New Launch - Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Cream

With Kiehl‘s cutting edge formula and proprietary tri-active technology, Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Cream is clinically demonstrated to simultaneously lift, firm, visibly redefine skin contours and re-texturize skin within 2 weeks with double efficacy shown within 4 weeks.

 Kiehl‘s chemists focused on three ingredients that until now have never been combined in a cream:

Jasmonic Acid: A highly effective yet very mild, active known for its ability to support epidermal renewal and help to visibly correct wrinkles, fine lines, loss of suppleness and elasticity, while gently smoothing and retexturizing the skin‘s surface.

Beech Tree Extract: Known for its ability to improve skin firmness and visibly improve plumpness and density. Beech Tree Extract is axylose based molecule, a sugar found abundantly in beech trees and known to stimulate the production of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)2.

Fragmented Hyaluronic Acid: Known to reinforce skin‘s natural short and long term moisturization. Additionally, it is known to improve skin elasticity while reducing skin roughness and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Couponia - A new savings portal for free discount coupons & vouchers

I am a huge online shopper and everyday spend at least an hour going through different websites to find the best bargains and deals available in makeup, clothes, shoes and basically everything. Till now we had websites that offer deals on products but now there are special websites that offer coupons and vouchers to help get more discounts and one such website is Couponia.in.

Couponia is a unique portal that offers exclusive coupons for the best of online Indian stores. Using these special vouchers you can get a wide array of discounts and deals on your favorite brands. For instance, I noticed that the portal offers exclusive coupons for Goodlife on some of my favorite brands such as Lakme and L’Oreal.

Interestingly, I also learnt that Couponia has an exclusive tie-up with the finest online stores. Through the portal, Couponia brings to its users discounts and bargains from stores and outlets across the country through personalized vouchers, cash coupons and discount offers. You can get access to unique voucher codes which you can further use at the fashion portals of your preference.

These coupons can be obtained and used in an easy process. Just visit Couponia and search for the store you are interested in. There you will find a list of all the coupons available for that store. Just pick up that specific coupon code and move on to the portal to make your purchase. As you go through the shopping process, you will be asked for the coupon code at the checkout stage. Simply enter the coupon code at this point to avail the discount. The portal is really consumer-friendly and you don’t even have to register to procure the coupons. However, if you want to remain updated on the latest offers, all you have to do is to sign up for their online newsletters and receive the latest coupons straight into your inbox.

Do you use any site that offers free coupons for shopping online?

Sleek Make-Up Matte Me Ultra Smooth Matte Lip Cream Fandango Purple - Review, Swatches

When I got to know about Sleek Make-Up's newest lip offering, the Matte Me Lip creams, my heart literally skipped a beat. Why? Coz I am a huuuge fan of matte lipsticks, the shades looked stunning and the UK bloggers were raving about this product. I was specially drawn to two colors - Fandango Purple and Rioja Red and was desperate to lay my hands on them. The only hitch in the entire acquiring process? Sleek Makeup hates my address and I never get anything delivered. I've lost three parcels since last year so even though I was desperate, I decided control my craving and instead vent my anger and frustration to the bestie who lives in London. That was probably the best thing I did coz my sweetie bought Fandango Purple and sent it to me. It did take 1.5 months to reach (!!) and I had absolutely no clue that she sent it but you can imagine the expression on my face when I opened the package :D..

The Matte Me lip creams are basically liquid lipsticks that dry out to a matte finish. There are 6 shades in this range and most of them are very bright colors. The packaging is a typical gloss style tube with a doe-foot applicator that does the job of spreading the cream evenly on the lips.Fandango Purple is a bright purple pink/fuchsia color that is beautiful and unique.

The texture of the lip cream is very light and smooth and it applies evenly. It feels weightless and the color payoff is super. One swipe is basically all you need for luscious lips. The cream dries out to a matte finish pretty fast and then it practically does not budge for 3-4 hrs without flaking, caking or smudging (without eating or drinking). Else, it stays for about 5 hrs and then fades away leaving a pretty pink stain. The first time I used this on un- prepped lips and it felt really dry. The next time, I used a lip balm, blotted it and then applied Fandango Purple and it was fine. You do need a balm with this unless you want your pout to look dry and parched.

