New in #32

CATRICE Absolute Nude Eyeshadow Palette

010 All Nude

This was the first such palette by Catrice and it has been out for quite a while, however, I was never really interested in it, until I saw that there is going to be a new chocolate version, which made me think of this one and the Rose one, so I just wanted to give them a try.  Nude version contains a collection of neutral eyeshadows, ranging from light to dark in different hues and all are shimmery, but I love especially the medium shades, as they are great one-wash colours. I'm very pleased with this palette and I've really been enjoying wearing it since I got it; I've been wearing it more than the Rose version, because it suits my colouring better. I'll have swatches of both palettes in a proper review.

Müller, 5.29 €

CATRICE Absolute Rose Eyeshadow Palette

010 Frankie Rose to Hollywood

A palette that clearly drew inspiration from the massively popular UD Naked 3 palette, so it has a collection of six rosy, taupe and purple shades.  I'm a huge fan of the Absolute Matt version, which inspired in me a lot of trust into these palettes by Catrice, but the day I bought it, someone told me that this is a terrible palette quality-wise, so I was concerned before I actually tried it that I made a huge miss buy. Well, it's a great palette. In respect to quality I really like it, especially that matte taupe shade is fantastic. However, two pairs of eyeshadows look almost identical on the lids, so it's not the most diverse palette in the world. But otherwise, I'm happy I got this.

Müller, 5.29 €

L'OREAL Infallible 24H Matte Foundation

10 Porcelain

There is a huge hype surrounding this foundation and I had my doubts whether it's really as amazing as everyone is claiming to be. Well, it is. I adore this foundation. This looks absolutely flawless over pores. I've never tried anything like it, not even a primer. In the past year almost every foundation started to emphasize my pores for some reason, but this kind of just camouflages them. It's so amazing to see how the pores look so diminished with this foundation, I'm a huge fan. Otherwise it's a medium coverage foundation with a matte finish, so it is an obvious foundation, but I don't mean that in a bad way, just that the matte finish and coverage makes it apparent you're wearing makeup. This will look weird over patches, just to warn you. I got the lightest shade 10 Porcelain which is not exactly porcelain-like, but it's similar to Healthy Mix Serum's 51 only it has a pink undertone. There will be a proper review of this. 

Salma, 10.90 €

ESSENCE Lash Mania False Lash Mascara Waterproof

I love my Lancome Hypnose mascara, but it's very expensive, so I wear it only when I want to be a bit more made up, while the rest of the time I wear either Essence Princess Lash, which is unfortunately not waterproof but I love the effect, or Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde waterproof, which I'm not terribly fond of because it's very average. I decided to get a new cheap waterproof mascara, though I'd really love to get my hands on Maybelline's Lash Sensational in waterproof, but for now Essence's will suffice. I found this one on their website, checked online for reviews (which were all in German) and they reassured me it's worth a try. I've quickly became a fan of the formula. The brush is plastic and huge, so it's clumsy and it deposits tons of product with one coat, just like Princess Lash and I <3 Extremes. This means that definition isn't its forte from the start, but it gets better and better as the formula thickness over time. The amount of volume it gives is huge, it hold curls amazingly well for such a cheap mascara and it's very difficult to remove. I'll post a proper review very soon, as this is in the process of being discontinued.

Müller, 3.29 €

ESSENCE Lash & Brow Gel Mascara

This is very popular and highly rated on Makeup Alley, however, I won't be using it for its original purpose (I don't care about brows at all). You might remember that I spoke about John Frieda Full Repair Touch-Up Flyaway Tamer, which has been on my wishlist for ages, but it's out of stock on Boots International for a really long time, and while Ojon's Tamer Wand is only a bit more expensive, I am very reluctant to shell out 16 € for such a product plus the extortion that they call shipping (and the pound to euro rate has been abysmal in the past six months. Thank you economy!). So I had a brain wave to try this for that purpose. It's a gel with hold, which is quite possibly very similar to the JF or Ojon's formula. I can report that it works well enough, but it's not as good as the real deal. It also still leaves the hair soft and none of the gel residue is apparent. It's good for now, but I still want the John Frieda or at least the Ojon one.

