[Sponsored Review] Mary Kay Foundation Primer Sunscreen SPF 15

I received full sized Mary Kay Foundation Primer Sunscreen SPF 15 for review.
I have been using this product for few weeks now and did find it worth writing about.

Product Description
This is a light-weight gel primer with UVA/UVB protection creating a perfect canvas for flawless foundation application. It makes the skin look smoother and also extend the wear of makeup. The primer is oil-free, comedogenic (won't clog pores) and is fragrance free.

Good For
All skin types and also sensitive skin.

My Impression about the Product
Texture & Fragrance
The product is fragrance free and has a gel like texture.
It spreads easily and is absorbed well, leaving the skin with a very slight powdery feel. It looks like nothing is applied on the skin.

How I Use the Product
After cleansing, toning and moisturizing, I apply a 10 cent coin amount on my face and blend it well with fingers, before applying make up.

The Effect
The skin becomes really soft and smooth and the makeup also stays on for longer. What I like is the non-sticky, powder like feel that you get on application. Being lightweight, it really seems to be a great product for before-makeup application.

The Verdict
After a long search, I could find a face primer that is so light and absorbs well. Definitely this is gonna be one of my must-haves. This is an all in one product, which acts as Moisturizer, sun protect and primer. 

Will I buy it again?
Definitely and also recommend it specially if you tend to have oily skin after applying make-up

Retail Price
S$40

Where can you buy it?
From Independent Mary Kay Consultant or if you don't have one, send me a mail at nsur20@gmail.com and I'll recommend one for you.

Do go for this primer if you really want something light weight and easy to absorb to put under your makeup, this is the product to go for.

What do you feel about Mary Kay Foundation Primer?  Have you used it? Please share your views 

Till then keep reading and discovering!

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Disclosure
I received full sized sample of Mary Kay Foundation Primer for review.
I was not paid to write the review only was given the product. The views and opinion are my own and not given under any influence.

[Pastimes] Rangoli For Deepawali- Part 2

After yesterday's post (Read here) on my Diwali Rangoli Designs, today's post is about the designs I created for Diwali of 2009. By this time, I gained much more confidence and was ready to explore little more complex designs than those from last year. This time, I decorated my doorway for 3 days.
Diwali is celebrated for 5 days- first day is Dhanteras, which is celebrated to please Goddess of Wealth, Sri Lakshmi and a lot of precious purchases are made on this day; the second day is Naraka Chaturdasi, which is to celebrate victory of Lord Krishna over a demon named Narakasur; the third day which falls on a no-moon night is the main festival and is celebrated by worshiping Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Lord Ganesha, the elephant God, remover of all obstacles. People light of their houses with clay lamps and welcome Sri Lakshmi into their houses. The fourth day is celebrated as Govardhan Puja in north to commemorate the victory of Lord  Krishna over Lord Indra by lifting a mountain called Govardhan on his little finger, while in southern India it is celebrated as Bali Pratipada, to celebrate the victory of Lord Vishnu in his dwarf form Vamana over demon king Bali. The fifth day is Bhai Duj when sisters and brothers express their love and affection for each other. 
So the celebrations goes on almost for a week and it is a great fun when you celebrate with family and friends. 
Now, coming back to Rangoli, in 2009, I designed rangolis for first three days and here are the pics.

This design was done for the first day. If you know me by now, you will be able to see one of my signature designs- the paisley.

This design was created for the second day. I kept it really simple.

This design was done on the day of Diwali at the doorway. Again featuring the other design which I love to create - the Peacocks. This is the most elaborate design I have created till date.

This design was done at the Puja area. If you notice in the last post also, both the designs in the puja area have lotus motif. This is because Goddess Lakshmi sits on the Lotus flower and these rangoli motifs signify the seat of Goddess Lakshmi. We invite Her to our houses and also keep a seat ready.

Hope you like the designs and share with us what kind of designs you like to create by posting a comment.

Till then, stay in touch for more on this...

