My Take: Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser

What It Claims
Light and gentle, this easily absorbed moisturising lotion is ideal for combination, oily or problem skin. 

This finely balanced blend of naturally active skin-conditioning ingredients includes borage oil (a rich source of the essential fatty acid GLA), echinacea, hops, avocado oil, panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) and natural antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin E to replace lost moisture and help protect your skin, leaving it soft and smooth with a naturally healthy glow.

Directions For Use
Gently massage Skin Repair Light into face and neck morning and night after Instant Boost Skin Tonic.

Ingredients
Naturally active ingredients include borage and avocado oil to intensively moisturise, smooth and protect.

At Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare we always try to use high quality, safe, naturally active ingredients.

The ingredients in this product are:
Aqua (water), Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Persea gratissima (avocado) oil, Cetyl alcohol, Glycerin, Sorbitan stearate, Borago officinalis (borage) seed oil, Polysorbate 60, Cetyl esters, Triticum vulgare (wheat) germ oil, Echinacea purpurea (echinacea) extract, Sodium lactate, Humulus lupulus (hops) extract, Panthenol, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Tocopheryl acetate, Beta-carotene, Parfum (fragrance), Lactic acid, Citral, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool, Alpha-isomethyl ionone, Dehydroacetic acid, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyaminopropyl biguanide.

Price
50 ml Pump/Tube £18.25
15 ml Pump/Tube £7

Available at http://uk.lizearle.com
 


The Good

• Has a lovely creamy texture despite being light weight and non greasy.
• Love the slightly floral scent which lingers for a good while.
• Perfect follow up to the Hot Cloth Cleanser and Instant Boost Tonic.
• You need a really small amount since the moisturiser is quite rich.The 50 ml pump will last you a good 6 months if not less.
• The ingredient list is pretty exotic.This is one of the most exotic moisturisers I have ever owned.
• Like it's big brother (or sister whichever you prefer) it's super hydrating and instantly hydrates parched skin.I had a few dry patches around my cheek which were bothering me and this baby cleared them up in a week.
• Prefer the pump packaging to the tub one.More hygienic and travel friendly.Plus you get just the right amount.

• Once it gets absorbed it makes skin really soft and there is no noticeable greasiness left behind.
• Big thumbs up for natural ingredients.

The Bad

• Expensive! But since you require a small amount the pump will last you awhile.
• Only available online and few selected stores in the UK.
• It takes it's own sweet time to get absorbed which was my major peeve with the normal version.I guess the oils contained are responsible.
• Even though it's a light version meant for oily skin, some might still find it too rich, reason being the oils contained in the moisturiser.The oils in the cream might not suit everyone specially if you have acne prone skin.I do hope they come up with a gel version for those of us with really really oily skin.
• My skin these days is going through some changes due to the changing weather, which has made me prone to breakouts. I religiously used the skin repair without a flutter for almost a month and then all of a sudden I noticed a few breakouts around my cheek and chin area and the skin repair seems to have aggravated them.So this is not exactly breakout proof, though I'm going to start using it the moment my skin starts behaving.

Skin Repair Light (Combination/Oily)Vs Skin Repair Combination/Normal
Except for the texture both the moisturisers are essentially the same.The light version has a creamy texture while the normal version has a more balmy texture.For a detailed review read:

 My Take: Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser Normal

Love It Or Chuck It


Liz Earle has won me over with all of their products and this one is no different.Earlier I had tried the normal version and found it to be a bit too rich for my skin.But then I was sent the light version which is better suited to my skin type.It's non greasy and does an awesome job moisturising, though my acne seems to disagree with the product.But then nothing is perfect.If you have normal to oily skin this perfect blend of yummy smelling natural ingredients is all your skin needs.

For more information on Liz Earle products visit their website:
http://uk.lizearle.com
or check these posts:
Peek-A-Boo: Goodies From Liz Earle
Introducing Daily Essentials From Liz Earle

Disclaimer: Product sent by PR for review.Read Review Policy for more information.