 Műller, 2.19 €

ESSENCE Lipliner

12 Wish Me a Rose

You know how I often say that I don't like these? Well I have seven of them already. I have no words for myself *queue the meme "I'm not even mad that's amazing"*. Wish me a Rose was an Andrea's enabled purchase because she swatched Mac's Please me and Wish me a Rose side by side, and they are indeed very, very similar. Even I'd call them a dupe and I'm very strict with that word. It's a light-medium neutral pink that I think would suit so many people, either as a nice neutral shade like on me or a pinky nude on people with medium skin tones.   

DM, 1.19 €

BOURJOIS La Laque

7 Lycheers

Bourjois released their version of gel inspired formula and I think everyone saw that happening from a mile away. Their selection of shades is pretty basic and cute, but Lycheers grabbed my attention because I have nothing similar and I find it quite unique. When I came home I noticed how similar it is to my beloved Rouge Edition Velvet in 07 Nude-ist - no wonder I liked it straight away. It's a retro rose shade - a dirty medium pink that will fit perfectly into autumn. 

Müller, 7.19 €

ESSENCE Studio Nails 4 in 1 Profi File

I've been buying these for years. They are cheap and they do the job. There are four different textures ranging from a very harsh surface to a buffing smooth one.

Müller, 1.59 €

OROFLUIDO Beauty Elixir

Salma had it for a reasonable price with a discount, so I just got a backup and even so, my bottle is running very low anyway. I love this hair oil and I haven't been without a bottle of it for years. I find it one of the best on the market for dry hair as it doesn't just behave like a regular smoothing serum, but it also adds a bit of extra nourishment that my hair desperately needs. I'm also still in love with the gorgeous oriental scent it has. 

I've reviewed a lot of more expensive hair oils a while ago in my Hair Oil Series if you're interested. 

Salma, 15.90 €

 BALEA Luxury Verwőhndusche

Red Love

Indulging Shower Gel

I was so excited about this range ever since I saw it on Facebook, mainly because it said it smells like peach and coconut. I already had the bath salt, which was lovely (it turned the water into an intense red-pink shade. I'll post pictures one day) and I was delighted when I saw that the shower gel arrived on our shelves as well. It's a very thick shower gel that is deep red with shimmer, so it looks very glamorous. It's very different from their regular shower gels and it's closer to Dove's formula, though it's even thicker and doesn't foam as well as those. The scent is the same as of bath salt, so peachy, but with a deeper, more sexy/sultry note, which actually makes it better suited for colder months than summer.

Ingredients here.

DM, 1.79 €

SUN DANCE Transparentes Sonnenspray 50

Transparent Sunscreen SPF 50

Last year I got the transparent sunscreen in a can, which ended up being a huge oily, schnapps-reeking disaster that lasted three days in total for four people. This year I got one in a classic spray pump, but again a transparent one as the regular sunscreens are just too greasy, which puts me off applying them all together. This one has tons of alcohol in it, but I don't care as I'm only planning to use it for those few days on the beach, also because at least I'll use it because it's light enough on the skin, though still a bit oily, and finally because the Garnier transparent one, which is without alcohol is over 10 € and is just too much (I mean seriously?!). It smells like classic sunscreen and I don't smell alcohol in it, but others do. The spray pump is very hard to press, which is very annoying

DM, 5.79 €

SUN DANCE Selbst Bräunungs Tonik

Self-tanning Toner

 This immediately caught my attention on their website, I mean a self-tanning toner in the drugstore is not something you see often. It is like a regular toner, so not like Clarins' one which feels like a lotion, instead this is like an actual water-like toner that would work even for greasy skin. It sinks in really fast, leaves the skin dry to the touch and doesn't feels sticky, so thumbs up for that. It has a warm vanilla scent that is ok as well. It says to exfoliate the skin first, which I do before the first application as I always do before tanning, then simply apply the toner with a cotton pad all over the face including ears and neck for an even effect. It says the colour should develop in 2-6 hours, but that is very optimistic. On my super pale skin it takes four days for me to I get a nice amount of colour and that's a good thing, because gradual tanning provides a lot more natural results and decreases the chance of streaks. It doesn't smell much of self-tanner, though the more days in a row you use it, the more you might notice it. I heard though that some people with sensitive skin find this product a bit irritating, but it works completely fine on my skin. 

Here is a side by side of me before tanning and after four days. The lipstick is Max Factor's Redefined Rose.

Ingredients here.

