Dirty Works Vitamin C Brightening Mask Review

Before I proceed with the review, I must thank Renu of http://www.mybeautyjunction.com/ for introducing Dirty Works to me. I had seen the products in one of her haul posts and the packaging caught my eye. Immediately I turned to google and found out that Dirty Works is a budget skincare brand in UK that's become very popular for it's low priced high quality products. At that time, I could only check out their website because the brand was not available in India but good news pretties. Medplusbeauty is now stocking some Dirty Works products! And the day I got to know that, I placed my order for the Vitamin C Brightening Mask. I must have spent at least an hour to figure out what I wanted to try first and after a lot of thought settled on this mask. A lot of UK based beauty bloggers have praised this mask so I thought why not? Vit C should always be good for the skin so lets try it out.

The first thing that you will notice about the product is definitely its cheery bright blue packaging. And the next is the very strong orangey smell that will instantly remind you of Rasna's orange drink. Yes! The smell hits the nose pretty hard at first but it does not stay around for long.

The mask is a deep cleansing exfoliating mask so it does the work of both a scrub as well as a face mask. It has Kaolin and the thick texture is similar to that of a clay mask with exfoliating ingredients and Vit C. I have been using this for a couple of weeks now and I absolutely love it! It's a wonderful facial treat that deep cleans, exfoliates, brightens, softens and tightens skin all at once. This product is perfect for people like me who are always on the lookout for instant fixes and don't have a lot of patience. Your face looking dull and tired? Just slather on the mask, wait for about 10 mins for it to dry up and rinse off to find radiant, soft skin. And the best thing is that it does not break me out. The product does have chemicals so if you are 'a no chemical on my face' girl, then maybe this is not for you. If you are not, then do check out this mask at medplusbeauty.com if you are from India. It is priced at Rs 599.

Since I started using the Vit C Brightening Mask, I've stopped using a scrub separately. Why bother when I can get the benefit of scrubbing and deep cleansing in one awesome product? This one carries my stamp of approval pretties. Try it out.

Have you tried any Dirty Works product?

Just a click away: Kama Ayurveda launches its e-store

New Delhi, August 28^th 2013: Authentic ayurveda brand, Kama Ayurveda, forays into the e-commerce space with their new venture – the Kama Ayurveda e-store. Now shop for all your favourite Kama Ayurveda products with just a click of a button. 

The new website also offers its visitors unique and interesting features; test your body type as per Ayurvedic specifications by answering a simple questionnaire, learn how to use basic ingredients found in your kitchen for healthy and flawless skin. Know what goes behind our Ayurvedic products in the Ayurvedic ingredients section, and you can also build your own daily beauty regime as per your skin and hair type in the beauty regime section.

Vivek Sahni, Director at Kama Ayurveda comments “Post the success and positive response to our flagship store launched last year, we hope to reach out to more consumers with the launch of our e-store, making Kama products easily available to our customers in the convenience of their homes. As part of our expansion plans, we have also recently launched our second exclusive retail outlet in DLF Place Saket in New Delhi”.

Kama Ayurveda was started in 2002 by four individuals – Dave Chang, Rajshree Pathy, Vikram Goyal and Vivek Sahni – who believed in the virtues of a holistic life and came together to universally promote the message of authentic Ayurveda. The company partnered an authentic Ayurvedic institution, the highly regarded Arya Vaidya Pharmacy in Coimbatore, a non-profit trust with Ayurvedic hospitals and clinics all over the country.

Today, Kama’s high quality, authentic, beautifully packaged, beauty and wellness products are sold globally and used by some of the world’s leading hotels and spas.

Now shop for Kama Ayurveda products at www.kamaayurveda.com 

INGLOT launches collection of COLOUR PLAY – Freedom Lipsticks and Colour Play Eyeliners

Inglot India launches the Colour Play Freedom System Lipsticks. The lipstick palette comes in one of Inglot’s 10-pan freedom system palettes. The freedom system palettes have a beautiful, sleek feeling with a matte black case and see through magnetized lid.

These lipsticks are long lasting and moisturizing with a creamy texture that works well with lip brushes and lip liners. It is highly pigmented and has a wide variety of shades to choose from with different finishes like semi matte, creamy and frosty finish. The different colours can be paired to create 3D or a two toned effect look. The bold colours enable you to give your lips an enhancing and distinctive look. The collection includes a wide variety of colors:  bright yellow, brilliant lime green, light teal, light true blue, medium blue-toned purple, light pink, traffic cone orange, darker pink, medium red-toned purple, and true white (with more of a satin or matte finish). With their unique formulation and special ingredients these bold lipsticks will leave a scent of candy on your lips. The vitamin E and apricot kernel oil are sure to keep them moisturized and protected. Price starts at Rs. 1300/- for a palette of 2 shades (you can opt for a palette of 2, 4, 5, and more).

