Burberry Launching Skincare

Fashion house Burberry has plans to launch luxury skincare line by 2015. Moving into skincare is also an exercise in customer relations; skincare "drives loyalty over time," says John Smith, Burberry chief operating officer. Burberry hopes to become one of the top 10 players in the luxury skincare field. Although not much raved about on blogs, Burberry makeup is top quality as other luxury brands and has released beautiful seasonal collections since its launch.

My Burberry wishlist:

LIP MIST BLUEBERRY

LIP MIST CAMELLIA PINK

LIP MIST PINK HEATHER

LIP COVER UNION RED

LIP GLOW MALLOW PINK

LIP GLOW PINK SWEET PEA

NAIL POLISH SAGE GREEN

Nivea Pure Effect Total Face Cleanup review

Nivea Pure Effect Total Face Cleanup is a combination of face wash, scrub and face pack for normal to oily skin.

Quantity – 50ml

Price – INR 99

Product info - Nivea Pure Effect Total Face Cleanup enriched with active magnolia extract provides you with 5 benefits for pure and clear skin. Its unique cleansing complex deeply washes off skin impurities. Its peeling particles unclog pores and purify skin from blackheads. Refine skin’s appearance and support a perfect complexion. Antibacterial formulation helps fight spot causing bacteria. Soft and gentle due to its mild Formula.

This product true to its claim delivers soft and cleansed skin. I start using it as face wash after moistening the face, massaging the small blue particles gently in circular motion and leave it on for 2-3 minutes, then wash off. The scrub particles are very fine, not harsh and very helpful in removing the dead skin. Kaolin being one ingredient, I can feel the clay as the base of this. It has a fresh peppermint fragrance and thick texture. I use Total face cleanup once in 10 days to get rid of blackheads, white flakes and dead skin. As a face wash, it does not lather, as a scrub it serves the exact purpose and does nothing as a pack. In my opinion, it should have been marketed only as a scrub. After using Total face cleanup, my skin becomes more porous and moisturiser works deeply.

Recommendation – I will buy this product again as it worked really well for my dry skin. Total face cleanup is perfect soft scrub I needed and cleanses well. However I recommend using it once a week maximum.

Nivea Refreshing Cleansing Milk review

Nivea Refreshing Cleansing Milk for normal skin is a nourishing and quality cleanser to remove makeup and dirt. Its light feeling and no oily residue makes it good for everyday use unlike my last Lancome cleanser.

Quantity – 200ml

Price –  in 20 AED range

Product info – Nivea Daily Essentials Refreshing Cleansing Milk enriched with Vitamin E and Hydra IQ cleanses deeply, removing makeup and even waterproof mascara, moisturizes the skin to keep its natural moisture balance, refreshes the skin with its invigorating formula.

It is a sweet smelling, slightly runny cleansing milk which melts away the makeup (foundation, kohl, eye pencil, sunscreen – what I have removed) without much pulling and tugging at skin. The best part would be that it does not leave any oil and after washing the face I feel clean and fresh skin. Me being dry skinned, Nivea Cleansing Milk moisturises the skin just the right amount to feel soft, sometimes I follow it up with light moisturiser, sometimes not. However it does sting the eye if it goes inside, so I have to be careful. To remove waterproof eye makeup it takes 3-4 gentle swipes and it comes off. A little effort there.

I first moisten my face with water, then massage the cleansing milk with cotton and gently it removes the makeup. Following it up with splashes of water, skin feels hydrated and clean. It is not extremely moisturising if that’s what you are looking for, but for me Nivea Cleansing Milk is perfect – gentle, effective and soothing (no breakout, flakes).

Recommendation – If you are looking for hydrating deep cleanser for normal to dry skin, then Nivea Daily Essentials Refreshing Cleansing Milk might fit the bill.

Nivea Q10 Plus Anti Wrinkle Night Care cream review

Nivea Q10 Plus Anti Wrinkle Night Care is a rich moisturiser for night skin care. I feel Nivea products are more inclined towards dry skin and I love it. Still wary of the anti wrinkle range but in shortage of options had to pick up this. This is my first night cream.

Quantity – 50ml

Price – AED 47

Product info - Q10 and Creatine are powerful actives found naturally in the skin. With age, their levels decrease, leaving the skin with less energy to regenerate. Over time it is more prone to wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Nivea Q10 plus range contains skin’s own actives Q10 and Creatine. Provides intensive moisture throughout the night. Effectively fights wrinkles from within. Increases Q10 and Creatine levels in the skin during the night.

