L'OREAL REVITALIFT CHALLENGE

I am known for my Smiles, as friends have always mentioned over the years. And mid30s came with a gift, courtesy my love for smiling. Laugh Lines were the first sign of ageing which I came across. You always stare extra hard and extra keen on the bathroom mirror, when you realise that your skin has started to change. I had started on my share of anti-ageing products , the day after I hit 30,and I try my best to not forget that part of my skin care routine. L'oreal and Influenster were kind enough to let me try out L'oreal Revitalift Triple Power Intensive Moisturizer and chronicle my journey.

They invited me to take the #RevitaliftChallenge.

A 14 Day Challenge, using the product and seeing for myself, if it worked on my skin or not. I was up for it.

BEFORE : THE CHALLENGE

My Skin is super dry and super sensitive. If the ingredients in a product don't agree with me, then my dry skin with start breaking out, and get red. Therefore I started with a patch Test behind my ears to see if the product agreed with me. I had no negative reactions, and started the #RevitaliftChallenge. 

L'oreal Triple Power Intensive Anti-Ageing Moisturizer is a product from their famous Revitalift line. L'oreal is a major brand, which has its appeal across the world. I love some of their Make Up and Skin Care Products, but hadnt used anything from their Revitalift Line. The idea was to use the product every morning and night, over the face, jawline and neck, over cleansed skin. I had to refrain from using other skin care products in this duration. Add an SPF if using outside. If you can see the pictures above, they are from Day 1 of the challenge. 

The packaging was in a Ruby Red Glass jar, with a gun metal cap. Very chic and classy. Only problem is that , you have to be careful, if you are travelling, as it doesn't come in the most travel friendly of packaging. Its meant for a spot on your master bedroom nigh stand.

The moisturizer is thick but not oily. I hate products which give me shiny T zone in a few hours.You have to be careful to smooth it out. It does take a few minutes to blend out properly. I loved how luxurious it felt against my dry skin. You could instantly feel that your skin was drinking it up. It works very well, when layered under make up.

14 days later : You can see the difference in the pic below. This picture is not photoshopped and is make up free.

AFTER

The product claims to work in three key ways:
reducing the appearance of wrinkles, firming skin, and deeply replenishing moisture.

It lives up to its claim. My laugh line were a lot less visible, my skin didnt feel as dry and parched it feels every morning when I wake up, I didnt have the problem of dry patches on face, when I had been wearing make up for a few hours. A month along using this product, and i still have some left in my tub. So a little goes a long way, in this product.

So if you are a newbie when it comes to anti ageing products, or of you are someone who has tried it all, and not found the perfect match, I would recommend L'oreal Revitalift Intensive Anti-Ageing Moisturizer to you.

AFTER

Huge Thank you to L'oreal and Influenster for this lovely opportunity.


Disclaimer: I received this product free for testing purposes, but the opinions are those of my own.

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MY WEEKEND MORNING SKIN CARE ROUTINE : DRY SKIN

A regular Skin care regimen is a necessity. Well, that's the kind of idea I grew up with. I think I was around five , when I learnt, that you use upward strokes, when you apply your face moisturizer. Or that you always dab your face after you have washed it and never rub it. My Grandmother and My Mom both have fabulous skin. Needless to say, they also swear by a strict skin care regimen. Over the years, I also came to adopt a few versions of Skin Care regimen.

Let me share with you today, My Weekend Morning Skin Care Routine. I have dry skin, which is also very sensitive. So I have to be extremely careful of what products I use. Sunday Mornings, when I usually have some extra time on my hands, I gather up up my favorite skin care products, slip into my plush robe and pamper myself. My skin surely thanks me later. Its often debated that Skin Care should always be done with premium products. But often, you can find some great products at the drug store too. Though I must add, the number is few. In this Skin Care Routine, I shall try and mix up both High End and Drug Store products, so that its affordable for everyone.

EXFOLIATION :
Its important to remove the dead skin which piles up. Or else our pores get clogged and that can lead to break outs. And nothing is worse than break outs on dry skin, I tell you. I try and use a mild exfoliator. I am currently using St Ives Apricot Oil Scrub. It combines the goodness of a facial oil and a scrub. So it doesnt dry out my already dry skin, when I use it. If you want to see a Review and Application of St Ives Apricot Oil Scrub, then click HERE.