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[Pastimes] Rangoli for Deepawali- Part 1

As some of you may be aware of the Indian Hindu festival known as Deepawali or Diwali or Divali. It is the most widely celebrated festival among Indians. It is also known as 'Festival of Lights'.
One of the significant custom is to do the Spring Cleaning of whole house and decorate it well. The doorway and the 'puja' (prayer) area is often decorated with 'Rangoli'. 
Rangoli, also known Kolam, Mandana, Alpana etc. in various parts of India is a folk art used to decorate the floor of doorways and courtyards during festivals to welcome the deities. Various media can be used individually or in combination- dry colour powder, flowers, rice paste, coloured marble chips, paint etc.

When doing a rangoli on Deepawali, I prefer to use Colored powder which is easy to sprinkle, yet requires a lot of practice. The first time I tried doing Rangoli of Deepawali was in 2008 and here are some pics-

The first two pics are of Rangoli done at puja area while the last one is at the doorway. I love doing floral and geometric designs and sometimes combination of both.

Do you like doing Rangoli on Deepawali or any other occassion? What are your favorite type of design?
Do leave a comment and share...

Till then, stay in touch for more on this...

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[Review] Glamabox October 2013

Hey Lovelies,
Let me talk about the October 2013 Glamabox. It is interesting that the box designed changed from September onwards with a painting by a French Artist, Agnes Boulloche. (See September box here). It's a bit mysterious and a bit scary to but I really like the art work.
Coming on to the October box, this was what I found inside-

Let's talk about the products-
1. Annie's Way Q10 Anti-Ageing Jelly Mask, 1 pc (Retail Price- S$19 for 6 pcs)- This mask is designed for aged and wrinkled skin, which can whiten, moisturize and minimize fine lines. Since my skin is not yet aged and wrinkled but still I do have some fine lines, so may be I can try this one and post a review.

2. EGO Sunsense Ultra SPF 50+, 10ml (Retail Price- S$21 for 125ml)- This is a smooth easy to apply milk that provides high sun protection and also is resistant to water for upto 4 hours.

3. MIOGGI pouch with four products

3a. Definite renewal Overnight Program, 3ml (Retail Price- S$53 for 30ml)- Gel like supplement to strengthen skin structural component, promote cell repair and moisturise the skin while sleeping.

3b. Hex Magic Foremilk Cleansing Powder, 2X1g (Retail Price- S$35 for 70g)- Helps to strengthen the skin immune system, removing impurities, excess sebum and dead skin. 

3c. Hex Perfector Series Illuminating Magic B.B, 1g (Retail Price- S$40 for 40g)- Provides radiant and transparent skin with reduction in fine lines.

3d. Total Radiance Serum, 8 ml (Retail Price- S$51 for 30ml) and Cell Nutrient Enhancer, 8g (Retail Price- S$58 for 30g)- The Serum helps to restore skin radiance, lift sagging contour and smooth wrinkles while the cell enhancer uplift and revitalise the skin while repairing the dead skin cells.

The content seems to be interesting but most of it is in sachets, so will have to try them out soon.

4. QV Face Purifying Mask, 10g (Retail Price- S$18 for 75g)- This is a clay mask which removes dirt and excess oil, leaving the skin smooth and soft. It also hydrates the skin.

5. Morii Platinum Essence Facial Mask, 1pc (Retail Price- S$8 for 10pcs)- It is again an anti-ageing product, which whitens and hydrates to lift and firm.

6. Morii Lifting Crystal Eye Patches for Dark Pouches, 1 pair (Retail Price- S$7 for 8 pcs)- It can boost natural skin regeneration to make the skin look rested, smooth and youthful.

7. LAROCHE- POSAY Effaclar Duo, 2X3ml (Retail Price- S$42 for 40ml)- It is comprised of thermal spring water to reduce irritation. The Duo purifies the skin and removes excess sebum.

8. LAROCHE-POSAY Effaclar Gel Moussant, 15ml (Retail Price- S$34 for 125ml)- It contains ingredients to fight against bacterial proliferation and eliminate imperfection.

So, that was all about my Glamabox October 2013. Some products look impressive and promising. Would love try them out and see the effect.

Looking forward to get more interesting products and if you would like to get your Glamabox, you may subscribe here for only S$18 a month. 

Till then keep reading 

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[Review] Fragrance- Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia eau fraiche

Another perfume sample I found, this time in Vanity Trove (read here to know more about Vanity Trove), is an EDT Acqua di Gioia by Giorgio Armani.