Another exciting addition to the collection is the Colour Play Eyeliner. Available in six vibrant shades: dark green, deep blue, turquoise, purple, fuchsia and tomato red, these eye-catching liners add a pop of colour to your eyes, leaving a creamy, long lasting texture. Priced at Rs 850/- with the eyeliner’s built-in sharpener and windup-retractable feature it is perfect for those on the go.

Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss Trio Rose Sugar, Buff, Rosy - Review, Swatches, Pictures

Many of you wanted me to review and swatch these Bobbi Brown lip glosses when I first showed them to you in a haul post so here I am. You will be very amazed and shocked when i'll tell you how much I paid for this lip gloss trio. Around Rs 1200! Yes! The set was on offer as part of strawberrynet's daily deals at more than 60% off (right now, the price is Rs 3876 at strawberrynet.com) and I obviously had to grab it. Even though I'm not really a huge fan of gloss, this trio was just too good to pass over.

I'm not really sure if you can get this set from a Bobbi Brown store because it looks to me specially made for duty free shops at the airport but I think you can get the single pieces in store. The set has three lipglosses - one in shimmer (Rose Sugar) and two regular glosses (Buff and Rosy). Here's a bit about the three colors :

• Instantly gives lips a brilliant, radiant shine look
• Contains soothing botanical extracts to keep lips supple & soft
• Includes Avocado, Jojoba & Chamomile Oils, Aloe Extracts
• Scented with vanilla bean

Rose Sugar - A pretty soft rose with shimmer. This is a shade that's really meant for fair skin tones. On my NC 43 skin, only the shimmer is visible and not the color itself. Since I can't wear it on its own, I layer Rose Sugar on top of lipstick and it gives off a great effect. The pigmentation is good and the finish also glossy and shiny. Staying power is not too great though. When I tried it on its own, I got only a couple of hours out of Rose Sugar. On top of lipsticks, the staying power is obviously more.

Buff - A beautiful muted beige pink that will again look lovely specially on fair skin tones.  It looks very natural yet healthy and this can be your perfect MLLB shade. Buff washes me out unfortunately so I cant really wear it on its own but I do mix with a either a pink or coral lipstick and I get a very pretty color that's perfect for the day. The finish is a cream which I much prefer to shimmer glosses and it is very shiny on the lips.

Rosy - This one is my favorite of the lot coz it's just so pretty and girlie. This coral pink will look good on everyone and you can see from the swatch how shiny it is. Pigmentation is great and this color makes lips look very plumped up and juicy. Only problem is that it's slightly sticky.

My views on them :

The lip glosses in this set are pretty small in size (4.2 ml) which makes them perfect to be kept in the bag and for travelling. The packaging is a simple plastic tube with Bobbi Brown imprinted on the tube. What I don't like about these glosses is the applicator. Instead of a doe-foot applicator, its a tiny brush which makes it very difficult to pick up the product and apply.

The glosses have a very sweet caramel/vanilla scent. I usually hate scented makeup but love this smell coz it reminds me of creme brulee and milkshakes :P

Bobbi Brown lip glosses are slightly sticky and all of these are. Not the 'hair sticking to the lips' type sticky but you can feel it when you apply. Sticky glosses have an advantage though. They last for a longer time and less prone to seeping into fine lines. The Bobbi Brown lip glosses, specially the cream ones do last long - around 3-4 hours and I absolutely love the finish. Glossy, shiny and they are also fairly moisturizing.

Would I recommend these shades? Yes specially Buff and Rosy. They are so pretty and are of great quality as well (if you can ignore the brush applicator and slightly sticky bit).


If you want to buy the Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss Trio Rose Sugar, Buff, Rosy, click here.

If you want to buy them individually, click here. Currently, only Buff is available.

Have you tried any Bobbi Brown lip gloss?

Makeup Master Class by Lakmé Absolute at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013

Lakmé has been a trendsetter for decades and has created several outstanding looks for Indian fashion weeks. A first edition of an interactive Master Class series was conducted by Lakmé expert Natasha Nischol, who revealed how to achieve the Lakmé Absolute Royal looks that would stun the audience at the Grand Finale of the Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013. Purnima Lamba - Head of Innovation, Lakmé India, introduced Natasha Nischol on stage and invited her to demonstrate the season’s beauty statement to the audience.

 The first ever Lakmé makeup Master Class was initiated by Natasha at The Source, Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013, who welcomed well known actress Sarah Jane Dias as a model for the session. A short clipping of Sarah Jane Dias, Lakmé’s Digital Ambassador, presenting make-up tutorials for beauty enthusiasts was screened. 

