If you have been following me for a while now, you would probably know that I have a soft spot for Clarins. I haven't tried a lot of their prodcuts, but the few I have work really well. I recently did a Get Ready With Me on IGTV using all Clarins products (in case you want to see them in action...coz, well, they are fab!).
On C & D, it's all about summer! And summer calls for light hydrating skincare, gels and cooling soaps, and anything to retain that spring-time glow!
Continuing with our summer themed posts, I've brought you my favourite 'slap-it-on-n-glow-like-an-angel' product. It's light, it's cooling, it's wonderfully nourishing, it's FAGEL!
Continuing with our summer themed posts, I've brought you my favourite 'slap-it-on-n-glow-like-an-angel' product. It's light, it's cooling, it's wonderfully nourishing, it's FAGEL!
Hi everybody! Today I've got a fantastic post for you to peruse! Dot & Key is a brand that we had discovered quite some time back. A month ago, the brand kindly sent us a few of their new products to try out. I had shared the same on our Instagram Page.
After more than 3 weeks of testing their Hydration Range out, here's my detailed review of them all. Read on to discover more!
This new hydration range by Dot & Key features Hyaluronic Acid as its star ingredient so that your skin can dive into a pool of refreshing moisture and emerge plump and dewy.
That's right folks! It's that time again where I share some wise tid-bits to my younger self again (but hopefully, these resonate with you too)!
The thing is, a lot of the time, I remember feeling 'down' or simply put, having a low emotional state because of unhappiness stemming from my inadequacy.
The thing is, a lot of the time, I remember feeling 'down' or simply put, having a low emotional state because of unhappiness stemming from my inadequacy.
I prefer using drugstore mascaras. Simply because :
Mascaras get bad real soon. They tend to dry up or start to smell funky & you can use one for 6 months maximum. There's no way I am going to burn a hole in my pocket getting a high-end one only to toss it out in a few months.
Frankly, I haven't tried mascaras from a lot of drugstore brands, just a few. Maybelline makes really good mascaras in my opinion. One of the best ones in the drugstore.
I mean, given how the brand came into existence it only makes sense.
Trivia time?
Maybelline was founded in 1915, New York City by Thomas Lyle Williams who noticed his sister Mabel applying a mixture of vaseline & coal dust to her eyelashes for a darker, fuller look. It led to him producing a product sold locally called Lash-Brow-Ine. Williams renamed his eye beautifier Maybelline in her honor. In 1917, the company produced Maybelline Cake Mascara, "the first modern eye cosmetic for everyday use," and Ultra Lash, the first mass-market automatic, in the 1960s.
(Oh, if you haven't read the earlier posts in the series yet, I suggest you do that first and come back here - CLEANSING; EXFOLIATION - HERE & HERE).
Okay, so toners. You either use them or you don't. I fall in the former category. I like using them - yes, at any given point of time I have a couple going - I choose depending on how my skin feels or I alternate between them or use 1 in the morning & 1 at night.
You don't need 2 or 3 necessarily. But if you aren't using any yet you might want to add 1 in your routine and up your skincare game a little.
Lately, both Smriti and I have been streamlining our cosmetics. You can say that we kind of got exhausted by this never ending market and new launches at the drop of a hat!
Rather than buying more, we're choosing to use what we already have, and if possible in multiple ways to add fun! (Refer to our multi-tasking post to know more)
That's where these YBP colour creams fit in (they can be used on the face, lips & eyes), and now was the perfect time to dedicate a full post to them :)
We might be one of the last people reviewing these perhaps :D But nevertheless, if you are curious, read on!
Rather than buying more, we're choosing to use what we already have, and if possible in multiple ways to add fun! (Refer to our multi-tasking post to know more)
We might be one of the last people reviewing these perhaps :D But nevertheless, if you are curious, read on!
Oh and if you want to know more about their skincare line, Smriti has an in depth review of their Plant Remedy Oil HERE.
Hello everyone, if you follow us on Instagram you would have seen us unboxing and talking a bit about the newly launched serums from Dot & Key.
Continuing our "Basics of Skincare" series, today we are discussing a bit about cleansing.
