Saturday, 22 December 2012

Catrice 030 OMG I Want That! – Eye Shadow Palette Review & Swatches


Today I will be reviewing Catrice 030 OMG I Want That! eyeshadow palette which is one of the four kits available in the company’s Absolute Eye Colour Quattro range. Keep reading! 


Catrice Absolute Eye Colour Quattro - 030 OMG I Want That! 


Description

The new season is all about absolute color! Play with new combinations – but with the usual maximum color, durability and coverage! The Absolute Eye Colour Quattros are available in a total of four versions.

  • Long lasting trend colors with maximum coverage
  • Silky and smooth texture that is easy to apply
  • For luminous highlights and expressive eyes
  • Can be used in any combination 


030 OMG I Want That! Eye Shadow Palette


My Opinion

I am a big fan of smokey eye makeup because it hardly ever goes out of fashion and one can play with a variety of colors to achieve a unique look for any occasion and time of day. Which is why the Catrice eye shadow palette in 030 OMG I Want That! caught my eye.

Packaged in a sturdy acrylic case, the palette houses four eye shadow color choices which seem ideal for creating smokey eyes in brown and black. The colors are:
  1. A shimmery bronze (1.5 g)
  2. A black with multicolor shimmer (2.5 g)
  3. An olive green shimmer (2.5 g)
  4. A light cream shimmer (1.5 g)



030 OMG I Want That! - Four Eye Shades


Catrice OMG I Want That! Eye Shadow Palette - Swatches


Bronze Eye Shadow
The shimmery bronze eye shadow is the best in the palette as it is the most pigmented and gives good coverage after 2 to 4 applications. It blends well and has an above-average lasting power of about 3 to 4 hours. There is a good amount of product fall out though so do use a translucent powder under your eyes before you apply the eye shadow.


Black Eye Shadow
The black eye shadow which seems shimmery on first look has a surprisingly matte finish. Its pigmentation sadly leaves much to be desired because even after 2 to 3 applications, it looks more charcoal than black. If you are a fan of charcoal and avoid intense colors on the eye then you have nothing to worry about. But if you are one of those who prefer jet blacks, then simply use a damp eye shadow brush to apply the shadow. It really amps up the intensity of the black and makes the color pop!

A few words of caution though:

  • Use only part of the eyeshadow such as a specific corner of the pan for wet application because using a damp brush on powder eye shadows sometimes cause them to slightly harden. This does not make the eye shadow unusable but may make it a little difficult to apply if you want to use a dry brush so keep the areas for wet and dry application separate.   
  • Make sure your eye shadow brush is damp and not wet as this will make your eye shadow very runny. Blot your brush on a tissue paper before dipping it into the eye shadow.
  • Blend the eye shadow with a dry brush.


Olive Green Eye Shadow
The olive green is a gorgeous color but applied dry has a pigmentation of next to nothing. Also it is very sheer, see-through and has a lot of product fall out. My advice would be to use this color with a wet brush which results in a nicely pigmented, metallic shiny gorgeous green finish.
     
Light Cream Eye Shadow
The light cream shimmer is the lightest of the four and is so sheer that it is almost invisible. It also has the most residue and minimum staying power. This case becomes even worse if you have dark toned eye lids because this eye color – applied dry – can only show on the fairest of people. I would again recommend that you use the wet brush technique to make this eye shadow work for you.


Go for it if you:
  1. Are looking for budget friendly eye shadow palettes  
  2. Usually apply your eyeshadow with a damp brush
  3. Are into sheer and shimmery eye shadows
  4. Like smokey eye makeup  


Don’t go for it if you:
  1. Want richly pigmented eye shadow colors
  2. Prefer applying eye shadow with a dry brush
  3. Want a staying powder of more than 3 hours
  4. Prefer minimum product fall out  


Hit or miss? A miss!

Priced at PKR 840 ($ 8.6), Catrice Absolute Eye Colour – 030 OMG I Want That! eye shadow palette is great when it comes to its packaging and price but disappoints when it comes to the quality of the eye shadows. The eye colors are mostly sheer, have poor pigmentation and fade quickly with a lasting power of an average three hours.

If you are interested in purchasing it, it’s available at Naheed Super Market and Agha’s in Karachi, Pakistan. For those of you living outside Pakistan, you can order it online from www.catrice.eu and ebay.  

