Freiha Writes: 2015

Zara A/W 2015 Haul

17:37

Share |

Maybelline White Superfresh Compact (Shell) Review

11:19

The moment I saw the ad for the Maybelline White Superfresh Compact on TV, I wanted to try it. Priced at Rs. 150, it is one of the most affordable pressed powders I have come across in recent times.

This powder comes in a white plastic compact, which has a snap closure. The compact contains a mirror and a powder puff as well.

The powder has Perlite which is described as "a pure mineral with skin perfecting powers. Visibly lightens complexion while absorbing sweat & oil."

Maybelline also claims that this powder contains UV filters, but no specific SPF has been specified.
The powder claims a 12 hr whitening and skin perfecting.

I own this product in the shade Shell, which is perfect for me because of its yellow undertones. Upon application of this powder (using my Real Techniques Multitask Brush) I noticed two things.

First, this powder has a light, citrus-y scent. I find it quite pleasant, personally. Secondly, it makes my pores look smaller.
As this powder is finely milled, it does not look cakey on my skin at all. It minimizes the visible pores on my cheeks and nose. It gives a very slight coverage to my skin, like a translucent loose powder would.

It definitely gives my skin a fresh look. However, this powder does not live up to its 12 hour freshness claim. My t-zone begins to get oily within 5-6 hours, prompting a touch up. But since the packaging of this powder is extremely convenient (unlike, ahem, Rimmel Stay Matte) its easy to touch up with this powder.

Considering the price of this powder (150 bucks only!!!) and the convenience of packaging, I'm willing to ignore the tiny niggle of touching up my face after 5 hours of the first application. All in all, I really like this powder. Some beauties who have really sensitive skin (and are allergic to fragrance) may find it a problem to use this powder.

I have been reaching for this powder everyday, to set my foundation and concealer. The shade, the packaging, the price and the pore minimizing are the deal clinchers for me when it comes to this powder. I just wish Maybelline had specified the SPF of this powder. Sigh.
But no matter, for Rs. 150, I'm willing to ignore that!
I will definitely be repurchasing this powder. Please don't stop making it, Maybelline!!!

Share |

Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Blush (All I Think About Is You) Review

11:16

Share |

Makeup Revolution Vivid Lacquer Blush (Heat) Review

23:28

Share |

Revlon Photoready Skinlights Face Illuminator (Bare Light) Review

14:34

Share |

Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Bronzer (Ready To Go) Review

20:10

Share |

My Skincare Routine: Night

12:04

My night time skincare routine is based on two core principles: Cleanse thoroughly and treat + moisturize properly.
This routine has been working quite well for me so far. In fact, my skin is the clearest it has ever been!

First cleanse: Cetaphil Cleansing Lotion. Apply to dry skin, massage well. Remove with warm, wet washcloth, exfolitating gently.

Second cleanse: Cipla Saslic 1% Salicylic Acid Foaming Face wash. Apply all over damp skin and massage well, concentrating on breakout prone areas. Let it sit on the skin for a couple of minutes (while I brush my teeth!) before washing off with warm water.
Dry face with towel (patting gently).

Treatment: Apply Glyco 6 (6% Glycolic Acid Cream) onto skin and massage in circular motions until cream is absorbed. I apply the cream all over my face, focusing on cheeks, nose and jawline (breakout prone areas). Let this sit for 30 minutes.

Mist: Spritz face generously (30 mins after treatment) with Fabindia Rose Water Mist. Really, any rosewater mist does the job for me. As long as it doesn't have too many unnecessary ingredients.

Moisturizer: First I apply a layer of the Emolene Dry Skin Cream. Calling this product a cream is incorrect because it has almost a serum-like texture which intensely hydrates my skin. After Emolene I apply a layer of Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion. if my skin is feeling particularly dry, I do another layer of Cetaphil before applying my lip balm and hitting the sack!
Oh and in case you're wondering why I don't use eye cream separately, I don't need it. I apply some Cetaphil Lotion under my eye area as well. Since both my moisturizers (Emolene and Cetaphil are fragrance free, they don't irritate my skin at all, especially my under eye area).

So there you have it guys! My night time skincare routine. My skin is much clearer, less congested since I have been doing this routine. The frequency of my breakouts has reduced immensely. And all these products are budget friendly, easily available and work brilliantly with my skin! I'm quite happy with my current routine. What's your bedtime skincare routine like? Tell me, my lovelies!

Share |

My Favorite Mascaras

09:57

Share |

Maybelline The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette Review

20:55

When Maybelline came up with their The Nudes eyeshadow palette, I just knew that I had to try it. Which was pretty rare for me, considering the face that I'm not really an eye shadow girlWhen Maybelline came up with their The Nudes eyeshadow palette, I just knew that I had to try it. Which was pretty rare for me, considering the face that I'm not really an eye shadow girl. I don't have much, uh, real estate in the eyelid area, which is why a lick of eyeliner on my top lashline is all the eye makeup I need. Oh and mascara. A LOT of mascara.