Purnima Lamba, Head of Innovation, Lakmé India said, “Lakmé has always supported emerging talent through various platforms like Gen Next and Talent Box at LFW. Extending this endeavour, we are proud to start a one-of-its kind Beauty Masterclass for the budding beauty enthusiasts. With the first session by Natasha Nischol, our attempt is to sustain this as a platform from where Lakmé announces the top international beauty trends and decoding them for the Indian audience every season.”

Wearing an Aartivijay Gupta maxi dress, Sarah Jane was glad to be a part of the Master Class and said that she had a lot of fun making the makeup tutorial videos with Lakmé. She mentioned that young girls around the country always have several queries regarding makeup, which Natasha addressed today.

Natasha demonstrated two key trends for the season – Red Lips by Day Look and Red Lips by Night Look, which are Lakmé’s beauty statement for the season. She reminisced about her mother dressing up, which was the beginning of her interest in make-up. She confessed that her first eyeliner and lipstick were coincidently Lakmé products, which she uses even today.

Natasha kick started the workshop by discussing current global make-up trends such as clean matte complexion, statement metallic eyes, futuristic eyeliner, petal/berry stained lips, invisible eyeliner, statement brows, 40’s femininity, 90’s inspired grunge, rock and roll and a statement red mouth.

She then demonstrated the Red Lips by Day look where a base of Lakmé CC light cream in a beige tone was already applied to Sarah’s face prior to the show. A compact from the Absolute range was used for definition followed by invisible eyeliner which gave the illusion of full lashes and mascara for volume.

Natasha followed it by staining Sarah’s lips with light red, after blotting the lip balm that she had put initially to ensure smooth application of the lipcolour. She added a little blush to her cheeks to add a dash of colour and blended it in. A brown smoky eye shadow was applied with an infusion of green, pink and gold metallics along with a hint of eyeliner.

Natasha shared a few tips - the more shades one blends in, the longer it stays and also said that she believes in the philosophy of ‘less is more’. According to her, makeup is something to have fun with and that day-by-day Indians are getting out of their comfort zones and experimenting with more colours.

Sarah confessed that fingers are the best way to apply makeup. The Red Lips by Night look was then taken up by adding highlights to the face with another layer of mascara and further blending in the four shades of the eye colour palette. A deep ‘Milan Red’ lipstick topped off with a ‘Red shine’ gloss was applied creating instant glamour. Natasha said that one should be careful with the amount of gloss that is applied and ensure it doesn’t look over the top.

The look was finished by giving Sarah’s nails a touch of Lakmé’s ‘Scarlet red’ Gel Stylist Nail Colour.

Natasha also shared tips for people to select the perfect red according to their skin tone. Sarah Jane Dias thanked Natasha for changing the misconception that red lips are difficult to carry off. Natasha mentioned that one should look after their skin in order to bring about your best. She also shared her personal skin care regime, which consisted of Lakmé best-sellers like Lakmé Clear Pores Facewash and Scrub, Youth Infinity Serum and CC cream.

Sarah questioned Natasha on more secrets to share and she willingly informed the audience that Absolute Eye Duos eye-shadows that can be used wet and dry insures a smudge free technique and can simply be doubled up for eyeliner. The Lakmé Kajal pencil is also an excellent way to create a black smoky eye clubbed in with a tinted foundation. Sarah also spoke about her personal makeup tricks like using Absolute baked blush with lip gloss to get an excellent lip stain.

The session ended with Natasha and Sarah answering queries from the audience after which Sarah posed for photos with the audience and Natasha for a Twitter update.

Exciting Lakmé make-up tutorial videos are available on Youtube.

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About Lakmé Fashion Week:

Lakmé Fashion Week (LFW) is jointly organized by Lakmé, the No.1 cosmetics and beauty services brand in India and IMG Reliance, the global leader in sports and entertainment event marketing and management. LFW has been conceived and created with a vision to “Redefine the future of fashion and Integrate India into the global fashion world”. LFW is organized twice every year. LFW Winter/Festive 2013 will be held from August 23 to August 27 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Mumbai. For further information log on to http://www.Lakméfashionweek.co.in

New Launches from The Body Shop - Tea Tree Cool & Creamy Wash and Tea Tree Squeaky Clean Scrub

Tough On Blemishes, Soft on Skin

Tea Tree Cool & Creamy Wash

Your Clear Skin Essential

We've got a fresh approach to help combat blemishes! Meet the new addition to our cult Tea Tree range for blemished skin: Tea Tree Cool & Creamy Wash. This cleansing daily wash delivers a blast of freshness with a velvet touch, for skin that’s squeaky-clean.

