Lotus Herbals introduces PURE RADIANCE™ Matte-Glow Daily Foundation with SPF – 20

Thursday, June 30, 2011
Lotus Herbals has introduced a new range of liquid foundations PURE RADIANCE™ with SPF 20 under its Cosmetics Ecologique make up range.

Lotus Herbals PURE RADIANCE™ foundation is natural and safe and is perfect for daily use. 

Lotus Pure Radiance Foundation


Price : Rs 175

Availability:  All leading beauty and departmental stores across India. 

Lotus Herbals PURE RADIANCE™ foundation is enriched with botanical extracts of Jojoba, Soy Lecithin & Grape seeds. It is oil-free and water based and gives full coverage to the face that helps in hiding any imperfections. This feather feel foundation also gives a smooth satiny texture to your skin. This innovative foundation has SPF 20 that gives complete sun protection, making it the ideal foundation for both day and night usage.

Lotus Herbals PURE RADIANCE™ foundation comes in 3 exciting shades of fresh ivory, soft beige and caramel. These shades are also available with “Light Reflection” texture that makes your skin look clearer and brighter, leaving it with a light shimmery glow. 

Have you tried  Lotus Herbals PURE RADIANCE™ foundation ? Do share your views here. 

Stay Beautiful till then :-)

Information provided by PR 


Sigma E 25 Travel Blending Brush Giveaway Winner

Sunday, June 26, 2011
Hi Ladies,

I was so excited about this Giveaway and Can't wait to announce the winner. I got total 60 valid entries from these lovely girls.

Priti, Prerna, Bhumika, K.A. Sonia, Deeptima, Nupur, Jinal, Lyudmila, Mehak, Riddhi, Miha, Merci, Rajeshwari, ChelC Bre, Zofiana, Armand, Baby, Dianemane, Uzma, Steph, P, M, Aabha, Mama Shifa, Liz, Alexa, Zara, Jessica,  Azumarile, Paola, Elenita, Roni, Olirenza, Annmarie, Sanna, Liz, Surge, Sishoba, MerryD, Aarthi, Sashimathana, Olirenza, Hannah, Betsabè, Vinita, Habbo-Laura, Eduarda Barbosa, Divya, Jae tan, Monik, Poohkie, Corallista, Autie, Olga and Sharona. 

Thanks so much for taking part in my giveaway. And, now the winner is........


Jinal



Congratulations, Jinal. 

Please email me your details within 48 hours. 


Liz Earle Instant Skin Boost Tonic - Review

Friday, June 24, 2011
Today, I will be reviewing Liz Earle Instant Skin Boost Tonic and Skin Repair Moisturiser for Normal/Combination Skin. 



Liz Earle Instant Skin Boost Tonic 

Source - Website


What Liz Earle claims about Instant Skin boost Tonic : 

This heavenly floral-scented, non-drying toner refreshes, soothes and brightens your skin. Gentle and alcohol-free, it also adds a fine layer of moisture. 

Pour onto a cotton wool pad and sweep over face and neck after using Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. Alternatively spritz over face and body to revitalise at any time.

Naturally active ingredients include organic aloe vera to revitalise and soften and calendula, chamomile, cucumber and natural source vitamin E to soothe and refresh the skin. 

Suitable for all skin types 

How to use : 
Instant Boost Skin Tonic is the essential second stage of your daily regime:

Moisten a cotton wool pad and sweep over face and neck every morning and night after cleansing with Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser or using one of our special treatment masks. Whether your skin is dehydrated, oily, dull or congested, the nourishing and brightening botanicals will help to leave your skin feeling soft and looking fresh for longer. It also primes your skin perfectly for your choice of Liz Earle Moisturiser.

Alternatively spritz over face and body to revitalise at any time. The fine mist can even be used over make-up.