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Giveaway: Sigma Cleansing & Polishing Tool

Way before the Sigma Cleansing And Polishing Tool (read review: My Take: Sigma Cleansing And Polishing Tool) was launched the whole beauty blogging world was abuzz with the possibilities.And for good reason since it was being touted as an inexpensive Clarisonic dupe.And now is your chance to win one of these bad boys.

The Sigma Beauty Tool was specially developed to allow perfect skin preparation prior to makeup application and flawless skin cleansing during makeup removal.The unit includes 3 brush heads with distinct softness and resistance.This multi purpose tool is guaranteed to change and improve your makeup routine.

The rules are simple and mentioned below.Just make sure to leave valid links and id's so that I can verify the entries.Any questions feel free to comment.

All the best!

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Quick Fix: Plump Up Your Lips

Who doesn't fancy a set of Jolie pout? Me, you and basically every female being on the planet(except for those who are blessed with the perfect pout).Which is why most women resort to unhealthy ways to plump up lips.I'm not against any of those but I have a super quick (not to mention free) trick to plum your lips.So let's get started.

Step 1:
Take less than half a pea sized blob of your regular toothpaste and massage your lips with it for 20 seconds.Let it stay on the lips for another 10 seconds.
Step 2:
Next take a damp baby toothbrush and gently start exfoliating your lips using light circular motion.Your lips should start tingling slightly which means the trick is working.Take a damp washcloth and wipe off the paste.
Step 3:
Follow up with a moisturizing lip balm applied generously all over your lips.I personally prefer using a peppermint lip balm which adds to the tingle.This should suffice to get your lips all plumped up but if you are looking for more plumping action then you can skip this step and proceed to the next.
Step 4:
Mix a half a pinch of chilli powder and half a pinch cinnamon powder to 1/2 a tsp of Vaseline(plain not scented) and apply on your lips.If you are allergic to any of the ingredients please skip this step and always test out a small amount first before applying.Let it stay for as long as you can tolerate it and then wipe off using a damp washcloth.Follow up with a moisturizing lip balm and you are done!

Dry exfoliated lips always look thinner so exfoliate as many times as possible and always keep your lips moisturized.For a quick homemade lip scrub mix 1/2 a tsp sugar with 1/2 tsp olive oil (or Vaseline) and scrub your lips with it.You can add honey for added moisture.

If you have thin lips stay away from matte lipsticks.Instead opt for shimmery lip colours in a moisturizing base.Lip glosses work best if you have thin lips.You could easily cheat using a nude lip liner to enhance the shape of your lips.

I hope you enjoyed reading the post, comment and let me know!

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My Take: Sigma Cleansing & Polishing Tool

What It Claims
The Sigma Beauty Tool was specially developed to allow perfect skin preparation prior to makeup application and flawless skin cleansing during makeup removal.The unit includes 3 brush heads with distinct softness and resistance.This multi purpose tool is guaranteed to change and improve your makeup routine.

Directions For Use

Facial Polishing
Add a small amount of your favourite facial cleaner directly to the brush head prior to application. Use the SOFT brush head to exfoliate dead skin cells and expose a fresh healthy layer of skin. Keep your entire exfoliation process under one minute. Once your skin is polished, proceed with the application of your favourite moisturizer and makeup. You will notice that the polishing process will help your moisturizer deeply penetrate your skin creating the perfect base for flawless makeup application!

SOFT

Facial Cleansing
 Remove excess makeup prior to cleansing with facial wipes containing makeup remover. Add a small amount of your favourite facial cleanser to the SOFT brush head and gently work it onto your skin using the Sigma Cleansing And Polishing Tool. Keep your cleansing process under one minute. Apply your favourite moisturizer and you're ready for your beauty sleep!

Body Exfoliation
The MEDIUM and FIRM brush heads are ideal for body exfoliation. Once your skin is exfoliated, proceed with the application of your favourite moisturizer or self-tanner. Even exfoliation is the secret to smooth and healthy looking skin and the perfect summer glow!

MEDIUM

FIRM

Important: Adjust this routine as needed. Once you get started, you can customize the intervals between exfoliations to fit your needs and your skin type. Moderation is key!