Our new creamy wash is tough on blemish-causing bacteria but soft on skin. Tea Tree Cool & Creamy Wash intensely cleanses and purifies, instantly removing all impurities and excess oils, without over-drying. From the very first use, skin looks fresher and feels softer.

Natural Skin Softeners

Be a big softie! Our Cool & Creamy Wash is enriched with a cocktail of natural skin softeners including Community Fair Trade marula oil from Namibia and Community Fair Trade soya oil from Brazil.

Natural Antibacterial
Tea Tree Cool & Creamy Wash benefits from the skin-clearing power of tea tree oil, one of nature’s most potent antibacterial.

Deeply Cool

We've added a hit of menthol to help give the wash its cool sensation and fresh fragrance.

Super-Fresh Sensation
Discover deeply cool freshness! With natural coolers,

Tea Tree Cool & Creamy Wash delivers a fabulously fresh skin feeling that lasts all day.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Cool & Creamy Wash, Rs 595.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Squeaky Clean Scrub, Rs 795.

Meet the power trio that keeps skin shine & blemish free!

Day Tea Tree Cool & Creamy Wash -  A deep cool menthol wash that is soft on skin removes all impurities & excess oil

Night Tea Tree Squeaky clean scrub - A gentle scrub that exfoliates, unclogs pores and removes blackheads

24/7 Tea Tree Oil - Our iconic targeted solution that clears blemishes without over-drying skin. Apply whenever you have a blemish SOS.

Love Tea Tree? Meet our Tea Tree Heroes!

For clearer skin in just three days, try some of our best-selling Tea Tree heroes.

Tea Tree Lotion (MRP Rs 845)

Tea Tree Toner (MRP Rs 795)

Tea Tree Pore Minimiser (MRP Rs 1295)

Tea Tree Oil (MRP Rs 595)

The Heart Inside
Our Community Fair Trade organic tea tree oil comes from the foothills of Mount Kenya. Tea tree leaves are picked by hand and steam-distilled to release the oil. The unique way we harvest the oil ensures we retain the best properties of the plant. Our trade with the Kenya Organic Oil Farmers Association encourages sustainable and organic farming methods, which help to preserve the area’s natural bio-diversity.

Inside my August Vellvette Bag

My August Vellvette bag (Yes!) just landed and here's a quick post to show you what I got. The theme of this month is Hollywood and Vellvette wants to give us a pout like Angelina Jolie, gorgeous skin like Carrie Bradshaw & Oprah Winfrey and hair like the Gossip Girls. I can't flaunt my hair like the Gossip Girls coz I did not get any hair product but Angelina, Carrie and Oprah, you now have competition! Let's take a look at what's inside my black Vellvette bag (like it much more than the pink one they gave some month's back)

1. H2O+ Total Source Night Cream sample
2. Sally Hansen Lip Plumper - Sheer Bare (Full Size)
3. Just Herbs Age Defying Treatment Kit
4. MMMM Bonus - Sephora by OPI - Glowing Somewhere?

I love this month's selection and I'm really looking forward to trying out H2O+ and the lip plumper. The Just Herbs kit should be interesting too and how cute is that polish! Just wish I got another color. This is the third hot pink polish that Vellvette has sent me! Take a look at the pics.

Which products do you want to get in your bag too?

Revlon Emerald/Empire PhotoReady Kajal - Review, Photos, Swatches

Revlon has been launching new products for us pretty frequently and one of them is the PhotoReady Kajal Intense Eyeliner + Brightener. I'm a huge fan of colored eye pencils and anything new that comes out in the market in this category, 90% chance I'm gonna buy it. So here I am with my thoughts on the shade Emerald/Empire. All of you who read Temptalia probably saw that Christine rated this product D+. After reading her review, I was actually in two minds whether to buy or not. But then I swatched the kajal at the revlon counter and absolutely loved the dark rich emerald color. I was also on the lookout for a nude eye pencil and since I was getting both colors in one pencil, bought it. Do I agree with Christine's rating now that I've tried Emerald/Empire? Read on to find out. 

What is the Revlon PhotoReady Kajal Intense Eyeliner + Brightener?

It is a dual-ended eyeliner with a bolder, deeper shade on one end for lining and defining, and a brightening shade on the opposite end to open up the eyes. Revlon says both shades can be applied to the inner rim of the eye, should last all-day long and have a creamy formula that glides on smoothly. 

About the shades Emerald & Empire

Emerald - Blue-tinted teal with a matte finish.

Empire - Nude/light beige with a matte finish.