Image Source: www.vanitytrove.com

Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia eau fraiche was launched in early 2013 and is said to be a lighter and fresher version of Acqua di Gioia perfume from 2010. The fragrance is inspired by nature- gentle breeze, delicate water and soft green leaves. The fragrance has dominant aquatic notes and subtle floral ones. The bottle design is unique, sophisticated yet feminine.

My Take on Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia
The fragrance is different from the usual floral soapy scents. As you spray the fragrance opens with citrus notes specially lemon and orange and going on to mild floral notes dominated by Jasmine. Since the floral scents are not very strong and are also neutralised by tea and ylang-ylang, I am loving the fragrance in its middle notes as well. The base notes start with an immensely sweet smell ending in musky notes. The only part I dislike is the sweet smell, which lingers on for a while but thankfully not so long. Being an EDT, it did not last really long but for around 4-5 hours, which I'll consider to be average. So, this is a fragrance that is Citrusy, not too floral, sweet and musky. I would have loved to buy it if it was a bit more long lasting, may be I should try out the EDP version and see if I like the fragrance.

Retail Price- 50ml for S$83.50 and 100ml for 109.50.
Available at  http://sg.strawberrynet.com 

Have you tried Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia eau fraiche?  How do you like it? Or if you have not tried it yet, would you like to try? What makes you want to try it? Do leave a comment and share your views and experience with us.

Till then keep reading 

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If you would like to receive your Personalised Vanity Trove, go for a Vanity Trove subscription at Vanity Trove for just S$25 a month. You may also like register with Vanity Trove, fill your beauty profile, and interact with others and see what they love and are using. The platform is like a facebook for beauty. You may also like to follow me Neha Suradkar on Vanity Trove to know my beauty likes and dislikes and more product reviews.

[Review] BellaBox October 2013

This October, BellaBox is celebrating their Second Anniversary with the theme "We're 2". To commemorate the occasion the BellaBox products came in a bronze pouch rather than the usual box, along with Cosmopolitan October issue and a pack of P&G Whisper Cosmo Sanitary Pads.

The pouch came with 5 products from these brands- Laura Mercier, Elizabeth Arden, Jacqueline Burchell, Sexy Look, Indio Cosmeceutical and a bonus from Whisper. Let's have a look at them...

To talk about the products-
1. Elizabeth Arden UNTOLD EDP Spray, 1.5ml (Retail Price-S$69 for 30ml, S$95 for 50ml and S$119 for 100ml)- It is a sensual floral fragrance to fit the modern sophisticated woman. To me it came out as immensely floral and sickly sweet. To those who are fond of floral fragrance, this is something you should go for. 

2. Sexy Look 4D Mask, 1 pc (Retail Price- S$15.90 for 5 pcs)- I feel this is something which I would love to try out soon- this is a mask with unique ear-hook and neckpiece design to keep the mask in its place. It is a rejuvenating and Whitening Pearl from Pure Ocean  mask and is suitable for all skin types. Would try it out soon and post a review.

3. Laura Mercier  Foundation Primer Protect SPF30/PA+++, 15ml (Retail Price- S$55 for 50ml)- This is a multi purpose oil-free and light weight product which acts as primer, sunscreen and conditioner. It claims to be good for all skin types and tones. This creates a perfect canvas for make up. This is absorbed easily into the skin and leaves the skin soft and smooth.

4. Jacqueline Burchell Nail Lacquer, 5ml (Retail Price- S$16 for 15ml)- This is researched and developed in Singapore and is a quick drying formula. The shade I received is LA012 Applause. I would try it soon and post a review.

5. Indio Cosmeceutical Renew Cream, 10ml (Retail Price- 119.50 for 50ml)- This is a renewal formula suitable for all skin types. This is a gentle exfoliating formula which will exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. 

6. Whisper Cosmo Sanitary Pads, Pack of 10 (Retail Price- S$6.50 for 10s Pack)- These are the Japan's No. 1 Sanitary pads and I got a chance to try them while in Japan and I am glad that these have been introduced in Singapore as well.

Almost all the products seem to be promising and would love to try them out and post reviews soon...

These all products are available at BellaBox Online Shop or if you would like to go for your own BellaBox every month, you may do so at bellabox.sg

Till then keep reading and discovering!

