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.

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. 

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.

Cleansing Do’s and Dont’s: Your Pathway to Beautiful Skin

Cleansing Your Way to Beautiful Skin

Cleansing is the first part of your skin care regime and the foundation stone to having great skin. It is more than just washing your face because how we cleanse plays a major role in how effective the next steps such as moisturizing and toning will be. So here are a few things you should keep in mind when cleaning your skin:

DO’S

Do Use a Cleanser Targeted Specifically for Your Skin Type

Avoid using cleansers that are “suitable for all skin types”. Instead buy one that is exclusively made to cater to oily, dry or combination skin. This is important because every skin type has its own unique requirements and those requirements cannot be met with a generic all-purpose cleanser.    

Do Use Lukewarm Water

Never ever wash your face with hot water as it strips your face of all its natural oils and leaves skin dry and tight. Use lukewarm or warmish water to cleanse you face as that will help absorb the cleanser into your skin and thoroughly clean the dirt and bacteria.

Do Wash Your Hands Before You Touch Your Face

Cleanliness is the first rule of the game so wash your hands before you wash your face.

Do Keep Hair off Your Face

Use either a terry cloth headband or a plastic hairband to keep your hair off your face.  

Do Use Separate Face Towels for Yourself

Keep small face towels near the sink to dry your face. Avoid sharing them with anyone in the house and change them at least thrice a week. This will ensure that proper hygiene is maintained which goes a long way to avoiding acne and other skin related problems.

Do Pat Your Face Dry

Never rub your face or drag the towel along your skin when drying it. Always pat softly with a face towel as our facial skin is thin and very sensitive, especially around the eye area, which makes it vulnerable to sagging.

DON’TS

Don’t Use Soap to Wash Your Face

Never EVER EVER use soap to cleanse your face no matter how gentle or moisturizing the company claims it to be. Soap has a naturally high pH balance of around 7-10 whereas our skin has a pH level of around 5 which makes soap very harsh for our skin. When you use something that strong for your face, it leaves your skin parched and dehydrated resulting in irritation, redness and more oil production as the skin works overtime to rebalance itself.

Don’t Use Cleansers with Sodium Laurel Sulfate and Fragrance

Always read the ingredient list before purchasing your cleanser. Stay away from ones that have sodium laurel sulfate (SLS) and “fragrance” listed because SLF has a pH level of approximately 10 and “fragrance” or “parfum” is very drying and irritating for sensitive skins.

   

Don’t Use the Same Cleanser All Year Long

Have a separate cleanser for summer and a different one for winter because your skin behaves differently in both seasons. You may need a foaming gel or facial cleanser during summers to zap away the oil but the same cleanser could be too drying during the cold winter months and you may need to shift to a gentle cleansing lotion or milk.

Don’t Over Cleanse

Don’t wash your face more than thrice a day. Unless you have been out digging ditches during the night, this is more than enough to keep your skin clean and healthy. Overdoing it will simply rob your skin of its natural moisture and leave it dry and thirsty.

Skin care is all about commitment and persistence. You may look at the above list and think that this is unmanageable but trust me - it’s all about cultivating proper habits. Once you start doing these little things on a daily basis, they will soon become second nature and you will start doing them without a second thought. And it’s these small things which bring big changes to your skin.

Remember, good skin is the ultimate requirement towards a more beautiful YOU and no amount of foundation or concealers can make up for the lack of a healthy and supple complexion. So start taking these baby steps towards good skin care and be patient. It’s all worth it!

Was this article helpful? Do you have any tips you want to share? 

© 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.

Review: Vaseline Healthy Hand & Nail Conditioning Hand Lotion

Hi all!

Today’s post is all about Vaseline’s Healthy Hand & Nail Conditioning Hand Lotion and since winter is right around the corner, should this lotion be on your shopping list or not? Read on to find out!

Description

Vaseline Healthy Hand & Nail Conditioning Hand Lotion with keratin and vitamin E is formulated just for your hands. Its conditioning moisturizers are fast absorbing and non-greasy. It nourishes completely for softer hands, smoother cuticles and stronger nails.

Vaseline Healthy Hand & Nail Conditioning Hand Lotion

Vaseline Healthy Hand & Nail Conditioning Hand Lotion

My Opinion

I have been using the Vaseline Healthy Hand & Nail Conditioning Lotion for the past one month and have noticed no major change in the condition of my hands and nails. The health of my cuticles has not really improved either and they are as they were before. The lotion does absorb quickly into the skin and is as non-greasy as it claims but is only effective as far as mild dryness goes. It is too light to combat anything beyond that.

