LAKME HAUL+REVIEWS

A big shoutout to my mom for getting these for me while overseas, as they aren't stocked in South Africa. 💚

LAKME PRODUCT HAUL

I'll be going through the products that I got as well as first thoughts. Please keep in mind that I will not be doing swatches as I haven't had time to use most of these beauties yet!

So, let's have a look!

First up, I have the Lakme 9to5 Crease-Less Matte Lipstick in Rosy Sunday

Lakmé 9to5 brings you a range of 15 high performance shades that sit on your lips all day long. Enriched with Vitamin E; the formula conditions your lips & softens them with wheat germ oil. 

I got this is the Rosy Sunday shade, a creamy medium/dark coral colour. It came beautifully packaged as well. I wore this today for the first time and it's the definition of long-wear matte! The colour stayed on my lips and because it's so creamy it didn't dry my lips out.

Lakme Absolute Illuminating Foundation

A liquid foundation specially created by the backstage experts at the Lakme Fashion Week to give you visibly brighter looking skin.  Visibly brighter looking skin. Silky dewy finish. Luminous skin with natural glow. Gives your skin an even coverage.

The foundation comes in quite a small bottle. I got it in Beige Glimmer, something suitable for my skin tone. It was hard to choose a shade because 1) I was shopping online, and 2) this range only has four shades. This is a medium flesh tone and contains a shimmer to it, so it can act as a highlighter for the cheek area.

Lakme 9to5 Weightless Matte Mousse Lip and Cheek Colour in Rose Touch

Say ‘No’ to touch ups with this perfect for office wear, Lakme 9 to 5 Weightless Mousse Matte Lip and Cheek Color. Lakme’s first lip and cheek color comes in a mousse texture that’s weightless, giving a powdery matte finish to lips and a soft blush to your cheeks. Lakme 9 to 5 Weightless Mousse Matte Lip and Cheer Color is ideal for daily office wear adding charm and lasting long. Its dual benefit makes it a high functional product for the busy and on the go working woman. It looks and feels weightless because of the lightweight formula. Since it’s a mousse texture, it absorbs well, giving an intense color that long-lasting. The applicator brush glides on seamlessly making it easy to apply and giving a smooth and even finish.

I got this in the shade Rose Touch, a mauve nude shade perfect for Indian/Taupe skintones. It has a super thick powdery texture. Although soft, it was quite dry onto my lips. This definitely does make ones lips look fuller. I enjoy this neutral shade.

Lakme Absolute Sculpt Studio HD Matte Lipstick in Burgundy Affair

I feel like this lipstick is great for shaping with pure precision, but the colour is too weak and has to be applied in hard layers. The lightweight formula would be like wear and forget. These do not move from the lips and hence lip liner is totally optional. I love how smoothly it glides on the lips and gives a velvet matte finish to the lips. The particular shade is a gorgeous shade of red with brownish undertones.

Lakme Absolute Plump&Shine 3D Gloss in Beige Shine

Lakme Absolute Plump & Shine is a revolutionary 3D lip gloss with its long-lasting formula and high pigmentation properties.

This shiny gloss glitters when applied to the lips. It's super thick and sticky, making it able to last long hours. This is great to wear over any lipstick as it's quite transparent as well. I like the fact that this has absolutely no fragrance or taste at all. Also, I did not notice any plumping effect from this gloss. It’s just that as a gloss, on its own gives an illusion of fuller lips. I didn’t feel any tingling sensation too, which lip plumping products usually cause.

Lakme Perfect Radiance Skin Lightening Light Cream

This comes in a small tub which is easy to travel with. It has a light sweet fragrance to it.

On application it was a bit dry as I rubbed it into my face. It's more matte than creamy. It is definitely not meant for dry skinned beauties as it does not moisturize the skin at all. It does brighten the complexion but the effects are temporary. I recommend this to oily-skinned beauties who are simply looking for an instant bright matte finish. If you are looking for any more than that, then I suggest you invest in some good day cream.

Lakme 9to5 CC Cream in Bronze

This cream is available in two shades: Beige and Bronze. This shade, Bronze, looks pretty good on my medium skin tone after setting. Since this is a color transform cream, it looks like any fairness cream when I apply it on my face. Also, it has some microparticles that actually help change the color. I need to blend it perfectly on my face. Initially, this cream gives the effect of any normal cream but then it starts to look like a CC cream. So it actually changes color and gets nicely absorbed by my skin tone. It has a very creamy texture that glides so easily on the skin and provides a smooth dewy finish. The consistency is medium cream which makes it is so easy to blend. 