Q10 night cream is thick and contains signature Nivea fragrance. On application, it feels sitting on the skin but slowly it absorbs through the night. I apply a thin patted on veil of this cream on the outside face lines and slowly spreading – patting on whole face. It feels oily while applying, so a very light application on the T-zone or else the cream feels like pore blocker. Q10 cream is heavy duty night care as the moisture stays till morning and I could find no dry patches. For night time, fragrance is bit heavy, as I prefer without or fresh scent. Also there could be improvement on its heavy texture, as it breaks me out on oily skin days.

For the anti wrinkle part, I had earlier two lines between my brows which seem to have vanished and overall the skin feels smooth. Since this night cream is new to my skin care, I think it has worked its part, also regular usage is key. The packaging is heavy glass tub in Nivea blue, which seems sturdy and travel friendly. A lighter package would be welcome.

Recommendation – Nivea Q10 night cream is great for dry skin but sensitive /oily /combination skin might have different opinion.

Lancome Galatee Confort cleansing milk review

During the time in middle east, my skin became rough, patchy and prone to dry breakouts. Naturally, I became inclined towards cream based and soap free products. Lancome Galatee Confort is a cream based cleansing milk, suitable for dry to very dry skin while removing all makeup and dirt.

Quantity - 200 ml

Price - SAR 250

Galatee Confort is a white milky cleanser, not runny in texture and oil based. Among the first ingredients is mineral oil, which I feel interferes with the product's cleansing ability. The cleanser does not foam or lather, instead it applies as creamy layer. I take the required amount on cotton and remove the makeup in parts. It does not remove the makeup easily as 3-4 swipes are needed and too much cleanser is used up. It is emollient with honey and almond extracts, leaving a veil of oil residue on face. After washing with water, the skin feels soft and pampered with cream. No moisturiser is needed afterwards, there is enough oil on face.

Galatee Confort is heavily scented, although good but too much. Even after washing the face the scent will not reduce and if I run a fresh cotton over face, residual foundation could be seen. It is not very effective to clean tinted moisturiser, foundation and waterproof eye makeup.. Too gentle to clean full makeup and loads of cleansing milk required. At a hefty price, it only takes care of cleaning the dirt, light makeup  and provide moisture all night long. But the job is not complete here. The packaging is beautiful and can withstand travel.

Recommendation - Lancome Galatee Confort would only work as daily cleansing milk for bare face or less makeup. Very dry skin will love this but otherwise it is oily for other skin types. Disappointing product at the price.

Nivea Sun Moisturising Collagen Protect SPF 50 PA++ sunscreen review

Water and sunscreen are two life guards of good skin in prime of hot, dehydrating summers. In addition to caring about facial skin, other exposed skin also needs sunscreen. Especially our arms and neck tend to tan faster. I like Nivea Sun Moisturising Collagen Protect SPF 50 PA++ as a body sunscreen, provides moisture and protection from UVA / UVB rays.

Quantity - 75 ml

Price - INR 299

As mentioned on the packaging it is, absorbed quickly, non-greasy, non-oily, immediate protection, no need to wait in sun for 20 minutes, advanced collagen protect, protects the skin's collagen to help prevent wrinkles caused by frequent sun exposure and water resistant.

Nivea Collagen Protect sunscreen is a thick lotion, very moisturising and heavily scented. I love the hydration it gives, without looking oily or whitish. The key is to blend the sunscreen with circular motion, till it is absorbed by skin. For a while my skin shines like I have applied something oily but it goes away in 2-3 minutes. The lotion is not sticky and does not melt in heat. About the water resistant part, the sunscreen will not come out as residue if I use water. This is the good point about it.

Due to the thick texture, it takes time to blend evenly and I mix thin body lotion to ease the application. There is slight heaviness to it. SPF 50 works true to claim as I experience very less tanning compared to bare skin. The packaging is travel friendly. I have never used this on face so can't say it is prone to sweat. 

Recommendation - Nivea Collagen Protect sunscreen is a boon for dry, mature skin and I have enough reasons to keep buying this. However I would like to try something as good but without scent.

MAC Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15 review

Oh how I love these days in Bangalore, the skies laden with rain clouds, cool wind, the weekend urge in heart to travel somewhere nearby and my skin enjoying good days, all thanks to nature. Summer and monsoon are the times when I do not wish to slather on the foundation, powder and what not to the skin. It feels clogged and certainly does not enjoy those heavy layers. There comes the MAC Studio Moisture Tint to the rescue. Confessing the truth here, I am loyal to MAC Studio range, which has some quality products and have always worked for me. MAC Studio Moisture Tint has SPF 15 and comes in shade range suitable for Indian skin tones.

Quantity - 40 ml
Price - INR 1800
Shade - Medium Dark

As claimed on website,  A light, tinted moisturiser with SPF 15 and other skin-nourishing ingredients. An easy one-step finish specially suited for the season, this sheer tint provides just enough coverage to even out the skintone while creating a flawless protected, softly moisturised finish. Suitable for all skintones.

