Cellnique: Derma Brightening Complex- Review



Few weeks back I was sent two products by Cellnique.

1. Brightening Serum
2. Face Masque

It seems the companies know I am sucker for trying skin care products. They gave me a chance to pick 3 products, according to my skin condition, use them and review them.

Before we begin talking about this, I would like to briefly tell you about my skin condition and issues.

1. My skin tends to get dry and flakey in Winters. There are these flakey patches.

2. I am prone to hyper-pigmentation and Dullness. I never tan evenly. I just end up with dark, uneven patches that is not so good.


I was using Clinique Even better skin tone corrector and honestly, it was working and I had absolutely no complains.
When the Cellinique people gave me a chance to try their product, the curious Blogger in me agreed to become a Guinea pig.

Some Basics of Serum that I have read and know (Courtesy: The Internet)

What is a Serum?

A face serum is a clear, thick, liquid beauty product applied to the face and neck area. Face serums come in many different varieties and are often meant to target a specific problem.

Serum Vs Moisturizer

Facial serums give you added moisture. The main reason to use a facial serum is to get added nutrients into deeper layers of skin that a regular moisturizer is not able to reach.
While serums deposit nutrients, moisturizers are meant to deposit moisture and hydration to the skin.

How does the Serum Exactly works?

A moisturizer has larger molecules than a serum. Due to their large molecules, moisturizers can only penetrate the first layer of the skin, allowing them to hydrate and seal in moisture. A face serum is able to penetrate into all three layers of the skin because it is made of smaller molecules. The serums ability to go deeper into the skin is what allows it to help combat many common beauty complaints.

Types of Serums:

You can get many types of serums such as anti-aging serums, skin brightening serums and acne preventative serums. They can be used to help fight the signs of aging such as lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. They can also be used to help prevent acne and brighten the skin. You apply the serum after your toner and before your moisturizer, on a slightly damp face.

Ingredients in a Serum:

Depending on its specific purpose, a serum can contain a wide variety of ingredients, including vitamin C, amino acids, mushrooms, glycerin, cucumber, and aloe.

The whole segment has been copied from Various web sources.



Over to the reviews of Derma Brightening Complex


Formulated with liposamal Willow Bark Extract and Vitamin C, this
strongly-effective yet gentle formulation works excellent on skin discoloration,
dull and uneven skin tone, restores skin’s luminous glow without provoking any
skin irritation or peeling. Unprecedented clarity radiates from within.

The Claims:

Works on skin discoloration, dull and uneven skin tone
Exfoliates dead skin cells without provoking skin irritation
Rich moisturizing arributes for skin softening
Promoting a firmer skin texture
Antioxidant protection for the skin

The color:

Light Yellow/Straw color.

The consistency:

Thick but light.

The smell:

No fruity or Floral smell. The smell reminds me of my visit to Homeopathy clinic.

The applicator:

Clear Dropper.

The Contents:

It has 3 contents that are very potent and work well for Discolored patches and Hyper-pigmentation. Lactic Acid, Kojic Acid and L-A ascorbic acid. Kojic Acid has amazing results on dark blemishes and spots.

The application:

Duration: 5 weeks AM and PM

Technique: I use my fingers to dot the product all over the face and neck and then gently massage it into my skin till it is completely disappeared.
Initially, the product feels slightly sticky when spread on skin, but within a minute it dries up. The face is very well moisturized and it would be absolutely fine if I don’t use a moisturizer. The product does not has SPFSo, I end up using some SPF based Moisturizer. The serum gets completely absorbed into the skin and is not greasy at all. I can wear my regular make-up over this one.

The consistency is not thick or goopy, so just 3 to 4 drops are enough to cover the whole face. It feels soft on skin and makes it feel really hydrated. It gives the skin a silky smooth texture and the pores are less visible. In my case, I don’t have huge pores, so my facial skin appears perfectly refined and smooth.