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[Random Thoughts] Karwa Chauth- A North Indian Hindu Festival

Hey Beautiful Ladies,
To those who are celebrating Karwa Chauth... Wishing you all happy fasting and blessings for togetherness. For those who are not sure what I am talking about, let me explain- Karwa Chauth is a festival where married women in most communities of Northern India observe fast for a long, happy and prosperous married life. The rituals to be followed are to eat food and drink water before sunrise after taking shower. 
Then to observe the fast for the day; do a puja in the late afternoon and wait for moon at night and to have water and food only after moon gazing. Women usually dress up in bridal finery and go through the day. It is considered to be one of the toughest fast that women observe. 
Some of us do all this even if we are not required to do it, just because we love the concept so much.
So, this is what happens as per the rituals but now-a-days, a lot of questions come up that why to continue this custom and why do only women have to observe the fast and not men and so on. I would say that I am completely in favor of feminism and all that comes along with it but then I wonder why not...? Why should women not observe this fast? First of all this is a part of our culture and should be celebrated as all other festivals are celebrated. Secondly, if you do not feel like observing the fast, please feel free to do so without questioning those who are willing doing it or making them feel inferior.
Most of us who are doing it these days are doing at our free will and love to do it. Also to come to the second concern that why men do not do anything and only women have to go through the ordeal, I would say that a lot of men are also accompanying their spouses and bear the hunger and thirst. So, if it is happening or not, be calm and just do it.

Do you know about Karwa Chauth? 
If yes, do you observe the fast and go through it? Why or Why Not?
If no, what do you feel about it now that you know a bit?
Do leave a comment and share...

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[Recipe] Veggie Sesame Toast

Hey Everyone,
This recipe that I am going to share today is a variation of Open Sandwich with Mustard Seeds and Curry Leaves' Flavour (Read the Recipe here). Wanted to share it earlier but could not come up with a name for it... so now when something suitable struck me, here I go with the recipe...

Serves- 2 (2 Slices each)

Ingredients
2 Bread Slices 
1 Medium Sized Potato
3 Tbsp. Finely Chopped Onion
3 Tbsp. Carrots cut in small cubes 
4 Tbsp. Mix of Red, Yellow and Green Pepper (cut in small cubes)
1 Tsp. Salt
1 Tsp. Black Pepper (or to taste)
Oregano to sprinkle
White Sesame seeds to sprinkle

Method
1. Boil, peel and Mash potato.
2. Add chopped onion, carrots and peppers and mix well. Add salt and black pepper.
3. Preheat oven to 180 degrees.
4. Remove the crusts from the bread slices, apply a layer of potato mixture on one side of bread and sprinkle some oregano and sesame seeds on top.
5. Bake at 180 degrees for 12 minutes.
6. Take the slices out from the oven and cut into two.
Serve as is or with Tomato chilli ketchup 

For Kids, adjust salt and pepper.

Do try out the recipe and let me know how it turns out!

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[Coffee with Friends] Eggless Chocolate Chips Muffins

Hey Everyone, 
Today is the first post under 'Coffee with Friends' (Read here for more on Coffee with Friends. This is a recipe by a dear friend Payal Khajanchi Jain. 

About the Guest Blogger

Payal Khajanchi Jain, a  textile designer by profession is married to a finance professional and mother to a 20 month old daughter lovely daughter- Viha, who is naughty and loves to socialise. Apart from cooking and baking Payal likes to travel, paint and listening to music. I have known Payal for over an year now and have been great friends since. 

About the Recipe
"We are a family of a foodie, I am passionate about cooking and love to experiment different types of cuisines. Baking is what I enjoy the most and my daughter loves chocolate chips muffins which I make quite often for her so thought of sharing this recipe with my friends. Hope your toddler likes it too."- Payal 

Recipe

Ingredients
Plain flour                1 and 1/2 Cup ( minus 3 tablespoon)
Corn flour                3 Tbsp 
or
Cake Flour              1 and 1/2 Cup
Sugar                       1/4 Cup
Choco chips             1/4 Cup
Baking powder         1 Tsp
Baking soda             1/2 Tsp
Salt                          1/3 Tsp
Milk                         1 Cup
Oil                            1/2 Cup
Vanilla essence          1 Tbsp.