Since my skin needs moisture all year round, I picked this product for being 2-in-1 (moisture + tint). I just have to apply sunscreen underneath and use this tint to even out the skin tone on the outer sides of face - around the mouth, sides of nose, around eyes, side of cheeks and nearby hairline. I use it on days when my skin behaves well and is naturally bright. Studio Moisture Tint is apt to conceal the flaws here and there and still be light in finish.

It is creamy in texture but not oily, and the shade Medium is warm, well matched for my skin in summers (tends to get tanned). It works well as a tint with sheer coverage (do not expect to work it as foundation) and provides light hydration. MAC could have worked upon this area, as tinted moisturiser should be completely hydrating on its own. On bad skin days, it does not cut the usual step of using moisturiser as my skin is quite dry. Also this makes it unsuitable for winters, when it just sits on top of dry skin refusing to blend. The SPF is low for summers so sunscreen is unavoidable, but SPF 15 would do well for winters. The tint can conceal minor pigmentation / blemishes / dark spots as you can see in the blended swatch below. Also it soothes the redness of my sensitive skin.

On application, the tint feels cream like, but blends fast and does not leave any white cast. I apply it with fingers in dotted pattern on the required areas and move fingers towards the outer side to let it absorb. It sets somewhere near matte finish but no patches and I do not require to set it with powder unless more coverage - longevity is needed. The wear time of the tint alone is somewhere around 5-6 hours. However this is not water or sweat resistant. Studio Moisture Tint comes in tube packaging which is travel friendly and sturdy. What puts me off is the smell, which is bit plastic / rubber like, really needs to be worked upon. With all its pro and cons, I love its coverage and perfect shade.

Recommendation - Ignoring the smelly part, I would repurchase this for its concealing ability, light finish and comfortable wear. More suitable in daytime. It is a handy product in summers when one is in rush, does not want to spend much time and also the price is OK compared to the latest BB creams offered by Chanel, Dior, etc. I would be happy to explore the BB / tints by Pond's, Garnier Maybelline and Shiseido.

Shiseido Multi Defense UV Protector SPF 50 PA+++ review

The sun has already started playing itself harsh and the ravage continues every summer. SPF is essential for everyone to protect your skin from the damages of tanning, sunburns and what not. Shiseido Multi-Defense UV Protector armed with SPF 50 PA+++ is my skin savior for outdoors and is an anti-aging UV care product.

Quantity - 30 ml
Price  - INR 2100

 Shiseido Multi-Defense UV Protector is a water and sweat resistant, thin white fluid sunscreen which applies matte on skin. Here is some information on the packaging:

Multi-environment Defense. Comprehensive Skin Protection.
Feather-light to the touch, this highly effective lotion-type UV protector is resistant to perspiration and sebum, providing ample protection against external aggressors such as UV rays, for the maintenance of beautiful, healthy-looking skin.
Exclusive Optiveil UV technology provides advanced protection from UVA/UVB rays that may cause photo aging.
Scutellaria Baicalensis helps prevent UV damage to essential fibroblasts which produce collagen and elastin, the key elements resilient, youthful looking skin.
Rose Apple Leaf Extract helps prevent DNA damage caused by harmful UV rays.
Hydro-Restoring Complex contains moisturizing amino acids that naturally exist in skin. Provides sufficient moisture for skin that is smooth to the touch.
Thiotaurine combined with Rose Apple Leaf Extract counteracts oxidation  the damaging process which accelerates skin aging.
Free of any sticky residue, doubles as the ideal base for a long-lasting, beautiful foundation finish. Is easily removed with a daily cleanser.

The sunscreen is very light in texture and has a faint scent which I like. The scent is not detectable after some minutes and once you apply other products. The lotion is a bit runny and gives soft matte finish, not like a dry matte. Although my skin is dry, but I prefer this sunscreen as staying outside skin produces a little oil in summers which is taken care by this lotion, the skin remains matte all day.It really doesn't give any sticky residue or white cast on skin. The lotion has micro shimmer which can pass undetected by many, but sometimes you may see it in light. The shimmer is so fine and non-gritty that one does not know its there.

(before and after application)

Shiseido Multi-Defense UV Protector is aptly made for face with high SPF. Compared to sunscreens with SPF 15 which even if applied daily do not protect from tanning, I find that SPF 50 works far better.

It's matte lotion formula and resistance to sweat / water makes it a great product for outdoor activities and makeup base. While other sunscreens give you the greasy or ghostly face after the product melts in heat, this lotion keeps such worries at bay. The downside to this sunscreen is that it cannot be paired with oil free products, due to its dry formula. I would suggest to try this product at store or get a sample, so as to test its suitability for skin. The packaging is travel friendly in white pearlescent bottle and the nozzle tip controls the product. The bottle has to be shaken before use. In my opinion, Shiseido Multi-Defense UV Protector works very well in sweaty and dusty weather.