The cream never looks patchy or dry. It is actually a hydrating cream that makes skin soft. This is really a good for dry skin. Personally, I prefer a matte finish, so I don’t like the creamy finish of this product. Also, on my skin, it looks oily so I need to follow up with a compact powder. 

This cream provides a very sheer coverage that’s good enough for daily use. It cannot really hide any dark spots, pigmentation etc. Also, this cream cannot conceal uneven skin tone either. It only makes your skin brighter and hides just minute imperfections. As I don’t prefer high coverage every day, it looks good on me. But if you desire coverage or intend to hide imperfections, this is not the product for you. It is super blendable but layering makes it heavy and sticky.

Annnnnnd those are my products! I can't wait to use them and hopefully supply swatches soon!

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Stay tuned for more reviews!

Azelo Skincare Review

I recently got sent these Azelo products! I'm super excited to review them, finally. 

Okay, so the first thing I tried was the AZELO Exfoliating Face Scrub.

It has active ingredients such as Rosehip oil and Vitamin C. It's for combination skin.

Upon using this I found it to be light weight and pore-opening. It's not too harsh on the skin and has a pleasant, earthy smell to it. It did not dry out my skin afterwards.

The next thing that I used along with the scrub was the AZELO Pure Tissue Oil.

The oil was non greasy(thank God!) and was soaked up easily by my skin. I used it on my legs and the back of my knee where I have eczema. It soothed the area and acted as an immediate relief. I do wish that the oil effects would last longer, or would be more powerful for dryer skin types. Other than that, I think that is it a great multi-purpose oil.

Thanks for sending me these products, AZELO!

Follow Azelo on Twitter!

Review: Elixir Skincare

Today the courier came guess what it was?

Some samples from Elixir Skincare!

Let's have a look:

Elixir Balancing Toner

Product Description:

Use this gentle toner after cleansing to remove any residue, restore pH balance, stimulate circulation, reduce oiliness and refine open pores.

Spritz face until skin is damp then tissue off excess, or spray toner onto cotton pad and gently wipe facial area. For normal to combination skin.

Size:100ml/ 250ml

INGREDIENTS: Distilled water, rose oil concentrate, vitamin E acetate, Santalum album (sandalwood), Lavandula officinalis (lavender)

A mild, odourless toner that is not harsh on the skin and purifies.

Elixir Balancing Cleanser

Use this light, balancing milk-based cleanser morning and evening to remove pollutants and dirt.

Apply to skin and massage in with fingertips to cleanse. Rinse well with water or remove gently with damp cotton pad. For normal to combination skin.

INGREDIENTS: Vegetable-based carrier lotion and carrier cream, water gel, surfactant, Santalum album (sandalwood), Lavandula officinalis (lavender)

Just like the toner, except this a cleanser and milkier. Lavender scented and gentle, but left my skin a bit dry afterwards.

Elixir Derma Gel Treatment Cream

Soothe, hydrate and purify your skin with this activating and rejuvenating treatment.

Massage liberally onto cleansed and toned skin. To treat dry skin, leave on overnight. For an oily complexion, leave on for 10 minutes and then rinse off with warm water and damp cotton pad; follow with night moisturiser. Suitable for all skin types.

Size: 50ml/125ml

INGREDIENTS: Aloe ferox, vegetable-based carrier cream, water gel, vitamin E oil, Eriocephalus punctulatus (Cape chamomile), Lippia javanica (zinziba)

Moisturised my skin quite a bit, happpy with the quality. Great texture.

Balancing Night Moisturiser

Product Description:

This rich formulation firms and nourishes your complexion while you sleep.

Apply after cleansing and toning face and neck. Gently massage in with fingertips, using upward movements. For normal to thirsty skin.

Size: 50ml/125ml

INGREDIENTS: Vegetable-based carrier cream and thickened carrier cream, sweet almond oil, carrier milk, Aloe ferox, Santalum album (sandalwood), Lavandula officinalis (lavender)

Another lavender scented night cream, it left me feeling confident in nourished skin before bed!

Multi Active Enzyme Exfoliator

Product Description:

Repairs damaged skin, antibacterial. Feeds skin, gently exfoliates and refines pores for a smoother skin.