Ingredients 
  • Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) - The gel found in this cactus-like plant’s fat juicy fronds contain active ingredients to help cool, soothe and soften the skin. Aloe vera has been used for more than 6000 years to treat a variety of skin ailments, including sunburn, blisters and burns.
  • Vitamin E (Tocopherol) - This antioxidant helps protect skin against free radical damage caused by pollution and the sun’s radiation. We only use premium natural-source vitamin E which is up to three times more potent than the synthetic variety.
  • Calendula Extract (Calendula officinalis) - This cheerful plant more commonly known as marigold has a long history of use in traditional medicine. An extract produced from the plant has a calming, soothing effect on the skin.
  • Chamomile Essential Oil/Extract (Anthemis nobilis) - This herb takes its name from the Greek kamai (ground) and melon (apple) because of the sweet apple-like fragrance it releases when trodden on. The essential oil is considered a gentle oil by aromatherapists and medical herbalists have used chamomile for soothing the skin for centuries.
  • Hops Extract (Humulus lupulus) - This herbal extract comes from the pinecone-like fruit of the hop plant and has astringent and toning properties.
  • Cucumber Extract (Cucumis sativus) - Cucumber contains traces of useful nutrients, including potassium, silicon and sulphur. Traditionally used as a compress this refreshing ingredient is calming and soothing.
  • Geranium Essential Oil (Pelargonium graveolens) - These essential oils provide wonderfully uplifting fragrances. Pelargonium odoratissimum has a delicate apple aroma whilst P. graveolens, known as rose-scented geranium has a more powerful rose-like odour. This luxurious oil is most commonly used in aromatherapy for its toning and balancing properties.
  • Glycerin - The glycerin we use is always vegetable derived. It is a humectant (attracts water), drawing atmospheric water onto the skin to aid hydration. 
  • D-panthenol  - Otherwise known as pro-vitamin B5, this B vitamin is necessary for the normal functioning of the skin and has a moisturising effect. It also helps stimulate cellular renewal.

 Other Ingredients 

Aqua (water), Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, Glycerin, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract, Calendula officinalis (calendula) flower extract, Anthemis nobilis (chamomile) extract, Humulus lupulus (hops) extract, Panthenol, Allantoin, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Tocopheryl acetate, Parfum (fragrance), Citronellol, Coumarin, Geraniol, Linalool, Sodium hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic acid, Dehydroacetic acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyaminopropyl biguanide.

Price

200ml bottle: £11.50
200ml spritzer: £11.75
50ml bottle: £4.75
30ml spritzer: £4.75 

Availability - Can be purchased online at Liz Earle

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, Instant Skin Boost Tonic and Skin Repair Moisturiser comprise the Cleansing, Toning and Moisturizing for daily use.  

I have already reviewed the Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser before. You can read my review here


Liz Earle Instant Skin Boost Tonic


My Experience with Instant Skin Boost Tonic



I have used Instant Skin Boost Tonic for a week now and its a good time to review. Let me tell you a bit about my skin. I have a combination skin, with a very oily T-zone and dry cheeks. After washing my face, my cheeks feel really dry and stretchy and I feel the need to moisturize them even in summers. Before using Instant Skin Boost Tonic, I was using rose water as toner, but it did not provide any hydration to my dry skin areas. 

Liz Earle Instant Skin Boost Tonic has a very nice and soothing fragrance, which instantly refreshes in hot and humid summers. It gives a nice subtle and healthy glow to face which we all love. It also provides hydration to my dry cheeks and I don't feel the need to use a moisturizer after using this toner. It is alcohol free and wont dry the skin any further, unlike other toners which contain alcohol. Let me list the good and not so good about it now.



The Good about Liz Earle Instant Skin Boost Tonic

  • Gives a soft and healthy glow to skin instantly. 
  • Alcohol free and won't dry out skin, unlike toners which make skin dry and stretchy. 
  • Very hydrating and most of the times, I feel like skipping moisturiser after using Instant Skin Boost Tonic.
  • No animal extracts. 
  • Paraben Free 
  • Very soothing and nice fragrance which makes it a must have toners for summers.
  • Does not leave any oily film or residue. 
  • Suitable for all skin types. 
  • I am loving it. :-)
The Not so Good about Liz Earle Instant Skin Boost Tonic 
  • I wish it was in a spray bottle. That would have reduced wastage because sometimes, when in a hurry, I tilt the bottle and some of the product is wasted. (But I think my way of using toners is to be entirely blamed here. I don't use cotton balls and take a little amount in my hands and apply on face) 
  • Spray bottle would have been more travel friendly too.
  • Not available in India. 
  • Can be purchased online only.
The Entire Cleanse, Tone and Moisturise Range from Liz Earle.

Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, Instant Skin boost Tonic and Skin Repair Moisturiser (For Normal/Combination Skin) 
Read my review of  Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser here.Review for Skin Repair Moisturiser coming soon. :-)


Thanks to Ms. Andrea of Liz Earle for sending skin care products specially to suit my dry/combination skin. Visit Liz Earle here.
You can also read some more reviews about Instant Skin Boost Tonic here

Products send by Liz Earle for review purposes.Read entire Disclaimer here

Crea Clip Giveaway - Closed

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Hi Ladies,

I am really glad to announce my second international giveaway. The winner gets a CreaClip. Price of the CreaClip is $ 29.99 and it can be purchased online at www.creaclip.com

Before any other details about the giveaway, lets take a look at this beauty. 


You can read my review and take a look at more pictures of CreaClip here.

Now coming back to the rules for the giveaway, you do not need to have a blog to enter, and you can participate using your Google Friend Connect. This giveaway is international and will end on 18th July 2011 at 12.00 midnight. The winner will be chosen using random.org and will be notified by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond, or another winner will be selected. The prize which is a CreaClip will be shipped to the winner by CreaClip only. 

To enter:

Compulsory Entries:
  • Follow my blog through GFC. (2 points)
  • Leave your email id so that I can contact you if you win.
  • Like CreaClip page on facebook here. (2 points)
  • Subscribe to CreaClip YouTube channel here. (2 points)
  • Sign-up for Blush and the Blog’s e-mail updates (delivered via Feedburner). You have to verify and confirm the subscription in order to receive the extra entry. (2 points) Enter the email address you have used to subscribe to Blush and the Blog.
  • Follow my Blog on Networked Blogs on Facebook. Enter your Facebook name. (2 points)
Optional Entries:
  • Post about the giveaway on your Blog and/or Blog’s sidebar (5 points each) If you do both, you will get a total of 10 points.
  • Like my page ‘Blush and the Blog’ on Facebook. Enter your Facebook name. (5 points)

How to enter:
Please provide your entry for the giveaway in the following manner only. Do not post duplicate comments. If you have any queries, You can contact me at blushandtheblog@hotmail.com

Compulsory Entries:
  • Name
  • GFC
  • Email (To contact you, if you win)
  • Email for Subscription to Blush and Blog
  • Link Side bar post about Giveaway
  • Facebook Name (Used for liking my Facebook page)
  • Facebook Name (Used for liking CreaClip Facebook page)
  • Name/email used to subscribe to CreaClip YouTube channel.
  • Facebook Name (Used for following my Blog on Networked Blogs)
  • Link to your blog post/sidebar post about the giveaway

Optional Entries:
Link to Blog Post about Giveaway (5 points)

This Giveaway is sponsored by CreaClip and once, the winner is chose through random.org, I will contact the winner for postal details and then forward the postal address to CreaClip for shipping the CreaClip.

I hope you have already participated in my Sigma E 25 Blending Brush Giveaway. If you have missed it, you can still participate here.

CreaClip - Review

Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Hey Girls,

If you may have been read my previous posts, you would be aware of my obsession with my hair. With the kind of thick, dense hair, I have, I need to trim it regularly, maybe sometimes every 8 weeks. If I don't get my hair trimmed regularly, I get a lot of split ends and the ends of my hair look like really dried and unruly. Going for haircuts every 8 weeks used to get very annoying for me. I tried to trim my hair myself at home, but most of the times ended up with uneven hair chopped in the wrong manner due to slip of comb used for trimming or wrongly moving the scissors.

So after reading a lot of great reviews about CreaClip, I decided to get one for myself. I received it a few days back, and gave a try yesterday. I can only say its a wonderful and very innovative product, perfect for those who don't like to go to salon every month for haircuts and trims. 

Well, here's the review.

The Two Clips


A closer look at the tiny comb like bristles

The Locking Technique in the Clip. White Clip is open and blue clip is closed.

The liquid filled bubbles to ensure that clip is closed straight

Availability - Can be purchased only online at CreaClip
Price - $ 29.99 excluding Postage and Handling.

My experience with CreaClip

My hair is not very long and falls 2-3 inches below my shoulders. I have hair cut is 3 steps so I used the smaller blue clip. After parting my hair in the middle, I divided my hair as per the 3 steps which i already had and then trimmed it. Though its a bit time consuming, but nothing compared to the 1 hour I had to spend at the Salon for my haircuts. The steps trimmed without the blue clip moving even once and all I got was fabulous hair.

I did not use the bigger white clip but will be experimenting with on a friend of mine who has waist length hair. Stay tuned for update on that.