DM, 3.49 €

NIVEA Pearl & Beauty Anti-Perspirant

My old faithful. My last bottle was sent to me by Nivea when they saw I couldn't find it in Interspar (such a kind gesture), but now I got mine in DM. I love this deodorant because it actually works for a spray deodorant as it has powder particles in it, but it's not super white, though I still need to be careful with black clothes. It also smells fantastic, soft and so lady-like. 

DM, 2.89 €

OMBIA COSMETICS Express Nagellackentferner

Express nail polish remover

This reminds me a lot of the Ebeline version, meaning it's a basic nail polish remover in a pot, except that the foam inside hasn't got a round hole, but it's just cut in a form of a cross. It removes nail polish well enough, though not as easily as for example the Bourjois' one and it doesn't leave the fingers greasy, however, just like Ebeline's one, this means that it can dry out your nails and skin. The foam is harsher and feels of a lesser quality than both Ebeline's and Bourjois'. It has a sweet scent, possibly of almonds. I like it for the price, but it's nothing special.

Hofer, about 1.8 €

ESSENCE Arriba! TE Hair Chalk

02 Macarena Mint

I dreamt of having this ever since Ana from Beautysaur showed how well this works on her dark hair. It's a very silly thing to purchase, but you know it's also very fun. There were two versions, a pink and a green/teal one, and I grabbed the last one on the stand. This has an amazing colour payoff, especially if you use it on slightly damp hair or like I did it, over a sticky hair spray. With the sticky hair spray base, it lasted all day without fading and it didn't rub off on anything. I'm pleasantly surprised by this and I kind of a want my whole head in this colour. This was a LE, so it's quite possibly gone from most places, but Essence has four colours of hair chalk in their permanent line, though they are in the process of being discontinued. They have a colour just like it, so if you want it, you need to hurry. 

 Müller, 4.39 €

ESSENCE #secret party TE Drink Markers

01 Don't Drink and Dive

This is another silly purchase, but we always end up fighting whose glass was which, so this was a purchase to end all glass related disputes. I'll also put one in my bag as it should certainly come in handy. I don't know where you can get anything similar other than on eBay (I want the moustache ones)

Müller, 2.19 €

ESSENCE Nauti Girl Nail Stickers

01 Hey Sailor

I really liked the Nauty Girl collection. You might have noticed that I largely ignore TE's and LE's (I just genuinely dislike the idea of limited items), but this summer Essence did an excellent job. The sailor inspired nail stickers are super cute and will surely pair them up with a navy blue nail polish. Similar designs here.

ESSENCE Nauti Girl Cosmetic Bag

01 Anchors Aweigh

My cousin got this for me, so thank you. It a nice medium size bag with a zipper that is very basic, but I'll surely replace my mint green one with this one in these summer months. Such a cute design, right?

LANCOME O d´Azur edt

Sample

I am a very shallow person, I'm sure you've noticed by now, so I actually got this sample purely because I love the bottle of the full size parfume. Yeah, so you've learned something about my priorities, but I just love perfume bottles as decoration (this was the main reason I got Katy Perry's Royal Revolution). Anyway it's a nice summery fragrance that smells high-end and I like it, but I'm not completely I-must-have-it-right-now in love with it. It's fresh, floral, aquatic and a bit sharp from the pepper. This a scent I image someone wearing in the office, but the staying power is weak.

Notes on Fragrantica.

Salma, 0.77 €

LOLITA LEMPICKA Elle L'aime edp

Sample

This has been on my radar for quite a while because I loved the notes according to Fragrantica, then I forgot about it, later Živa wrote about it and rekindled my interest. I couldn't find it in our drugstores (not surprised), but they do have it on Salma and they have samples (yay!). Živa was spot on with her description, it is reminiscent of the über popular Bronze Goddess, but with a slight citrus twist. It's beachy, coconuty with neroli and jasmine plus some lime that keeps it from being too cloying. I'm a huge, huge fan, however, staying power is very weak. 

 Salma, 0.73 €

RIHANNA Nude edp 

Sample

I tried this in Müller once and I liked it, but I wanted a proper sample before deciding if it's the scent for me. It's tropical and sweet, but not in an Escada way, instead it's a deeper scent. I can definitely smell guava, which I normally don't like in fragrances, but I guess that combination with a pear note makes is more likeable to me. I swear I can smell vanilla in it, but there is none, so I guess the combination of other notes makes it so sweet and gourmand like. I'm not sold by it or maybe it just doesn't appeal to me in this heat as it's not exactly light. It's lovely, but I won't be buying a full size, I think.  