This exceptional skin treatment exfoliator offers a mild skin peel that gently exfoliates using the lightly stimulating action of bamboo granules, fruit acids and papaya enzymes.  Rich in antioxidants, it repairs stressed and damaged skin. Aloe ferox gel fees the freshly exfoliated skin, offering a smoother, brighter complexion. Perfectly suited to mature or delicate skins, and gentle enough for frequent use. Can be used on all skin types.

Very impressed by this product, it removed dead skin cells on my face, causing me to reappear with more radiant, brighter skin.

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Thanks for allowing me to try out these tender products, Elixir Skincare!

For more info, be sure to check them out in the link below:

http://elixirskincare.com/

What's in my Avène Bag?

Hey guys!

So I got sent this this adorable parcel a while back from Eau Thermale Avène.

So, What's in the bag?

Below I will mention the products and a short POV:

1) Avène Cleanance Expert

- Helps eliminate mild to moderate blemishes, spots, and blackheads.

- Light emulsion that is quickly absorbed and leaves skin feeling hydrated and mattified

My POV

Quite watery. It blended easily into my skin but left my skin feeling quite damp afterwards. It definitely gave it a natural matte finish.

2) Avène Sunscreen SPF 30

- Suitable for oily, acne-prone skin

- Dry touch

-  Paraben-free

- Photostable

- Water resistant

My POV

Being thicker than the Cleanance Expert, I had to spend a bit more time rubbing this into my skin. Much to my dismay, it ended up like other sunscreens tat I have used in the past; leaving my skin oily and shiny. It did not have a matte finish on my skin. It did however, last longer than most SPFs.

3) Avène TriAcneal Expert

- Targets blemishes and marks

- Moisturiser

My POV

This has a peachy colour and scent. I much like the look of the product! It did not a greasy feeling when massaged onto my face and had a dry touch, with my skin itself not feeling dry. This is a great moisturiser especially if you want to get rid of those old acne scars and dark marks!

4) Micellar Lotion

- Cleanses and removes make-up in just one step

- Skin feels cleansed, soft, comfortable

My POV

It burned my skin, but got the job done. Odorless. Was not very powerful against my makeup.

5) Avène Thermal Spring Water

- Direct connection between spring and production plant

- Sterile packaging

- No expiration date

- For irritated skin

My POV

This was the first time I tried a thermal water spray and it was definitely an amazing experience. Odorless and clear, it reminds of a natural spring bath! Although this has so many different uses, I used it to sooth my eczema on the back of my knee. It worked a miracle and didn't burn at all and soothed my skin. This has got to be my favourite Avène product. 

I'd recommend the Thermal Water, TriAcneal EXPERT and the Cleanance Expert to anyone who is looking for a way to safely get a matte look on their skin, without all the harsh makeup!

A huuuuge thank you to Avène for sending me these amazing goodies!

Find out more about them here:

http://www.eau-thermale-avene.co.za/

Review: SoyLites Ladybird Everyday Moisturising Body Balm

Included with the AMAZING candles the SoyLites team sent me (review here: http://kiarabramdaw.blogspot.co.za/2016/11/soylites-candles-review.html ), I also got sent a SoyLites Ladybird Body Balm!



Find out more about SoyLites here: https://www.soylites.co.za/

This line is inspired by my favourite insect, the ladybird!

Ingredients: 
Pure Soy Wax (vitamin E and lecithin), 
Shea Butter (Non-Certified Organic), 
Castor Oil
Avocado Oil
Virgin Olive Oil with Geranial
Citronella and Lemongrass Essential Oil. (Certified Organic )


This balm can be applied literally anywhere on your body and is infused with Rosehip and Shea Butter.

It has a leafy, nature-like smell. When I applied it to my skin, I found that it was not greasy at all! Although the smell does not agree with me, there is no doubt that I feel closer to to nature when I use it. I recommend this to anyone who is seeking to heal their skin in a natural, pain free way.

Thank you, SoyLites!

SoyLites Candles Review

Thank you to the SoyLites team for sending me these amazing goodies!