FACE PACK/ MASK :
After you have washed and cleaned your scrub, pat it dry . Then is the time to pick out a Face Mask. The world of Face Packs/mask can be daunting too. Which do you use ? I try and switch it up every week. If one week, I use a Deep Cleansing Face Mask, then I follow it up with a Hydrating one next week. This week, I decided to use my Body Shop Nutriganics Smoothing Mask.  While I religiously use my Retinol at night, a smoothing mask, on the weekends, also helps along the way. This mask doesnt dry out my skin, and leaves it hydrated.

I use a warm facial cloth to remove my mask, and then pat it dry.

FACIAL OIL :

It took me some time to jump on the facial oil band wagon. I was scared, that it might lead to break outs or clogged pores. As I have sensitive skin, I am always extra careful. After reading considerable reviews,and trying out samples, I fell in love with Tarte Maracuja Oil. There's a reason why its a cult favorite. A little goes a long way, in this product. Dont feel tempted to dispense a large amount of this product, as it would go to waste. I dispense some product in my hand and massage it into my skin. Then I let the product sink in for around 10 mins, before I top it off with anything else.

MOISTURIZER :
Finally , its time to seal it all in, with a good moisturizer. I found a great drug store moisturizer some time back. Its Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with Hylronic Acid. This product is so luxurious and does a great job. A little goes a long way in using this product too. So a tub lasts you a long time.

So whats your Weekend Skin Care Regimen ? Let us know in the comments.

SHOP MY SKIN CARE STASH :

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TARTE RAINFOREST OF THE SEA RADIANCE RITUAL - REVIEW

Rainforest of the Sea : Tarte had me hooked in the name. I had seen this line at my local Sephora, and was quite intrigued. S when one my friends had picked up a gift featuring some products, from the line, I must say, I was very happy.

Are you as confused as I was, when you saw that name? Well, lets talk about it then. Tarte wanted to create a collection or a line, for those of us, with dry parched skin. In their search for natural ingrdients, they went ahead with KELP. Yes, its Kelp, which is described in the fancy branding of this line. Hydration and Anti Ageing are the key areas, in which this line focuses on. Marine Algae, coconut, cucumber are some of the natural ingredients of this line.

The packaging was blue, teal purple, with a marine inspired design. You could not miss the Kelp connection from it.

Tarte's previous line - Amazonian Clay was targeted more towards Oily or Combination Skin.

To begin with, I was most fascinated to try out one of  the most hyped product of recent times . Tarte Maracuja Oil . It has been quite a rage among beauty lovers. I tried it out in my skin care routine, and understood what the hype was all about. Although I have dry skin, its very sensitive , and can be prone to breakouts with certain products But this face oil, was very calming and very hydrating. It was not too heavy, yet my skin felt plump after a single use. Its currently on my nightstand, and I am surely getting the full size one.

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea - Drench Splash Lipstick in Cabana Boy . Isnt that quite a mouthful to remember. Its a satin Matte lipstick, in mauvy nude pink. I have a warm complexion, so these tones suit me better than brownish mauves. The lipstick was quite creamy, and it glided on quite easily. But its not very long wearing, I must add.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Highlighter in Exposed is yellowish golden highlighter. It was very creamy and easy to blend. As I have a warm undertone, I love highlighter which are warm. I used it with a light hand, and it gave a subtle glow. It was in the same league as the Tarte Blushes, which I really love. Its a good highlighter to be worn during the day. I might layer it, if I wanted to use it for a nightout make up.

Tarte Rainforst of the Sea Marine Boosting Mist claims to be a 4 in 1 product - primer, make up setting spray, hydrating mist and skin refresher. It has a lovey orangey citrusy perfume. I use it as a moisturizing primer before my make up. It lives up to its claim of being hydrating, and you will be reaching for it every day. Especially for us, in these harsh Midwestern Winters, this product is like a breath of fresh air.

