, out of six, five which were available over the counters.
My love for Nail Polishes is waning and I have already found my Holy Grail Foundation!



The Rebel Bouquet is quite Bold and Bright Colors and as Maybelline rightly describes them A burst of rebellious color!
The Oneness about this collection is based on Pastel Colors which are Summer appropriate.
Apart from that, the Lipsticks contain Honey Nectar providing a sumptuous feel to enrich the hydration.

The Texture: When I swatched these at the counter, the texture was semi-buttery and glided smoothly.
The Finish is ofcourse Lustre but I'm sure the hydration will work even on dry lips. I would love to mattify these by blotting or just dabbing on to the lips.

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The Pigmentation: Considering the colors are Bright, Bold and Pastel-ish,the Pigmentation is befitting. The best thing about bold and bright colors: You can wear them saturated or use as stain or layer with a clear gloss and tone the brightness down. Such colors are multipurpose for me. ;-)



REB01 is a bright Red and does appear lustre-high but is saturated. I'm sure it will go opaque in a single swipe.

REB02 is a Pink with mauve undertone.

REB04 is a cross between Red, Pink and Coral, looks very similar to Sleek Heartbreaker.

REB05 is a Tangerine with coralish Lustre, the lustre makes the color look a bit coralish.

REB07 is a pretty Pink with brown tones which makes it odd man out here. It isn't pastel or bright.
The softest shade in the collection and might be a perfect 'Rose Nude' for some. To sum up, A soft rosy shade.

The Packaging: I must say, the packaging is classic Maybelline Color Sensational. The Color of the bullet matches to the closing tube, hassle-free storing.

The Price: Maybelline Color Sensational Rebel Bouquet Lipstick is priced for 450 INR in India.

I skipped these for an obvious reason. *.*

The Bloggers before Scalp Facial.

The temperature is going through the roof with 33 degrees in Mumbai. Ever wondered how much gunk our hair follicles must accumulate with excess sebum, humidity and sweat?
We have Facial scrubs for the grime on facial skin. What about our scalp?
I always wondered why we don't get Scalp Scrubs since I suffer from scalp flakes in winter. So as home remedies, I would use various concoctions and rinses that would help remove the build up.
Currently, Scalp Facials or Scalp Micro-dermabrasion Treatments are frantic just like the sun.


 
So I picked up the opportunity to get myself a Scalp Facial and Try the Nioxin Hair System Kit. The venue was Nalini and Yasmin Salon in Bandra. We were quickly introduced to the brand, Nioxin with an in depth explanation of How Nioxin works and Why it is necessary to undergo Scalp Facial before using the Nioxin Hair System Kit.
Natasha Naegamvala and Harsh attended all our doubts and queries patiently. I'm revealing more details on Scalp Facial and my experience below.

What are Scalp Facials and what does they exactly do?
Hair grows and falls within a certain cycle that varies from person to the lifestyle they follow. Hairfall is normal when you loose 50-100 strands of hair a day. When a stand of hair completes it cycle, the Dermal papilla or the spot from where the hair bulb grows out turns vacant. This spot then accumulates sebum, dust, pollution, sweat and other foreign bodies restricting new hair growth or poor hair growth.
Scalp Facial or Scalp Microdermabrasion helps vacant or unclog (is a better word) these spots which helps a better growth cycle as well as gets rid of scalp flakes. It is equivalent to deep cleansing pores on facial skin.

So why can't we steam our scalp or massage scalp for a better Blood circulation?
Scalp massages are great, said Natasha. But they stimulate the hair follicles but they don't unclog the Dermal Papilla. From what I have read and experienced, Steam open up the pores on the scalp for better absorption of the product say Oil or Scalp conditioner better.
The AHA~ Alpha Hydroxy Acids (Glycolic Acid) is a natural exfoliant derived from Fruits, Vegetables and Botanicals. These AHA gently exfoliates the scalp unclogging the follicles and Dermal papillae.

Left to Right ~ Nioxin Cleanser & Revitaliser, Nioxin Intensive Treatment (Deep Repair) and Nioxin Scalp Renew (Serum)

The whole story to be taken into consideration before going for Nioxin Hair System Treatment (Kit):

~ The System regime contains Nioxin Cleanser, Nioxin Scalp Revitaliser (Scalp & Hair Conditioner) and Nioxin Scalp Treatment (Scalp Leave-In) is ought to be used Daily or on alternate days at most.
Nioxin Hair System Kit costs roughly around 2300 INR.

~ Treating Hair to Oil or Oil massages should be avoided.

~ Avoid using any other products. Blow drying is allowed.

~ Treating your scalp to Nioxin Scalp Renew Dermabrasion Treatment is quintessential if you choose switch to the System.
Nioxin Scalp Renew Dermabrasion Treatment costs around 3000 INR for each session which should be followed up after 30-45 days.

~ Nioxin Scalp Renew Dermabrasion Treatment is Salon only Treatment. So book yourself an appointment with Natasha or any other salon that provides Nioxin.

~ Nioxin Scalp Renew Dermabrasion Treatment can be done even when you don't face thinning issues.


After the discussion, We all underwent consultation and Scalp diagnosis. We were asked about our concerns, lifestyle and health issues. After the session we were recommended System number accordingly.
My concerns: Crown Hair Thinning and Lack of volume.
Since my hair aren't chemically treated and are naturally thin, I was recommended Nioxin Hair System Kit #1: Normal to Thin-Looking Hair.
We were quickly treated to Scalp Facial or Scalp Microdermabrasion Treatment one by one. I was attended by Harsh. The treatment is applied by parting your hair in sections and only on scalp. It is then left on for about 10 minutes and followed with the System Kit.