Notes on Fragrantica.

Salma, 0.63 €

DOLCE & GABBANA The One Desire edp

Sample

I got this as a gift with purchase on Salma. I'm not impressed by the original The One and this one isn't my favourite either. It's sweet with predominant notes of caramel and vanilla, but that lychee note from the start is so odd, almost like it's too sour or even rotten. It later disappears, but I don't like how this is working with my chemistry. In general it's a very generic and forgettable scent to me.

Notes on Fragrantica.

*PA DOLLY LOVE False Eyelashes HS-37
Born Pretty Store offered me to try some more of their false lashes after I posted a review of their Pa Dolly Love HS-43. HS-37 are much, much more dramatic as they are not only longer, but also thicker. I chose these because they have more of a rounded design, instead of tapered and I've never tried lashes like that, so I want to see what effect these have on my eyes. These again come in a box of ten and are on clear a string.
Born Pretty, 3.99 $ (my discount code for 10 % off is MKOH10).

Have a great day! 

Nivea Whitening, Cell Repair & UV Protect Body Lotion {Product Review}

Price: Rs 225 for 950ml

Pros

gets absorbed really quickly into the skin

keeps skin hydrated and moisturized for a long time 

very thin in consistency and you don't require much

has UVA protection

Cons

doesn't have UVB protection

I am not sure about the whitening claims

can't be applied at night coz of UV filters in the product

My Experience

To start with, the consistency of the product is really thin so it gets absorbed very easily but do not underestimate its moisturizing or rather the hydrating properties of the product. It keeps the skin in a great supple condition for almost 6-8 hours and that's the max I have used this product because I remove it in the evening.

I had read somewhere (in someone's review, don't remember which!!) that it helps curb tanning but I don't think I really saw anything like that. The product boasts of 40X Vitamin C but I really didn't see it do anything extraordinary. I think the reason may also lie in the fact that I used it only while going out and not at night or otherwise.

I think it would have been better if the product did not have UV filters so that it can be used at anytime and probably might show some effect on tanning.I totally don't like the whitening claims and regarding UV claims, I always prefer to use sunscreen. I tend to stay away from products which say they moisturize as well as protect. So, I used to layer this upon the sunscreen.

Overall, I am not really sure about the product so I guess they should launch the same in a variation which doesn't have sunscreen. Have you used the product? How did you like it?

PS: Product sent by brand.

Other products I love or hate from Nivea:

Winter Skin Care Lotions 

Nivea Fruity Shine Dragon Fruit vs Pomegranate 

Nivea Refreshing Cleansing Milk

Nivea Repair and Protection

Nivea Nourishing Body Milk

Nivea Sun Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50 PA++ 

Nivea Sun Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 PA++

Nivea Sun Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 PA++ {Product Review}

Price: Rs 299 for 125ml

Pros

gets absorbed really easily

no white cast

is non-sticky as it says

also, water resistant

doesn't get greasy!!

Cons

the ingredients are not stable so has to be reapplied every one to two hours without fail

less on UVA protection coz its just PA++ and not PA+++

My Experience

When I had started using this after its counterpart, I was very happy because of no white cast issues. Its of the same consistency but gets absorbed really easily and can be applied in any amount. It doesn't even get greasy and doesn't feel sticky which is one of the best features of the product.

This time, I took out time to analyze the ingredients. Check out the image but I noticed that they do not have any stabilizing agents. [Read about sunscreen ingredients here.] Because of which, I did notice tanning on my hands because I do not reapply the sunscreen (which is very important) and I do go out in the noons, at the peak times when sun's rays are strongest.

Why there was no tanning with the SPF 50 counterpart? Probably because spf 50 provides more protection and it left a white cast which prevented the sun's rays from directly hitting the skin. I didn't analyze the other's ingredients either so this is just hazarding a guess!!

PS: Product sent by brand.

Other products from Nivea:

Nivea Sun Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50 PA++

Nivea Nourishing Body Milk

Winter Skin Care Lotions

Reminiscing Life through Beauty Products

Nivea Fruity Shine Dragon Fruit vs Pomegranate

Nivea Refreshing Cleansing Milk

Nivea Repair and Protection Lip Balm

Nivea Sun Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50 PA++ {Product Review}

Price: Rs 399 for 125ml

Ingredients

I am skipping on this part because I couldn't get a better pic :( Sorry, guys!!!