I hope you have read all about Exfoliation in our previous posts - Physical exfoliation HERE & Chemical exfoliation HERE.
So let's get into some detail.
I hope you have read all about Exfoliation in our previous posts - Physical exfoliation HERE & Chemical exfoliation HERE.
So let's get into some detail.
One question to you all.
How many times have you bought makeup that you really did not require?
Count me guilty. There have been many times when my decision was guided by greed, not need. I'm sure this is something that you will identify with. Having a large makeup stash is pretty to look at, till you realize how overwhelming and confusing it gets to pick out one product in a hurry!
How many times have you bought makeup that you really did not require?
Count me guilty. There have been many times when my decision was guided by greed, not need. I'm sure this is something that you will identify with. Having a large makeup stash is pretty to look at, till you realize how overwhelming and confusing it gets to pick out one product in a hurry!
Hi everyone! Firstly, thank you so much for all the appreciation on the Masaba By Nykaa Nail Enamel post ! We never thought that you all will like it so much and we are truly grateful. (If you haven't seen that, go check it out already!)
Yes, we were brutally honest in that post and your comments on Instagram made it all worth it!
The old constant readers of our blog already know this - We will always be honest with our thoughts & reviews! It's a promise :)
Okay, before I get all emotional, let's just dive into the new Masaba Lipstick swatches!
Hello everyone!
If you follow us on Instagram, then you would have known that we picked up 4 of the nail enamels from the new Masaba by Nykaa Collection last week.
We have already done 2 huge Swatch Fests of the Nykaa nail enamels before, so make sure you see those two. It is important. You will see why at the end of the post.
All Nykaa Nail Polishes In My Stash - PART I
All Nykaa Nail Polishes In My Stash - PART II
So without any delay, let's dive straight into the new collection!
If you follow us on Instagram, then you would have known that we picked up 4 of the nail enamels from the new Masaba by Nykaa Collection last week.
We have already done 2 huge Swatch Fests of the Nykaa nail enamels before, so make sure you see those two. It is important. You will see why at the end of the post.
All Nykaa Nail Polishes In My Stash - PART I
All Nykaa Nail Polishes In My Stash - PART II
So without any delay, let's dive straight into the new collection!
We did a
small post on whether the Galaxy S10 was still relevant, especially with the
Pixel 4 and the iPhone 11 coming out later this year. The answer to that
question though, in case you were wondering, was a resounding yes!
Which is
why I am really impressed with all the stuff that Samsung is doing in order to
keep the S10 fresh. Samsung has a lot of pressure on it, being the first
flagship launch of the year, and it has been supremely successful so far, with
sales of the S10 still strong despite the launch of the One Plus 7 Pro.
One of the
most interesting gizmos though, and the subject of this review, is this awesome
LED case. This little beast snaps on to your S10, connects via NFC, and
displays fancy icons, moodlighting stars and Emoji on certain events, like
getting a call, getting a message or having a missed call.
Here’s
some of the most important consumer purchase questions answered for you:
The Galaxy S10 was the first mainstream flagship smartphone to launch in India, and that has led to a very high burden of expectation on it to stay relevant across the year. Especially with the launch of the One Plus 7 Pro, and with the upcoming launches of the iPhone 11 and the Pixel 4. We examine below why the S10 might still be worth it, even mid way through 2019
I hope you all know that we are doing a full week of our favourite NYX products on Instagram. Do check out our page if you haven't already!
Today I am sharing my love for the NYX Butter Glosses!
It's been 3 years since I first spoke about them on the blog and I still use them a lot- now that's love!
I have successfully added another shade to my collection of these yummy Butter Glosses! Take a look!
Today I am sharing my love for the NYX Butter Glosses!
It's been 3 years since I first spoke about them on the blog and I still use them a lot- now that's love!
I have successfully added another shade to my collection of these yummy Butter Glosses! Take a look!
Hi all!
As you might be knowing, NYX is celebrating their third birthday in India and fangirling after them has led to many NYX additions to our stash over the years.
So what better way to show you all our recommendations, than a celebratory week of NYX! We started it on Instagram but today's feature deserves a blog post of its own.