Price
$39 + Shipping
Replacement Brush Heads: $9 + Shipping

Available At
SigmaBeauty.com
You can Avail The October Sigma Coupon Code (expires October 31, 2011) for:
10% off any Sigma order plus FREE premium gift when you click coupon:

MAX2011

The Good

• Extremely travel friendly.Comes in a cute pink box of it's own and works on 2 AA batteries.

       

• Calling it a cleansing and polishing tool is befitting since it does both the job with élan (with an emphasis on polishing).
• Comes with 3 brush heads which means you don't have to spend extra on them.

• Has two speed settings.The lower one is ideal when you are using the tool on your face and the higher speed is great for body exfoliation.
• With this tool by your side you can do a 3 minute manicure or pedicure.Just squirt some shampoo onto the bristles of the brush head (medium for hands and firm for feet) and go all over for 30 seconds on low speed then 10 seconds on high.Rinse off, apply moisturizer and voila you have super soft hands and feet.
• Great for getting rid of dry flaky skin on your elbows and knees.
• Lightweight, easy to use and fits snugly into the palm of your hands.
• Great for going into nooks and crannies like the sides of my nose, between fingers and toes,around elbows and knees.
• Is water-resistant so will not go kaput when it comes in contact with water, although it's not waterproof so don't go around dunking it in water.
• A cheaper alternative to Clarisonic (which costs around $150), though both of them work on different principles hence are quite different from each other.

The Bad

• The Sigma Cleansing And Polishing tool has a mechanical motion as compared to the Clarisonic's sonic motion(which BTW is patented), so in turn is more a scrubbing tool than a cleansing tool.
• I have pretty crazy sensitive skin these days(because of all the AHA's and the BHA's I've been ODing on) and I can barely use the softest brush for a couple of seconds on my face, though my skin has developed a slight resistance to it with continued use.So this might prove a bit harsh if you have sensitive skin.I do hope they come up with a super soft brush head just for us sensitive skin gals.
• Yeh dil maange (heart wants) more attachments like a cellulite brush head, a sponge/kabuki attachment for foundation and maybe a nail polisher/buffer attachment.
• The battery system though great for travel means an added expense.I would recommend using rechargeable batteries.
• If the brush is quite wet or if you have used a generous amount of cleanser the brush will spray the extra water and product all over you.Something I learnt the hard.First time I tried using it, I loaded it up with cleanser and water and the minute I switched it on most of it ended in my eyes (ouch).Now I just sprinkle some water onto the brush and use a pea sized blob of cleanser.
• The tool becomes a little difficult to control when used on high speed, it just keeps pulling away (mostly due to the rotary movement) and if you press the tool hard against the surface of your skin it stops moving all together (I tried this when I was bored and the tool was lying around for me to meddle with), though I would advice against such experiments or you might damage the tool.
• Shipping is a bit hefty, something that you have to bear since its only available online.

Love It Or Chuck It


Love the polishing aspect of the tool but not a fan of the cleansing part because of my sensitive skin.Although if you have normal skin this would prove to be a great asset both as a cleansing as well as an exfoliating tool.Love how smooth and soft it makes my hands and feet.If you have always wanted a Clarisonic but never had the heart to dish out your hard earned money on it I would recommend settling for the Sigma Cleansing And Polishing Tool : it's cheap, effective and super girly.

Go and check out the Sigma Cleansing And Polishing Tool on sigmabeauty.com and don't forget to use the coupon code to get a 10% discount.

Not in the mood to buy, no worries I have a Sigma Cleansing And Polishing Tool Giveaway coming up soon.

Disclaimer: Product sent by PR for review.Read Review Policy for more information.

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My Take: Khadi Pudina Scrub Gel

What It Claims
An Ayurvedic scrub which helps to remove blackhead and scars from the skin surface and makes skin healthy.

Directions For Use
Rub gently on face and neck using gentle circular motions for around 30 seconds.I like to keep the scrub for another 30 seconds and then rinse off.

Use twice a week.