My rating for Catrice Absolute Eye Colour Quattro 030 OMG I Want That! palette is 2.5/5.

Have you tried it yet?

© Rabea J. and from-my-dressing-to-dining-table.blogspot.com, 2012. Unauthorized and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Rabea J. and from-my-dressing-to-dining-table.blogspot.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Friday, 14 December 2012

China Kitchen: A Unique Take on Chinese Cuisine


If I have to pick one reason why I would go to a restaurant again it would be because it was consumer centric. And that’s exactly why China Kitchen has moved to the top slot of my list of favorite Chinese restaurants in Karachi.


China Kitchen Entrance

Located in Clifton Block 4, China Kitchen offers a fine dining experience at reasonable prices. Upon entering its bright red doors, one doesn’t expect to see a deliciously warm and elegant patio complete with a small fountain, oriental statues and artfully scattered plants. The restaurant is divided on two floors with a seating capacity of around 60. We opted to dine on the ground floor since it was the non-smoking section and were quickly escorted to a corner table.

Decorated simply but stylishly, the interior oozes understated elegance with dim lights, soft music and Chinese paintings on the walls. It all combined to lend a very cozy and snug vibe to the place. The simple dark wood furniture also played its part well here because the table was spacious and the chairs were oh so divinely soft and cushy.

Out of the two soups on the menu, we ordered the Hot and Sour Soup (small) priced at Rs. 350 (exclusive of tax). We had doubts whether we would be able to order the soup in the first place given that the serving size in almost all Chinese restaurants is for four (04) people at least. But upon inquiring whether the serving size could be adjusted for two (02) people, the waiter readily agreed to accommodate our request which in my book deserves big brownie points!


Hot and Sour Soup


The Hot and Sour Soup served in a beautifully patterned blue bowl was nothing like I had ever eaten or seen. Unlike the typical bright red colored soup usually offered in local restaurants, China Kitchen’s Hot and Sour Soup was brownish red with a rich concoction of shredded chicken, black olives and mushroom, bean curd or tofu, carrots and bamboo shoots. It looked mighty interesting and tasted delightful. The only thing I would change would be the quantity of soya sauce which had been used a tad too much.    
  
For appetizers, we had the Crab Rangoon priced at Rs. 225 (exclusive of tax).  The dish was another winner and had a serving of five (05) deep fried wontons filled with cream cheese and crab served with homemade sweet chili sauce. The filling was very rich and the wontons were perfectly fried but it was the sauce which was the star of the show because it really made the flavors pop in your mouth!


Crab Rangoon


For the main course on the waiter’s recommendation, we ordered CK’s Special Chicken also called Sweet Chili Chicken (priced at Rs. 495) and egg fried rice (priced at Rs. 195). The CK Special Chicken had thickly sliced tender chicken strips which were wok-fried and richly coated in a tangy sauce of honey and tomato. The sauce was beautifully made with both the flavors gelling well together yet standing out on their own. The chicken was scrumptious, crunchy and on the spicier side with black pepper and soya sauce being the two dominating flavors. The brown-colored egg fried rice was fresh with crisp pieces of spring onion and egg. The helping of both the items was more than enough for two (02) people.   


China Kitchen Special Chicken and Egg Fried Rice




Since the drinks were not listed on the menu, we asked the waiter if there was a separate menu card for them. Apparently there was no menu card at all and upon hearing the list of the handful number of drinks from the waiter, we ordered two (02) Fresh Lime with 7 Up priced at Rs. 280 (exclusive of tax).

All in all, our total bill - which was almost unreadable with its tiny and light colored font - with GST came out to be approximately Rs. 1,800 which is quite reasonable given the quantity of food.  


Hit or miss? A definite hit!

China Kitchen is a great addition to the Karachi Chinese food scene with its exquisite dishes, authentic oriental flavors, cozy ambiance, fast service and attentive staff.  This is no surprise given that the owners are present during opening hours and are actively involved in the operations of the restaurant. So if I were to ask myself the all-important question: Will I go to China Kitchen again? Yes! Again and again!  