As you might be knowing, NYX is celebrating their third birthday in India and fangirling after them has led to many NYX additions to our stash over the years.
So what better way to show you all our recommendations, than a celebratory week of NYX! We started it on Instagram but today's feature deserves a blog post of its own.
Hi everybody!
It was my birthday recently, and I feel overwhelmed to have
reached the quarter mark, a silver jubilee of sorts if you will.
As with all birthdays that have come post mid-teens, this
one too bore slight hues of melancholy. I no longer am over-enthusiastic about adding
another year to my age, not because I fear to turn old, but because that +1
makes me reflect on my previous days and all the things I wish I had known
then.
I get it, wisdom comes with experience, but I’ve always felt
that wisdom also comes from delving within oneself. And with that thought, here
I am, compiling a list of 25 things I wish I could tell my younger self. I hope
this can serve as gentle reminders of the things that matter to me as I make my
way towards 30, but as I put my thoughts down, I wish they can help you too, whatever
be your age.
After all, it’s just a number, right?
I’ve broken down this post into parts, as it is a lot of
food-for-thought, and much better digested in small doses
A while back I had asked you all on Instagram if you would be interesed in seeing products I regret buying and majority of you all said yes... so here you go!
Take a look :
Disclaimer - While these products somehow did not work out for me, they might work/or might have worked for you. This in just my personal view.
A few days back I had mentioned these 2 products on our Instagram stories and some of you messaged me asking for more details about them.
So, since I have been using the Dot & Key Underarm Color Correction Mask & Serum since over 5 months now, I thought why not cover the products on the blog and let you all know more.
Take a look (I have shared close up photos of my underarm before & after applying the mask and serum....just a heads up).
A while back I did a small Forest Essentials Haul & the Tejasvi Emulsion was a part of it. Like I said in that post - I wanted to get into at-home facial massages.
Now that I am fairly regular in doing them, it is the right time to share my thoughts about this product.
I love blushes. Surprisingly though, I do not buy a lot of them.
I have a few good ones in my stash & I am quite happy with them.
However, the one thing missing from my "blush collection" was a blush palette. I really wanted to add one in there (Hey, they'd come in super handy while travelling! I would just need to carry one palette!).
There have been a few palettes in the past which have tempted me a lot (the Estee Lauder Violette collection....I am looking at you!), but their price tags always stopped me.
And then, the LA Girl Fanatic Palettes on Nykaa! I was won over immediately. Nothing could stop me now :D *air fist pump* YESSS!
I have a few good ones in my stash & I am quite happy with them.
However, the one thing missing from my "blush collection" was a blush palette. I really wanted to add one in there (Hey, they'd come in super handy while travelling! I would just need to carry one palette!).
And then, the LA Girl Fanatic Palettes on Nykaa! I was won over immediately. Nothing could stop me now :D *air fist pump* YESSS!
I do love me a nice blue on the eyes. I will however admit that before today, I kept blue limited to an eyeliner or a blue toned kajal/kohl on the lower lash line. Last year I picked up a blue mascara to dive further into the color.
But never did I think that I would do a full blown BLUE EYESHADOW LOOK!
But, I have been playing with colors lately! And I am loving it!
Don't believe it? Check out my :
Green Eyeshadow look - Done here
Yellow Eyeshadow look - Done here
Also, since it looks like the rains aren't coming this side any time soon (while most of the country has started enjoying their rainy days)...I thought I might as well enjoy some shades of blue, very apt for the monsoon:D
Last year Bobbi Brown launched their Crushed Lipsticks (reviewed here) and they were a huge hit! Both Smriti & I love those lipsticks too & between the 2 of us, we own a fair few shades.
Their new launch this year is the Crushed Liquid Lips and I couldn't have been more excited! I love the brand...I loved the crushed lipsticks & I have been loving glossy moisturising formulas! It seems like hybrid formulas are the new thing now!
It was super difficult for me to zero down on the shades I wanted...I loved all of them so much. But finally, I picked out Smoothie Move & Bitter Sweet (for now...hehe!).
Their new launch this year is the Crushed Liquid Lips and I couldn't have been more excited! I love the brand...I loved the crushed lipsticks & I have been loving glossy moisturising formulas! It seems like hybrid formulas are the new thing now!