The effects:

I noticed decent change in skin tone and texture. I would have loved to add a before and after picture of myself, but my camera and my photography techniques just failed to capture any noticeable change in the pictures. Personally, I feel the product helped in reducing some uneven patchy spots, making the face appear more brighter and clear. All dullness gone!! It works well on my uneven, patchy skin. There is a visible radiant glow.
I didn’t notice much change in the initial 2 weeks, but from 3rd week onwards, I could see this working.

Reaction to the Product:

I had absolutely no adverse reaction to this product. No breakouts or itching whatsoever. The product claims that it Exfoliates dead skin cells without provoking skin irritation and this is absolutely true. I didn’t feel and tingling sensation at all.



The Cost:

$45 for 30 ml of product. It is on pricier side, but its not very steep in comparison to other SERUMS in the market. Its worth giving a try. A little goes a long way and a bottle should last for at least 6 weeks or more if used twice daily.

Verdit: The product is good. It did show some significant change on my skin texture and appearance.

Disclaimer: The product was sent to me for consideration. This is my honest opinion. The effectivity of a product varies from person to person. Please use any skincare product at your own discretion. Refer the policy section for more details and feel free to ask any question if needed.

http://www.cellnique.com/

Secret Harvey Kurtzman Comic Book Activity Page from 1949

Little Aspirin's tricky tricks Harvey Kurtzman magic comic book filler page These pages aren’t signed, but they’re certainly the work of  genius cartoonist Harvey Kurtzman!Harvey Kurtzman magic tricks comic book filler page Little Aspirin
I came across these pages while flipping through dozens of comic scans…looking for some cool comic oddity to share on the blog. But THIS! *swoon*
Harvey Kurtzman magic tricks comic book filler page 1949 Little Aspirin
Little Aspirin Harvey Kurtzman magic tricks comic book filler page Based on the ever-evolving  cartooning styles during Harvey Kurtzman’s pre-MAD “Hey Look” comics, I’d peg these as being drawn around 1947.
Little Aspirin #1 1949 comic book
From “Little Aspirin” #1 July 1949

The Little Aspirin comic was published in 1949, but I’m betting these filler pages were sitting around for a couple years before they were published.
Little Aspirin #1 indicia 

NARS - ETRUSQUE EYESHADOW



Question: Have I ever resisted a Gold Eyeshadow??
Answer: NO...Never!

Question: Do I use Gold Shadow often?
Answer: Nah...Not Often, but I do use them sometimes.

Question: Then why do I buy so many Gold Shades?
Answer: Because I suffer from OGD - Obsessive Gold Disorder...lol!!

I enjoy collecting them...thats all!




NARS came out with this Lovely Gold color Eyeshadow in Etrusque for the Holidays. In the past they had released one more gold, but it was full of chunky glitters. This one is really superb and beautiful. Its a pot of PURE GOLD!



The shadow falls into the category of Yellow Gold. It is not as Yellow as MAC Goldmine and Urban Decay Honey. Etrusque has some hint of Brown to it. It is more wearable I think.



The finish is Metallic and not frosty. It has a lovely sheen and the pigmentation is rich. The texture is buttery smooth and there is no Fallout at all. Its easy to blend as well.


Urban Decay Honey, Baked Eyeshadow, MAC Goldmine, Amberlights Eyeshadow MAC Rose Gold Pigment, NARS Etrusque Eyeshadow

I did compare it to a few Golds I have, just to make sure its not same. I definately don't have anything exact similar to this. It is way different to Amberlights (Coppery Gold) and Rose Gold (Rose Gold).



It is also not similar to Urban Decay Baked, Half-Baked, MAC Flip, Cosmic Eyeshadows, Gold Mode or Blonde's Gold Pigment. All these are different categories of Gold and Etrusque definately falls into the category of Yellow Gold.

The closest color would be Urban Decay Honey or MAC Goldmine. Thise colors are similar, but not Dupes for sure.