Go for it if you:
  1. Are into authentic oriental cuisine
  2. Want great Chinese food at good prices
  3. Prefer an environment where you can talk
  4. Prefer restaurants with valet parking


Don’t go for it if you:
  1. Find the per head cost of Rs. 900 – Rs. 1,200 unreasonable  
  2. Prefer Chinese restaurants that offer a wide variety of soups


Rating
  • Service: 4/5
  • Ambiance: 4/5
  • Hot & Sour Soup: 3.5/5
  • Crab Rangoon: 4.5/5
  • CK Special Chicken & Egg Fried Rice: 4.5/5


My overall rating for China Kitchen Karachi is 4.5/5.

Have you been there yet?

© Rabea J. and from-my-dressing-to-dining-table.blogspot.com, 2012. Unauthorized and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Rabea J. and from-my-dressing-to-dining-table.blogspot.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.




Friday, 7 December 2012

Hello Glow Whitening Plus Facial Polish - Review


Hello Glow Whitening Plus Facial Polish has been recently launched in the UK and has been on my wish list for a long time. I have been anxiously waiting for it to launch in Pakistan and finally it is here! Was it really worth the wait? Read more to find out!


Hello Glow Whitening Plus Facial Polish 100 ml


Description

A luxurious hand blended silky powder that glides over skin to whiten and brighten the complexion instantly.

Contains 100% natural combination of coconut milk powder, potato starch, milk, honey, rice and essential oils.

Coconut milk contains natural silicones to create a very superior skin moisturizer. Combined with potato starch, which is a substantial source of Vitamin C, this product provides an amazingly natural bleaching effect. Honey acts as a natural humectant, attracting moisture to leave skin smooth and glowing.

Use twice a day for optimum results. 



Hello Glow Whitening Plus Facial Polish


My Opinion

I have been using this whitening facial polish powder twice daily for the past one and a half month. The first thing that hits you when you open the plastic bottle is the sweet smell of coconut, milk and honey. The scent is quite strong and lingers on your skin after use so I would recommend that if you have to pick a time to use this product, stick to bedtime or when you are not planning to go out. This is not to say that the scent is unpleasant, rather that it can be a little strong and may overpower any perfume that you are wearing or be off-putting to people around you.

To use this powder, the directions at the back of the bottle instruct to:

“Pour some powder on wet hands, rub together and apply all over moistened face. Massage gently for 30 seconds and rinse off with cool water.”


Hello Glow Skin Whitening Plus Facial
Polish - Directions for Use


Though this mode of application works, I feel that a better approach is to pour some powder in the palm of your hand and use a small spray bottle to squirt just the right amount of water so as to convert the powder into a creamy texture. Then using your index finger spread the creamy mixture evenly all over your face and massage gently. There are several reasons why I am suggesting this method of application. Firstly, when we rub the powder on our wet palms, most of it sticks to the hand which leaves little to use on the face. Secondly, using a spray bottle ensures that the powder does not become too diluted for use.


Hello Glow Whitening Plus Facial Polish Powder


Let’s talk about functionality now. Does it really whiten and polish the skin? Well, yes and no. As a bleaching agent and fairness potion, this product fails to impress. My complexion is the same as it was two months ago and I have seen no visible changes in its color. When it comes to polishing the skin though, then yes this facial powder does work to an extent as my skin is clearer and smoother than before. This is probably due to the fact that when you massage this powder onto your skin, it has an immediate exfoliating effect. But a word of caution! Be very careful while massaging and use as gentle an approach as possible because even though the powder may seem and feel very fine, it can be quite rough and grainy once massaged.

After usage, my skin is smooth but red, blotchy and slightly burning. My skin (which is usually very oily) also feels tight and dry and I have to slather on moisturizer right away. Given this, I would strongly recommend those of you with very sensitive and acne prone skin to do a patch test BEFORE using this powder. This will help avoid any allergies or reactions because even though this is an all-natural product it can still be too abrasive for your skin.

Another downside of this product is its packaging which is rather plain and leaves much to be desired. The plastic bottle is also not very user friendly as one cannot control the amount of powder that comes out which usually results in product wastage. This is also due to the fact that the powder has a tendency to stick together and form aggregates (small balls). It would have been more convenient if the bottle’s mouth had been large enough to use a small spoon to scoop out the optimum amount of powder or better yet if the bottle had been designed with perforations.

If we talk about value for money, then I find this product to be too pricey for the quantity and results achieved. The bottle is quite small, approximately 4.5 inches in height and packaged with only 100 ml of powder. This means that if used twice daily (sparingly) you should expect one bottle to last you two months.


