Saturday, 1 June 2013

Jordana Matte Lipsticks: Review and Swatches

Hello Everyone :)
After a long vacation from my blog, I am super excited to start writing here again. Well, I have been in a melodrama of my emotional struggle this days and it really feels good to be back to something real and mine :).


So today, I am going to share with you about some local lipsticks. Jordana USA is a very well known brand locally in Bangladesh. The brand Jordana Cosmetics features modern packaging, advanced formulas and trendsetting-shade ranges. These unique distinctions have earned Jordana unparalleled dedication, complete product satisfaction and the subsequent loyalty of consumers. 

         ( L-R 42 Terra Cotta, 38 Taupe, 28 Natural, 37 5th Avenue)
 About the Product:
Opaque Matte Coverage
• Non-Drying, Comfortable
• Long Wearing & Non-Feathering
• Velvety-Smooth Feel
• Made In USA


My take on the Product:

Lets begin with the packaging. The lipsticks come in a Golden-ish plastic bullet with a black plastic handle at the end to keep the lipstick in standing position and a transparent white cover lid. From the very look, this packaging looks cheap and breakable but for the price it is good enough.

Now on the product. This lipsticks range in many colors from browns nudes to deep red. I own only specifically four colors, among which two are my most favourite. Many love the fact that they range in different colors and very affordable and available too. Being a lippi fan that I am, one must assume I should own a great many then only this four lipsticks. One thing that really puts me off from buying this lipsticks are the formula. The formula is very hard and not at all moisturizing on the lips. On cracked lips, this looks disastrous!!

                   ( One of the lipstick fell off my hands and broke :( ) 

                                                                 Swatches   

  • 42 Terra Cotta ~ This is a coral-ish orange color that looks beautiful on the lips. I have not expected this orange to look so beautiful, even when swatches it makes me smile. According to  me, this is a must have shade for every girl.
  • 28 Natural ~ This is a very interesting color. Not quite so corals, nor so orange, but gives out a very between orange-pink color. Looks pretty on fair and yellow toned skin. The only drawback is, it gives out a white cast color which is sometimes very irritating.
  • 37 5th Avenue ~ I believe this is an universal color. A beautiful brownish shade, which is not so dark and not even that sheer but works wonderfully as an everyday shade. 
  • 38 Taupe ~ I bought this lipstick out of curiosity. On first glance, I did like the color and grabbed it. On the lips it looks good but nothing fancy. It is just another purple-ish pink color but sadly it comes sheer in my lips.

Prons:
  • Variety of colors.
  • Affordable.
  • Available Locally.
  • Looks good on the lips.
  • Non-drying Formula, therefore Matt.
Cons:
  • Cheap Packaging
  • Formula is not so moisturizing
  • Many colors look similar on the range
  • Sheer appearance on the lips.
  • Dry formula, not good for cracked lips.
Overall, this lipsticks are good for a price range of Bdt 140 and works good enough for everyday use. But this are not so wonderful especially for the drying formula and the cheap packaging.
Do I suggest this lipsticks?? Well, this aren't the best, but this aren't so bad to not give this a try at least. Especially being Matt, this lippis are very drying but many may love this kind of lipsticks and I do urge to give this a go. :)

I hope you all liked the post. Thank You <3

 
 
 
 

           

Tuesday, 14 May 2013

Which Lipstick Is Right For Me?

Hello Everyone,
Lipsticks are wonderful thing to own, I believe at least. Every time I pass looking at stores, my eyes are always hovering on that lipstick, looking away for that perfect color I might find interesting :). But when you go to buy that perfect lipstick, it becomes quite difficult choosing between the millions of different lipsticks available in stores, and all they promise something else. There are many brands, each fighting with their slogan to offer some "extra care for the lips" or "stay all day long" , but what are the major differences?

Ingredients:
Each lipstick consists of number of ingredients, in some greater or lesser extent. This ingredients are one of reason so many lipsticks differ from one another. Each lipsticks consists of pigments for color, should have that firmness to stay on the lips, perfume for smell, and softeners for spreadibility.
 
Matt:
A matt lipsticks usually give beautiful finish and also known for being long lasting. Such lipsticks tend to be a no no for dry, cracked lips usually because they have more wax elements than softeners.

Pearl:
This lipsticks nowadays contain silica or substance mica. This type of lipsticks usually give out pearly effect as many of this lipsticks contain either very mild or very chunky glitters.Peal sometimes give that slightly extra effect.

Hydrating Lips:
Everybody is looking for that lipstick that is wonderful but also give that moisturizing effect. Moisture means a little bit of greasiness on the lips, but comparing to the soft texture, this can be overlooked. This lipsticks have more softeners added to it such as Aloe Vera.

