Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts

Why you need Mediterranean by Elizabeth Arden right now!

I have yet to find a perfume from Elizabeth Arden that I dislike. It started with Mediterranean. I was first introduced to this perfume in one of those promotional kiosks in a mall in Bombay. I have always been more of a body mist than perfume person. The fact that the mist doesn’t weigh you down was always a plus.

Mediterranean is a feminine perfume by Elizabeth Arden, launched in 2007



Since I was in school, my parents decided that perfume wasn’t a requirement. We got 2 vials with the perfume and I kept one of them with me.

Two years later, I found the vial – empty, however it was still fragrant. My love affair with Mediterranean started that very moment. Not only was it long lasting but it also smelled amazing. It wasn’t super strong and that definitely was a plus.

The smell was rustic yet flirty and lasted for a good 8 hours.

The bottle was a cerulean glass with hammered silver cap. I wasn’t aware of notes until recently. I instantly checked for Mediterranean’s notes to know what was it about this bottle that attracted me towards it.



The exotic quality comes from Madagascar orchid, wisteria and Star magnolia, with light finishes of peach, Sicilian mandarin and the beautifully named Damask Plum. Amber, sandal wood and musk were the base note.

The Sandalwood and Amber add a spicy, woodsy quality, which nicely balances the fruits and exotic florals. Everything combines to create a delicate scent that evokes sunshine, summer and adventure.

This is the sort of perfume that quietly invites you in rather than being powerful and overt. If you are like me and don't strong strong scented perfumes, however want them to last long, then you should definitely try this.

What's your favorite perfume???


Elekta Lady shaver & Epilator

Hello lovelies!

I’m so excited to share my experience with you. I have been using epilators for some years now, and I couldn’t be more relieved and happy that I made that switch from traditional hair removal methods.




You may have happily ignored epilators in the shopping aisles, but im hoping that this post will change your perception towards them. We are going to quickly understand what an epilator is, what features you should look for while buying an epilator and most importantly how to use it.

An epilator is a compact device that removes hairs from its roots. A bunch of hair is removed with a single pass as tweezers rotate and pull the hair from its roots. The best part - you can have smooth skin for two weeks or up to a month!




Epilation is not only a cheaper alternative to hair removal, but also an effective method. After extended usage, fewer hairs grow and, most importantly, they grow thinner. In the beginning you may take almost the similar amount of time that you spend at your salon, however over time you may just take 40 minutes tops.




Epilators can be either dry or wet or a combination of both. If you are starting off or have very low resistance to pain. I would suggest getting a wet epilator as you can use it under the shower where pores are open thus easing the pain.

Using an epilator is incredibly simple. Anyone can do it and that’s why I truly recommend these devices as the optimal way of getting smooth skin. Just move it slowly at a 90 degrees angle against the direction in which the hair is growing. Will it hurt, yes! But if you are used to waxing then the pain won’t even bother you!

While buying an epilator, do check for the following features:

1. The most important and basic thing that an epilator does is to remove hair from its roots, and not just the surface. Hence, it’s important to check for epilators that come with tweezers.The more tweezers it has, the less time each epilation session will take.

2. Hygiene: Check the cleaning method involved. It’s different for wet and dry epilators.

3. Accessories
a) An efficiency cap is something I always want to find in the box because, trust me, it eases on the pain a little and it makes the entire hair removing process more comfortable.

b) There are all sorts of accessories like cooling gloves and massaging heads, having the same purpose: making the pain less intense. However, always use the cooling glove after epilation not before or during.

c) Built-in light ensures that you won’t miss any hairs.

 d) Number of speeds, usually two. There are few epilators who have just one speed.

e) Corded or cordless (rechargeable or battery operable).

Considering all the above features, I will try to describe the perfect hair removal device for me. Maybe it will help you figuring out what you need and want. The best epilator for me is quite a basic device with 2 speeds, efficiency cap, built in light and cordless.

For me the epilator from Elekta was hence a good choice. It comes in with all the mentioned features along with a massage head which eases pain especially when it comes to cleaning your lady parts.




I love the charging console (not sure what it’s actually called) as it allows me to rest the epilator while charging.




Most of the eplialors available in the market have the same features. What sets them apart are the accessories that they come with. 


You will be pretty surprised to learn that it only costs AED 60. You can check it HERE , you can check other options HERE

Much Love!







Elekta 7 in 1 Hair styler set

Hello Beautiful!

Today, I'm going to review the 7 in 1 hair styler set from Elekta - a professional styling tool that gives you versatility with styling to create curls, waves, spirals, volume etc. I'm going to jump straight to the point: This baby is for keeps. It is a boon for messy and lazy manes.