Method
1. Pre-heat the oven at 180 degrees and grease and muffins cups.
2. Sift the Flour, Baking powder and Baking soda.
3. Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately then combine them together and stir the mixture slowly 
4. Keep some chips aside for topping and fill the batter to 3/4 muffin cup, top with choco chips and bake for 20mins.

Thanks Payal for sharing this yummy recipe.

Enjoy the recipe with your family and leave a comment sharing your views...

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[Review] Mary Kay Botanical Effects Mask

I attended a workshop by Mary Kay conducted by a friend of mine... where I was introduced to Mary Kay's range of skin care and make up products. Will talk about the workshop in detail in a later post but one product that really caught my fancy was a cleansing mask from the Botanical Effects Skin Care Range from Mary Kay.

Product Description
This is a clay-based mask for cleansing, which will absorb oil where needed and hydrate the dry areas, while cleansing pores and leaving the skin looking fresh and renewed. The products in this range also have anti-oxidants, which help in anti-ageing and keeps the skin healthy, making it firm and elastic at the same time.This can be used 2-3 times a week. There are different products for Dry, Normal and Oily skin.

My Experience
I used the one for Normal Skin. This clay based mask also has some exfoliating properties. The mask has a clayey texture and the amount shown in the pic below is good for half the face, since I tried it on half face first to see the effect.

The mask has to applied in thick layer on the face, leaving the eyes and the lips.

If you are wondering what's there on my lips? That is a lip mask, will talk about it some other time. Leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes and then spray some water and gently scrub it for 15-20 seconds and rinse with water or a wet facial cloth and tadaaa...

You can see the difference in both the sides. The right side of my face where I applied the mask is much more brighter and refreshed. Also, the best part was the change in the shape of face- getting a firmer and thinner look. This was the point when I was completely bowled over by this product and could not wait to talk about it.

Will I buy it again?
Yes, definitely

Retail Price
S$40 for 113g tube

Available at
Mary Kay Independent Distributors, if you feel like getting one, do mail me at nsur20@gmail.com and I can arrange it for you through my friend. 

I feel if you are looking for a product that will cleanse, exfoliate, firms and elasticise your skin, I think, this is a great product which will fit your requirements and budget.

Do leave a comment and share your views and experience...

Till then keep reading and discovering!

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[Event] Vanity Trove X Decleor Exclusive Member's Event

Sometime ago, I was invited by Vanity Trove to this cozy Exclusive Member's Event in collaboration with DECLÉOR, a French brand that incorporates aromatherapy into beauty regime, at SEVIIN, TANGS. 

The event was to mark the launch the new range of Prolagene Lift from DECLÉOR and also the new phase of Vanity Trove (Click here to read more about Vanity Trove). The event was organised at the Loft, SEVIIN, TANGS with some yummy treats...

After getting to know about DECLÉOR's new range of anti-ageing products (Read more on Anti-Ageing here) with products like essence, day and night cream, eye cream, wrinkle fill etc. we got to know about some facial exercises to keep the skin healthy and firm. That was something interesting to know...

That was followed by introducing the new phase of Vanity Trove- creating a platform to share our beauty tips and tricks with others. The Vanity Trove website is now like a facebook for beauty or rather a BeautyBook for face, where you can follow people or brands or products, interact with them, like posts, add pictures, product review and a lot more. Follow me on Vanity Trove platform to get started on this beauty adventure. Apart from all this, you can update your beauty profile to get sample recommendation based on the same which you can add to your customised trove and receive it every time for S$25. The best part of all this is, if you are a Vanity Trove subscriber, they make all the efforts to vanish your Monday Morning Blues by sending a mail in your inbox informing about the new sample that are added every Monday, so you can add them to your customised Trove. 

After all this, not to forget the lovely door gift that all of us received...

It was great to receive samples of Aromessence IRIS Rejuvenating Serum, Intensive Youth Concentrate, Rejuvenating Night Balm and Lift & Firm Day Cream. Also, voucher for Decleor Treatments at SEVIIN, TANGS. Will write about these samples and sessions soon.

Till then, keep reading and discovering!

P.S.- A big thanks to the Vanity Trove Team Ms. Zhi Jun Phoon, Ms. Hui Shan Pang and Mr. Douglas Tan for a great evening and also for S$25 Vanity Trove Credits.

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