Long Lasting:
For such long lasting, silicone oil are processed into the lipstick to ensure that lipstick colors are as it is. Many manufacturers claim their lipstick to stay put all day, but we all know in real this is never the case ~ they are bound to fade!


Lip Gloss:
Lip gloss  makes lips shiny and kissable. This usually have subtle colors, sometimes almost opaque, and have very short self life. Lip gloss work over a lipsticks but also looks good alone.

Hope this article is useful for you all. For any queries, comment below. 
With Love







Sunday, 12 May 2013

Lotus Herbal 3-1 Matte Daily Sunblock: Review and Swatches

Hello Everyone :D

Today I am going to talk about Sunblock. Sunblocks are very very important as it absorbs some of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the skin exposed to sunlight and thus helps protect against sunburn. Skin-lightening products also have sunscreen to protect lightened skin because light skin is more susceptible to sun damage than darker skin.


Benefits of Using Sunblock:
  • Ideal sunscreen. Everyone needs to wear sunscreen, regardless of the type of skin that they have. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause wrinkles or even skin cancer. It is recommended to use sunscreen that can protect both UVA and UBV rays, and at least SPF of 15 or higher.
  • For everyone. Sunscreen must be worn by everyone over 6 months of age. This includes infants and babies. It will also help if you wear protective clothing when you are going to be exposed under the sun for a long time, such as long sleeved shirts, sunglasses and brimmed hats. 
  • Prevents skin cancer. Using sunscreen can prevent from having skin cancer. Ultraviolet light can hold back the body’s immune system, which fights diseases that enter the body. With the help of sunscreen, the ultraviolet light is bounced off or absorbed. This prevents the immune system from breaking down and the tendency of cancer cells to grow will be lessened. 
  • Shielding of proteins. Wearing sunscreen daily will shield and keep proteins inside the skin. These proteins are keratin, collagen and elastin. They are the proteins that keep the skin feeling firm and smooth. Protecting these proteins will lessen the rate of aging of the skin. It can also prevent wrinkles, sun spots and age spots from forming. Most cosmetics and skin care products already come with sunscreen so that you won’t need to put on additional sunscreen when you wear make-up.
  • Prevents other diseases. Long-term usage of sunscreen can also prevent skin damage, cataracts and immune suppression. You must apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you get exposed to the sun. Re-apply sunscreen every 2 hours. You can also wear UV protection sunglasses so that your eyes can also be protected.

                  Lets talk about this wonderful Sunscreen~

Lotus Herbals is India’s leading natural cosmetics company. Combining ancient wisdom from the Vedas with 21st century technology, we offer a range of over 250 skin care, hair care, sun care and make-up products for the retail and professional markets. 

This Indian brand is well known for its wonderful skincare and cosmetic range. This is very difficult to find here, especially being an Indian local brand, but I came across it in a store and grabbed it that instant. I have heard so many raves about it, could not keep myself from getting hold of it and so far I am loving it <3





Starting with Packaging, it comes in an Orange tube with screw-in lid. The tip has a punch in topper like the traditional cream tubes. The packaging is indeed very vibrant and of good quality. The only drawback is that, it gets very messy sometimes. The products dries on the lid, making it more of  a hygiene issue.


Now to the product. The sunblock claims to have PA+++ UVA, SPF 40 UVB( ideal for our kinda weather). When I have first opened the top, the first thing that intrigued me is the smell~a sweet smell of Sandal wood. I do like the smell, but if you have allergy to Sandal Wood products or cannot stand the smell, I suggest not to buy it.

The texture is very runny compared to some sunblock, and has a light orange color to it (may be from Sandal Wood). It blends like a cream on the face, and the skin feels so refreshed once the product is blended evenly. And, it appears transparent on the face inspite of some presence of Sandalwood on it, but then after around 10 minutes later a thin layer of yellowish glow set on the face, which I like actually.
The product claims 3 benefits, Sun Protection, Skin Lightening and Mattifying. It is a good Sun protection that I know, and about the skin lightening not sure yet. What actually impressed me is the part where It actually mattifies the skin as claimed. Skin looks and feels matte almost around 3-4 hours on my combo oily skin along with face powder, until I saw some oiliness around my t-zone. Really loved the feel of it on my skin. I like to use it as a tinted Moisturizer on sunny day when I want to use minimal makeup.

And yes, there is always a but for most products. As I have already mentioned the formula is runny. So, it makes it difficult sometimes to blend. Along with that, the hole from where the product emerge is sort of bigger for such liquid formula, therefore every time I use it either some product spills or go waste.