Initially, I wasn't really convinced that it could do what it claims to do - Versatile styling. I own a messy unruly mane, which decides on it's own how it likes to feel. If today you see me with straight tresses, you are bound to see a nest the next day (I'm not even exaggerating). So when any product claims to manage/style my hair, I can't help but laugh at the 'claims'.

So the chances that a compact box with 7 different units of small styling sets were to manage my hair did sound hilarious. My expectations, from the time I received the product till the time I started using it was meh.

I sprayed on a generous amount of heat styling product on my hair and looked at the Elekta 7 in 1 styler not hoping for any miracle. I started with the 'magic curl' brush (Oh, all the brushes have their designated names. But, I'm going to  rename some (all) of them). 

So all you do is attach the styling tool to the unit. You can either be all calm and attach it properly or be like me and almost damage it (either ways it fits). It's easy to attach, however, you will have some initial fails or you may just not.

This is my understanding of the working mechanics of the styling tool. You plug in the hungry monster and it happily blows out hot air which transfers to the attached tool through a vent and then does some magic to your hair. Once you repeat the entire process, your mane tends to look 'oomphiliciious', and lasts long without hair spray (I'm not sure if it's just with my hair).




I did not check the other brushes out until I decided to do a video on the same, which you can find HERE.

The product takes a bit of getting used to. You cannot really expect wonders the first time you use it. However, once you do get the hang of it. It is so wonderful, that you will just want to replace all your styling products with just this one. More so, when you compare its price, you just wouldn't want to think twice (voot voot, I rhymed)

It has a 'lemme dry you hair', 'Push-up', 'shine on', ' curl up', 'wave away', 'loosey woosey curlies', 'comb away' brushes that effortlessly helps you tame your mane.

So here they are:
The hungry monster
The hungry monster, has two switches on it. the lower one is to increase the heat as per your requirement. the above is to attach and detach the units to it.



The 'Comb away' brush looks simple and meh, but don't be fooled by it's ' Hey i'm just a paddle brush' look. This baby straightened my hair and kept the frizz away. 


Similar to the paddle brush, however 'shine away' tends to make your straight but nor poker straight. It makes it look naturally bouncy straight. (If that does make sense)


This baby is my favourite. Oh my God, I cannot tell you how much I loved the loose, out of bed curls you can get from this 'loosey woosey curly'. It's beautiful to say the least.

Look at what it does
So this 'wave away' brush is a bit deceptive. It looks all simple and you might just underestimate what it can do, Until you spot that magic button on it's head. Check the pictures below. This one gets you wavy curls in all dimensions.


Cool huh?



This one is like the 'push-up bra' of the tools. Though it does look like a back scratcher (versatile hehe). It is the best alternative to back combing (yay)


The curl up works like your usual curling irons, and also has a safety stand to protect you from burns. 


The humble 'lemme dry your hair' works just like your blow dryer, but in a compact version.


My advice is to give it some time, let it get used to you and vice versa, and you will definitely love it as I do. Why I keep stressing on the 'getting used to' bit is because I managed to get my hair caught up twice, once in the unit and the other time in the styling tool (sheer clumsiness). So to avoid the trauma and drama of that all, just give it some time. And if clumsy me can actually handle it like a pro (almost), then it would definitely be a piece of cake for you guys.

Cons:

* The sound (it seems like you are the antagonist in a horror flick).


Pros:

* Easy to use (once you get the hang of it)
* Effective
* User Friendly
* Wallet friendly
* Versatile styking
* Compact








Ice Queen Lipstick (Lipstick Queen)

“Once upon a time, there lived an Ice Queen, whose cool and crystalline beauty captured the magic of sunlight sparkling on snow.” - POPPY KING

Thank you Tishtash for this lovely gift


 

The above completely sums about what Ice Queen is. It’s a lipstick that belongs in fairy tales. My first thought on seeing the lipstick was that of a Disney princess, where butterflies and fairies kiss your lips with sunlight and it sparkles.



The overall color is truly beautiful; a shimmering white lipstick flecked with silver and gold that works like an illuminator for your lips. But will I use it over a plain lip, No. It does give you a shine; however for pigmented lips like mine it just doesn’t look great. However, I love the way it looks over other lipsticks adding dimension and sparkles! It makes it seem as though your lips are drenched in seductive colors with a luminous kiss of shimmering stardust.