This is the review of the two different SoyLites candles that I received, but first;

About SoyLites Candles

* Crafted using 100% natural, premium raw ingredients 
* Completely free of chemicals, parabens and petroleum ingredients 
* Our craftsmanship ensures a longer, cleaner, soot-free burn 
* Doubles up as a moisturising body candle 
* Made with cosmetic-grade, non-GMO soybean oil 
* Many health benefits for skin when applied 
* Beautifully scented with aromatherapy oils 
* Vegan endorsed - no beeswax 
* Not tested on animals 







The first candle that I'll be speaking about is the SoyLites Votive candle in INDULGENCE WITH VANILLA, GRAPEFRUIT, GINGER. 



This is a luxurious blend of warm scents, but has a top-coat smell of fresh vanilla. This is a luxury massage candle. The amazing thing about these candles is that when burning, it forms a pool of smooth oil, not wax. This oil is beneficial because it's rich in Vitamin E and lecithin, so you can easily use this candle to the full extent by massaging the oil into problem areas of your body. Talk about multipurpose!

When lit this candle gives off an aromatic scent that makes me as if I'm in an Arabic spa! 
I have to praise this candle for it's amazing smell because none of the spas I've been to(and I've been to quite a few!) have ever smelled as good as my room did when I lit this candle.

The next candle is a bit on the lighter, brighter side; SoyLites Original Soy Candle in HARMONY WITH ROSE, GERANIUM, JASMINE 


 

My first impression was "OMG the packaging is so pretty!", so that was already enough to get me excited about the smell. The scent has a fresh, out-the-shower sweetness to it. It is very feminine. The aroma of this beauty filled my room before I lit it, making a strong statement that says 'Though I am soft, I am strong!'


If I had to chose a favourite?

My favourite out of the two would definitely be the Harmony. Besides the smell, the oil lubricated my skin and lasted longer than the Soy Massage Votive Candle.

Would I recommend? 

Yes I would recommend this product to everyone, especially to the beauty therapists! It's already my goal to go out and buy the rest of the range. I suggest that everyone get their hands on a SoyLites candle ASAP!

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A huge thank you to SoyLites

Find out more about them here:

https://www.soylites.co.za/

AFRIDERM Peeling Gel Review

I recently received this peeling gel from Afriderm.

Product Description:

This exfoliating Peeling Gel can be used daily by all shades of dark-pigmented skin to deeply cleanse and encourage the natural process of skin renewal. The Peeling Gel gently removes dry, dull and dead cells from the skins surface to encourage natural skin regeneration. Used regularly, it leaves skin clear, silky-soft, healthy and youthful looking. Made from a soothing complex of herbal oils and extracts.

Features :

1. Active face care especially formulated for dark-pigmented skin
2. Exfoliates: Deeply but gently removes dry and dull skin cells
3. Regenerates: Encourages the natural process of skin renewal
4. Moisturizes: Helps create silkier and softer skin
5. Soothes: Calms stressed skin and helps fight signs of aging
6. Protects: Guards against ashy-looking skin
7. Best of Natural Ingredients: Coenzyme 10, Aloe Vera, Chamomile & Ginkgo, Biloba Extracts plus Evening Primrose, Grape Seed and Borage Seed (Omega 3 & 6) Herbal Oils.

• Cleansing Perfection
• Facial-Intensive Care
• For Dark Pigmented Skin
• Gentle exfoliation to create smooth, clear, attractive skin tones & texture!

Cleanses and prevents the build-up of dead and dry cells on the skin’s surface.

Accelerates natural, fresh cell renewal and guards against dry “ashy-looking” skin appearance.

Contains natural herbal extracts and non-irritating moisture-enhancing ingredients.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Propylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile Flower), Extract, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf, Extract, Coix Lacryma-Jobi (Job's Tears), Seed Oil, Borago Officinalis (Borage), Seed Oil, Dehydroacetic Acid,, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose)Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil,Parfum (Fragance),Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis(Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Algae Extract, Polysorbate 20, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Limonene, Linalol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional. PARABEN FREE.

My POV

Other than the amazing, elegant look that product gives off, it has a gentle feel.

When I first applied it to my skin, I expected it to burn around my nose and cheek area, like other peels and masks have done in the past. I left it on for one minute as stated, and probably took another two minutes to admire the fresh smell it gave off. When I washed it off with warm water, it cleansed off easily and my skin didn't feel dry afterwords. It felt tight around the cheek area. When I woke up in the morning, my skin felt smoother than ever and also had a radiant look to it! I will definitely be be adding this peel to my weekly skin routine.

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A big thank you to the Afriderm team! 

Find out more about them here:

www.afriderm.co.za