Pros:
  • Benefit of 3~ Sunscreen, Skin Lightening and Mattifying.
  • Matte finish, looks lovely.
  • Good Sunscreen with UVA & UVB with SPF 40
  • Smells of Sandal Wood
  • Good Packaging
  • Stays a long time on the face, being a sunscreen.
  • Act as a light tinted moisturizer.
Cons:
  • Formula is runny, sometimes makes it hard to blend properly.
  • Messy tube and result in wastage.
  • Contains Sandalwood, and talcum which maybe an allergic ingredient for some people.
  • The smell of Sandalwood stays on the face, which maybe bothersome for some.
  • May give out a faint ashy caste on the face after sometime of use.
Overall, I am enjoying the product so far. It works as a handy tinted moisturizer along with the sunscreen. I am looking forward to using more of Lotus Herbal's skincare.

Price: 380 BDT
You can get it in any local store carrying Lotus Herbal products. 

Will I purchase it again?? I definitely will. 
Hoping you all like the post.
With Love,
  Tania  


Which Perfume Speaks For You??

Friday, 10 May 2013

Quick Hairdo This Summer...

Hello Everyone,
Its Friday, my most favorite day of the week <3
 I have been thinking, how about sharing with you all some hairdo's for this summer. I am a student as well as a part time jobber, and our life is always on the rush. Dealing with this hectic everyday life, sometimes it becomes difficult to try out hairstyles each time we go out. Along with that, Summer makes it more difficult to keep hair flaunting and fresh with the disgusting heat, pollution and dirt !!!

So, here I am with some easy to do, everyday and quick hairstyles to share with you all.

Loose Braid: This is so in this season. Loose braids are very easy and takes hardly any time to do.
 Full Ponytail: I love to do this ponytails from time to time. It is super easy to do, and all you need it some practice :D

Hair Bun: Buns are thought to be very feminine and fashionable. This is one consistent form of hairstyle that are always seen on the different models walking through ramps.But then again, this style should be used very carefully as it tend to suit according to face shape. There are many ways of doing a bun, either messy or straight forward bun or that half do bun or my favorite side bun, all you need to do is choose the one that suits you.

                                                               
Some hairstyles I love doing:


This is the twisting form of hair I do sometimes when my hair is not in a good shape.

~Part your hair in the middle. Take some hair from the front and twist them till the end, and pin with a bobby pin. Do the same on the other side. Then by taking the ends of both sides, punch them with a clip.~


This is my go to hairstyle " High Puff". I love side parted volume hairs as it make my make more slimmer and shaped.

~Simply take some strands of hair from the front and tease them(if required). Then make a high puff, and pin them either with bobby pin or punch clip.~




This is a form of side pony tale that I do, but with a twist in it to bring more volume. Super easy to do. 

~Side part your hair. Take two strands, one from the front and another from the middle, twist them and secure with a bobby pin. Then make a side pony tale.~




And never forget, You can always perk up your look with pretty accessories, and the best part is they are so easy to style. :D

Enjoy the Summer with this beautiful styles <3
Hope you all liked the post.
For more enquiries, comment below or you can add me on my  related face book page Lippaholic Indeed.
With Much Love,
   Tania


Thursday, 9 May 2013

Look Book Series: Lavender Love

Hello Everyone,
It has been such hectic Thursday, but at the end of the day, all is well that ends well :D

Today, I am going to share with you another episode of Look Book Series. I have created this look based on a sari actually. My mom has this beautiful lavender color sari that she made with her own hands. Such pretty thing it is<3
To Compliment this Sari, I decided to go for a neutral look. 
This is the Look. Nothing fancy just a Simple look.

With a simple base and soft cheeky blush, I have used a purplish pink color all over the lids and a brown color on the outer half, gently blending it to the crease. Using black liner, winged the line a little bit, and used lots of mascara, and my eye makeup is done. The "bling" of this look is that gorgeous pink lip color that gave the whole look an additional dose of freshness. All over, the eyes looked perfect with the attire..and I was very pleased with the result :D

Products Used: 
  • Jordana Face Powder
  • Elf Eye Primer
  • Elf Studio Eyeshadow in Amethyst
  • Elf Eyebrow Kit
  • Jordana Blush in Tawny Beige
  • Maybelline Wet Shine Lipstick in Berry Wet (<3 it)

To doll up the sari, I used minimal accessories. Just wore a long pearl neck piece with a pearl leaf ring. As for hair, I got really lucky that day. They were naturally in good shape What I only did was to put my hair in a tight bun and later opened them to flaunt that beautiful waves that naturally took its place :D

I hope, you all liked the post.
Comment below if you have any inqueries. Thank You.
                              With Love, Tania








Wednesday, 8 May 2013

"How I like to Use Curd":D



Hello Lovelies, It is raining in here..Yayy!!..though I do not like the gloominess it brings with it, but watching Rain pouring from the window is such a different feeling. Everybody must like it, don't you think??