I also find the consistency of this lotion a bit too runny for my taste and the tube packaging does not help matters as often excess product oozes out and is wasted. Also, it smells a little medicinal and not like the usual pleasant smelling lotions that Vaseline comes out with.   

Go for it if you: 

1. Prefer a light and non-greasy hand lotion
2. Suffer from mild dryness
3. Want a hand lotion that comes in a travel friendly size

Don’t go for it if you: 

1. Are particular about how your hand lotion should smell like
2. Want a rich and creamy moisturizing hand lotion
3. Suffer from very dry hands

Hit or miss? Unfortunately a miss!

Priced at Rs. 195 ($ 2), this 75 ml tube of Vaseline’s hand lotion is average at best. If you think this product is suitable for you, it can be easily found at Naheed Super Store, Chase up and Aghas in Karachi.

My rating for the Vaseline Healthy Hand & Nail Conditioning Hand Lotion is 3/5.

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.

Review & Swatches: Kryolan Aquacolor Cake Liner in Black (071)

Hi!

I think eye makeup is one of the most important parts of your make up. It can either make or break your look. It is also not very easy to master which is why I am always on the lookout for products that make my life easy. How did Kryolan Aquacolor Cake Liner fare on this front? Read on!

Description

Kryolan Aquacolor is a color-intensive, glycerin-based cake makeup used primarily for painting the face and body. It can be applied easily with a slightly moistened make-up sponge or brush. Its creamy consistency allows it to blend easily while drying quickly to a smudge-proof and durable finish. It can be easily removed with soap and water. 

Aquacolor is available in an extensive variety of more than 132 shades which include skin, vivid and metallic shades.

Kryolan Aquacolor Cake Liner - Front

Kryolan Aquacolor Cake Liner - Back

My Opinion

I have only got one thing to say about this product – I LOVE IT! The Aquacolor Cake Liner by Kryolan is one of my favorite products this year for many reasons. For one, I just love the intensity of the color. Its jet black and no matter how dark my eye shadow, it easily shows over it. Secondly, Aquacolor is very easy to apply as it goes on smoothly and effortlessly over my upper lid and water line. It dries quickly, doesn’t smudge and has a staying power of over 6 hours. 

Kryolan Aquacolor in Black (071)

Another thing that I love about this cake liner is that it gives a very elegant and professional look to your eye makeup which is mainly due to it matte finish. It is so versatile that you can use it during the day as well as at night.  Another point in its favor is that since it’s a cake liner, one does not have to go through the hassle of cleaning up product residue after application which is a time saver in itself. It also offers great value for money because a little of it goes a long way. I think one 8 ml (0.25 oz.) case is enough to last several years!

Kryolan Aquacolor Cake Liner in Black (071) - Swatch

Coming to the downsides, the first thing which comes to mind is the product’s packaging. It comes in a simple and small round plastic case which may make it vulnerable to breakage. Another limitation it suffers from is that this liner cannot be used without water so if you plan to carry it around with you, make sure to include a small water bottle in your make up bag.

Tips and Tricks

There are a few things which you must keep in mind when using this product. Here are my recommendations:

1. Use an angled or slanted eye brush to apply your liner. This type of brush gives you more control over the application.
2. Don’t use too much water when moistening your brush because it will make the liner very runny as well as lessen the intensity of its color. Dab your brush lightly on a tissue paper before you rub it on the cake liner.
3. Use soft feathery strokes during application.

 Go for it if you:

1. Want an eye liner with a staying power of over 6 hours
2. Want a good product at an affordable price
3. Are looking for a liner that is easy to apply
4. Want an eye liner with a matte and smudge-proof finish
5. Prefer liners that can be easily removed with water

Don’t go for it if you:

1. Find its compulsory usage with water a limitation

Hit or miss? An absolute hit!

Priced at Rs. 495 ($ 5.2), Kryolan Aquacolor Cake Liner in Black (071) is worth every penny! If you are interested in purchasing it, it’s available at Naheed Super Market and Scentsation in Karachi. 

My rating for the Kryolan Aquacolor Cake Liner is 4.5/5.

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.