Go for it if you:
  1. Are into all-natural and preservative free products
  2. Want a powder exfoliator to smooth out your skin’s texture


Don’t go for it if you:
  1. Are looking for a product to lighten your complexion
  2. Have very dry, sensitive or acne prone skin
  3. Find it too expensive


Hit or miss? A miss!

Priced at PKR 1,650 (PKR 1,500 retail price and PKR 150 delivery charges for Karachi), Hello Glow Whitening Plus Facial Polish is not the fairness wonder potion that it promises to be and is more of a natural scrub than a fairness solution.

If you are interested in ordering it, it can be ordered online from www.just4girls.pk. For those of you living in the USA, UK and Canada, you can order it online from http://www.roselinkuk.com for £ 9.99 with free UK delivery.


My rating for Hello Glow Whitening Plus Facial Polish is 2/5.

Have you tried it yet?

© Rabea J. and from-my-dressing-to-dining-table.blogspot.com, 2012. Unauthorized and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Rabea J. and from-my-dressing-to-dining-table.blogspot.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.




Thursday, 29 November 2012

Review: Maybelline Pure Stay Powder Foundation



Every woman wants a flawless face and today I am going to write about one of my favorite make up products that makes it so easy to achieve that – Maybelline’s Pure Stay Powder Foundation with SPF 15 in shade Buff 20. Keep reading!


Maybelline Pure Stay Powder Foundation SPF 15 Buff 20


Maybelline Pure Stay Powder Foundation Buff 20


Description

Pure Stay is formulated with talc so skin feels soft and comfortable. It:

  • Leaves skin looking pure and fresh for hours and hours
  • Color stays true and lasts all day
  • Shields the skin from sun damage with SPF 15 protection
  • Hypoallergenic (wont’ cause allergies)
  • Won’t clog pores
  • Fragrance free
  • Dermatologist tested


My Opinion

I have very oily skin and the biggest problem that I always face when using foundation is that within a few hours it starts wearing off due to the oil on my face. I am happy to report that those days are in the past ever since the day I stumbled upon this brilliant powder foundation from Maybelline. I can write sonnets and love poems on it – yes it is that good!!   

The first thing that I love about it is that the shade collection is excellent and very suitable for our skin color. Though it comes in only eight (8) shades and those too are not completely available in Karachi, it still matches our yellow skin tone better than many international brands. The shade Buff 20 suits my skin so well that it is often hard to tell if I am really wearing makeup. 


8 Shades of Maybelline Pure Stay


It is also very easy to apply and blend. It comes with its own sponge applicator but I prefer applying it with a kabuki brush because it gives a better finish. The sponge applicator is not that bad but a) it gets dirty very quickly and has to be constantly rewashed and b) it absorbs more powder than it applies on the skin. So I would recommend that you use a kabuki brush to apply it because that gives a very sheer, natural and airbrushed flawless look. But even if you do prefer using the sponge - which I have to admit comes in real handy when you want to retouch your makeup discreetly at a social gathering - you will still get great coverage because the powder has such a fine and light texture that it glides smoothly on the skin no matter what you use. It also blends easily and gives a semi-matte, soft and velvety smooth look to your face.   




I usually wear this product alone with a little concealer during the day and though it is more suitable for light to medium coverage, I often wear it at night as well either to seal my liquid foundation or sometimes to balance out the color of my regular one when it gets too dark for my skin color. Although this product won’t completely hide dark acne marks, I would still say that it can work for you if you use it as a sealant on top of your regular base. I have found that combining two different products gives a very refined and finished look to your make up.  






I also like the fact that when I am wearing it, my skin does not feel heavy or clogged. It feels light and comfortable as if it can breathe. It is also odor free and to date has never broken me out. If we talk about lasting power, then this product lasts an average of 4-5 hours. I often need to touch up or reapply it after that time period but it never looks heavy, cakey or patchy after reapplication. It also does a great job of controlling the oil on my face. When I use a liquid foundation, I have to use a primer no matter what but with this little gem I sometimes even skip primer and my skin looks fresh and oil-free for a good period of time. 

The only thing I wish was a little different about this product is its packaging. It comes in a silver flat rectangle case with a small mirror inside and though the packaging is workable, it isn’t the most glamorous that I have seen. But the thinness of the case does make it ideal for fitting it into a small clutch or a handbag. The quality of the sponge can also be improved.  