The least favorite product in this set was the Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Deep Dive Cleansing Gel . It was lavender scented,which I really loved. But there wa snothing path breaking about this cleanser.My friend, who is a beauty expert, and who had picked up this gift set for me, was most interested in finding out, how this product worked. It was a gel based cleanser and a little went a long way. I use waterproof eye make up, and while this cleanser removed my foundation and other facial makeup, it didnt do a good job, in removing my robust long stay gel eyeliner and waterproof mascara.

SHOP THE COLLECTION :

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ST. IVES APRICOT OIL SCRUB - APPLICATION & REVIEW

Skin Care is something which should never be compromised on. With the Winter months, my dry and parched skin needs even more TLC. So when I was sent a brand new skin care product to review, the timing could not have been more perfect. Thank you St. Ives and Influenster for sending me the St Ives Apricot Oil Scrub. the name St Ives is synonymous with my teenage years, like so many others. Who can forget their scrubs and masks. For years, I had not used their products, so it felt good to go back to my early days , of skin care and beauty.

St. Ives Apricot Oil Scrub is an oil and scrub in one product. As someone with dry skin I am always skeptical of physical exfoliants, whether or not they are too harsh for my sensitive skin.  But the idea of oil in a scrub seemed interesting.

PRODUCT CLAIMS: 
Suitable for all skin types
Paraben free
Made with 100 % Natural Exfoliants
Non Comedogenic
Does not contain any animal products

APPLICATION:  

Shake the bottle well. Dispense product on your hands.

Apply the product in a circular motion on dry skin.

Add water and continue massaging to emulsify. product will turn milky white. Rinse thoroughly.

REVIEW : 
I used St.Ives products after many years, as i had mentioned earlier, but I loved their quality. I have used many drugstore scrubs over the years, and have ended up with over dried or irriated skin. My skin is dry and sensitive. St. Ives Oil Scrub had very fine natural exfoliants, which did not iiriate my skin. I massaged the product as they had instructed, and my skin did not feel dry and taut when I had rinsed my face. The oil in it , is what keeps the skin quite hydrated. I love facial oils, and I feel this product was a good balance between an oil and a scrub. As I have dry skin, I try and use exfoliants once a week, although the product claimed it was safe to use a few times a week. If you see the picture below, its how my skin looks after I had washed the scrub off. My skin did feel a lot clear. I was having a problem with breakouts after I returned from my beach vacation. This product did a good job in unclogging my pores and drawing the impurities out. I tried this product for a few weeks, before I decided to review . The packaging of the product was slender and very travel friendly.

DISCLAIMER : 
I received this product for  free from Influenster and St. Ives for testing purposes.

Photograph Courtesy : Deabshish Dasgupta . Send us an email if you want your pictures taken, for an upcoming Blog Post or a special occasion. 

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SEPHORA PLAY NOVEMBER '16 - REVIEW

November was one of the months, where I was really looking forward to Sephora Play Box. The sneak peek which had come in my email, had me anxious with excitement almost. Glam Glow, Laura Mercier  and Caudalie are three brands I had been meaning to try out for a long time. My last Sephora Haul, had me reaching out For Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation. Click Here to read a complete review. But I was yet to try my hands on products from the other two brands.

The theme of this month was - Glow Getters(Best in Glow). Products which help you retain a healthy glow in your skin, despite the harsh Winter temps.

Glam Glow Masks have been loved an draved about all across the beauty world, for the last few years. Its available in quite a few formulas, depending on the skin type and the type of treatment it offers. As I have dry skin, Glam Glow Thirsty Mud Hydrating Treatment was sent in my box. The Sephora Play boxes are often sent out with some variations, depending on skin type. In this month, there were a few variations of the Box items. But there was a Glam Glow product in each box.

As the name suggests, its a hydrating mask. You have to apply a thin layer on your face, and keep it for around 10 to 20 minutes. I wiped it off with a warm wash cloth. Maybe I was a bit heavy handed in my application, but the sample tube, only lasted me for two applications. Glam Glow Masks are known to be on the expensive side. Felt good to finally try out a product from this cult line.

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick have been quite a favorite of the beauty world for the last few years. I am personally not a fan of cream or stick eye shadows, as I have very oily lids, despite having dry facial skin. Maybe thats why I never purchased it myself. The color sent to me was Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in  Rose Gold. I have a warm complexion and have a weakness for everything rose gold. The color swatched well, and had quite a shimmery payoff. The product glides on easily over the lids, and I used my fingers to blend it. Paired with some thick eyeliner(which is a part of signature look), its a good shimmer product. Although its a good product, and in a trendy color, I feel the color washes me out. I would have loved the formula in a different shade, maybe a brownish copper, or a plum.