Recommendation - For dry skin, apply a light moisture before this sunscreen and then follow it up with your foundation. For oily and combination skin, this lotion alone might do as perfect base.

MAC Studio Moisture Cream review

MAC Studio Moisture Cream is a face moisturiser from the brand's skincare range  and a boon for women with dry skin. I have been using this cream for last 3 years and not a word of complaint. It has remained a loyal product during the dry, parched Saudi weather and the cool of Bangalore. Earlier I used several face moisturisers but nothing seemed to work on my dry skin, plus i had flaky patches on cheeks. When I got introduced to MAC and saw the brand's popularity, I got a sample for this cream. It worked and got me hooked on.

Price - INR 2000
Quantity - 50ml

Studio Moisture Cream is a soft, thick facial cream but goes on the skin with very light texture. Inside the packaging, the cream is super whipped. I got rid of my flaky cheek patches after regularly using this and no irritation / sensitivity issues. It might be called cream but it applies light with cooling effect, no oily residue but complete hydration. However my skin needs re-application after 4-5 hours, but it depends on each skin type. The fragrance is fresh, clean and floral. I use it daily all year round (in winters, mixed with a oily moisturiser) and plus point being day + night cream. Studio Moisture Cream does not have SPF but it is not my requirement, I use it as a staple face moisturiser over which I apply my sunscreen / foundation. If some other cream or weather irritates my facial skin, this creams calms and treats it.

Few ingredients different from other face creams are kukui seed oil, barley extract, passionfruit extract, spinach leaf extract, green tea extract, algae extract and squalene. The tub packaging is travel friendly and no wastage of such expensive product. Studio Moisture Cream is a cult product with great fan following among the makeup artists and a must facial cream for makeup done at fashion shows.

Recommendation - It works great as makeup base and daily usage improves the facial skin.

The Body Shop Jolly Orange Body Butter review

I came to know about body butters through The Body Shop and was hooked on to this product for a while. Well not anymore. Jolly Orange body butter is described as aromatic moisturiser with orange seed oil.

Price - SAR 69

Quantity - 200 ml

Till the time my love for body butters lasted I bought two, Moringa and then Jolly Orange. So here is review for one of them. The texture is very smooth and really feels like thick butter, but one that is heavily scented. It applies well on the skin but settles on the top layer. My skin feels moisturised for whole day but if I use water or sweat then it comes off. One does not need to reapply the cream though. The cream is apt for dry, parched skin all year long. The scent is heavy and citrus but not like oranges. On application, for few hours the scent is too heavy and does not make me feel jolly. The heavy scent and wearing off in water/sweat part took away my love from Body Shop body butters. The packaging is quite jolly to keep on your shelf. The orange packaging perks up the mood.

Recommendation - I would only suggest to people who really love heavy scents otherwise this product did not click with me.

Victoria's Secret Good Day Sunshine Body Cream review

Victoria's Secret Good Day Sunshine Body Cream is a floral scented nourishing body cream from the "secret moments" range, themed on bright peach and blue freesia. This is my first Victoria's Secret product and I ordered online. I was really nervous how would it turn out but it did not give me any chance to regret.

Price - $12 (got it for INR 550)
Quantity - 200 ml

Few lines on the packaging: Happiness is in the little things: Blue skies. Pink shoes. A good hair day. Add bright  Peach and Blue Freesia, and it's GOOD DAY SUNSHINE! (**these lines pretty much sum up the dream of every girl, don't they**)

Relive the moment with this fragrant body cream, a happy path to soft, touchable skin. Infused with our signature trio of skin-nourishing botanicals: antioxidant White Tea and moisture-rich Rice and White Lily Milks for healthy-looking skin.

This body cream is thick and smooth with a long wearing fragrance. It also contains avocado oil, sweet almond oil, lemon and rosemary extracts and sunflower seed oil, restoring skin moisture and smoothness. I find the cream very soft and well absorbing on the skin. The texture is not greasy as many creams/ lotions wash away in water. The thickness of the cream is a boon for dry, dehydrated skin and one can use it till light winters. The scent is very floral, summer like and lasts for long, making it ideal for hot months. I use the cream sparingly as availability is an issue.

The packaging is sweet, beautiful and feminine with few expressive lines about the product. I actually bought it due to the print packaging and brand name. The cream comes out easily from the tube, as much required. I am really happy with this purchase.

Recommendation - It would be a good idea to apply Sunshine Body Cream lightly after a night shower, its beautiful scent really pleases at that time.