Go for it if you:

  1. Have oily skin
  2. Are looking for light to medium coverage
  3. Want a foundation that lasts for at least 4-5 hours
  4. Need a lightweight base for daytime
  5. Prefer a product that does not need a lot of blending
  6. Want to give your skin a natural yet flawless look
  7. Prefer makeup with SPF protection


Don’t go for it if you:

  1. Have very dry skin
  2. Need heavy coverage to lighten acne marks
  3. Find it too expensive for a drugstore brand 


Hit or miss? A super hit!


Priced at Rs. 1500 ($ 15.5), Maybelline Pure Stay Powder Foundation in Buff 20 is my staple make up product. I take it everywhere with me and would repurchase it without a second thought. If you are interested in purchasing it, it’s available at Naheed Super Market, Ebco – The Forum and Agha’s in Karachi, Pakistan.

For those of you living outside Pakistan, you can order it online from Ulta, ebay and Amazon.

My rating for Maybelline Pure Stay in Buff 20 is 5/5.

Have you tried it yet?

© Rabea J. and from-my-dressing-to-dining-table.blogspot.com, 2012. Unauthorized and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Rabea J. and from-my-dressing-to-dining-table.blogspot.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.



Monday, 26 November 2012

St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Facial Scrub - Review


I have long been on the lookout for a good facial scrub that comes in a small and travel friendly tube. Small sizes are usually more economically priced, easier to carry when travelling and also give me the opportunity to change scrubs and switch brands as often as I like without feeling guilty. These are all the reasons why St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Scrub caught my eye. Here is my review on it:


Description

St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Scrub with skin-soothing green tea gently fights blemishes and reduces redness and irritation caused by acne. The result is clear and calm skin. Contains salicylic acid medication with 100% natural green tea

  • Oil free
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
  • Hypoallergic (causes fewer allergic reactions)
  • Formulated without Parabens and Phthalates (preservative / chemical free) 


St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Scrub


St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Scrub


My Opinion

The first thing that one notices about the St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Facial Scrub is that it smells heavenly. It has a very fresh and subtle green tea scent which lingers (for a little while) after use. The Green Tea scrub comes in a small sturdy tube of 4.5 fl. oz. (133 ml) and is thicker and denser than the average scrub. The density is due to the fact that the micro-crystals or granules in the scrub are quite tiny and cling together which is also why even a small amount of the Green Tea scrub lathers rather well.


St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Scrub - Swatch 


St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Scrub - Swatch


The St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Facial Scrub is targeted specially for people with acne and although I don’t have acne apart from an occasional pimple, I bought it because I expected it to be very gentle and soothing. Unfortunately, it was anything but that. I found it to be too harsh and grainy for facial skin. My skin was red and inflamed after I had used it and it left my skin slightly burning, very dry, tight and stripped of moisture.

Another downside of the St. Ives Green Tea scrub is that it is not easy to remove because it leaves white particles all over your skin no matter how many times you wash your face. The product residue also gets stuck in the hairline, eye brows and crevices of the nostril and eyes so if you are planning to go out, don’t even think of touching this scrub! 


Alternative Use

If you have purchased this scrub and find it unsuitable for your face, try using it on your hands, feet, elbows and knees or as a body scrub. I find that it works wonders on hard skin given its thick and rough texture.


Go for it if you:
  1. Want a facial scrub that won’t clog pores
  2. Prefer to purchase scrubs in travel friendly small-sized tubes
  3. Prefer an economically priced facial scrub
  4. Have acne


Don’t go for it if you:
  1. Have very sensitive or dry skin
  2. Have skin that is easily inflamed or irritated
  3. Are allergic to salicylic acid
  4. Prefer scrubs with visible granules
  5. Prefer to purchase scrubs in larger quantities


Hit or miss? A miss!

Priced at Rs. 285 ($ 3), the St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Scrub is sadly a letdown. Although priced quite attractively, it fails to calm skin and reduce redness; rather it may leave you with inflamed and irritated skin due to its very granular formulation.

If you feel that this facial scrub is suitable for you, it’s available at Naheed Super Market, Agha’s and Chase up stores in Karachi. For those of you living outside Pakistan, you can purchase it online from Amazon, Walgreens and Target.  


My rating for the St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Facial Scrub is 2/5.