Aarong came up with 500gm Curd containers, in both Sweet and Sour. A wonderful idea, as it is very both user friendly and  good for those who like to buy in small quantity.

So, day before yesterday, I brought two container full of yummy Curd. Off course, who doesn't like curd?? Sweet, yes for eating..but Sour?? Okay let me explain why Sour?? :D

Sweet Curds have sugar in them so they are sweeter in taste. Sour ones, on the other hand, doesn't have any but they are widely used in food items. I do not like eating sour curd, but it works wonders for skin and hair. I used to use curd in my skin care regime, but then I get lazy and forget to use it on weekly basis. Now that I have some free time on my hands, I decided to include it again...Why wait on your leisure, when you can pamper yourself in the meantime :)??

Some Benefits of Curd:
  • Curd is a very nourishing food. It is a valuable source of protein, calcium and minerals. Curd has zero carbs, zero sugars and zero trans fats, with calcium for growing bones. .
  • It boosts Immune response.
  • Yoghurt helps prevent muscle cramps and Osteoporosis as it boosts the Body's ability to builds strong bones.
  • It is also one of the best aids to natural good looks as it nourishes the nerves and the skin. Best used as a Natural Hair Conditioner.
  •  Curd is very helpful for heart ailments, for senile state in preventing and delaying degeneration of body, purifies blood, keeps digestive system healthy, and has more Vitamin B Complex than milk.
  • Curd serves as a very good medicine, it has an enzyme that keeps the body cool, and it is also a good healer. Milk is not suitable for all people especially people with asthma or allergies should refrain from milk, but they can take curd to get their calcium etc.
  • Cures loose-motion, thrust, impurity of blood, burning sensation
Face Mask with Curd :

Ingredients: 
  • Aarong Sour Curd- 2 tab spoon
  • Honey- 1 tea spoon
  • Lemon Juice- 1 tea spoon 
 
 
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and apply on the face and neck, evenly with a brush or by using hands. Keep the pack until it has dried a little, and message your face a little before washing with clean water. Pat dry. 

This mixture can also be used for hands and legs.Curd is rich in lactic acid, a natural alpha hydroxyacid, that helps to improve complexion and makes it softer and more radiant. Honey is a natural cleanser which exfoliates skin from the inside to bring the radiant and clear skin on the outside. Lemon is rich in enzymes, sugar, and fruit acids that aid to eradicate dead cells from the skin. This golden citrus fruit is very versatile and also helps to clear out acne scars.

Hair Mask:

Well, when it comes to hair treatment, I love my oil and egg mask. But sometimes I reach for this as an added moisture, for something different other than only using egg( sometimes it gets boring you know :P). I have found about this on a random Indian site actually. The guy named it "yo yoghurt":p. This is how it is done.

  1. Remove the yolk from an egg and beat the egg white till it is nice and frothy.
  2. Add six tablespoons of yogurt to the potion
  3. Massage it into hair and wait 15 to 30 minutes for the magic to unveil. 
  4. Wash out with a mild shampoo. 
This mask work wonderfully to provide moisture and make hair soft and shiny. Obviously, it will be smelly and greasy but then think about how beautifully soft your hair will be and shiny too :D.

As for the sweet tooth, Curd can be a delicious desert to meet your sweet cravings and healthy as well. I am always in and out of diets, and when I am deadly hungry, I reach for some curd. I love it with mixture of fruits like mango, strawberry, sometimes a little bit of chocolate syrup or with some ice cream maybe :P.

Something Interesting to share:

While I was eating some sweet curd from the container, an idea struck me. Aarong Curd comes in a strong plastic white container with push in lid. The container is easy to hold, and very user friendly. So I came up with this idea :D
 
 
This containers can be useful to either store food items, or other loose stuffs. I have decorated the container in a ruffled lace and covered the lid with a decorative paper. The white color of the container gives the freedom to decorate in any way I wanted, but for the time being this works for me. This will work wonderfully, to keep my crafts stuff or the small earnings that I so carelessly here or there!

Another way I came up is to make a stand for all the eye pencils I own, for my dresser. All I did was ruffling the container up in lace and cut the middle circular cover with a cutter. You can also make it to keep the brushes, or pencil lipsticks/lip gloss , as the container has a wide mouth,very spacious and easy to make :). 
 
Isn't it a brilliant organizing tips???

I hope You all liked my post. Share your views in the comments below and more more queries, add me on face book page Lippaholic Indeed.



 
 

 










With Love,
   Tania