Anywho, I saw this palette and it had quite a variety of neutral colors. I got the palette home and began to play. First of all, I was quite happy that this palette came with a guide on the back. It splits the palette into duos and quads, so you know which shades go well with each other. The pigmentation of the shadows is quite decent and they don't crease on my eyelids. I used this palette to do my birthday makeup, a brown/gold smokey eye which went quite well with a smudged brown eyeliner pencil. The eye shadows stayed quite well on my eyelids (I had used a primer, though).

My main gripe with this palette is that the performance of all the shades is not uniform. Some shades are powdery with awful pigmentation, while others blend beautifully with amazing color payoff.

Nevertheless, kudos to Maybelline for launching this palette in India. All the shades will suit us olive skinned Desi girls (yeah, I said that) quite well. Its a great palette for makeup beginners and for those who are REALLY into neutral colors (like yours truly). I'm glad I bought this little baby.

I don't have much, uh, real estate in the eyelid area, which is why a lick of eyeliner on my top lashline is all the eye makeup I need. Oh and mascara. A LOT of mascara.
Anywho, I saw this palette and it had quite a variety of neutral colors. I got the palette home and began to play. First of all, I was quite happy that this palette came with a guide on the back. It splits the palette into duos and quads, so you know which shades go well with each other. The pigmentation of the shadows is quite decent and they don't crease on my eyelids. I used this palette to do my birthday makeup, a brown/gold smokey eye which went quite well with a smudged brown eyeliner pencil. The eye shadows stayed quite well on my eyelids (I had used a primer, though).
My main gripe with this palette is that the performance of all the shades is not uniform. Some shades are powdery with awful pigmentation, while others blend beautifully with amazing color payoff.
Nevertheless, kudos to Maybelline for launching this palette in India. All the shades will suit us olive skinned Desi girls (yeah, I said that) quite well. Its a great palette for makeup beginners and for those who are REALLY into neutral colors (like yours truly). I'm glad I bought this little baby.

Share |

Real Techniques Bold Metals Arched Powder Brush Review

12:23

Share |

Benefit Cosmetics Haul

10:36

Share |

Cipla Saslic 1% Salicylic Acid Foaming Cleanser Review

09:49

Share |

Real Techniques Bold Metals First Impressions (Arched Powder and Flat Contour Brush)

12:14

Share |

John Frieda Frizz Ease Serum Review

11:42

Share |

Five Questions With The Whimsy Bookworm!

21:26

I'm back with another Five Questions, guys! This time I'm interviewing one of my favorite bloggers, Whimsy Bookworm (aka Pooja)! Her blog (www.thewhimsybookworm.blogspot.in) is such a fun place to be! Its one of the best Indian book blogs I've come across. Through her book reviews, I've discovered so many amazing authors. Her addiction to reading is definitely contagious. Her blog's Friday Favorites section is a personal favorite of mine! Also, be sure to check out her Instagram (@whimsybookworm). Her feed is so vibrant and colorful, where she shares everything from her book hauls to outfit details! Be sure to check out her blog, you'll be hooked!
Read on to know what she has to say about skincare and beauty!

1) What is your everyday skincare routine?
(Please mention the names of the products)

It starts in the morning with simply washing away the night with my Kiehl's Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash. I have oily skin and this works wonders for me. Cleans my skin thoroughly but doesn't over dry it. Plus it comes with a easy-to-use pump which is godsend first thing in the morning.

The rest of my skincare happens in the shower and after it.

In the shower I use my Forest Essentials Facial Ubtan in Roop Nikhar Gulab mixed with a little Rose Water. I use this to wash my face and neck and even scrub my body sometimes. I love it. It's mild enough to use everyday and my skin has been loving it since I started using it in March. On days I don't use it (when I am in a hurry and don't have time to mix it) I like to exfoliate with a mild scrub..currently I am using an Apricot Scrub from Lotus Herbals which is quite nice.

Once out of my bath, I use a serum from Clarins called The White Plus Total Luminescent Intensive Brightening Serum (quite a mouthful!). I have some old acne scars and a touch of pigmentation, this helps in reducing that and is light and sinks in easily in my skin. I have also been loving the FabIndia Vitamin E Hydrating Serum.

Then if I am stepping out I slather on my sunscreen from Lotus Herbals...it is my utter favourite and I have used it for nearly 10 yrs and I love it...it's the Safe Sun Matte Look 3 in 1 Sunblock. After this if I am going out it's time for make-up.

At night, I take off my make-up with Bioderma and then to be fully sure my make-up is all gone, I use a Cleanser from Clarins- White Plus Pearl to Cream Brightening Cleanser. I then use a toner from Lush- Breath of Fresh Air...which is amazing. Then I use either one of two things...the Clarins White Plus Brightening Hydrating Emulsion. Or if my skin needs some major love I use the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Oil/ Concentrate- this is magic and my skin feels sooooooooo good in the morning. I highly recommend this. Then if I am being good I also use the Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado Oil ( I often forget to do this!). Then some Smith's Rosebud Salve for my lips and some L'occitane Handcream in Lavender and I am all done!