Is this Color a part of your HOLIDAY WISH list?

First-Ever Photos of the Storyboard Secrets 10-DVD Boxed Set

 10 DVDs - 20 Topics - 13 Hours of Practical Instruction.
The DVD course debuted on Friday at CTNX


CTNX was amazingly great, and we met tons of great cartoonists!
  ---------

For more info on the 10-DVD Box Set, please send an email to:

Bobbi Brown Day to Night (Warm Eye)



I have a soft corner for 3 things (in Make up):

1. Warm Neutral eye shadows
2. Gold eye shadows (I don’t use these often)
3. Sleek, Long Palette.

Holiday season is the best time to buy good quality eye shadows from reputable brand at an affordable price. Most of these Cosmetic Brands come out with lovely Holiday Palettes and they are a great way to try some amazing shades and Brand aswell.



This year a few Neutral Palettes caught my eye.

The Urban Decay NAKED Palette, which I have yet to see in person, because its always Out of Stock.
There is a neutral palette by Estee Lauder, which looked good to me.

Dior came out with a Palette called 'Five Golds Eyeshadow Quint'. I was immediately attracted to it, but the two silvery cool shades were something that I didn’t really see myself using a lot.

Too Faced Naked Palette was too pale for my liking and their Neutral palette which has been around for a while is too Bulky.

Then we have a CHANEL palette, which always looks good in pan, but I find them not too pigmented. Maybe I have pigmented eyelids and these colors fail to show up well on me.



MAC has Tartan Tales as their Holiday release and even though the palettes looked nice, I have a feeling that all of these palettes will hit my local CCO for sure.

Bobbi Brown has a huge Collection aswell and it is very difficult to keep track, simply because I don’t follow her brand much. In the past though I have used 3 products from her brand and they all have been pretty impressive.



I chose the Bobbi Brown Day to Night Warm Eyes Palette as my Holiday Palette.



It is a beautiful, sleek and wearable palette with all warm neutrals. Some of the shades are permanent and very popular. These colors are warm, but not too warm and hence I think it will work well on Cooler skin toned girls aswell. We all know Bobbi Brown is an expert when it comes to Neutrals. Infact, people who enjoy colors find her line very Boring!



This palette has a lovely mix of Matte, satin, Frost, metallic colors. All the colors can work in harmony. The mixed finishes helps in creating eye looks from one single palette itself. It comes with a mirror and a double ended brush, which surprisingly is really useful. Its not tiny like the MAC brushes that come in the palette, nor it is crapy like those sponge applicator which come in Dior or Chanel Palettes (really hate those applicators in expensive palettes).



The palette is sleek and is really good to travel with. It can work as THE PALETTE for anyone who is always on business trips. A very work friendly, Office friendly Palette. As much as I want the Urban Decay NAKED palette, I can confidently say, I will be using this more than the Naked one.



I have some comparison pictures and you can see that none of the colors are unique or different. They are very basic, warm Neutrals. That’s it. Even though I have many neutrals, I am surprised to see that I don’t have actual/exact dupes for any color in the palette, which is good.



Same Comparisons in Different light Settings.



As far as swatches go, I have yet to swatch them. I am sorry, but I will share the swatches later. This is one of my gifts for myself that will go under the Christmas Tree. I really want to enjoy opening this gift with everyone in the family. No, this is not a ritual, just something fun. I love the whole feel, ambience of the Holidays.



Some of my "skinny, sleek Palattes" that I love!



P.S: This palette was sold out at my 2 Nordstroms. I got mine at Bloomingdales. The SA told me that she had just 2 left and that this palette did really well. If it catches your fancy, do grab it ASAP. I don’t see this hitting CCO anytime soon. It will be a Sold Out Palette.
Do you buy Gift for Yourself during the Holidays??