If you have gorgeous natural lips, then this A+ product is so good. It’s packed with hydrating ingredients like vitamin E and nourishing oils to ensure that your natural lip color shines through as flawless and flake-free as can be. However, for those like me, you can layer it over any other lip color to instantly winterize your look.

Just look at this gorgeousness, stunning right?



"Get kissed by the moon and travel to intergalactic gorgeousness with Ice Queen"

It’s so simple you can apply it without a mirror, or even a steady hand.



Herbal essentials


I’m very skeptical like most of you to try out new skin products, however I’m a total sucker for organic and natural products. When TishTash gave me a goodie bag with Herbal Essentials I was over the moon. Herbal Essentials is 100% natural and it’s made in UAE with imported Himalayan natural ingredients.





Herbal essentials Problem Skin Scrub contains natural clay (Gopichand) – a magnesium iron and aluminum yellow earth – similar to Bentonite along with neem, brahmi, turmeric, basil, walnut shell, sunflower oil, coco palm wax.

It smells very earthy, and oddly enough I felt it smelled like cumin. I loved the fragrance, it had a soothing and relaxing effect.




It comes in n easy to use wide plastic jar with a screw up lid. The texture is that of soft clay with tiny beads which are not harsh, but easily cleanse your skin. You can use it as a scrub or as a mask. I usually apply scrubs as a mask and then scrub em away when dry. Best of both worlds isn't it?




My Review: Since I do have sensitive skin, I take a patch test before generously lathering anything on my face. If the product passes the patch test, it gets slapped on my face. Herbal Essentials problem skin scrub passed the patch test, and was generously applied on my clean face. It took around 15-20 minutes to dry. Usually with clay masks, you feel it drying as it stretches your skin absorbing all excess oils. However, I didn't feel the same with this one. I had to keep checking if the mask dried, which was a plus.




I splashed my face with lukewarm water and then scrubbed away the mask in circular motion, paying more attention to problem areas like my nose, and chin. I scrubbed away gently on my neck in upward motion and loved the soft, smooth and supple effect it left.




I didn't moisturise my skin so as to check if the scrub dries out my skin, and to my surprise it didn't.

You will start noticing the effect post the first use itself. It’s a perfect pamper jar that you could gift yourself or your loved ones, and its calming fragrance will relax your mind as well.

Put on some music and pamper yourself with the Problem Skin scrub for a more radiant YOU!


Skin Republic Platinum Lift

If you are a first timer with sheet face masks like me, then I'm sure you will be apprehensiveness about a 'ready to wear' mask. Sheet face masks involve very little effort from your end. All you need to do is to put on the face mask and relax.



I used the Skin Republic Platinum mask. For starters,Skin Republic is a scientifically formulated, dermatologist tested hypo-allergenic range combining the latest advances in skin care with nature’s restorative properties. 


The Skin Republic sheet face masks are incredibly effective in delivering nutrients due to the close and continuous contact with the skin. They have seven sheet face masks which are infused with concentrated serum targeting six primary skin concerns: anti-aging, firming and lifting, regenerating and revitalising, brightening, repairing and restoring, cleansing and pore refining. The Platinum Lift mask reduces the signs of aging, it's rich in antioxidants, firms, tones and lifts your skin. It contains Nano-Platinum, Trehalose and Pomegranate that have antioxidant capabilities and assist in firming and lifting the skin, enhancing its elasticity and texture. 

The instructions say to cleanse and tone your skin first, and then applying the mask leaving it on for 15-20 minutes while resting. Any excess serum left in the pouch can with benefit be applied to the neck, décolleté and hands, which i must say is super amazing. 

My first impression was that of a gooey, slimy mask. The mask is soaked with serum which instantly gets absorbed into your skin. The mask is a little tricky to put onto the face, as it is a little larger than it really needs to be. However, the area for the nose is smaller (or i have a bigger nose than average). And as it is soaking with the serum, you also have to be careful not to get this into your eyes. Once you got it on, you can just sit back, or ideally lie back and relax until it is time to remove it. You need not rinse your face post removing the mask. So it's less work compared to your regular masks. I did feel mummified, and it was difficult to keep the mask on, as my husband was in constant splits! 



The mask does have a scent that you can only love. And as soon as you’ve folded out the mask and applied it to the face, you can feel the lovely coolness of the serum working its magic on the skin. I did feel that my skin was soft and supple, but didn't notice any major changes. However the next day I did get a few compliments, about my skin. 



All in all it is a great mask and I do love how it makes my skin feel so soft and smooth and glowing afterwards. I loved it and I'm all geared up to try the rest as well. 

Do let me know your feedback on the same.