Revlon Emerald/Empire PhotoReady Kajal Swatch

My thoughts on both:

Emerald - this is a gorgeous color that is dark, deep, rich and looks lovely. The pigmentation is great and there is super color payoff.  But I do find that it's slightly hard so does not really glide on too smoothly. I wear Emerald both on the lids as well as water line and there is no irritation. Christine's major issue with these shades is the staying power specially with Empire. I have no issues with Emerald's staying power though. On me, it lasts for nearly six hours without smudging and I love it. Helps that I don't have oily lids but I think this will last on everyone without any smudging or fading problem.

Empire - This is the problematic one. No complaints with the color as it looks wonderful on the water line. A nude color looks much better than white which can be too stark and this color is perfect. No complaints about the texture and pigmentation as well. Empire is creamier and does glide on smoothly. The only problem is that it has bad staying power, at least on me. When I apply, the color pay off is great but after 30 mins or so it fades away and I can hardly see anything on the eyes. And I don't have a slippery waterline! If only Revlon had cracked the staying power of this shade, the pencil would have been an absolute must have!.

Used Emerald on my upper lashline

Now coming to the rating. Will I give the same D+ as Christine of Temptalia? No, I won't because one of the shades has really worked for me. I love Emerald and would recommend this color to everyone who likes using colored liner. Emerald for me is an A+. On the other hand, Empire is rather disappointing. I had such high expectations from this nude pencil but the fading away bit is a major put off. Empire on it's own is a D. Also, the pencil needs to be sharpened which equals to product loss. Keeping all these in mind, I'll give the Revlon Emerald/Empire PhotoReady Kajal a C. 

Should you buy Emerald/Empire? Yes, if you like emerald/teal on your eyes and don't mind spending Rs 395 to get value out of only one shade mostly. No, if you think Rs 395 is too much for a pencil that is only worth one shade. 

Have you tried Emerald/Empire or any other shade of the new Revlon Emerald/Empire PhotoReady Kajal?

Recent Buys - Elizabeth Arden, Yves Rocher and Freebies!

I know I know! About two weeks back when I was sharing with you back to back haul posts, I did say that I should not touch any beauty related product for the next 3 months. And now I'm again back with a mini haul post!! What will happen to me Dear God!!

These buys were absolutely not planned. I actually went to watch Chennai Express with my friends Poorna and Shikha and to pass time before the movie, was checking out the counters at Shoppers Stop. While I was going past the Elizabeth Arden counter, the very sweet SA told me that a clearance sale was on for their makeup and skincare range. Immediately I went to check the lipsticks but did not find anything interesting. I was about to walk away when on an impulse asked whats on offer for perfumes. She showed me a large animal print tote bag but that looked pretty bad. I said 'Girl, you give me something else then I might consider buying the new Green Tea Honeysuckle perfume'. She hemmed and hawed and then said 'Ok. I give you two options. Either a makeup palette or 14 ceramide capsules. Pick whatever you want'. I hemmed and hawed too and went in for the palette which is lovely. It's got a blush, two eye shadows and two lipsticks. The shades are great for everyday wear and I love them. The Green Tea perfume cost me Rs 1950 and the palette I'm sure is at least for 1000 so I got a pretty good deal. Thank you so much sweet SA!! I shall always buy Elizabeth Arden from you :D. Not sure if the offer is available in other cities but if you are buying perfume, always ask for freebies. They do have stuff to give but don't unless asked. 

So I bought my perfume, got the free makeup palette and happily went off to watch Chennai Express which I loved btw. After the movie got over, Shikha said she wanted to go to Shopper's Stop again to check out the Yves Rocher counter and I tagged along. I was really not planning to buy anything but then Shikha swatched all these wonderful lipsticks and cream eye shadows and I succumbed. Picked up a lovely fuchsia-purple gloss and a very unique metallic greyish bronze green cream shadow. For all of you who are not aware, Yves Rocher is a French skincare and makeup brand that make some really good products. Their lipsticks and eye shadows are in such gorgeous shades. Think they are only in Bangalore and Kolkata right now but I might be wrong. Do check out their counter if there is one in your city. And they give freebies too!! I got a mini shower gel, loofah and samples of serum and moisturiser. Don't you just love it when SA's give freebies?? 

Here are the swatches. Both cost Rs 850. 

Lakmé’s Runway Renditions - An opportunity to get featured in Cosmopolitan magazine!

Participate in Lakmé’s ‘Look of the Day’ at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013

Mumbai, 12th August 2013: So what if you’re not on-ground at the Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive, you can still be part of this fabulous fashion frenzy! Lakmé announces the launch of an exciting property- ‘Runway Renditions’. A platform that will showcase the best looks spotted on the runway this season.  A perfect combination of high street fashion and make-up that compliments, Runway Renditions will entail interesting  interactions like the ‘Look of the Day’ contest, must-see contents like DIY Videos by Clint Fernandes, Lakmé Makeup expert, as he recreates some of the most stylish and dramatic  Lakmé -Looks of the Day. This content will be available on all social media platforms.