One 'n Only Argan Oil Treatment (Review)




One of the world's rarest oils, argan oil is derived from the Moroccan Argan
Tree. Rich in essential fatty acids, Omega 6 and Vitamin E, it is valued for its
ability to regenerate and nourish dry and damaged hair.

I was a big fool to even imagine that I can get ARGAN OIL like the 'real oil' for $9!! When I went to buy this above Product from Sally Beauty Supply, I was totally under impression that I am buying Real Oil...Like the Josie Maran Oil, which retails for like 48 bucks or something (depending on the quantity).

I have been badly loosing a lot of hair. Now, this thinning of hair is definately not due to major illness or any drug side effects, because by God's Grace, I don't fall into anyone of those categories. I don't have dandruff nor I use too much of hair styling Products or hot tools.

I take my Biotin, Multi-Vitamins, Anti-Oxidants, Fish Oils...you name it and I take it very regularly. I am not seeing any difference. This is nerve wrecking and now I am started to get Paranoid.
Someone suggested Argan Oil. Oil in its pure form, but I ended up accidently buying this above product, which though has some percent of Argan Oil is actually a Styling product.

Now onto the reveiw for this 'One-n Only' Argan Oil (Available at Sally's Beauty Supply)


One 'n Only Argan Oil is a non-greasy, alcohol-free formula that is instantly
absorbed into the hair, creating brilliant shine without leaving an oily
residue. Smoothes cuticle for the silky, conditioned and healthy looking hair.
This precious oil helps protect against damage caused by the environment,
chemicals, or excessive heat from stylers, and provides long-term conditioning
while reducing frizz, split ends and breakage.

The Claims:

•Premium finishing, smoothing and conditioning product
•Non-greasy, alcohol-free formula
•Instantly absorbs into the hair
•Creates brilliant shine without leaving an oil residue
•Reduces drying time and speeds up styling time
•Smoothes cuticle for silky, conditioned and healthy looking hair
•Eliminates frizz and leaves hair more manageable
•Helps protect against damage caused by the environment or heat styling
•Mix with color/chemical processes for enhanced results and added depth to color
•For all hair types
•UV protection
•Compare to Moroccan Oil

Ideal for all hair types, One 'n Only Argan Oil is a premium styling finishing, smoothing and conditioning product that produces consistently silky smooth results.

My Experience with the Product.

The Scent: Its AMAZING! Usually hair care products either have offensive scent or annoying scent. This surprisingly has a pleasant scent. Infact, I felt like smelling my hair all the time.

The Texture: It has a slippery texture. Obviously, due to the presence of Dimethicone. It is a Silicone based product.

The consistency: Its liquid, a silky, smooth, slippery liquid which is not very thick or goopy. I had reviewed a similar Silicone Based Product in the Past. It was called Hana Shine Shield. The consistency of that Product was thinner and more Oily than this one.

The Color: It is Colorless.

The Usage: I have thin hair, each strand is very very thin and now with hair fall, I am having the worst hair Nightmare of my lifetime. It is dull, lifeless and hopelessly ugly! Using this in very little amount, may be a 2 pea size gives a very nice sheen to my hair. Its manageable and less frizzy. It coats the hair stands and makes them appear thick. I can smooth it easily and at least give an illusion of healthy hair.

Like I have said in the past, Silicone based product make my hair limp. This is no exception. Using in large quantity makes my hair oily and limp. Applying the right amount is key. I prefer using it on dry hair and not wet hair. I also avoid using it on roots.

The company claims that the product is Ideal for all hair types. I think people who have Thick hair or Coarse Hair will really enjoy the product.

This is my third trial with a Silicone based Hair product. I have used Biosilk and Hana Shine Shield in the past. I would say, this one is by far the best one. It has a good scent and the Shine imparted is Superb. The Sheen looks like real healthy Shine and not oily, if this line makes any sense.

My Request: Please suggest some tips, remedies for Hair Fall/Thinning hair. I am really worried.