Price
Rs 110 for 210ml

The Good

• Has a lovely minty fresh aroma to it.
• The scrub is gel based which is easier to rinse off without leaving a greasy residue behind.
• The granules are the perfect size and grit and are suspended in a green gel.They are not overly abrasive or harsh yet mange to do a good job at scrubbing.

• My skin instantly feels cleansed and fresh after every use.It's great for exfoliating dry flaky skin around my nose and chin.
• A coin sized blob is enough for the entire face so the bottle will last a while.
• Great for combating dry patches.Because of the weather change I had been suffering from dry patches on my elbows and knees and this scrub magically took care of them.
• Economical compared to other brands.
• Does not leave face excessively dry or oily, so will suit most skin types.
• Did not cause any adverse reaction on my skin or any breakouts which is something considering my skin has gone pretty rogue these days.
• The bottle packaging is convenient and fuss free with a flip top.

The Bad

• Does not help with either blackheads or scars as claimed.
• Not the easiest product to find since it's only available at Khadi Stores.
• The granules might be a bit too harsh if you have sensitive or acne prone skin.
• The thick consistency is a bother to dispense.I have to keep it inverted at all times to dispense the product.

Love It Or Chuck It
I love the fresh mintiness about it, the fact that the granules are quite gentle on skin and most of all the light gel consistency but I won't be repurchasing it simply because I have sworn off the granulated scrubs forever.I find that they agitate and aggravate problematic skin and I have put all my faith in AHA based scrubs and packs these days.But if you are looking for an affordable scrub that delivers then you need not look further than this one i.e. if you can find a Khadi Store near you.

I'd love to know your go to scrub, do comment and tell.

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Skincare Week @ Healthkart.com

 Healthkart presents 'Festive Madness Skin Care Week'... for your gorgeous skin. Skin which is healthy and well cared for, gives wonderful effects after makeup. So why wait? Starting this Monday indulge and pamper your skin like never before. Oct. 17th to Oct. 23rd. Attractive discounts everyday.

• Monday is all about exfoliation- Scrubs
• Tuesday its cleanse cleanse and cleanse- Cleansers
• Wednesday hydrate and moisturize- Moisturizers
• Thursday block sun's UV rays- Sun Protection 
• Friday pamper your skin with facials- Facial
• Saturday masquerade with masks and packs- Masks & Packs
• Sunday for the youthful, glowing, young skin- Anti-Aging

Use Coupon Code SoniaKapoo4V1K3  to get Rs100 off your first purchase from  Healthkart.com on orders above Rs500.

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My Take: Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint In Bare

What It Claims
"We have formulated a unique, high performance beauty must-have that delivers great results on all skin types. Sheer Skin Tint is our first step into effortless, easy to wear colour. It's a skin thing!"  ~ Liz Earle

The perfect way to enhance your skin. Our rich and creamy, yet lightweight formula leaves all skin types looking naturally dewy, even and radiant. With mineral UV SPF15, it’s enriched with our own blend of natural source vitamin E, borage and avocado, specially selected to work in harmony with our skincare range.

How To Apply
Apply a little Sheer Skin Tint onto forehead, nose, cheeks and chin, then blend with fingertips over your face.

If you have oily skin, then apply a thin layer of the Sheer Skin Tint first and then build it up.

Because of the creamy consistency of the Sheer Skin Tint  it is essential to let it sink into the skin for an optimal amount of time before proceeding with any other makeup.

Shades Available


  

I have the Bare Tint which suits my skin tone to the tee.It has neutral undertones without being too rosy or peachy.

