Monday, May 30, 2011

I'm Back!

Just back from holiday, my holiday was extended. More posts coming up soon, I promise :)

Till Then!

Friday, May 20, 2011

Makeup Essentials

Bonus post while I'm holidaying.:)

It seems that I have been going on and on about my skincare, but not much about my makeup. Although I do like makeup in general, and have gotten pretty good at wielding the makeup brush over the years I am more concerned about having good skin, or at least creating the illusion of it. Here goes my list:

-Beauty Credit Danahan Ecopure BB Cream (My daily must have when going out.Not sure about the SPF but its SPF 40 and above. I love this stuff. It makes my skin look soooo good... ) Acts as makeup base, foundation, and concealer. You can even skip moisturizer if you are in a rush. This is one of the few BB creams that actually delivers what it promises. For me at least.

-ZA Beauty foundation (A dirt cheap cult favourite. Skin stays protected, soft and matte. And its also non comodoegenic.What's not to love?) Sets my BB cream. Sometimes, I skip this step when I'm lazy.

- The Face Shop Baked Shimmer in Apricot Nuance. Gives my fair, but tired looking skin a beautiful glow.

Just add on brow pencil,lip balm, mascara(maybe:)) and I'm good to go.

What are your basic makeup essentials?

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Short Break

Going on a one week holiday, will be back in a week :)Happy hols!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Clarins UV Plus Day Screen High Protection SPF 40 UVA-UVB/PA++/Oil-free

I am currently on the lookout for a new sun block to replace my ZA True White Day Protector, as it seems to be drying out my skin. When the SA gave me some samples on my last trip to the Clarins counter, I thought: why not? So here goes:

Likes:
-Smooth, non-greasy texture
-Dries matte and smooth—perfect for makeup.
-Light melon smell. Or is it my imagination?
-Long lasting protection, yet washes off easily. I used some of the sample on my arms to test it out. After many hours in the sun, my arms remained even toned. Rare for me, since I have a tendency towards tanning unevenly. It washed off easily with my usual shower foam, unlike other sunblocks, which I need to pre-cleanse with baby wipes/makeup remover.
-Tinted version reduces the appearance of dark spots/patches.
Gripes:
-None, except the price.

Another quality product from Clarins. I have a tendency towards allergies from mineral makeup/sunscreens, but this little gem did not irritate my skin. Will purchase when my sun block runs out.

Review: Clarins Whitening Moisture Day Emulsion SPF20 PA++ (Oil-free)

Another product from the Clarins White Plus Range. Here is my 2- cents worth.

Likes:
-Smooth, non greasy, liquid texture.
-Prolongs makeup hold
-Easily absorbed
-Forms protective layer over skin (Clarins anti-pollution complex)

Gripes:
-Not moisturizing enough for dehydrated skin. But I do use a serum on most days, so it isn’t a biggie.

While I do love Clarins products, this product is not exactly one of their star products. It however, does live up to its claims. Definitely on my purchase list, however. Despite being the beauty whore that I am, I do like to use products in a set, so that I can make sure that I do not miss out on the benefits of using the whole range of products together.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Laws For Beautiful Skin

1)Sleep-Sleeping Beauty always had porcelain perfect skin

2)Hydration-2-3 litres a day, no less. Liquids other than water are counted. But for every cup of coffee, drink twice the amount of water. For every cup of tea, one cup of water. (I know some people insist that tea doesn't dehydrate, but it is a diuretic after all. So better be safe than sorry.)

3)Cleanliness-Need I say more? Hands off your face!

4)Diet & Nutrition-2000mg Vitamin C daily is the bare minimal. The body does not absorb all that it ingests, so you need most probably need the extra. You need it for repair of body tissues, to fight off illnesses, so by the time it comes to your skin, little is left for anti- aging and repair. Other supplements ( including but not limited to (Vitamin A & E. Ask your friendly local pharmacist for advice.)

Coming up soon: a writeup on vitamins.

Review: Clarins Hydra-Quench Cream Mask

I went through a period when my skin became highly dehydrated, and to my horror, my nose, chin, and cheekbones started to look like a snake in the process of changing its skin. I added this to my beauty routine, and sure enough, this little gem was a winner.

Likes:
-Light, creamy, easily absorbed.
-Fresh classic Clarins Scent
-Left skin smooth and hydrated

Gripes:
-None. What's there to dislike?

Conclusion:A definite keeper in the beauty arsenal of those with dehydrated skin. I like!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Skincare DIY: Milk Body Mask

A body whitening recipe to share. Milk nourishes and strengthens skin. Take your cue from Queen Cleopatra, and enjoy!

Ingredients:
-4 cups full cream milk powder, any brand
-1 tablespoon honey
-a few drops essential oil of choice(optional)

-Mix all ingredients together with enough water to form a thick paste.
-Slather generously over darkened areas. Luxuriate for fifteen minutes
_Enjoy your smoother, fairer skin!

Friday, May 6, 2011

Beauty Miracles

"I am not young enough to know everything"
Oscar Wilde

The older I get, the more it seems that my knowledge in the realm of beauty becomes more and more miniscule. Granted, I am fully aware of, and may even have tried the latest beauty potions available on the market, but does that make me an expert? More of a guinea pig, I feel. But an informed one, as I like to think.

But I digress. Just the other day, I was having a conversation with one of my younger friends. She was raving about a certain cult beauty product that promised miraculous results. Being a skincare whore,. I had fallen victim too many times to overly rated products, and hence, had gotten into the habit of reading the ingredient list. It looked suspiciously familiar.

Sure enough, the ingredient list looked similar to the one on the tub of body cream I had at home, Which I had gotten for under $10.


What baffles me is why no one has bothered to point it out openly. Of course, I have to give credit to the better packaging, etc. But to me, I'd rather settle for less packaging, less advertising, and more product.

"A rose, by any other name, is still a rose."

(And yes, the cheaper product works exactly the same way.)

Now, I am in no way condemning higher end luxury products. Some of them do contain cutting edge technology that would be impossible to make available at a lower price.

But what does your beauty miracle really contain?