Pros

- a medium consistency lotion which spreads easily

- smells nice

- does protect from tanning

Cons

- white cast!!!

- little issue with blending
- its PA++ and not PA+++ (the 3 +'s give highest protection against UVA rays)

My Experience

Since you all are already aware of my stringent requirements when it comes to sunscreen, doing an unbiased review is pretty difficult for me. I have needed a body sunscreen since long and this one came at the right time. And, Nivea being on the top of my beloved brands, the products did make me curious and I was very happy when I got a chance to try the products.

To begin with, the lotion is of a medium consistency and is pleasantly perfumed which doesn't bother the nose and doesn't linger on the skin either. It is of a soft yellow color and spreads easily on the skin. Now, this is where the trouble with the product begins. It spreads easily but it sits on top of my skin (which I have no issue with since its a sun protector).

But, it leaves a horrible amount of white cast which makes it absolutely impossible to use the exact amount of sunscreen which is actually required to achieve the said protection. One arm needs a tea spoonful of sunscreen which is around 5ml and I am hardly able to apply a really huge dollop on both hands :( 

I have not tested the sunscreen under stringent conditions because I got them a month back when I was in Delhi and in Hyderabad, it has been cloudy since then. In the meantime, I do go out in the afternoons around 11-2 PM slot and apply my sunscreen once right in the morning. 

Also, if you have read my posts on sunscreens, I have ranted a lot about the regular sunscreen ingredients being not so stable and break down on exposure to sun so I don't know if this sunscreen breaks down or not but its ingredients are all same. But, I won't say that my arms have tanned seriously or anything. 

Also, there is one claim which bothers me a bit. The sunscreen talks about immediate protection. As far as my knowledge goes, the sunscreen ingredients take 15-30 minutes to get activated and form a shield on the skin to protect from the sun's rays. So, as a precautionary measure, I always apply this at the same time I apply the sunscreen on my face. No, I haven't used this on my face as I didn't want the white cast.

One word about its water resistant power. Since it gives a very thick white cast, whenever I wash my hand, I can see a layer of the white film where the water touches my skin and initially, I had thought it to be water resistant. But, once I was caught up in the rain and the whole sunscreen literally bled from my hands and it was looking really bad coz I didn't have hankie or napkin to wipe off the cast and my whole hand was looking painted white!!! So, yes, its not water resistant in a torrent of rain but it does have some resistance. 

Also, since I have ranted so much about this product's negatives, let me state some positives about its counterpart product - spf 30 one. It doesn't give any white cast and disappears into skin really well!!! I am loving it and my arms haven't grown dark even though I apply it only once in a day!!!

PS: Product sent by brand for consideration.

Other products from Nivea:

Nivea Nourishing Body Milk
Winter Skin Care Lotions
Reminiscing Life through Beauty Products
Nivea Fruity Shine Dragon Fruit vs Pomegranate
Nivea Refreshing Cleansing Milk
Nivea Repair and Protection Lip Balm

Nivea Hamper Winners

The Nivea giveaway winners are Nidhi and Gargi. Both have replied back and I am awaiting PR confirmation to forward your addresses to them. So, congrats girls!! The winners have been chosen using random.org and not on the basis of their answers. And, check out their best sun kissed moments:

"I love the sun as it brightens and refreshes you early in the morning...but my best moment where sun was a beauty guider was when we visited tiger hill in Darjeeling..we were waiting from before sunrise on this view point, it was so chilly..just as the sun rose it showed the tip of kanchenjungha, worlds third highest peak..what a beauty!!next it started lining the whole range of mountains with a golden border and the rays fell on the opposite range only to reveal mount everest...nature can be so dangerous yet beautiful!!!" - Gargi

"In sun, I can remember my last year's hiking in Bali and those wondrous days i spent on beach snorkeling and on water scooter. I was heavily tanned afterwards since no sunblock I have used has been absolutely water proof." - Nidhi

Me: Girls, I am dying to go to Darjeeling and Bali :) What fun you had Nidhi and Gargi, I am sure that was a breathtaking sight. Yes, you are so right about nature being beautiful. Going near to the majestic Himalayas is equally awe-inspiring and when I went to the Swiss Alps, I was just lost!! And, the worst irony of the story is that my hard disk crashed and I lost the snaps too *wailing*.