Blob of Sheer Skin Tint

Slightly Blended

Completely Blended

Price
£21 for a 40ml tube

The Good

• Sheer Skin Tint is exactly what the name suggests, a sheer skin tint somewhere midway between a foundation and a tinted moisturizer.Sufficient to give an everyday light coverage.
• It has a rich and creamy texture but feels extremely lightweight on skin.
• Super easy to blend using fingers.
• Because of the creamy texture very little is needed.Though the product is buildable for more coverage.
• Great for evening out skin tone without weighing down your skin unlike a regular foundation.The Sheer Skin Tint easily covers light blemishes and red blotchy patches without being too obvious and lets your natural skin peek through.
• Gives a lovely dewy finish without excess shine which I absolutely love.
• While I was browsing thorough the reviews for this product, the one thing that kept coming up was that it is too creamy and greasy.Yup it is quite creamy and feels greasy when you first apply it, but that's because firstly its a moisturizer and moisturizers are meant to be creamy and secondly because it contains mineral sunscreen containing ingredients which act as a shield against the harmful sun rays and hence takes time to get absorbed into the skin.Sunscreens are always meant to be applied 15-20 minutes in advance and so is the Sheer Skin Tint.It eventually sinks into the skin to give a natural fresh finish.
• It easily lasted a good 3-4 hours in the Indian hot humid September, which satiates my need for long lasting, considering the weather.Would last even better in cooler temperatures.
• Love the gorgeous pearly navy tube packaging.

   

• Whenever I'm using this I skip moisturizer, sunscreen(unless I have to be outdoors for long) and foundation all together.Just a light layer of the Sheer Skin Tint and concealer and I'm ready to go.Makeup and skincare at its best.
• Superb for when you are travelling since it's easy to apply and comes in a tube which is easy to use.
• No breakouts since I have been using it.
• The First time, right shade by Liz Earle is an innovative concept.When you order this product for the first time by mail you will be provided with samples of all three shades so that you can try it before you open the full size product.

The Bad

• Expensive(specially when you add shipping) and only available online.
• A bit too rich for oily skin.I hope they come up with a gel or light version for those of us with oily skin(like their Skin Repair Moisturizer)
• Though I love their First time, right shade concept, wish they had more shades for darker skin tones.And a light reflecting version would be awesome too.Plus the swatches are misleading.

Love It Or Chuck It
This review has been long overdue but since I wanted to road test it under the harshest possible conditions(read hot crazy humid weather) it took time and the verdict is finally in: I absolutely Loving It.I have used up almost a third of the tube testing it out and ever since I discovered it's various virtues I have gone all Scrooge over it.

When I first heard about the Sheer Skin Tint I had a few Great Expectations (The Lust List) and they have more or less been fulfilled:

• Should smell as delectable as the rest of their products~Does not have any noticeable smell which is actually good, so CHECK
• Lightweight and gentle on skin~ CHECK 
• Be a perfect blend of makeup and skin care~ CHECK
• Suit all skin types~ UNCHECK
• Shade variation~ UNCHECK 
• Sun protection (judging from the image they have that taken care of.) ~ CHECK
• Keep up with the Liz Earle legacy of Naturally Active Skincare~ CHECK  CHECK

Die hard Liz Earle fans had been requesting to create a makeup range for a long time, the result of which is the Sheer Skin Tint, not a tinted moisturizer not a foundation but an ingenious amalgamation of the two.I hope the Liz Earle Makeup Range churns out great products like these in the future too.

Sheer Skin Tint is available at the Liz Earle Website:
http://uk.lizearle.com/make-up/sheer-skin-tint-spf15.html

So what's your take on the Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint, please comment and let me know.

Disclaimer: Product sent by PR for review.Read Review Policy for more information.

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HealthKart & Sigma F45 Giveaway Winners Announced

HealthKart.com Gift Vouchers Giveaway:

Congratulations Deepika Mohan, you've won a Rs 750 Gift Voucher to shop at HealthKart.com

Congratulations Vanity(Anshita), you've won a Rs 500 gift voucher to shop at HealthKart.com

And all the lovely ladies who took part in the giveaway, as a thank you HealthKart.com has generously offered a Rs 100 gift voucher to shop at HealthKart.com so check your mails for the coupon code.

Sigma F45 Giveaway:

 

Congratulations Anju, you've won a cute Sigma F45 Buffer Brush from Sigma Beauty.

I know I have been MIA for a while now, but I'm down and out with a crazy case of the flu and the blues.Will try and post as soon as I get better.In the meantime don't forget to take part in the ongoing EyeDeal Shade Contest to win makeup goodies from Mattify Cosmetics.And of course have a happy fun filled Dushera!

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