2) What advice would you give your thirteen year old self?

Oh boy!

a) Do NOT cut your own bangs at 16! Just don't do it!

b) Don't wear that awful scented lip oil. It's cheap and looks oily and is plain wrong. Stop now!

c) Start wearing sunscreen now.

d) When you go to Goa at 16 for a week...WEAR SUNSCREEN if want to avoid burning the skin off your nose. (it was horrid!)

e) Stop being so mean to boys for no good reason!

3) Your ultimate beauty pick me up when you're feeling low? (Can be anything from high heels to red lips!)

I love nice long showers. I like to put on a face-pack before I hop into the shower..I love the Chandan and Haldi Mud pack from Fabindia. I oil my hair. Then give myself a little manicure at home. Then take a nice long shower. Wash my hair with my best shampoo- Kama Ayurveda Lavender and Patchouli at the moment. Use a sweet smelling shower gel- I love the L'occitane Almond Shower Oil.

Once out I like to paint my nails. Wear comfy aka loose clothes and just chill..

Or...go online...buy a bag! Works every time :) Or books..buying books helps to and if I am feeling very low..I pay extra for next day delivery. :)

4) If you had all the money in the world, which is the one beauty (skincare or makeup) product you'd splurge on in a heartbeat?

Oh..let me see..the thing is if I really, realllllly want something I usually just get it. But if I didn't have to think about money at all...I'd probably would get a foundation each from Chanel- vitalumiere aqua, some from YSL...Touche Eclat Foundation and the Youth Liberator Serum. Also the Armani foundations sound good. Also Dior has a some interesting foundations.

Also I'd just go to MAC and buy like 12 eye-shadows in on go...instead of buying two at a time! :)

And maybe get some YSL Rouge Volupte Lipsticks..I have 3 already and they are sooooooo good, I wouldn't mind having a few more.

5) Who is your ultimate beauty icon/inspiration?

OK, I am not big on having icons or being a die-hard fan of a person. I loved the styling on Sex and the City...it was such an effortless mix of high-end and thrift. Of couture and bargain and I love that aesthetic. Gossip Girl had an interesting look too.

Closer to home I loved Deepika's styling in Piku, so real and wearable and so wonderfully Indian. I love a mix of Indian and Western styles..I love when the two style blend together well.

I love Sabyasachi Mukherjee...everything he makes is just perfect in my books.

I also love Free People's aesthetic and how their stylists style their pieces.

I've always loved Audrey Hepburn's classic style..but then who doesn't? So if I had to pick an icon...I'd possibly pick her.

There you have it, peeps! Five Questions with The Whimsy Bookworm! I'll be back soon with another mini interview.
Watch this space!

Share |

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion Review

11:04

Share |

Lotus Herbals UV Matte Screen Gel SPF 50 PA+++ Review

12:30

Sunscreen. Its the best thing you can do for your skin. Apply sunscreen everyday and prevent sun damage, which will minimize your age related skin problems (sun spots, wrinkles) in the future. We all know this. Yet most of us don't use sunscreen. Why? Its because the formulas that are available in the market currently have the same issues: they leave a white cast, they smell, they make your skin greasy, they break you out.
I just want to take this opportunity to give a shout out to Lotus Herbals. THANK YOU for making sunscreen more usable for us Indians. Really. Their 3 in 1 Matte Look Sunblock is a cult product, here in India.
Following closely on the heels of its older sister is the Lotus UV Screen Matte Gel SPF 50 PA +++

Meant for oily/normal skin, this sunscreen has a light, gel texture. Its almost like a makeup primer. This is a chemical based sunscreen (so no white cast) and it dries to a lovely, matte finish. It is a white, translucent gel that spreads easily onto the skin. Applying this sunscreen on my face during summer is such a great feeling, because the gel really soothes and cools my skin. I apply 1/2 teaspoon of this sunscreen all over my face (and neck) and allow it to dry. If you have dry skin, you may need to use a moisturizer underneath. If you are allergic to silicones, this sunscreen may break you out. I personally have never had a breakout with this sunscreen. Frequent reapplications are necessary (after every 2 hours of sun exposure). There is only one con to this product: You cannot wear makeup over this. It balls up/forms pills. I think it is due to the silicone. But I'm willing to overlook this little niggle as long as my skin is protected from the sun!
Overall, this is my favorite summertime sunscreen and I always have a tube of this stuff on hand. It does a great job at preventing my skin from getting tanned and it is affordable too! If you are a person who wants to wear sunscreen, but hates the current formulas available, give Lotus Herbals a try. You will surely find something that suits your skin type!