It was super difficult for me to zero down on the shades I wanted...I loved all of them so much. But finally, I picked out Smoothie Move & Bitter Sweet (for now...hehe!).
I am a huge fan of Kama Ayurveda. Their products have always worked for me, and I have tried plenty so far!
I have been using their Rose Jasmine Facial Cleanser for almost 3 years now and I love it. On my last trip to there store, I spotted the Red Sandalwood Soap, which is especially for acne prone skin. I had to give it a try!
If you have been regular on the blog lately, you must probably know that we have developed a soft corner for brows! So, when you do not actually pay attention to them, they seem fine. But once you start grooming them, then there is no looking back.
Over the past few months, we have reviewed a number of brow products: The Maybelline Fashion Brow, L'Oreal Genius Kit, while Smriti got the Freedom Duo Powder.
While I have shared those, I somehow have failed to mention the one product I use every time I do my brows. Every single time! Since 2017!
So, here's the NYX Tinted Brow Mascara!
I have always been a neutral eyeshadow girl, but I don't know what has happened to me lately. I have been loving colors on the eyes! A LOT!
I did a green eyeshadow look recently - SEE HERE & since then I have played so much with different colors. Maybe summer is totally inspiring me!
Anyway, here's another look featuring Yellow Eyeshadow! Yes, you heard me right.
If someone would have told me last year that one day I would be digging yellow eyes, I would have laughed so much.
But oh my word! It looks super nice (at least according to me) & so so apt for summer! Also, it doesn't hurt that yellow eyeshadow is super trending right now! So, what are you waiting for?!
I did a green eyeshadow look recently - SEE HERE & since then I have played so much with different colors. Maybe summer is totally inspiring me!
Anyway, here's another look featuring Yellow Eyeshadow! Yes, you heard me right.
If someone would have told me last year that one day I would be digging yellow eyes, I would have laughed so much.
But oh my word! It looks super nice (at least according to me) & so so apt for summer! Also, it doesn't hurt that yellow eyeshadow is super trending right now! So, what are you waiting for?!
Is it a lip gloss? Is it a lipstick? Is it a lipstain?!
That's what your mind goes like when you first apply theBalm Jour Creamy Lip Stains. It really does blow your mind away! When I first got my hands on this (I got only 1 shade) it completely changed my idea of what a lip gloss should be like.
Before I knew it, I added 2 more colours to my stash. I mean, you don't come across a product every day that is a lip gloss, but the colour stays on & on, do you?
Let's talk more about this wonderful product!
Acid peels are the new star in skincare. A millenial concept, with hundreds of brands catering to this new demand via a variety of products and formulations can come across as daunting for someone who is just trying to make the switch to this gentler variant of exfoliation.
* Chemical exfoliants work by loosening the dead skin cells sitting on top of your skin, gently and evenly. By doing this your skin can shed them easily, revealing healthy plump skin cells that lay hidden beneath!
* Chemical exfoliants work by loosening the dead skin cells sitting on top of your skin, gently and evenly. By doing this your skin can shed them easily, revealing healthy plump skin cells that lay hidden beneath!
Let's discuss a little on the topic of AHAs and BHAs. Abbreviations for alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids, it's a term you will frequently find in the ingredient list of any chemical exfoliant.
*AHAs go by the name 'fruit acids' as they are found in a variety of citrus fruits and are water soluble.
BHAs are lipid (oil) soluble and so can expect them to penetrate better and get rid of excess sebum.
* If you are a beginner and new to acids, then it is very important to start with the lowest most gentle formula.
*AHAs go by the name 'fruit acids' as they are found in a variety of citrus fruits and are water soluble.
BHAs are lipid (oil) soluble and so can expect them to penetrate better and get rid of excess sebum.
* If you are a beginner and new to acids, then it is very important to start with the lowest most gentle formula.
Exfoliation is an integral part of any well-orchestrated skincare routine. And with the simple rule of thumb that applies to all skincare, 'One size does not fit all,' holding true for this too, we thought that maybe it was time to let you in on what knowledge we've gathered, through experience (and a tiny bit of dermatology) to help you make an informed decision!