Have you tried it? Was your experience different?
© Rabea J. and from-my-dressing-to-dining-table.blogspot.com, 2012. Unauthorized and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Rabea J. and from-my-dressing-to-dining-table.blogspot.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. 

Tuesday, 20 November 2012

Review: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion SPF 15


Facial moisturizers are critical for healthy and radiant skin. How well does the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion SPF 15 do on this front? Keep reading to find out! 


Description

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion SPF 15 is a daily, multi-vitamin facial treatment that improves the texture and appearance of skin. Its dermatologist-recommended formula contains Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA). It eases away the appearance of fine lines, blotches and discolorations for a more vibrant, even-toned complexion. Anti-oxidant Vitamins C and E help fight environmental damage. Pro-Vitamin B5 moisturizes, softens and smoothes skin. SPF 15 sun protection helps prevent premature signs of aging.

In just two weeks, skin is softer with improved radiance and clarity. 
  • Allergy tested
  • Oil-free
  • Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
  • Non-greasy 


Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face
Lotion SPF 15 - Front 


Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face
Lotion SPF 15 - Back


My Opinion

I have been using the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion with SPF 15 for the past eleven months and I am quite happy with it. I have tried many facial moisturizers in the past but have usually been disappointed because I never felt or saw a real difference in the condition of my skin. This is where the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face lotion impresses because you see a difference in your skin within a few days of use. In my case, my skin became very soft and smooth. Its texture also improved, it looked hydrated and supple and had a healthy glow to it.

This is not to say that this face lotion does not have its shortcomings. For one, it makes my skin very greasy and in spite of the SPF 15, I can never use it during the day. For perspective, my skin is quite oily - the sort that starts shining after an hour if I don’t use a primer, so I usually prefer to use the Healthy Skin Face Lotion during the evenings when I don’t plan to go out or at night before bed. I should add here that even though the lotion makes my face shine like a new coin, I have never had any break outs or felt that my skin could not breathe. A pearl sized amount is enough to moisturize as this lotion absorbs quickly and the smaller the amount you use, the better it is. Go overboard and you will end up with a whitish residue on your skin.

Another very important point to keep in mind about with this face lotion is that you may feel a slight tingle or sting when you first start using this. There is a clear warning on the bottle which states that:

“You may experience some irritation. This is normal and temporary. If irritation persists, or is too strong, use once a day, every other day, until your skin adjusts; then revert to daily use.”

When I first started using this face lotion, I used to feel a tingle on my face for a minute or two. With time, the minutes reduced to seconds and now after eleven months, I don’t feel a thing. For the record, I have sensitive skin and my face is usually red even after a mild cleansing. I would advise though that people with sensitive skin should avoid using this lotion right after they have bleached, waxed, threaded or over-exfoliated their face. Another minor downside of this face lotion is that it smells like a sunscreen and has a light acidic scent to it. It is not unpleasant or strong, but if given the choice I would prefer a scent that was sweet and a little flowery.

As for the packaging of the lotion, it is pretty decent and I love the fact that the bottle head comes with a convenient lock which makes this face lotion perfect for traveling or carrying in your handbag. Also, the pump makes it very hygienic to use as no bacteria from our hands can enter the bottle plus product wastage is minimal.


Go for it if you:
  1. Suffer from uneven skin tone
  2. Are looking for a lotion to soften your facial skin
  3. Have dry skin
  4. Live in a cold climate  
  5. Want a facial product that won’t clog pores
  6. Want a rich moisturizer without the risk of break outs
  7. Prefer a pocket friendly moisturizer


Don’t go for it if you:
  1. Have very sensitive or oily skin
  2. Want a facial moisturizer for daytime
  3. Are particular about scents


Hit or miss? A definite hit!

Priced at Rs. 650 ($ 6.8), Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion SPF 15 has become a permanent part of my dressing table. In spite of its shortcomings, I feel it is worth investing in as not only does it improve the texture of your skin but is very easy on the pocket as well and lasts a long time. My first bottle has lasted me 11 months which is not bad at all! 

If you are interested in purchasing this face lotion, it’s available at Naheed Super Market, Agha’s and Chase up stores in Karachi.


My rating for the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion SPF 15 is 4/5.

Have you tried it yet? 

© Rabea J. and from-my-dressing-to-dining-table.blogspot.com, 2012. Unauthorized and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Rabea J. and from-my-dressing-to-dining-table.blogspot.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.