Nioxin Scalp Renew Dermabrasion Treatment peppermint oil, white tea extracts and other botanicals which felt soothing and pleasant in this scorching heat.

The system of Cleansing, Revitalising and Scalp Treatment and blow dry was carried out by Nikita on me.


And the results!



My Hair felt a little weighed down and my scalp felt squeaky clean. I certainly felt my hair roots/Scalp if touched, smooth and refreshed. And they did feel thicker to touch, like every strand had it's own individual definition.

I have already started using the Nioxin Hair System Kit #1 every single day!
Check back after 20 days for my conclusive brainwork about the Nioxin Hair System Kit#1.

And here are more pictures from the Blogadda Event.

With Unconventionally Beautiful: Natasha Naegamvala

L to R ~ Oindrila, Renu, Stuti, Michelle, Me, Khushboo, Priyanka (I guess), Jhilmil & Aayesha

The BlogAdda Team

You can try and experience #NioxinNowIndia at your nearest salon. This activity is in association with BlogAdda.com

~ For any details on Nioxin or any queries, leave comments or drop me a line! =)

Shopping is always something that is unavoidable at any point of time. We need to do shopping for one reason or the other, for self or for some others. But, if you are an ardent shopaholic, you must be very keen and will be having a budget for sure as you do shopping always. Most of us do shopping specifically but when it comes to those crazy shoppers, it is just random. They do shopping according to their mindset for the time.

Online shopping is one such place where you can do a lot of random shopping as you will see a lot of good offers and discounts available for quality and branded products. Apparently, you will be tempted to shop more than your confined list, thus landing in exceeding even your budget. But, there are several online stores where you can do tremendous shopping within your budget and all the products are assured to be of the finest quality and are from top brands. Have a look at these online stores from where you can get the best fashion products at the cheapest prices…

Snapdeal


Snapdeal is one such online shopping store where you get to see a wide range of categories including fashion and it is also one such store that always gets its customers with cool and amazing offers, tempting them to shop more. Snapdeal Promo Code can be used while you shop online to avail more discounts on your products. Check out the store for the latest collections in fashion that are trendy, that can make your friends look at you with awe.

Snapdeal also has a wide range of other products including electronics, footwear, makeup products and other articles that are available at amazing deals. So, do check for the store once while you plan to do a random or even specified shopping.

Zovi



Zovi is yet another amazing online fashion destination for all those people who are crazy about fashion and trends. It is truly a wonderful fashion hub for all those fashionistas, from whom fashion is more like their world. Zovi fashion is something that is too incredible as they have many unique fashion styles at their store to attract all those shopaholics crazy about fashion. Use Zovi Coupon Code while shopping and choose the right code that can help you get the best discount.

Trendin


Trendin is again one of the most popular online shopping stores for all trendy fashion outfits. This store makes you feel the latest trends at one place. Now that it is summer time, the store has a huge collection on those fashions that can keep you cool and stylish. Look for Trendin Coupons while making online shopping at this store for availing more discounts on your purchase.

There are plenty of other online shopping stores that are perfect destinations for being a real fashionista and that too by spending the least. So, next time do not forget to explore these wonderful online stores to grab the best fashion at the cheapest rates!


*Sponsored Post 

And I french kissed Winnie Cooper under the bleachers of 4th of july fireworks.
Things were changing.

Remember Kevin's voice-over in Season 4 of first episode?
The Wonder Years has to be my favorite coming of age series apart from Heartbreak high (I watched when I was 11 and restricted) and Dawson's Creek.

The Course had really begun unconsciously; I always favored certain kind over the ones laced with fanciness.
The conclusion of turning cruelty-free was not and is still not really easy. I was unsure of the temptations I will have to over throw. Nobody’s forcing me nor am I trying to convert people into buying Cruelty-Free. Back in the day I actually followed the cult. But now I restrict buying Chinese products, fireworks and all those things that lay any Child's labors.
I had to take my stance and proceed with practicality.
Things were changing.
My primal fear lied in parting with certain products and slim pickings of Cruelty-Free Makeup. I was not strictly Cruelty-Free then but chose them over the others.

How did I make a change in turning Cruelty-Free?
I abstained myself from buying any new products and concentrating on using all that I already have.
I will be discarding them with time, making room for more cruelty-free products. And now certainly I am going for paraben free, vegan and cruelty-free options. I am trying to really narrow down the options to the best I can.

Why Paraben Free and Vegan?
I was reading about Parabens, researching rather while I came across a Research Thesis by Ragnhild L. Aarflot where he initiated an instance that hormonally related diseases like Breast, Prostrate and testicular cancer, diabetes, obesity and reproductive disorders can be caused by prolonged effect of Parabens happened orally, dermally or by inhalation. My skin is prone to pigmentation and this has been  recently noticed. And to add it is due to hormonal imbalance, I am trying to take measures to see the effects of ceasing dermal exposure to paraben. I have been noticing my moods and state of mind as well. I would like any inputs if anyone knows more about them as well.

Reorganizing and Planning
I have shortlisted the brands and the products I would try and substitute with the ones I wanted to try. I want to get few more YSL Rouge Volupte but I am trying to find substitutes for them as well.
Over the age, I have been more profound towards Life and everything else. I have been putting more thought into everything that I am a part of and moreover even with those things that hold less importance seem equally important now. I have accepted and adapted to the change as easily as I could.