Flutter those lashes like a Disney Princess

Let’s face it. Us girls LOVE long lashes. The promise of thicker, longer lashes is so so tempting, isn't it?

How else do you explain the innumerable brands and types of mascaras that flood the market? I am sure a new one is being released in the already saturated market, as I type. Always a new wand, or a new formula.

What happens when you take the mascara off? I am sure it’s pretty similar to what Cinderella felt returning from the ball and back to her drab and dreary existence.

Want a happily ever after?

Enter RapidLash.

RapidLash Eyelash & Eyebrow Enhancing Serum is a cosmetic lash conditioner that aims to improve the length and thickness of lashes and brows in as little as 4 weeks.

The good news is that IT ACTUALLY WORKS.

I have been using the product for over a year and it’s now a staple in my beauty arsenal.

As always I spent hour researching various products, getting reviews and feedback before purchasing the right product for successful results. Latisse was a strong contender, unfortunately it is a prescription only drug and hence not easily accessible. Other products had lukewarm responses.

How I use RapidLash

·         I use RapidLash every night before bed time.

·         Please avoid applying any creams near the eye area since the serum requires a clean, dry surface to work at an optimum level.

·         Sweep the brush across to the upper and lower lash line, carefully avoiding the eyes. At times, a bit of the product did get into my eyes causing a minor tingling for a few seconds. However, there was no redness, swelling or prolonged irritation.

·         Screw the lid back on immediately to avoid contaminating the product.

The Va-Va-Voom Results

·         I started to notice tiny hair growth in the inner corners of my eyes within 15 days of using the product.

·         3 months of regular use resulted in a remarkable difference in the size and fullness of the lashes, specially the sparse lower lashes. Yay!

·         I had been prepared to face redness, swelling, discoloration as per various user feedbacks however in the one year of use, I am happy to report that I have not faced ANY side effects from the product.

·         Well, the product works only when you use it. I had once discontinued the use for a month and saw my lashes slowly reverting to their formal state. So keep a tube handy at all times.

So, ladies, if you want longer, fuller lashes, go for it. I promise the RapidLash will not disappoint you.

And keep those gorgeous lashes fluttering, who knows, Prince Charming may just be round the corner!

5 Amazing Perfumes you ought to try

Every woman loves perfumes. Right?

To me, perfume is a memory. I love the heady feeling of a favourite perfume. One whiff transports me back to that one stolen moment, a magical kiss, warm bear hugs, laughter, conversations, moonlight, sunrise, flowers, rainbows and everything beautiful and precious.

That’s how a perfume should make you feel.

I know perfumes are deeply personal choices and what’s good for me may not be good for you. But if you’re still searching for a signature scent, give one of these delicious, sensuous scents a try; you might just fall in love with one of them just as I have.

J’adore by Christian Dior

Everyone has a first love. This is mine. It’s the iconic Dior golden girl yet so modern, glamorous and luxurious. Perfect for a moonlit night adorned with stars. You feel like one yourself when you wear this.

Chance by Chanel

This one’s for the ambitious heart. This gorgeous perfume is full of youthful energy and promise. It makes you want to dream, to take on the world. If you’re raring to go, go with this. It won’t fail you.

Sensuous by Estee Lauder

I couldn’t have named it better even if I’d tried. Its oozes sensuality with just a hint a sweet. Pssssstt, this one will get you the maximum compliments from the opposite sex. Now, all I need to do is walk by George Clooney and let it work its magic.

Olibanum Citrus  by Maroma

Alright, this one is a men’s perfume. But I still love it. It’s my go-to fragrance for a busy day. It makes you feel so fresh and alive and happy. Sometimes, I stop by my cabinet to smell it, just for kicks, that’s how uplifting it is.

Amazing Grace by Philosophy

This ultra-feminine and flora perfume is actually a new favourite. I love that it’s surprisingly soft and gentle. Like a kiss on the forehead or a warm embrace. I feel loved every time I wear it.

On the Wish List: Love, Chloe by Chloe

I have heard such great things about this one. It’s been called compelling and irresistible. We’ll see.

So, here we have it. The amazing 5, the ones I’d take with me to a deserted island. I do love quite a few other perfumes but I’ll save my love sonnets for them for another day.

So ladies, what are your favorites? If you stop by, do share.

I can think of no better way to end this fragrant post than with the words of C JoyBell C

‘It's always wonderful to be elegant, it's always fashionable to have grace, it's always glamorous to be brave, and it's always important to own a delectable perfume! Yes, wearing a beautiful fragrance is in style at any age!’

So, here’s to the magical world of perfumes; to evoking old memories and a promise to creating new ones.

Love!

The Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin: I Found It!

Oily skin? Tell me about it!

It’s definitely a double edged sword. While it is the slowest to show signs of aging, it is also prone to acne, enlarged pores and blackheads. Aaarrghhhhh!

As a result, I was always hesitant to use a moisturizer on my face. So while my skin went psycho with enough oil production for export, it always lacked something. Something, I could never put my finger on.

Well, after tons of reading and researching I realized its hydration.

Water helps of course, and it definitely plays the most important part. That said, you do need to keep the outer skin hydrated too. So, I began my quest, tried a few products, failed. I was almost exasperated when I chanced upon, my now favorite, *drum rolls please* Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel.

A quick disclaimer here: If you have dry skin, this isn’t the right fit for you and you may be disappointed.