Lakmé Runway Renditions will bring you all the runway action from LFW WF 2013 on an easyily accessible virtual platform that is sure to be a visual delight. Bloggers and Lakmé fans from around the country will get a chance to join the fashion movement by participating in Lakmé-Look of the Day contest. The contest challenges visitors to the I Love Lakmé page to put their decoding skills to test and recreate the Look of the Day. The fans have to log on to I Love Lakmé and start step by step decoding each look either on themselves or on their friends using Lakme products and upload it on the I Love Lakmé or on their own blog.  The contest begins from 23^rd August 2013 and ends on 8^th September 2013 when two of the best looks are picked to get featured in an advertorial in the sexy and chic “Cosmopolitan” magazine.

So get clicking away and log onto I Love Lakmé and unleash your decoding skills to win this fantastic chance!

About Lakmé Fashion Week:

Lakmé Fashion Week (LFW) is jointly organized by Lakmé, the No.1 cosmetics and beauty services brand in India and IMG Reliance, the global leader in sports and entertainment event marketing and management. LFW has been conceived and created with a vision to “Redefine the future of fashion and Integrate India into the global fashion world”. LFW is organized twice every year. LFW Winter/Festive 2013 will be held from August 23 to August 27 Grand Hyatt Hotel, Mumbai. For further information log on to http://www.Lakméfashionweek.co.in

About Lakmé:

Contemporary Indian beauty expert Lakmé continuously innovates to offer a wide range of, high performance and world class color cosmetics, skincare products, and beauty salons. In addition to leveraging Unilever’s worldwide expertise, Lakmé also partners with the leading cosmetic house Milan-based Intercos Italia, Schwann Stabilo Germany and Paris-based Fiabila. Combining international cosmetic technology with an in-depth understanding of the Indian woman’s needs, Lakmé also offers its consumers a comprehensive beauty experience through its products and services at the Lakmé Salons and Studios. For further information log on to www.lakméindia.com

Wipe away dirt, oil and makeup with SoulTree Ayurvedic Facial Cleanser

SoulTree, India’s first and the only range of certified natural beauty products, has introduced Aloe & Rose water with skin toning licorice face cleanser and make up remover that gently cleanses and tones facial skin, leaving it fresh and radiant. Completely natural, this everyday detergent & bleach free deep cleanser for all skin types helps remove environmental pollutants, excess oil and make-up without stripping your skin of its natural oils.

Composed of natural and organic ingredients such as organic aloe and fresh rose water and blended with Ayurvedic extracts of organic Licorice, SoulTree Cleanser and Make Up Remover provides your skin multiple benefits - it cools and heals skin, lightens sun tan and using it daily as a cleanser ensures an even skin tone with reduced blemishes.

The product is priced at Rs.350 for 200ml.

Being 100% paraben and silicone free and made with only natural ingredients, SoulTree Aloe & Rose water with skin toning licorice face cleanser is a gentle and effective Ayurvedic cleanser that provides everyday skin protection from all kinds of skin problems.

SoulTree products can be found at The Kirana Shop, Mehar Chand Market, New Delhi; and at Naturally Yours, Pali Hill & Health Shop, Peddar Road, Mumbai among other stores that stock natural and organic products. Also available online at Jabong.com

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About SoulTree

SoulTree® (www.soultree.in) is India’s first and the only range of certified natural personal care products developed by Vedicare Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd. The products are crafted from natural origin ingredients, using natural oils and carefully selected Ayurvedic herbs which are grown organically or wild-crafted in the Himalayas. SoulTree products carry the assurance of BDIH seal, the German hallmark for natural beauty products. In addition to the organic Ayurvedic herbs, these natural origin ingredients are derived from natural sources through strictly regulated processes to ensure that synthetic & harmful ingredients do not make their way into the products. No artificial colours, fragrances or harmful preservatives are added. SoulTree products are free of parabens and silicones. Every SoulTree product is easily bio-degradable & comes in a recyclable packaging. SoulTree® believes in complete transparency and lists all the ingredients on each product label (not usual for an Indian company) to allow customers to make an informed decision.

SoulTree® offers a wide range of skin care, hair care, bath care and beauty products available across the country in stores that stock organic and natural products.