What is "Storyboard Secrets?"

What is "Storyboard Secrets?"
---
Find out Friday at CTN-X

CHANEL JOUES CONTRASTE BLUSH


CHANEL TURBULENT BLUSH

Unique powder blusher imparts a flattering radiance to cheeks. Remarkably silky
texture for easy application and subtle shading. Accentuate cheekbones for a
youthful look. Softer tones around the eyes soften expression and rejuvenate.

Nope! Never ever purchased a CHANEL Blush. This Blush is a part of my swap with a friend. I am not really updated with all the CHANEL Limited Edition stuff. I know they come out with collections, but I am not the best person to know all about their US and Asia releases, let alone the differences between them.
So my Friend who gave me this said its LE,but I could still see them on Neiman Marcus website.

On to my Ramble about CHANEL JOUES CONTRASTE POWDER BLUSH. Yep, make-up lovers call it Chanel JC Blush. Cool!



The first thing that came to my mind when I opened the Blush was this is HOT PINK like my NARS Desire. But these two are Wayyy Different.



The packaging: Classic CHANEL Black container, comes with a good size mirror and a tiny Blush Brush. The casing is all Plastic, with some sheen. Its Light weight.



The Color: The Chanel JC Turbulent is very cool, blue based Pink color. A pretty color and even though its cool, it surprisingly worked very well on my yellow based, warm skin tone and looked very Natural. Not at all garish or Clown kinds.



The texture: It is very Powdery. Its soft and smooth, finely milled with no glittery or Sparkly Particles. It is not Flat, Matte either. There is a sheen, but the sheen is provided by some finely milled Silvery thing. On cheeks, none of this Silvery particle or powder is imparted. Just lovely, healthy cheeks, with flush of color. It also has a mild Scent. The Scent is a Pleasant one.



The Feel: Its smooth and soft. On application, this melts into the skin. Even though its powdery, it just does not sits on the cheeks. Blends in very beautifully and is very natural looking.



I am really enjoying the blush. My very first experience with CHANEL JC Blush is very satisfying one. At $45 I still think its steep. Blushes are required in very small quantity and if you have around 2-3 blushes of different shades, it will take real long time for any blush to hit the pan. I would not say that its a must have Blush, but definately worth trying. I would love to own another one too, but at $45, it better be a Perfect, Flattering Shade!

Any Color suggestions for a CHANEL JC Blush?

EYELINER PENCILS - GREEN



Very recently I tried my first Victoria's Secret Eyeliner. Now this brand has some real nice cosmetic products. I have used their lipsticks in the past and they were really nice. Also, I have one of their Lipliners and its working good too. In the store, the sale lady helped me wipe my eyeliner swatches with their Eye Make-up Remover and let me tell you, it was Fantastic!
I will definately buy it, once I am done with my current remover.



The eyeliner is Great! I chose the color Dark Forest, which is a rich Forest green Color. the pigmentation is Amazing and Rich. It does not has any shimmers or glitters, yet it is not a flat matte, dull color. There is a tiny bit of metallic sheen.

The color applies smoothly both on my lashline and waterline, stays put for real long hours and does not smudge or budge. It didn't hurt my eye, there was no watering or buring sensation that I have experienced in the past with some eyeliners.

It takes around 20 seconds to set completely. If you intend to smudge, do it within those 20 seconds. It comes with a sponge tipped smudger on one end and liner at the other.



I also picked full size Urban Decay liners in Mildew and Stash. I thought Mildew was a very dark color, but ion comparison to Victoria's Secret liner, it just pales.

Above swatches are a bunch of Green and Golden Green eyeliners that I have. I do have a Stila Eyeliner pencil in Forest, that I believe is a discontinued product. It has the darkness and richness of Victoria Secret's liner, but that one smudges and is not a long lasting one. Its more like a Kohl.

I personally enjoy Deep, Dark Green Liners. What are your Favorite colored liners?