Now stay with me ladies, it’s an expensive product, I know. I broke a sweat too. But, a little goes a long way and the 125 ml. bottle lasts up to 6 months. Great!

Here’s my two cents on the uuhh-mazing product:

• Oil-free. Check. Fragrance-free. Check. The two basic criterion for my highly sensitive, oily skin are met. So far, so good.
• Though it’s touted as a gel, it has the consistency of a lotion. Albeit, a very silky, feather light lotion. It glides smoothly on the skin’s surface and absorbs before you can finish the alphabet song.
• The gel is absolutely non-irritating. No breakouts, redness, itchiness or flaky skin.
• I love the hygienic dispensing pump and the sturdy plastic container. It is travel friendly too, no antagonizing spills when you flip that suitcase open.

So, if you are in need of gentle hydration and have had disappointing results with other product, pick this up. Pronto! 

Love!

AHA Soufflé, anyone?

A sweet treat for your skin, indeed!

I hunted this bad boy down when I was looking for an exfoliant for my ultra-sensitive skin. And boy oh boy, does it deliver!

Let’s break down the science of it.

Alpha Hydrox AHA Soufflé 12% Glycolic is a powerful exfoliant that works to smooth and soften your skin. With regular use you will notice a youthful, firmer looking skin. It has 12% glycolic acid formulated at a pH of 4, which makes it ideal for exfoliation. The cream based formula contains peptides and green tea extracts to fight free radicals which damage the skin.

I noticed a change in the appearance of my skin with a single use. It’s just that powerful.

Well, to be honest, I did have my doubts initially. Will it hold up against my oily, sensitive skin? Will it cause break-outs? Why is such a great product priced so low, is this a hoax?

After a deep breath, I took the plunge.

The product is creamy, yet light-weight. So much so, that I slathered on a bit too much, the first time. A helpful tip here, less is more. Instead of vigorous rubbing, pat the contents gently on to your face. At first, it looks like it’s gonna take a while to soak into your skin but it absorbs surprisingly quickly. Top it up with your favorite serum and you're set.

So I kissed my boys (adorable yet extremely naughty Frenchies, think Dennis the Menace), crossed my fingers and went to bed to catch some Zzzzzzzzzz.

Next morning, my skin felt different, good different. It was hydrated, (not oily like most mornings) supple and I dare say, soft. Holey, moley of miracles! I did a little happy dance standing in front of my bathroom mirror.

I love happy endings like that.

I have been an ardent user for almost a year now and here are some great things you can expect from this soufflé:

• It is fragrance-free so if you have sensitive skin, rejoice.
• I get breakouts at the drop of a hat but this oil free formula has not caused me any so far. Touch wood!
• It has helped reduce the appearance of fine lines and who doesn’t love that?
• You will notice a more even skin tone, so ladies you can go easy on that foundation.
• Because your skin has been thoroughly exfoliated, you can expect better results from your expensive night creams and serums.

All this, and you don’t break bank. Seriously, far more expensive creams do far less. 

So ladies, if you’re looking for something powerful yet sensitive, well, I’d love me a hunk straight out of Mills and Boons but for now, this will do just fine.

PS: Even Paula agrees :)

Love!

What would Paula say?

This post is dedicated to the quintessential Paula Begoun, the original Cosmetic Cop, author of the bestselling books “Don’t go to the cosmetic counter without me’ & ‘The Beauty Bible’.

So, here’s why I consider her cool.

By her own admission, when she was 25, she read the ingredient on a skin-care product that she was using, and the 4th ingredient was acetone. That’s nail polish remover! This started her on a path of rigorous research through which she put together a skin care routine that completely transformed her skin. By 1995, she had her own skin-care line, Paula’s Choice.

A perfect example of a ‘happily ever after’ story.  Isn't it?

I was inspired!

It kick-started me on a journey of self-awareness. I started reading labels. I started to question brands, their philosophy, my own skin and its needs. There was so much to un-learn and re-learn.

You know what’s most admirable about Paula?

She is the only cosmetic company in the world who recommends other brands and products besides her own. If you visit her website, you will find expert reviews of all brands. That’s so refreshing in a world full of insecurities.

Today, I rarely ever purchase a product without first checking its review on www.paulaschoice.com

Let me give you a small example.

Growing up, I absolutely lusted after Crème De La Mer. Who hasn’t, right? This Rolls Royce of creams has enjoyed a cult status for decades among the rich and famous. There are beauty products, then, there is a pinnacle and then there is La Mer, up there, with the stars.

Today, I have the resources to purchase one but do I want to? The answer is NO. It’s just too rich for my skin. Yes, I said it. The thing is, I have begun to understand what my skin wants and it certainly isn’t La Mer. 

I am still taking baby steps, but better late than never. A few lessons I've learned:

• We all love delicious smells. But when it comes to your skin, fragrance-free is the way to go.
• Exfoliate and, do it right. Throw away those gritty exfoliants and take the AHA & BHA route.
• Eye creams are the biggest marketing ploy the cosmetic industry has pulled on us. What’s good for the face is good for the eye. Period.
• I am beginning to get a sense of my skin and I understand that it evolves with weather, age, diet, menstrual cycle and other internal and external factors.
• Expensive does not necessarily translate into a better product. There are good and bad products in all price ranges.

So, you want brilliant skin? Work for it, girl. Take it out on a date and figure out what makes it tick. Who knows, you might just end up with a soul mate :)

Love!