The Good about it:
  • No need to wet hair for using CreaClip. But I would suggest you to wash your hair, let it air dry and then use it. I have wavy and thick hair so I prefer to use CreaClip on the same day when I wash my hair. Washing hair smoothens out hair and that would make working with much more easier.
  • The large number inbuilt comb bristles gives a good locking grip to the clip, helping to hold steady without you having to hold the comb. Having a free hand gives an extra advantage.
  • CreaClip holds your hair tightly due to its locking system and the clip wont move unless open it or slide it out of your hair.  
  • I have hair cut is 3 steps so I used the smaller blue clip. After parting my hair in the middle, I divided my hair as per the 3 steps which i already had and then trimmed it. Though its a bit time consuming, but nothing compared to the 1 hour I had to spend at the Salon for my haircuts. The steps trimmed easily without the blue clip moving even once and all I got was fabulous hair. 
  • The clips are quite thin and can be stored and carried easily.
  • The clips are made of plastic and that makes them very less prone to breaking due to falling.
  • The clips, especially the blue clip can be used by men too for haircuts.
  • Saves a lot of money on haircuts and trims. 

 The Not so Good about it :
  • Not available in India and can be purchased only through CreaClip website.
  • Price is a bit high, but you end up saving a lot on hair cuts and trims. 
Check out a video of how beautifully Latina Inglesa cuts her hair and gets a great new look. 


I can't wait till to try this look now! But have to wait till my hair gets a bit longer.  

All About Auravedic

Monday, June 20, 2011
About Auravedic 

We are inspired by the ancient knowledge of the Vedas and use this knowledge to harness the cleansing and cosmetic properties of natural ingredients. With this, we use the purest natural processes so as to bring the body, mind and soul in a harmonious balance. And this is what we call Auravedic. Auravedic products are created with the specialist knowledge of researchers and developers coupled with the years of manufacturing experience of our partners, to guarantee the highest quality products. 

Auravedic has a a range of  skin and body care products, made with the finest natural ingredients using the traditional wisdom of Ayurveda.

 Take a look:

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Auravedic is steadily finding favour with national and international clientele and their products are currently available at the Mumbai International Airport at the Duty Free section through DFS and at the Bangalore International Airport through Nuances.
Source : Information provided by Auravedic PR

Giveaway Extended - Sigma E 25 Travel Blending Brush

Friday, June 17, 2011
Hi Ladies,

Hope you all are doing great. I have extended my Giveaway for the Sigma E 25 Travel Blending Brush. The Giveaway was supposed to end on 25 June, 2011, but now it has been extended to 100 followers. So as soon as I reach 100 followers, the giveaway closes. Hope you all have entered the giveaway by now, but if not, there's still a lot of time left now. So, don't wait and enter the Sigma Travel E 25 Blending Brush Giveaway now.

The prize of the giveaway is a Sigma E 25 Travel Blending Brush. Take a closer look at the Brush. 







After the Giveaway for the Sigma E 25 Blending Brush, I will be having a Sigma sponsored Giveaway for the Sigma F80 Brush. 



Sigma F80 Brush




Nature's Brilliance by Sue

I got these amazing mineral makeup goodies from Nature's Brilliance By Sue. Lets take a peak at what I received from her.



About Nature's Brilliance By Sue 

Sue is the Sole Proprietor of Nature's Brilliance By Sue. It is located on the East Coast in a small town in New Jersey. It was formed to help people locate products for their skin tone & skin type. Sue has dealt with multiple allergies for years and through persistance and exhaustive research has found a line of natural mineral make-up and organic skin and body care products suitable for all skin types, even those with multiple allergies. Nature's Brilliance By Sue will not sell any product that is not 100% Natural or Organic and has not been tested by the owner her self. Sue has a Diploma in both Holistic Beauty Therapy and Holistic Herbal Therapy; with Certificates in Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Bach Flower Remedies, Crystal Healing, and Business Development for the Alternative Health Therapist, from the Natural Health Institutes, based in Canada.
I received Pomegranate Cream Lip Gloss, Lip Gloss Glaze in Rose Garden and 4 Eye shadow samples in  Primrose Princess, Fuschia Fantasy, Gold Royalty and Emrald Isle. 