Coo Coo Kids Comics starring Supermouse

Great stuff over at the Big Blog of Kids' Comics!
This Supermouse story is
the purest example of a FUN comic book!
Click HERE for the whole beautiful comic
-- Thanks, Mykal!

MONDAY MORNING...


pic: web

hi all my friends...

Hope you all doing well...Just now I was fooled by the lovely, clear sky and bright sunshine. I went out to drop my son at the bus-stop and now I am back with hurting and aching ears. It is so freakin cold!!! That wind...OMG...I can't even tell ya, how bad it was...

I had been to my Holy Place yesterday...THE MALL...They have put on the Christmas tree! People have started with their Holiday Purchases. Am I the only one who feels that that everything starts so early..I mean, Halloween was just last week and we still have the Thanks giving pending..lol!! Anyways, too much rambly stuff...

Nothing much to share, except that I am currently a Guinea Pig for 3 products. Trying on the Philosophy Cleanser, Cellinique Face Mask and a Serum. The last two products were sent by this Company almost 4 weeks ago and they looked good enough to try. Will let you know how it goes.

Me signing off with all my good wishes for a happy week ahead.

xoxo,
dazzling...sparkling...me!!!

BEAUTY BUYS -- NARS, BENEFIT, UD, LM



A bunch of Products I picked from Sephora Store as I had some Store Credits and a Gift Card. It really sucked to pay full price, especially when Sephora was having a FF sale online. Anyways, at least I am happy, I didn't miss out completely!!!

Goodies I picked

1. PHILOSOPHY Purity made Simple Cleanser. I had so many good things about this product and really wanted to see what the hype was all about.

2. BENEFIT POWDERFLAGE: This packaging and the hype sucked me in. I always set my concealer with a powder and even though I am happy with my current Laura Mercier one, I just needed to try this (Beauty Blogger's Problem)

3. URBAN DECAY 24/7 Eyeliner Pencils in STASH and MILDEW. Stash is my all time favorite and Mildew looked really pretty.

4. NARS Eyeshadow duo in BRUMES: I definately will use this as a liner, more than as an eyeshadow. Love the way it looks in the pan. Yet to check on lids though.

5. DIOR Miss Dior Cherie: This cute, mini fragrance bottle was a Deluxe sample and this was the one that started all of the above purchases. I love to collect cute mini fragrance bottles and as this was one of the deluxe samples, I thought of spending all my store credits and GC. I still have 15 bucks left though...



The above Purchases are from Nordstroms, Victoria Secret and Neiman Marcus. Nordstrom was having this Beauty Event and they were giving 4 Lipgloss minis for free. I went in to pick that and ended up using some of my Beauty Notes (A reward Programme of Nordstrom) for buying Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, that I use often and was running low.

The free Lip glosses are from Laura Mercier, Trish McEvoy, Clinique and Smashbox. These are tiny samples, but good enough to try and experience the product. I have never used a LM or Trish McEvoy Lipgloss, so this is a good way to try.

I picked this eyeliner from Victoria Secret, a deep, dark Green color. It has Fantastic Pigmentation and I love Green Eyeliners. I don't know how good or bad it is on the waterline and the staying power, but the color is GORGEOUS!!! We will see if this is a YAY or NAY for me.

NAR Rajasthan Eyeshadow Duo: This is something I just couldn't resist. When I saw the swatches on various Beauty Blogs, I knew its pretty and it would be a great addition for the collection, but I passed. Later while going through Specktra NARS Forum, I saw these Huge swatches and I thought I cannot leave the country without this Beauty. HTH...Needless to say, a sold out product everywhere, the Neiman Marcus staff (from other make-up counters, not NARS) helped me to locate one in California (she called 5 stores!!). A week later I had this Beauty at home. It is AMAZING and I have no dupes for it.

I am excited to try all these goodies and report back to you all.

Share in your Latest Beauty Buy in the comments below.