Forest Essentials Launches ‘Soundarya’ Facial Cream with 24 Karat Gold

Forest Essentials Reveals Ayurveda’s Best Kept Secret for a Natural Facelift

Launches ‘Soundarya’ Facial Cream with 24 Karat Gold

This Autumn, Forest Essentials brings to you the latest from its facial care collection, the Soundarya Facial Cream with 24 Karat Gold, an extra rich age delay cream that acts as a natural facelift for mature skin. Ayurveda speaks of flawless skin as lustrous, smooth, evenly colored, firm, elastic and with a golden sheen. This cream incorporates a rich combination of potent herbs and gold which have exceptional properties of uplifting the skin. It penetrates the 7 layers of the skin, firming the underlying muscles and restoring elasticity to give a smooth and porcelain texture.

Active ingredients like Cold pressed natural vegetable oils deeply moisturize and nourish the skin, while Cow’s Milk improves elasticity and firmness. Renowned Ayurvedic herbs like Liquorice, Vansh, Ashwagandha and Turmeric form an intrinsic part of this Ayurvedic formulation, provide excellent antioxidant properties helping to combat free radicals. The combination of Ketki, Saffron and 24 Karat Gold Bhasma help in slowing down collagen depletion, increasing skin elasticity and smoothening fine lines. The Soundarya Facial Cream has been designed to leave you with a soft, supple and radiant skin, showing visible within results within 2 weeks. 

About Soundarya Facial Cream:

Ayurvedic Name: Swarn

Ayurvedic Book Reference: Rasa Tarangini and Rasa Ratna Samuchaya

Active ingredients: Cold Pressed Organic Almond Oil and Sesame Oil, Cow’s milk, Liqourice, Pure Rose Water, Shirish, Vansh, Clarified Ghee, Turmeric, Ketki flower, Saffron, Shea Butter, Sandalwood Essential Oil, Ashwagandha, Methi, Punarnava root extract, 24 Karat Gold Bhasma.

Making: Carefully selected plants are harvested at specific times of the year to maximize their potent properties. The method of preparation combines knowledge, tradition, dedication, and integrity with the purity of nature, in a process which can take months. The precise timing of harvesting, through to blending conditions, all contribute to how well oils will deliver their therapeutic benefits to the individual. The traditional method of emulsification is then followed using Forest Essentials’ Soundarya Serum as a base. The pure Gold Bhasma is prepared according to traditional Ayurvedic methods and infused in a mix of oils, herbs, fresh cow’s milk, ghee and roots. It is simmered over a slow fire and left to cure in copper vats which impart their own properties to the Serum to make it more effective for skin.

Use: Apply every night in upward and circular motion, after cleansing and toning

Pricing: Rs.4800

New Launch:: Vichy introduces Dercos Neogenic

Mumbai, August 2013: Beautiful hair is the reflection of youth and health. Hair loss is often accompanied by a loss of self-esteem and has a very strong psychological impact. However the search for that one product that works against hair loss ends, as Vichy introduces Dercos Neogenic hair density treatment - a ground-breaking hair-rebirth treatment based on fundamental new scientific discoveries that will mark the beginning of a new era in alopecia studies.

Found within each organ and each tissue, stem cells have the unique power to renew themselves all throughout life to generate new cells. Because of stem cells, hair is able to recreate themselves throughout life in a cyclical manner. For over 20 years, L‘Oréal research has studied stem cells and has acquired expertise that is unrivaled worldwide and established that stem cells are involved in the awakening of the dormant hair follicles.

Vichy’s Dercos Neogenic contains 5%  Stemoxydine, a patented molecule that promotes the proper functioning of stem cells at the origin of new hair and awakens the dormant bulbs by creating the ideal environment for the optimal functioning of stem cells.

Clinical studies have shown an average gain of 1700 new hair at 3 months, versus placebo.

Dercos Neogenic is scientifically formulated for men and women suffering from low hair density. The treatment is carried out as a three month course: a single-dose in the morning or evening to damp or dry hair. NEOGENIC can be used on color-treated, permed and chemically relaxed hair.

 Each box includes a unique applicator with an ergonomic massage tip and provides an icy-cool massage effect for the scalp that is highly enjoyable and also stimulates micro-circulation.

One box includes 28 single doses for a month’s treatment.

DERCOS NEOGENIC is exclusively available with select dermatologists across the country. To know more call consumer advisor on 022 2494 0336.

Price: Rs 8500 for 28 ampoules

Thalgo Brightening Range of Skincare Products - Mini Reviews

I seem to have got myself a new obsession - skincare products! For many years, skincare used to be pretty low on my priority list. When shopping, I always went for makeup first, then hair products and last of all skincare. Not that makeup is no longer a priority but skincare has jumped up the ladder too. Have realized that I'm not getting any younger so need to pamper my skin and make it my best friend. Also helps that I've got product samples from some amazing brands to try out. In this post, I'll talk about a French brand - Thalgo that I'm using for the first time. I'll actually need two posts to review the products because there are quite a few of them. Today, I'll talk about the brightening range meant for sun damaged/pigmented skin. I do have mild pigmentation problems on my cheeks and around my mouth so was really eager to try out this range and find out if it works. The reviews are based on my experience using samples but I've got quite a number of them (more than what's in the pic below) so can judge pretty well. 

