Author

Gargi B Niyogi

MAC Pretty Boy Cremesheen Lipstick 1

MAC Pretty Boy Cremesheen Lipstick Review

by Gargi B Niyogi

Happy festive season gorgeous ladies

I am a Calcutta girl and this year the mother of our festivals…Durga puja arrived quite early. As a result, both the humidity and heat were on an all-time high and this basically blew away any plans of elaborate makeup that I had. With my face sprouting moisture and the sun blazing down “less was more” was my Mantra. I had longed to try out the MAC cremesheen range for quite some time now and so chose the “Pretty Boy” which is a delicate rosebud pink…I had shopped for mostly pastel shades this season and thought that a light lipstick would be a good investment…

Let’s see how MAC Pretty Boy Cremesheen Lipstick fares.

MAC Pretty Boy Cremesheen Lipstick 2

Basic Info of MAC Pretty Boy Cremesheen Lipstick

Price: 1500/- (on Nyaaka)

For 3 gm.

MAC Pretty Boy Cremesheen Lipstick 4

MAC Pretty Boy Cremesheen Lipstick 3

Brand Claim 

You would obviously know this…. Mac is pricey!!! However, all things said and done a Mac lipstick is a Mac Lipstick. Here is what the cremesheen line claims.

This is a creamy balmy lipstick formula that has a comfortable feel with mid build coverage and a semi-glossy finish. The pretty boy shade is described as “an intense pink coral shade”.

My Experience with MAC Pretty Boy Cremesheen Lipstick

The Mac range doesn’t flaunt fancy packaging and this one is no exception. The lipstick is packaged in black with the conventional silver MAC signage and the rounded cap. The quality of the packaging is good, the lipstick is sturdy and travel-friendly.

MAC Pretty Boy Cremesheen Lipstick

When I swiped it on my hand I got a silverfish pink subtle color on my skin tone. This one has distinct undertones of silver pearl and a warm undertone. I thought that the shimmer was a bit too distinct but the color looked really nice on the second application.

My lips are dry and I didn’t use a balm and contrary to what was claimed I found the lipstick to be a little drying at first. The color consistency is a little firm and it needed 5 minutes on my lips to soften up and then spread out easily. The color stayed for 6 to 7 hours … I had a sandwich and a coke and it didn’t disappear. As for the color…I loved the delicate rosebud like the effect it had. Very subtle and sophisticated…on my lips it looked pink and not coral (which was anyway what I wanted).

MAC Pretty Boy Cremesheen Lipstick 1

Overall Performance of MAC Pretty Boy Cremesheen Lipstick

The USP of this lipstick is its beautiful shimmer that highlights the subtle shade. I have been using this one for 15 days now and find myself reaching out for it quite often. The shade works beautifully with daywear though I always need two applications for the color to really show through.

This one is a winner….if you don’t mind the hefty price tag and the extra minutes of waiting before the color settles.

 Would I recommend?

I purchased this lipstick pre-Durga Pujo and it served me well. Since MAC is so pricey I probably won’t buy this shade again but would experiment with other shades from the Cremesheen range…I have my eyes on the Sweet Sakura shade J would heartily recommend this one to all you beauties though…

 

Looking for More MAC Lipsticks?

 

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pregnancy innerwear 3

With your pregnancy rolling into week 10, you are over the most critical phase of this beautiful journey. You will be glad to know that most important organs of your baby have already formed and your little sweetheart has entered into the fetal phase after successful completion of the embryonic phase. From this point onwards your baby will experience rapid spurts of growth as tissues and organs continue to develop and grow at a phenomenal rate. Delicate peach fuzz hair is growing on the almost translucent skin of your baby and the liver will begin to function this week making copious amounts of red blood cells.

What to look forward to…

You and your partner will experience one of the most intimate and emotional moments of your life as a couple as now at your next prenatal appointment…The doctor will let you listen to the baby’s healthy racing heart with the help of a Doppler (hand held device). Most hospitals and nursing homes allow both partners to hear the heartbeat together (don’t confuse this with the earlier ultrasounds where only the mommy is present).

Interestingly, your uterus which was earlier the size of a smallish pear has now swollen to the size of a grapefruit. Your abdomen may feel a little tighter though whether it swells up at this point depends upon heredity, your muscle tone, and your body structure. You still aren’t ready for maternity wear shopping though and this might be a good time to pay attention to a very important section of your wardrobe….your bras.

The quest for the perfect pregnancy Bra…

pregnancy innerwear 3

Image Credit: take maternity

If there is anything that you should necessarily invest in during your pregnancy it is Bras…good, high quality, strong supportive ones. How well you support your assets during this critical time will dictate how well they end up looking at the end of your pregnancy phase. The answer to this is obviously maternity bras and here’s what you should look for in them

Choose maternity bra’s that are adjustable with at least 4 or more hook positions that can be adjusted.

Look for a deep center front fuller cup shapes and wider straps…you need better support now.

Choose breathable fabrics …cotton should be your top choice unless you live in cold climes. No itchy low-quality lace, cheap polyester or any other material which rubs against your skin (your breasts are likely to be super sensitive around this time). Underwired bras are not recommended at this point.

The bra you choose during this phase (first trimester) should be fitted with the 1st hook with some room left over in the cups so that you can use it in your second trimester as well. However don’t be surprised if you outgrow your first-trimester maternity bra completely towards the end of the second trimester…

If possible opt for a custom bra designing service….I happened to avail a great one in Kolkata by the name Necessity.Find out if there is a similar service in your city.

Most importantly take good care of your twins…itching and achy breasts and nipples are the top first trimester irritants (especially week 10 onwards). Massage with kokum butter/ cocoa butter and /or cold pressed coconut oil….these natural products work wonders. Stay away from delicious smelling body butter and lotions…anything with artificial fragrance will further irritate the skin.

It’s natural to feel a little helpless with all the rapid changes happening in your body. However, it all falls into perspective when you consider that your body is gearing up to prepare for one of the most beautiful gifts of life…motherhood.

Changing Body, Changing Innerwear!

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Pregnancy Week 9 … settling the “To tell or not to tell Question!!!” BOB Episode 5

By week 9 of your pregnancy…your baby is gearing towards the end of the embryonic stage and is all set to enter the fetal stage. Your baby is now almost an inch in length and is the size of a large grape. The embryonic tail has almost vanished and your baby’s heart has started dividing into four chambers complete with sets of teeny weeny valves. Cute little earlobes, a button nose, and a rosebud mouth are forming though you won’t be able to physically see these changes on the ultrasound…it’s heartening to know about them nevertheless.

9 weeks is regarded as a landmark by many gynecologists as this is when the risk of miscarriage drops to about 1.5%. There is every reason to feel secure and happy about your pregnancy right now and you can stop treading on feather feet :)

However, physically your body may be terribly uncomfortable at this point…most pregnancy symptoms like nausea, sensitivity to odor, moodiness, and lack of appetite peak around this time. All these issues have been dealt with in the previous posts so by this time you know how to deal with them. Now is also a good time to tell people around you like close friends, work supervisor etc. about your pregnancy though many mm’s to be preferred to wait it out till the second trimester arrives. Here are some tips to help you sort out your dilemma of telling vs. not tell.

Pregnancy Week 9 … settling the “To tell or not to tell Question!!!” BOB Episode 5

Image Credit: BrainJet

Do you need some “us time”?

This basically means whether you and hubby would want some quiet time together to savor your time as a couple and would be parents. Be aware of the fact that as soon as make the announcement…you will be swamped with advice, visits, phone calls and jubilant hugs of joy which is all very nice but…. So basically if you wish to savor the intimacy of pre-parenthood better hold your horses for a few more weeks.

Do you have pregnancy complications?

In case you have severe nausea, high blood pressure, uncontrolled thyroid, a history of miscarriage and have been advised bed rest then you have little choice. You would have to open up about your pregnancy to your boss and colleagues primarily for practical reasons. Informing senior family members is also a good idea so that you would be taken care of well.

Do you travel a lot and are under lots of work pressure?

All of us are under some degree of work pressure but for mom’s to be there is a low ceiling on stress and pressure from any department. Most employers are pretty accommodating when dealing with pregnant employees and you might get favorable changes in your work schedule and flexible timings if you decide to “tell”.

So basically, the answer to these three questions will help you make your decision quick.  Now is an awesome time to start bonding with your little sweetie…remember the ears have just formed. Try sending a bunch of sweet words and tons of warmth to your little baby…these touches of love will work wonders in the long run!!

 

Diary of an Expecting Mother:: Baby on Board!

Spotting During Pregnancy (B.O.B Episode 2)

Week 7 Nausea Fact Files: BOB Episode 3

Pregnancy Week 8 ….Dealing With Fatigue BOB Episode 4

 

 

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Juicy Chemistry Argan and Mango Butter Masque (Pre Shampoo Hair Spa) 4

Hello My Lovelies

I had always loved the smooth and straight texture of my hair but too many chemical treatments and coloring episodes later I simply couldn’t recognize my hair any longer. It became dry, frizzy and because I live in Kolkata which is horribly humid…My hair took on terrifying shapes each morning and some of these actually wanted to make me cry. I began spending a bomb on hair spas ( temporary results), parlor products ( terribly expensive) and whatever else I could get my hands on. This is when I decided to give Argan and Mango Butter Masque (Pre Shampoo Hair Spa) by Juicy Chemistry a shot too…My aim was simple frizz control and dryness control. Plus I really like the brand Juicy Chemistry…had tried Rosehip Cell Reconstruction serum before and it was great.

Juicy Chemistry Argan and Mango Butter Masque (Pre Shampoo Hair Spa)

Basic Info of Juicy Chemistry Argan and Mango Butter Masque (Pre Shampoo Hair Spa)

 Price: Rs 300/- for 30 gms and Rs 650/- for 70 gms (you can get it for lower prices on amazon and on shopping deals)

Brand Claim 

The bottle cover and the box talks about simplified skincare with completely natural ingredients. I couldn’t spot any chemicals in the ingredient list.

Juicy Chemistry Argan and Mango Butter Masque (Pre Shampoo Hair Spa) 3

The Argan and Mango Butter Masque (Pre Shampoo Hair Spa) has Argan Oil (plumps up damaged and brittle hair and reduces frizz), Shea Butter (adds lots of shine and restraints flyaways) and Mango butter (this kills anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory). Rosemary, Chamomile, Cedarwood oils are the other ingredients.

 

My Experience with Argan and Mango Butter Masque (Pre Shampoo Hair Spa)

 Juicy Chemistry Argan and Mango Butter Masque (Pre Shampoo Hair Spa) 1

 

I had used many more expensive and heartily recommended hair masques before and while some worked…Some simply burned a hole in my pocket. This is one of the most pleasant experiences with a hair masque that I have had. The packaging is pretty and comes with a wooden wee spoon (unfortunately I managed to lose this in 5 days). The round flattish container doesn’t leak and I can easily pour a small amount of hair masque (actually looks like very heavy oil) on my palm without overspilling. The container is travel-friendly…I have carried it with me on trips with zero spillage. The shape of the container….could have been prettier but that was the least of my concerns.

For applying this masque…I have short hair so needed only a little quantity. Took the liquid in my palm and applied on my hair just as one massage a serum. Started from the ends and went up to the roots. My hair is fine and not very thick and the masque weighed it down immediately…did not leave it on for an hour or half an hour…I just waited for 20 minutes before showering and shampooing with a herbal shampoo. The product emits a bordering on pungent Amrutanjan fragrance which I didn’t like much…

It worked fine… Smoothing out the rough texture and restored my hair to 90% of its former glory. However… Its effect lasts for about 3 to 4 days (at least for me) and I apply it once in 7 days usually. As a pre-styling masque, it works great… I used it before shampooing and then mildly ironed to achieve perfectly straight and sleek hair.

The texture is rather heavy and once my hair looked really flat after I over applied …You have to be really careful with the amount you apply…Trial runs are in order. Also shampoo thoroughly the product doesn’t wash off easily

!!

Juicy Chemistry Argan and Mango Butter Masque (Pre Shampoo Hair Spa) 2

 

Overall Performance of Argan and Mango Butter Masque (Pre Shampoo Hair Spa)

 

The USP of the Argan and Mango Butter Masque (Pre Shampoo Hair Spa) is its affordable price and good performance. After experimenting a lot in the hair masque category I can say that there is no masque in the world that can dramatically repair hair. For instant yet temporary results…This is a good affordable option.

However neither was my hair was permanently smoothened and neither does the effect stay for ages …hair was instantly smoothened and manageable though. Wish the fragrance was a little milder so that I didn’t have to bear the “am Rutan Jan” effect for a long time so that’s an obvious disadvantage!!

Would I recommend?

I might repurchase unless one of my future experiments turn out to be even better. As of now, this saved me a lot of money…costs much less than a hair spa and delivers almost equal results. A must buy for those of you who are searching for an affordable hair masque. Perfect for those suffering from humidity induced frizz…or have dry and damaged hair.

We are Loving These 20 Hair Masks for EVERY Hair Type !

Best Hair Masks for Dry and Frizzy Hair !

Make Your Own Hair Conditioner Using Patanjali Aloe Vera Gel !!

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Aroma Magic Almond Nourishing Cream

Hello, pretty women!!!

I am a big fan of Au natural skin care brands…You will find me experimenting with skin products from the body shop, fab India, byloom, blossom Kochhar, juicy chemistry, lotus etc. When it comes to skincare…I make it a point to stay away from harsh chemicals. Blossom kochhar’s vit c day cream and glossy anti tan pack are both my favorites and one fine day I picked up the blossom Kochhar almond nourishing cream to see how it works…Let’s run through my experience.

Aroma Magic Almond Nourishing Cream

 

Basic info of Aroma Magic Almond Nourishing Cream

 Price: Rs 350/- for 50 gms  (you can get it for lower prices on amazon and on shopping deals)

Aroma Magic Almond Nourishing Cream 2

Brand Claim 

The container, as well as cover box, talks about natural skincare with completely natural ingredients. I couldn’t spot any chemicals in the ingredient list. It clearly states that the product is free from phthalates, artificial color, fragrance, petrochemical and toxic chemicals.

Blossom Kochhar almond nourishing cream has almonds, neroli, and Jasmine oil and vit a,b, e which make the skin look younger and more supple.

 

Aroma Magic Almond Nourishing Cream 4

My Experience with Aroma Magic Almond Nourishing Cream

Aroma Magic Almond Nourishing Cream 3

Before I say anything else…I must confess my love for the pretty packaging that most blossom products have. I love the blossom Kocchar signage at the top, love their descriptions written in the first person and think that blossom kocchar does a great job in packaging. The blossom Kochhar almond nourishing cream, however, has an unimpressive brownish color scheme while the shape and size of the container ( flattish, wide mouthed) are still nice.

The container is travel-friendly (but too large to be travel-friendly)…I have carried it with me on trips with zero spillage. The shape of the container….Makes it ideal for storing trinkets post use (I have done this frequently :))

The cream has a somewhat heavy creams texture and smells faintly of some identified flour and almonds. The color has a light tinge of yellow though it doesn’t leave a stain on the skin.

The cream has a rather oily texture and it takes a really long time to get absorbed. I have photographed my hand two times… 30 seconds and 3 minutes after I applied the cream. Even after 3 minutes, there was an oily film on my hand. I have combination skin and the cream turned out tricky for me..it made my skin look shiny (not in a flattering way).

I usually wipe off the excess cream gently with a tissue after about ten minutes and the oily film on my face didn’t come off easily.

My face looked okay the morning after ….There were no breakouts or zits. I have been using the cream off and on for a month now but more because I want to finish it than being impressed in a positive way !!

Aroma Magic Almond Nourishing Cream 1

Overall Performance of Aroma Magic Almond Nourishing Cream

 

The cream would probably work well for women with dry skin or those who are exposed to extremely dry climate.  it’s affordably priced and has a pleasant fragrance.

Unfortunately, the cream didn’t work that well for me…One of my rare disappointments in the blossom kochhar range. I won’t be repurchasing it…It’s not suitable for my combination skin and neither did it bring about noticeable benefits to my skin.

However, for you, it can be a different story… You could check it out first hand.

Would I recommend?

Maybe I would recommend the cream to women with very dry skin or rough dehydrated patches on their skin…There is a lot of oil content in the cream. For oily or combination skinned women…This isn’t an ideal choice.

I ended up applying this cream generously on my elbows every night…It cured the dryness to a large extent ;) ( creativity always pays off!!)

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Aroma Magic Lavender Face Wash Review 5

Aroma Magic Lavender Face Wash Review

by Gargi B Niyogi

Hello, my lovelies!!!

As I mentioned in my last review…I love natural skincare products that are relatively chemical free.  When it comes to skincare… Blossom Kochhar is one of my favorite brands and I have mostly seen aromatherapy products living up to their promises…I now have a months experience with the lavender face wash from the Blossom Kochhar range. Let’s look at how this product fared.

Aroma Magic Lavender Face Wash Review

Basic Info Of Aroma Magic Lavender Face Wash

 Price: Rs 155/- for 100 ml (you can get it for lower prices online)

Aroma Magic Lavender Face Wash Review 2

Brand Claim 

The face wash tube talks about natural skincare with completely natural ingredients. Like all aromatherapy products, the lavender face wash is free from phthalates, artificial color, fragrance, petrochemical and toxic chemicals.

Blossom Kochhar lavender face wash has orange extracts, lavender extracts and rose oil which cleans, soothes and refreshes the skin. it claims to minimize the effect of aging and protects the skin from irritations and pollutants.

Aroma Magic Lavender Face Wash Review 3

 

My Experience with Aroma Magic Lavender Face Wash

 

I was attracted to this face wash because of the way it looked. Super pretty packaging…Lavender colored tube with pink blossoms on it. Somehow the whole tube vibes “spring summer” and compelled me to buy it.

The tube quality is okay and there hasn’t been spillage when I carried it in my bag for trips. The consistency of the face wash Liquid is runny and thin…When I kept the tube horizontally on the table with the cap open…Some of the face wash leaked out on to the open cap. This product should have been sold in a more durable bottle…that was my takeaway!!

Aroma Magic Lavender Face Wash Review 4

Apart from this one tiny glitch…My experience with the lavender face wash was great. I have super sensitive skin which tends to break out in rashes, zits and red patches due to the pollution and humidity here in Kolkata. After using this face wash for quite some days I noticed less angry and reactive skin. My skin is still sensitive ( there is no miracle cure for that) but the irritation has reduced.

The color of the face wash liquid has a light Lavender touch in it and it works up a mild lather. Unlike many other face washes, this doesn’t make the skin stretchy and dry post use… There is a pleasant soothing effect that’s especially calming in the Summers. My face stays fresh and smooth post a wash for hours if I don’t go out in the sun.

I have combination and sensitive skin which is probably one of the most difficult skin types to manage and this product suited me just great. Love how it doesn’t dry up my skin and therefore there’s no need to immediately douse on moisturizer afterward.

I ended up being super impressed in a positive way !! Though the tube mentions “for dry skin”, I think the Blossom Kochhar Lavender face wash would be a boon for women with sensitive skin too.

Aroma Magic Lavender Face Wash Review

Overall Performance of Aroma Magic Lavender Face Wash

 

The face wash stays true to its promise…it soothes the skin and prevents irritations and rashes besides gently cleaning it. Its fragrance…mild Lavender and  Rose, is beautiful and I simply love the way the fragrance mingles with my skin and stays on for at least a couple of hours. This claims to be an anti aging face wash but it will literally take “ages” to find that out. However the face wash scores high on every other count. Overall, I would rate it 4.5/ 5.

 

Would I recommend?

I think this face wash is a pretty good buy…As far as the benefits and the affordable price is concerned. I have combination skin and this suited me just fine. Will definitely repurchase this. Highly recommended for everyone apart from very oily skinned women.

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Maybelline Colour Sensational Lip Gradation Orange 1 8

Maybelline Colour Sensational Lip Gradation Orange 1

Hello My Lovelies

I have never been able to get over my fascination for orange…my orange crush was inspired from Kate Winslet’s tangerine colored hair in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and it somehow stuck with me. During the last many years…I have experimented with orange dresses, orange (well almost orange) blush and orange lipstick (quite a few of them ;)). One lippy which won me over is the Maybelline Colour Sensational Lip Gradation Orange 1. Incidentally, this also happens to be the most underappreciated shade amongst all 12 members of the lip gradation family.

Maybelline Colour Sensational Lip Gradation Orange 1 1

Basic Info of Maybelline Colour Sensational Lip Gradation Orange 1

Price: 500/-

 

Brand Claim 

Go sexy with the fresh new series of Maybelline color sensational gradation series. The color stick will deliver a vibrant pop of color while the smudger creates a graded look.

FYI the graded or ombre lip trend is Korean in origin…it’s like the Popsicle effect….don’t you love how pretty your lips look after sucking on a Popsicle!!

Maybelline Colour Sensational Lip Gradation Orange 1 2

My Experience with Maybelline Colour Sensational Lip Gradation Orange 1

Maybelline Colour Sensational Lip Gradation Orange 1 3

For those of you who have tried any of the Lip Gradation lipsticks before, you would know…the packaging is a sure winner. The lipstick actually looks like a slimmer version of a crayon with a rather nice looking black cap. The other side of the lipstick has a smudger…and that has a semi-transparent lid. Both sides of the lipstick are retractable and both the smudger and the color stick moves up and down smoothly. The smudger concept was new at that point and I immediately fell for it.

The texture of the lipstick when you apply it on your lips is super smooth…it reminded me of the white butter…though the consistency was far lighter. The pigmentation is great…the color is rich and intense and one application was all I needed. Now about the smudger…as you would notice the shade looks different when smudged in. I quite liked the difference though I didn’t try out the famed ombre lips concept.

 Maybelline Colour Sensational Lip Gradation Orange 1 6

What the Orange 1 shade is (not sure about the logic of assigning 1 to this shade…there is no 2!!!) a color between orange and red. It’s not coral…it’s not tangerine…it’s not pure orange …and in fact, this could be your introductory lipstick to the exciting world of orange. The color is vibrant, different and yet safe (you won’t look OTT in this shade)

It’s great for women who have yellow undertones in their skin which made it great for me :) If you are very fair with blue undertones…you might have to swatch it to know it…personally, I feel darker olive skinned women would carry this shade off beautifully too.

The only drawback I could think of is that there is no fragrance and for me…well this isn’t a drawback in a lipstick!!

Maybelline Colour Sensational Lip Gradation Orange 1 7

Overall Performance of Maybelline Colour Sensational Lip Gradation Orange 1

The USP of the Maybelline Colour Sensational Lip Gradation series has been touted to be its smudger and while the smudger is great…I would say the texture and the intense pigmentation are what makes this lipstick great. Also, the shade while smudged in looks deliciously natural…. if you want to try the ombre lip look…the lip gradation series is really your best choice.

I would give this lipstick a 4.5 out of 5. Love how it makes me look more vibrant when applied normally and also love the smudged texture where it almost blends in with my original lip color leaving an alluring stain.

This lipstick lasts great…I put a swatch on my hand before writing this review and the color lasted until about 6 hours. If you need to smudge…you need to do it ASAP otherwise the color sets in.

Would I recommend?

I have repurchased it in the past and definitely will again in the near future. A must buy for those of you who haven’t dared to go Orange yet. Perfect for these sultry summer days…

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