I love Pink Lipsticks, but I am not a fan of pink lipglosses. The next product was the Sephora Collection Ultra Shine Lip Gel in Pin Up Pink. I love the Sephora Collection Matte Lipglosses and swear by their color pay off . But this shade reminded me of my teenage years somehow. Maybe beacuse I am more of a Matte lip color person. Its a nice bubble gum pink and would be great for Spring - Summer.

Caudalie was the third rand which I had been lusting for in this box. I have read so much about this skin care brand from the Bordeaux region of Framce, and their luxurious spas. Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet came in this pretty pink tube. caudalie claims to harness the anti xidant powers of wine grapes, in their skin care line. And its quite evident in the name itself.  Dont get me wrong, but there was very less product in the pretty pink tube. It was a gel moisturizer and claimed to be easy on over sensitive skin. I must say, it was a very luxurious product to use.

Cover FX Illuminating Primer was another product in the November box. I dont use primers regularly, so these boxes are a good way of trying them out. Its a silicone free illuminating primer, which has a light tint to it. I used it below my regular foundation routine, for a few days. and quite liked the finish it gave off. Its a good product to use, under your foundation if you are getting your pictures taken. It gives off that subtle glow without making your face look like a disco ball. As I have dry skin, I could do with all the glow at this time of the year.

Last but not the least, was the perfume sample of the month. Maison Margiela 'Replica' Lipstick on is a good unisex perfume. The brand asks its patrons to layer perfumes to create your own signature scent. It reminded me of creating your Bespoke Scent with Jo Malone.

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SEPHORA PLAY - SEPETMBER & AUGUST 2016 - REVIEW

I have been super late in catching up with the reviews of my Play ! By Sephora Subscription boxes. I have been enjoying them and using them. Maybe playing a bit too much with all the new beauty items, that the blogging took a hit. I plan to correct that and catch up with you all, with all that I am loving and all that I am not. Fall is here in full swing, and I might still have some late Summer beauty picks. My October Box is on its way home, so lets see which products featured in the August and September boxes. Of the two boxes, if you ask me, which one I loved more, I would clearly say, it was the August box. Without further ado, lets get on with it, shall be.


                                 SEPTEMBER : THE UNBASIC  BASICS

If you are new to the Play ! by Sephora Subscription boxes, then let me fill you in. You pay a monthly fee of $10 plus taxes, and a box containing handpicked beauty , skin care and perfume sample reach you by mail. Every month has a theme, and the products are woven around it. The theme for the month of September was The UnBasic Basics. It also comes with a Info Sheet describing the products and also a Play Pass. Sadly for me, my city's Sephora does not host Play Dates yet. This was clearly a Summer Box . The box was a mix of some cult products and some new products.

                                                 KAT VON D TAOTOO LINER IN TROOPER : 

This is the latest holy grail of liquid eye liners. Every beauty guru raves about it. Personally speaking, I am not a fan of liquid eye liner. I am partial to my gel eye liners as I find them to be more convenient somehow. But if I had to pick out my favorite high end liquid eye liner, it would be Kat Von D Tattoo Liner. Don't be fooled into thinking its a felt tip. I thoight so too. Its actually 300 brush bristles blended together to give you that precise line. The color is highly pigmented. Even if you feel you struggle with eye liner, it should be easy for you to use this product. Its waterproof and long wearing. You can apply a thicker line, a thin line or even a double line.  I love a good black eyeliner, and this surely fits the bill by all means.

                  SEPHORA COLLECTION ROUGE SHINE LIPSTICK IN LOVE SPELL

 Dont get me wrong, I love pink lipstoiks. But since its a Septempber Box, I would have preferred a more Fall appropriate color on the lips. Sephora Collection Rouge Shine Lipstick in Love Spell, is a dusty rose lipstick. Its sheer but buildable. I found the formula  to be moisturising. Good for a dash of color on the school run in the morning. Not a wow product.