About Thalgo - 

Thalgo makes the most of the extraordinary potential of the sea to develop its Home-care (Retail) products and Professional treatments by combining the properties of algae, seaweeds, minerals, sea salts, vitamins and of all the goodness of pure sea water. The wide-range of exceptional facial treatments helps you to overcome all types of skin concerns like purification, dehydration, anti-pollution and anti-ageing. The equally varied body treatments will aid you in detoxification, relaxation, cellulite-reduction, slimming and firming in the most effective way. Thalgo Cosmetics, France the true innovator in the world of Marine Beauty!

Thalgo products are FREE from Parabens, Propylene glycol, Mineral Oil, Silicone, Artificial colouring, GMO and FREE from ingredients of Animal Origin (except beeswax).

The Products - I have mentioned the products in the order that they need to be used. 

1. Unizones Clearing Corrector - An ultra-concentrated brightening corrector Helps specifically reduce size & intensity of each pigmentation mark Slows down production & migration of melanins Skin appears clearer & evenly-toned.

This is the first product to be used in the skin brightening regime. The Clearing Corrector is a concentrated corrector to be applied directly on pigmentation spots. This is a liquid that gets absorbed into the skin very fast. I have been using the corrector along with the products so don't really know whether this alone is effective but I can see a difference in my skin. It looks a lot more radiant and supple. Rs. 2350 for 30 ml

2. Brightening Regulating Essence - 

A brightening & regulating essence Formulated with Red Algae to restrain photo-induced pigmentation Contains Liquorice Flower Extract to lessen existing discolorations Loaded with Salicylic Acid to minimize the appearance of pore size Reduces shine for a matte finish Unveils a clearer & more evenly-toned complexion Free of paraben, mineral oil & propylene glycol

After the corrector, the essence needs to be applied  It is meant to prep the skin and is to be followed by the application of the Smoothing Brightening Fluid. The texture of the essence is really light and watery maybe because glycerin is an active ingredient. This product is good for combination-oily skin type as it goes on to a matte finish. I like that the skin looks 'alive' after using this. If you have combination to oily skin and looking for a brightening serum, this is not a bad choice. Rs. 3700 for 30 ml

3. Smoothing Brightening Fluid - 

This lightweight brightening fluid helps your skin regulate melanogenesis and boost the production of youth proteins. Your complexion looks more luminous, with an impeccable matte finish. Your skin is more supple, plumped up, and visibly younger-looking.

The next step is the application of either the smoothing brightening fluid or the melt-in smoothing brightening cream, depending on your skin type. I tested both and went for the fluid because it was much lighter and easier on the skin.  The fluid is for those with combination and oily skin as it gives off a matte finish. I was actually expecting a watery liquid looking at the name fluid but it's got the texture of a light skin lotion. I have been using the fluid during the day and I like that it keeps my skin hydrated for a very long time. Would have liked it to have SPF but it does not so I do need to apply sunscreen on top of this. Apart from using the fluid in combination with the other products, I have also used it on its own and I like the effect. My skin feels moisturized, soft and radiant. Rs. 3300 for 50 ml

4. Melt-in Smoothing Brightening Cream - 

This brightening cream helps prevent the appearance of pigmentation marks and stimulate the production of youth proteins. Its texture is ideal for use in the evening or during cold spells. Your face recovers its full luminosity and youthful appearance.

This is a product that will suit those with dry skin. The cream is quite thick and smells rather weird. Very medicine type unfortunately. Provides good hydration and moisturisation though. Because of how rich it is, I prefer to use the brightening fluid in place of the cream so cant really comment on whether it works or not. But if it does the same thing as the fluid, it should definitely. Rs. 3850 for 50 ml

I have been using the above products for nearly 2 weeks now and liking the effect on my skin. The brightening range is helping my skin to 'glow' and I've been getting a lot of compliments. Post summer, my skin darkens and looks very dull. The range is helping the skin rejuvenate and also lighten up. Touch Wood! Regarding reduction in pigmentation, I've seen the area around my mouth get more even but there's still a lot of work left to do on the cheeks. I'm hoping that the products will help reduce the major pigmentation there. 

Thalgo products works well on the skin but they are super expensive. You only need a tiny bit so will last for a long time but still try and get some samples and see whether they work before investing. Will review some more Thalgo products in the next post. 

P. S - Samples sent by Brand. Review 100% mine.