PS: Kritika, did you receive the AloeVeda hamper?? Do let me know. Pranali has already received it. And, sorry for no beauty post today as I am feeling damn lazy and in fact, I am not well :( And, life's changing too fast right now so I am trying to keep pace with it.

Win Nivea Sun body lotions!!! [Giveaway CLOSED]

So, here's another giveaway for you all. This time its being sponsored by Nivea and its gonna giveaway sun body lotions (the latest release by nivea) spf 50 and sf 30 125 ml bottles to TWO winners. So, the rules are simple. You have to answer a question and be a confirmed subscriber to Perfect Skin Care for you. So, if you are not, subscribe right now by entering your email id in the subscription form in the sidebar. And, enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter form below. The giveaway ends after a week so hurry up!!

For those reading this post in their mail boxes, please log onto the blog and enter the giveaway using the rafflecopter form. Also, give it a few seconds to get loaded.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My June Mega Haul

So, let the pics do the talking :)

my peep-toe sandals :)

my sunscreen stock!!

hair bands (thrifted)!!

Lush Dark Angels

Forest Essentials Body Oils (smell heavenly)

sesame oil

won it on Bhumika's blog

received them for reviews

received it just today and dying to try them out!!!

PS: I couldn't click the bangle I bought for mom otherwise I would have shared with you all. Btw, I didn't even talk about the birthday celebrations. It was awesome :) We went to Citywalk for dinner. There is a small bistro called Amici which specializes in wood fired Pizza and Italian food. So, we had a pasta and pizza there and it was just too awesome. So, if guys go there, don't miss it out!!!

PS1: I am desperately waiting for the Kindle. Hope I receive it soon :)

PS2: Just now read on some blog about the All-in-one TBS BB Cream and was intrigued!!! Hope they launch it soon in India as well :)

Related Posts:
My Latest Haul
My December Haul
November Haul
September Haul

Nivea Nourishing Body Milk {Product Review}

Price: Rs 198 for 250ml

Ingredients

My Experience

It is an intensive body lotion meant for very dry skin but as far as the texture of the lotion goes, it is not very thick as one would actually expect. Instead, its a smooth lotion and is very easily spreadable. And, one thing which leaps out is that you feel the lotion is very hydrating. It moisturizes the skin very nicely and leaves a very healthy glow behind making the skin look very glowing and supple and dewy. The staying power of the lotion is very very good. It lasts around 12-16 hours at a go and this is in the temperatures varying from 4-9 degrees.

My Recommendation

Yes, it is a good body lotion for all skin types. 

Also read other reviews in the same brand:

Nivea Repair and Protection
Nivea Refreshing Cleansing Milk
Nivea Fruity Shine Dragon Fruit vs Pomegranate
Winter Skin Care Lotions

November Haul {Beauty Products}

Well, there was no haul post in October as I received a huge amount of products for reviews and also I had a lot in my stash which I had already shared with you all. So, I still have a lot to finish up. And, then, there was the package from violetbag.com. So, I made my November haul a pretty small business full only of the essentials and of course, the haul does include a product from the wish list too. And, since I have been using these products since little long so reviews should be coming soon. So, check out the products :)

So, what do you think of the haul and any opinions about the products above??

Nivea Repair and Protection {Product Review}

Price: Rs 140 (approx) for 4.8gms

Ingredients

My Experience

I needed an un-tinted lip balm for regular usage so I got this one.So, did I really like it? Well, I would say that it does protect the lips from sun. This one comes with spf 15. So, that's a plus. But, I don't really understand the claims of strengthening the lips so I shall limit the claims to repairing and protecting the lips especially sensitive lips.

First of all, I would say that it is hard to apply on the lips and doesn't glide as easily as other Nivea lip balms. And, regarding the moisturization, I thought that it does keep lips soft but it stays on the lips and the lips feel heavy which is a very irritating in case of lip balms. And, I didn't really think it stays for too long too. So, as far as my experience is, I am not very happy with this one. I would say that the Hydrocare from Nivea is better than this one.