                                  ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS CLEAR BROW GEL 

 And the box had another cult favorite product. I am a big fan of the Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel . It locks in your brow make up, without crunching it. Its long wearing. Clearly there's nothing wrong in it, if you ask me, I have gone through tubes and tubes of these as I use it every day. If you want to invest in your brow products, then this is a must have.
 
               LIVING PROOF PERFECT HAIR DAY NIGH CAP OVERNIGHT PERFECTOR

This was a new product for me. I am a bit sceptical about new hair products, as I have colored hair. My hair is also very dry. The product claimed that it was safe for colored hair. I used it as recommended. I used it on dry hair from roots to ends, at night and let it absorb for some time, before I crashed out. I didnt wrap my hair in a towel or a shower cap, and there wasn't a residue on my pillow. I washed my hair the next morning. My hair was noticeably soft. Now that's a hair mask, I am going to purchase. It was fast absorbing, which makes it a lot hassle free to use.

                           DR JART+ WATER DROP HYDRATING MOSITURIZER 

This was another new product for me. I have dry skin, so I am always on the look out for a good moisturizer. But I am skin is extremely sensitive so I have to be careful about the ingredients and formula. Its a water based moisturizer which claims to plump up your skin too. I liked texture and it seemed pretty light. Its something I could wear under my make up.

                                           TORY BURCH JOLIE FLEUR VERTE

Every box comes with a bonus floral perfume sample. This month's perfume was Tory Burch Jolie Fleur Verte. I love floral notes, and the high notes of this perfume were Lily, and Jasmine, with undertones of madarin and neroli oil. Its a good summer fragrance , I believe.
                                                                           

                                                       AUGUST : THE EYE OPENERS 
     The focus was on the Eyes in August. And I love my eye make up, if you didn't know already.

SEPHORA COLLECTION CONTOUR EYE PENCIL 12 HOUR WEAR IN LOVE AFFAIR 

I like products which can be mulititasked. This is an eyeliner, which can also double up as a cream eye shadow. Its in a lovely plum shade, which can be used as a bold line. Or can be smudged into a soft smokey eye. Although this box came in August, I must say, this eye product is perfect for a Fall Eye. It comes in a range of colors so you can take your pick. I used it over a eye shadow primer, as I have oily lids. The pencil is creamy and glides on when you are lining your eyes.

                                           URBAN DECAY PERVERSION MASCARA

 A cult favorite again. Who doesn't love a good black mascara. I have been a fan of this product for some time, and have been using it quite often. Its one of my favorite high end mascaras. Its lenghtening and volumizing and is very build able to get get your desired effect. Its very pigmented and long staying. Its fool proof. The applicator is great to use, and doesn't have those uncomfortable plastic bristles, which almost hurt you in the eye if you are not careful.

                                    MAKE UP FOREVER ARTIST SHADOW IN I-544

This is another Fall Beauty Product and can be used very well, with eye liner and mascara included in this box. The three of them together would make a cohesive Fall eye. The formula is pretty silky when I swatched it, and medium pigmented, if I may say. The color is a mauvy pinky brown with a hint of glitter. It can be used as an overall wash of color or can be built up . Personally I would use it across the lids, with the plum liner smudged along the upper lash line, and a few generous coats of the mascara.

                                                        CLEAN RESERVE WARM COTTON 

The perfume sample of the month of August Clean Reserve Warm Cotton. Its inspired by the beauty of the natural world. I am not a perfume expert, but it did have some vanilla notes. A so so perfume, if you ask me.

LANCOME ENERGIE DE VIE SMOOTHING AND GLOWING LIQUID CARE MOSITURIZER:

As I have dry skin, the keyword, " Glowing" always catches my attention. I am always on the look out for products which are hydrating. And I am not telling you this, because I have a tie up with this brand . Its just that , I love my skin care to be extra hydrating. I used it as a primer beneath my make up , and it stayed pretty well. The product was runny which was pretty surprising and I did have to use a lot of it.

                                           ALGENIST  EYE RENEWAL BALM 

The final product. I am in my mid 30s and I do try and follow a daily skin care routine.Retinol and eye creams feature heavily on that routine. The product claims to soothe and moisturize, and visibly reduce dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles with anti-aging Alguronic acid.

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