MY JULY FAVORITES

SKIN CARE

For a makeup and skin care product hoarder like me, it may seem unusual that I   do not switch products too frequently to  write a monthly-favorites-posts, but here is my first installment for July!

These products are a mix of  drugstore and high end products. I’ve used these products for a while to make an opinion about them. These products have definitely made an impression on me.

I’ll start off with the cleansers.

CLINIQUE Take The  Day Off Balm:  Used as the first cleanser in a PM double cleanse, this removes sunscreen,  makeup and eye make up. I love its thick balmy texture which emulsifies into oil as I massage the balm on my face to loosen grit from my pores .I rinse off with warm water. This cleansing balm  leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean without striping in the process. It doesn’t leave any oily residue and doesn’t break me out. Did I mention that it is a fragrance free product? I’m in LOVE with this cleanser .Repurchase? oh! doll ,get in my vanity case and get on my face . It’s every bit worth the hype and price tag!

Clinique’s Smart Custom repair Serum: This serum has worked amazingly well for me . The dullness I was experiencing before I started the serum had diminished ,(not totally gone….I always expect to see thousand bolt lit face when I get up in the morning…)

It has been so good on my skin that I have never felt I am missing out on anything better. My skin looks smooth and relatively bright. I am glad that its gel like silky silicone texture suits my oily/combination, sometimes dry and dehydrated skin and adds fresh moisture and hydration to my skin. It acts as a perfect base for application of make up. However the serum has no effect on my pores ….though it claimed to tighten pores. Lovelies , I don’t expect that my puddle size pores will shrink and vanish after using a serum. This is my second bottle of this SERUM. I reviewed it here, and my thoughts are still the same after 3months of use.

Shiseido Wet Force Perfect UV Protector SPF 50 pa++++ sunscreen: I love Shiseido Wet Force Perfect UV Protector SPF 50 because it’s lightweight  and  smooth to apply and doesn’t leave a white cast on my medium dark skin. This sunblock with SPF 50 and PA ++++ is non sticky ,of runny texture and works even better when it comes in contact with sweat or water. I love how the sun screen acts as a perfect base for make up. What is notable here that In Delhi’s atrocious summer, I am relatively less tanned this year thanks to this excellent product. Lovelies, its not the cheapest, so if you have money to spare I highly recommend the product. I reviewed it here

MASKS I LOVE

JAPANESE SHEET MASKS: Last few months, I have spent every weekend treating my skin to hydration ,amino acids, peptides, hyaluronic acid..all anti aging stuff after I got myself a bunch of Japanese sheet masks. I am now fond of the cool relief brought by these chilled masks and actually look forward to this weekly ritual. I sometimes skip my serum ,moisturizers and rely on sheet masks. I use the sheet mask for 30 minutes and then apply a layer of  Clinique’s Moisture surge Overnight Mask   on top of the gooey essence left over by the mask. I love the effect of this layering …my skin feels bouncy, super soft and totally hydrated. I have reviewed Minon Amino Moist mask here. I will write in depth review of my Stash of masks shortly.

MAKE UP

LAKME ABSOLUTE SHINE LINE LIQUID EYELINER: This INDIAN make up and skin care brand was totally off my radar since last few years till they launched their  ABSOLUTE LINE.I picked up their liquid eyeliner from the Absolute shine line range as I was bored of gel eye liners. Its a water based formulation and I require one stroke application to get a jet black effect on my eyes. I have a good control over the applicator while tight lining my upper eyelid. Overall, a good budget option. Will I repurchase? Questionable……search for a good budget option continues. I don’t like to buy a high end eye liner as I toss an eye liner after 6 months because the risk of transferring bacteria back and forth from eye into the tube is so great. Ladies, can you suggest a good liquid eyeliner ?

MAKE UP FOR EVER AQUA WATERPROOF LIP LINER IN 10 C: My favorite lip product at the moment, which I have loved ever since I got around a year back from a visit to Sephora is MUFE AQUA WATERPROOF LIP LINER IN 10 C. I l purchased this lip  pencil as its close to my natural lip color.I like the way the pencil glides on the edges with out dragging when I outline my lips and it goes with every lipstick .Whenever I am not in a mood to use a lipstick, I line my lips with this lip liner and use Maybelline’ Baby kiss or any lip balm over it and be done with it.   It is such a long lasting lip pencil and definitely outlasts my lipstick. I’ve had lunch, drank coffee and still had color left on my lips . Love it …but hate the price. I stay put  in Aqua Lip range .

That’s all for July Favorites. Tell me about you favorites. I would love to hear.