I have just put my experience in front of you and I leave the decision on you now :)

Also read other review from the same brand:
Is your skin itchy?
Nivea Refreshing Cleansing Milk
Nivea Fruity Shine Dragon Fruit vs Pomegranate
Reminiscing Life through Beauty Products
Winter Skin Care Lotions

Is your skin itchy? {Skin Care}

[Source: Google Images]

Winters are almost on the door step and my skin has already started to feel the cold and chill in the air. And, my skin has also turned itchy lately. So, why is it so? Because of the lack of moisturization. Yes, if you are facing the same problem, you might want to explore more options in the moisturizer and body butter departments.For me, I would say that Nivea worked really well. Yes, the original blue tin Nivea. 

If budget is not a consideration, The Body Shop body butters are pretty much famous but if you do like to keep a tab, then, Nivea or any thick lotion would do the trick. And, if you still want more, you can go for the combination of body oils followed by body lotions. The key to control itchy skin is not let it get dry and this can also be helped from the inside by feeding on nuts. This is especially useful for people living in hills.

How do you counter your skin dryness? Pin It

Also read:
How to protect skin this winter?
Winter Skin Care Lotions

Groundnut oil for skin {Ingredient}

I have a bad habit of removing labels *feeling sheepish*

I had bought it for culinary purposes but unfortunately, it expired without getting completely used up and I don't think I'll ever buy it for culinary purposes ever again coz it gives too much of a nutty taste and smells very strongly of peanuts and I don't fancy the so-called aroma. Anyways, so I thought I would use it up for skin before the oil turns rancid. Well, here you might argue that it has expired but vegetable oils (not hydrogenated) don't really go bad so easily so if its only external usage, I don't really mind. Of course, I'll never eat it. So, how did it fare for my skin.

Groundnut Oil

Ok, first let me describe the texture and benefits. It is thick like other culinary oils and mine is organic (USDA certified) which I had bought from the 24 letter mantra I had talked about long time back. The groundnut oil is generally preferred for cooking because it has high smoke point and is a very stable oil and also has a long shelf life which is why I don't pay heed to the expiry dates of oils unless they are hydrogenated oils. Groundnut oil is highly rich in proteins and is also very nutritious. And, its essentially very high in fatty acids which are responsible for keeping the skin young.

Its major component fatty acids are oleic acid (46.8% as olein), linoleic acid (33.4% as linolein), and palmitic acid (10.0% as palmitin). The oil also contains some stearic acid, arachidic acid, arachidonic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid and other fatty acids.  [Wikipedia]

You can read about its nutrient profile here.

How do I use Groundnut oil?

I use the oil mainly for cleansing purposes after I finished up with Nivea Cleansing Milk. I massage for few minutes with the oil and I do take a generous amount for face and neck and exposed chest (if I have applied sunscreen there). And, massage for sometime. Then, I leave the oil for few minutes (around 3-5) and then, wipe it off with the cleansing wipes or baby wipes or even cotton (wipes are easier but lot costlier and have all lot of chemicals in them but then cotton has pesticides too and organic cotton is way too costly which is why I prefer wash cloths but oil on wash cloths would ruin them). Then, I simply wash off my face and moisturize.

Since I have been using the oil, I have noticed that my blackheads are far fewer in number (which had becomes really pronounced in between). That's why I say "go for oil cleansing".  Ok, not easy while traveling but when you are at home. And, if I am not wrong, I have noticed my face skin has become healthier in the sense of supple and healthy skin since the past one month and, for the record, my habits are as irregular as they can be. I think groundnut oil behaves just like castor oil and has cleansing properties because you can see the dirt and all your sunscreen and foundation coming out of the pores while cleansing the face. And, no breakouts too which I had with almond oil.

My Shelf is overfull - Body Care {Beauty Products}

So, hope you enjoyed the sneekpeek into my skin care products. Today, we would be continuing with body care.

Soaps

how am I ever going to finish so many soaps?? all hotel stuff except the two big bars

Products already reviewed:

• Makari Clarifying Exfoliating Antiseptic Soap

Body Scrub

yeah, I still have this after 9 months around!!! read the review here

Body Oils

In case you are wondering about Apricot oil, it is thick and has a nutty flavor

Products already reviewed:

• Biotique Avocado Body Massage Oil
• Fab India Seabuckthorn After Bath Oil

Body Lotion

one from the September Haul

Deodrants and Talc

Products already reviewed:

• Biotique Basil and Red Sandalwood Powder Talc
• The Body Shop Aqua Lily Body Mist

So, this was about my body care products.