Creamy when first applied

Dries to a matte finish soon after

Here's how it looks on me.

If you are looking for a matte lip color, Sleek Makeup's Matte Me Lip cream is by far one of the best mattes to try. Awesome pigmentation, beautiful bright color and really long lasting. You can buy them from Sleek's website for $6.99 exclusive of $2 shipping cost. I read somewhere that this range is Limited Edition so you might want to hurry up. Now I just pray Rioja Red reaches me soon!

Have you tried any of Sleek's Matte Me lip creams?

Tips on how to take care of a Make-up kit from Megha Puri, Make-up Artist

1) Wash your brushes- Brushes are prime breeding ground for bacteria. If you wash  your face regularly, makeup residue from applying makeup ends up on your brushes. You don’t need to wash them daily but once per week put all your brushes in a large jar or glass and fill it with water. Add 1 tsp. of baby shampoo, give it a good stir and let the brushes sit all day in the jar. Then rinse them off and dry them really well with a towel to make sure to get most of the water out. Leave them laying on a paper towel or napkin overnight to finish drying. This keeps your face from breaking out and keeps your makeup brushes lasting longer.

2) Wash your make up containers: Your makeup can flake off colored dust particles onto other products, creating a dirty look to your containers. Not only is this unsanitary but also messy. Once a month, wipe off all your makeup containers on the outside with a hot rag soaked in dish liquid or baby shampoo. Dry them off and they’re like new.

3) Replace mascara every 3 months: Mascara is one of the quickest products to dry out and it is one of the worst for breeding bacteria. Replace your mascara once every three months. Remember to stick with waterproof if you’re worried about smudges.

4) Update often: Go through your kit once every 6 months. Get rid of the stuff which needs to be changed or is not durable. Along with updating be sure you have colors that fit in with the season.

5) Keep them dry: Make sure you keep your make up kit dry. Moisture kills make up. Also keep them away from light and heat which can cause serious damage.

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. 

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

---

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

Accessorize Bronzing Block Shade 3 - Review, Swatch

One of my favorite stores to shop accessories from is Accessorize, the very popular UK brand that makes some amazing bags, jewelry and other nick knacks. The stores in India don't stock their makeup range but they do have a wide variety of products from lipsticks, glosses to blushes, powders, mascaras etc in very cute packaging. I was going through the beauty section of jabong one day when I came across makeup products from Accessorize and thankfully there was also a sale going on (which I think is still on). It took me nearly 20 mins to decide what I wanted and I chose a Bronzing Block in shade 3. 

I must admit that more than the product itself, the packaging attracted me. Its so pretty and reminds me of Benefit's boxed blushes. Anything pink I'm a sucker for and this even has roses! The box is made of cardboard but is quite stiff and sturdy. Inside there is a tiny brush which is not that great but ok for travelling or quick touch ups. I could not quite figure out the shade from the website but thought it would be from the coral family and I was right. Why this is called a bronzer though I have no idea because it's actually a very pretty coral- pink blush. It has a slight sheen but is not shimmery or glittery at all and is very well pigmented. The texture is very slightly powdery but at the same time soft and silky and applies really well. The finish is a soft, glowy sheen with a touch of coral. I don't have Benefit's famous Coralista powder but the color of Shade 3 looks very very similar. Dupe alert pretties!!

I took nearly 20 pics of myself wearing the blush and I did not like even one of them. The lighting was bad so you will have to make do with a hand swatch. Sorry!

The color is one that will work well on fair-medium skin tones and will look lovely. If you love coral, try this blush. Its good!

The Accessorize Bronzing Block is priced at Rs 750 at jabong but I got it for Rs 650 at the sale. Jabong stocks quite a few Accessorize products. Click here if you want to buy.