Why is exfoliation important?
Why is exfoliation important?
- Well, for starters it gets rid of the flaky dead skin that sits at the very top, giving rise to texture.
- It reveals a smooth and glowing complexion.
- When done right and followed up with targeted products, exfoliation can boost your skin, reducing pigmentation and increasing collagen production.
- Getting rid of the dead skin can actually reduce the chances of your pores getting clogged, preventing bumps and acne from forming.
- It allows all your other skin care products to penetrate better.
- So overall, your skin is much healthier!
When DECIEM came out with a whole line of products under The Ordinary banner, the beauty world could not stop talking & raving about it! I get why. They offered no-nonsense, clinical skincare products at affordable prices. (though unavailabilty in India still makes sourcing their products a bit steep).
An array of serums concentrating on individual ingredients targeting different concerns & skin needs. It allows you to pick ingredients suited to you & make your own regime.
Also, their products are usually fragrance-free, alcohol-free, silicone-free, oil-free, nut-free, cruelty-free and vegan.
It has taken me sometime to feature these products here, but I always like trying skincare for a good amount of time before sharing my thoughts with you all. Anyway, here you go!
An array of serums concentrating on individual ingredients targeting different concerns & skin needs. It allows you to pick ingredients suited to you & make your own regime.
Also, their products are usually fragrance-free, alcohol-free, silicone-free, oil-free, nut-free, cruelty-free and vegan.
It has taken me sometime to feature these products here, but I always like trying skincare for a good amount of time before sharing my thoughts with you all. Anyway, here you go!
When it comes to face massages, I am a lazy bum. I know how important they are & their benefits, but honestly, I used to do a face massage once in 45 days or so!
Now, about to touch 30 & determined to keep my skin healthy (well....it's scary to be reaching 30!), I have been getting more & more regular with face massages. It is tough & not something I am used to doing daily, because my younger self could have gotten away with it. Not any more!
Also, I am all about doing as much skincare as possible at home. Naturally, I looked for tools that can make facial massages easier by self.
So, in the past few months I have tried a couple of tools - Jade rollers & Gua Sha. I will speak about them in a seperate post soon!
Today is all about something very much Indian - Our own ancient art of massaging for natural radiance. There is a reason why century old rituals are popular even today - They Work!
Let's talk about the KANSA WAND!
Now, about to touch 30 & determined to keep my skin healthy (well....it's scary to be reaching 30!), I have been getting more & more regular with face massages. It is tough & not something I am used to doing daily, because my younger self could have gotten away with it. Not any more!
Also, I am all about doing as much skincare as possible at home. Naturally, I looked for tools that can make facial massages easier by self.
So, in the past few months I have tried a couple of tools - Jade rollers & Gua Sha. I will speak about them in a seperate post soon!
Today is all about something very much Indian - Our own ancient art of massaging for natural radiance. There is a reason why century old rituals are popular even today - They Work!
Let's talk about the KANSA WAND!
You guys loved it when Smriti shared all the Nykaa nail polishes currently in her stash....that was one post sure to make any nail polish lover go la-la-la-la. So we thought why not make you just a little happier? Here's another swatch fest of all the Nykaa nail polishes in my stash at the moment!
Take a look! All my favourites are marked with an * Picture heavy post!!
Take a look! All my favourites are marked with an * Picture heavy post!!
May the magic of this Eid bring lots of happiness in your life and fill your heart with love. We hope this special day brings peace and prosperity to everyone.
Eid Mubarak!
P.S Don't forget to check out our super simple but glam Eid makeup look Here!
Lots of love,
Smriti & Swati
Ever since I have shared my love for the Glam Glow Supermud mask, many of you have been asking for alternatives to that one.
Of course, the steep price tag of the GlamGlow mask makes it a bit unreasonable. After my 15ml mini tub got over, I wanted to buy the full size of it but kept delaying it for months as well.
In the meantime, I actively searched for possible replacements which were a bit more affordable. There are a good number of charcoal masks available in the market today (& I tried many) but I was looking for something quite specific & I think I have found that in The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask.