The Body Shop Christmas Collection 2018 Preview

December 22, 2018

The Body Shop Christmas Collection 2018

With each holiday season, The Body Shop launches their limited edition collection and this year, the new collection is inspired by the winter forest and enchants the senses with its invigorating scents and textures. Be Enchanted by Nature this Christmas with The Body Shop however is not just about new products. The campaign focuses on giving back to nature. With growing pollution and deforestation, it is more important than ever for us to protect and reconnect with nature and The Body Shop is giving us an opportunity to give something back to those wild spaces that refresh and revive our body and mind. With every purchase big or small at The Body Shop, we will help protect and re-wild over 10 million square metres of forest in England and Armenia. Also with an add on donation of Rs 10 or more, we will help towards the re-wilding of the Garo Hills In Meghalaya, India.

The Body Shop Christmas Collection 2018

So what is new ? There are three special edition seasonal treats – Peppermint Candy Cane that smells just like crushed candy canes – minty, fresh, sweet. Berry Bonbon, a fruity, cranberry scent and my favourite, Vanilla Marshmallow, sweet and comforting.

Each range has the following products and these are available in various gift sets as well.

Body Scrub – Rs 1895
Shimmer Mist – Rs 1995
Soap – Rs 395
Shower Gel – Rs 595
Bath Foam – Rs 1495
Body Lotion – Rs 1095
Body Butter – Rs 1595

The Body Shop was generous to send me a mix of products from the new collection and I absolutely love them. The Vanilla Marshmallow Body Butter has a scent of warm and creamy vanilla and marshmallow, instantly reminding me of hot chocolate, cake and Christmas. If you are a fan of sweet, vanilla scents then this range is perfect for you. It also helps that the Body Butter feels creamy, luxurious and moisturises very well because of the addition of community trade shea butter, sesame seed oil, soya oil, babassu oil, cocoa beans and beeswax. From this range, I also have the Shimmer Mist, perfect for times when I want to smell like hot chocolate and cake 🙂

The Body Shop Vanilla Marshmallow range

The Peppermint Candy Cane Body Scrub does a great job in buffing and exfoliating the skin. Plus, the minty fragrance feels really refreshing. From the Berry Bonbon range, I have the Shower Gel and Body Lotion. Cranberry is a Body Shop staple during the holiday season and will be a favourite for anyone who loves sweet, fruity scents. I sure do!

The Body Shop Peppermint Candy Cane Body Scrub

The Body Shop Berry Bonbon Range

The Body Shop Christmas Collection is now available both online (with some great deals) and in stores. Go ahead and get a few products to not just pamper yourself and others but also to do something worthwhile for Mother Nature this Christmas.

PR Samples

There is New Kama To Love! – New Products from Kama Ayurveda

April 4, 2018

Yes, there is New Kama To Love! My favourite skincare brand, Kama Ayurveda, is out with a bunch of new products. If you follow me on Instagram, you must have seen the posts and stories where I’ve shown you what they are. There are two foaming cleansers for sensitive and acne-prone skin, a day face cream for sensitive skin and an all-natural makeup remover. If you want to know what I think of each product, read on for the reviews.

New Kama To Love

Kama Ayurveda New Launches

New Kama To Love – Kama Ayurveda New Launches

Kama Ayurveda Sensitive Skin Cleansing Foam & Sensitive Skin Day Cream:

If your skin is prone to rashes, redness and inflammation, the Sensitive Skin Cleansing Foam (Rs 795 for 50 ml) & Sensitive Skin Day Cream (Rs 1795 for 50 gm) can be great options. Both products are enriched with sandalwood oil, aloe vera and calendula, ingredients that are gentle on the skin and known for their healing properties. Another ingredient in these products is the Poria Cocos mushroom. It is supposed to be an ancient Asian medicinal remedy for anti-inflammation and also it is said to prevent cellular tissue destruction.

Kama Ayurveda Sensitive Skin Cleansing Foam

Kama Ayurveda Sensitive Skin Day Cream

I have been using both the products quite regularly over the last three weeks and here’s what I like about them.

The cleansing foam is very gentle on the skin and after washing off, it does not make the skin dry and taut
It also removes dirt, oil and impurities effectively and gives a clean, fresh feeling
The fragrance is mild and pleasant
What I like about the Day Cream is that it is light and gets absorbed quite easily. Even though it is a cream, it does not make the skin oily or greasy
It hydrates the skin quite well and is perfect for applying under makeup because it blends into the skin instantly and creates a smooth base
No breakouts or pimples have resulted after using the cream.

Kama Ayurveda Anti Acne Cleansing Foam:

The Anti Acne Cleansing Foam (Rs 595 for 50 ml) is enriched with Neem oil, Tulsi and Tea Tree, powerful ingredients that work to prevent acne and skin breakouts. Other ingredients include plant-derived Salicylic Acid to deep cleanse, reduce breakouts and boost the process of skin renewal, Comfrey-derived Allantoin, a mild conditioner and healer for damaged and distressed skin tissue along with Calendula flower and Aloe Vera extracts to cool and soothe the skin.

Kama Ayurveda Anti Acne Cleansing Foam

I am not facing acne problems right now but I’m very impressed by the ingredients list and considering how good Kama Ayurveda’s products are, if you have acne-prone skin, this cleanser should be effective for you.

Kama Ayurveda All Natural Makeup Remover:

The All Natural Makeup Remover (Rs 1195) is probably my favourite product of all the new launches. Firstly, because I am a sucker for anything that has rose in it. Secondly, I love rich, creamy and luxurious makeup removers. Thirdly, because this product is all natural. It has natural oils like olive, jojoba, castor seed, rose and jasmine along with Shea Butter. All these ingredients ensure that the product smells really nice and has lovely, soft, creamy texture.

Kama Ayurveda All Natural Makeup Remover

I massage the cream into my face which melts off the makeup and then I take a damp cotton pad and wipe it off. For stubborn makeup like waterproof eyeliner, mascara and matte lipstick, it takes more than one application to get them off but I really like how smooth and soft the cream makes my skin after wiping the makeup away.

I’ve been waiting for a long time to see what new products Kama Ayurveda comes out with and I’m really happy with them. With age, I am moving more towards an all natural beauty regime and these new products fit into that perfectly. Not only do they care for the skin, they are also effective.

Have you tried any of the new Kama Ayurveda products? Do share your thoughts in the comments below.

PR Samples

My January 2018 Beauty Favourites

February 4, 2018

Now that the first month of the new year is gone, how do you think 2018 is shaping up? For me, it actually started off pretty well. I spent the first week with my family at home and then, the next two weeks I was travelling, saw new places, met new people and learned new things. I feel 2018 is going to be a year of change for me especially in terms of work. Fingers crossed, everything will go well. Now, back to my January 2018 Beauty Favourites.

January 2018 Beauty Favourites

BH Cosmetics Gold Rush Eye & Cheek Palette –

I used this palette pretty much everyday last month. BH Cosmetics makes really good stuff at very reasonable prices and this palette is another of their gems. It has matte and shimmery eyeshadows, a pale pink highlighter, a peachy blush and a shimmery bronzer. It is great for travel and the colours are perfect for those with warm skin tones. Unfortunately, this was limited edition and is now sold out but BH Cosmetics has lots of similar palettes and you can definitely find one that you like.

BH Cosmetics Gold Rush Eye and Cheek Palette

MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour Dance With Me –

After a neutral lipstick phase, I am back to loving my reds once again. And my red of choice last month was an old favourite, Dance With Me. It is a deep pink-red with cool undertones and is one of the best shades in the Retro Matte range. Pigmentation is great, the colour looks good on everyone and it stays for nearly 6-7 hours.

Deborah Milano Divine Volume & Curves Mascara* –

This is my first mascara from Deborah Milano and I’m loving it. The mascara gives great length and volume to the lashes, it does not clump, the price is reasonable and the effect lasts for a long time. Recommended!

Deborah Milano Divine Volume & Curves Mascara

The Body Shop Matte Clay Skin Clarifying Foundation Moluccan Honey* –

I have written about this foundation and other new makeup products from The Body Shop Jacqueline’s Signature Line 2.0 in this post. I am loving this foundation. Gives great coverage and I love the natural finish.

Simple Kind to Skin Vitamin Night Cream –

I picked up this cream from Boots because I needed something extra to combat the freezing temperatures in London. Simple is a brand that really focuses on ‘simple’ skincare. All of their products are very gentle on the skin but they are extremely effective. Even though this is a night cream, I’ve used it as a day cream as well and what I like about it is the fact that the cream is not at all heavy. It absorbs into the skin immediately but provides hydration nearly all day and night long. I really hope this brand comes to India!

Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Cleansing Oil –

One of all time favourite cleansing oils has been the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil. I have found a very worthy competitor in the Simple Hydrating Cleansing Oil. Nearly half the price and just as effective as the Kiehl’s one. This oil takes off waterproof face and eye makeup in only one application and that is quite a feat. If you can get your hands on this, definitely give it a try.

The Body Shop Vanilla Chai Body Butter & Shower Gel –

The Vanilla Chai range is available only during the holiday season and I’ve been buying it every year since they launched it. I love the slightly spicy, vanilla fragrance and the thick body butter is great for winter.

Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Cleansing Oil

That was my list of January favourites. I would love to read about yours. Do share in the comments below.

*PR Samples

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Lips Matte Liquid Lipstick Screen Siren

February 1, 2018

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution lipstick is one of my favourite matte lipstick formulas. In terms of pigmentation, texture, staying power, that range is absolutely brilliant. When she launched her range of liquid lipsticks late last year, I was obviously excited. A few days back, after much deliberation because all the colours looked so gorgeous, I finally settled for Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Lips Matte Liquid Lipstick Screen Siren. It is a classic rich, ruby red with cool, blue undertones and a red that will work on every skin tone.

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Lips Matte Liquid Lipstick Screen Siren

“Darlings, contour your lips in one single swipe for a fuller, velvety soft Hollywood pout! My Hollywood Lips in Screen Siren has all the anti-aging ingredients you need to create high impact colour with a second skin feel. This buildable, ruby red shade glides on seamlessly like a gloss yet feels completely weightless – like lingerie for your lips! This showstopping classic ruby red shade is the perfect colour to make a statement in true Hollywood-style“.

Price – £24.00

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Faces Glam On Velvet Matte Lipstick- Review & Swatches

January 28, 2018

By now, you all must have realized my love for matte lip colours be it liquid or normal lipsticks. Whenever a brand launches a matte range, my interest level shoots up and that’s what happened with the new Faces Glam On Velvet Matte lipstick range. These are described as “weightless and soft matte” and I could not wait to try them out. I’ve been using three shades from the range and here’s my take on these.

Faces Glam On Matte Lipstick

Faces Glam On Velvet Matte Lipstick

“Indulge the diva in you with the hottest lipsticks of the season as FACES Canada launches the all new Glam on Velvet Matte lipsticks. Creamy and sumptuous, FACES Glam On Velvet Matte lip color glides weightless on the lips leaving a smooth velvety touch with a semi-matte finish. From nudes to bright to bolds, get an intense lip make-up perfect for any occasion.

Price – Rs 549

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