Pomegranate Cream Lip Gloss
Ingredients:
Pomegranate Butter (Pomegranate Fruit, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil), Castor Seed Oil, Beeswax, Carnauba Wax, Glycerin (Veg.), Lecithin (Veg.), Jojoba Protein HP, Organic Sunflower Seed Oil, Natural Vitamin E and Vitamin C, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Mica and Iron Oxide. 

Quantity: 0.30 oz.
Price: $7 
Availability - Can be purchased only from Website.

Its one of the best lip gloss which I have used till now. Most lip glosses are either too sticky or very sheer and don't stay on lips for more then an hour. Pomegranate Cream Lip Gloss is very smooth and moisturizing and at the same time it has a very good staying power.  The colour of the lip gloss is a very bright fuschia pink but once applied, it gives a very beautiful pink glossy look to the lips. This gloss does not settle into the fine lines and provides a nice moisturized effect without being sticky at all. In fact, it can even be used as a tinted lip balm. The staying power is quite good for a gloss which is so moisturizing and it stayed on my lips for around 3 hours, with occasional sips of water and coffee. I washed my face with water and after that too, I could notice that the colour was not completely washed with water and left a slight tint on my lips. 



Swatch

The Good about Pomegranate Cream Lip Gloss
  • No harmful Ingredients. The ingredients list says it all. 
  • Decently Priced. 
  • Very Moisturizing
  • Good staying power. 
  • Stays on lips even after few a cup of coffee and drinking water. 
  • Leaves a nice subtle tint even after  i washed my face with water.

The Not so Good Pomegranate Cream Lip Gloss 
  • Comes in a jar/tub packaging
  • May melt a little at high temperature.
  • Not available in India. 
  • Can be purchased only through website. 

Lip Gloss Glaze - Rose Garden
A beautiful peach gloss with pink undertones. Like you can see from the swatch below, it can be applied sheer for that hint of colour. It can be easily build up to give a nice peach colour to lips. 

Ingredients:
Certified Organic Jojoba Oil, Castor Seed Oil, 100% Pure Vegetable Glycerin, Lecithin (Vegetable Source), Natural Vitamin E, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Beeswax, Carnauba Wax, Allantoin, Titanium Dioxide, Mica and Iron Oxide.

Price: $7
Availability - Can be purchased only from Website.
 
Left - Swatched once and applied with applicator, Right - Swatched Twice 
My Experience with Lip Gloss Glaze - Rose Garden

I am very fond of wearing light shades of gloss because i have thick lips and bright and bold colours dont suit me well. The lip gloss glaze is not at all sticky and gives a nice coverage. I have light lips but this will give a decent amount of coverage to pigmented lips as well. The gloss is neither too much nor too less, just the right amount to give a nice shine to lips.

The Good about Lip Gloss Glaze - Rose Garden 
Moisturizing and nice colour payoff.
Decently Priced.
Nice subtle shimmer and lips would'nt look like a disco ball :-P
Can be worn sheer or build up for a nice pigmented colour. 
Would help to provide decent coverage to pigmented lips also. 
Comes in a tube packaging with regular doe foot applicator, which makes it travel friendly too.

The Not so Good about Lip Gloss Glaze - Rose Garden
  • Not available in India. 
  • Can be purchased only through website.
Mineral Eye Shadows 

I received 4 Eye shadow samples in
  • Primrose Princess, 
  • Fuschia Fantasy, 
  • Gold Royalty and 
  • Emrald Isle  


Let me show you the swatches.


Top to Bottom
    Primrose Princess, Gold Royalty, Fuschia Fantasy and Emrald Isle 

    Primrose Princess, Gold Royalty, Fuschia Fantasy and Emrald Isle  



Price: $6 each
Quantity: 0.35oz
Ingredients:
Mica, Iron Oxide, Titanium Dioxide. Matte shades also contain Serecite.
The eye shadows are very pigmented with a lot of shimmer, making them perfect for an evening out with friends or a party. I have never done any eye makeup before, So I am not the right person to do justice if I comment about the good and bad of these. Please, make do with the swatches only. ;-P


Now you can avail 10% discount when you purchase mineral makeup from Nature's Brilliance By Sue. Use the coupon code PRACHIG10. When checking out, there will be a spot where it asks if you have a COUPON.  Just put in the code and it will automatically deduct the 10% on the order.  There's no minimum purchase necessary and no expiration on the code.




Products send by Brand for review purposes.Read entire Disclaimer here