Clinique Clarifying Lotion 4

Clinique, as a brand, has always intrigued me. Their dazzlingly bright facade, shop assistants dressed in starched white coats, their clinical display of products and that smell that's so typical to Clinique. It could well be intimidating to some! Thankfully, the first time I entered their store at the Oasis Mall in Bangalore, I was quickly put at ease. The SA Pandu deserves a special mention. He was genuinely warm and helpful.After he asked me some questions about my skin and skin care routine, he filled out my questionnaire and identified products he said would help improve my skin. Although he picked out a bunch of exorbitant stuff, he was also considerate enough to suggest that I start with their patented 3-step products seeing me get overwhelmed! These were available in smaller starter kits. I picked up the No.3 one for combination skin. Pandu was sweet enough to invite me to the Clinique skincare brunch later that week which I unfortunately didn't attend. Cut to the chase, I really liked the products I had picked up and got them in full size.

This Clinique toner however is the no. 4, for oily skin. I really like this toner. It smells mildly medicated and has a gorgeous pale blue color. (Though I liked the purple color of the No.3 toner better)

I have been using this toner for more that 3 months now, twice a day and still have half a bottle left! It is recommended to be used with a cotton pad in gentle but firm strokes.

I wouldn't say it has dramatically changed my skin but yes, I can notice my pores getting smaller/tighter and my breakouts are fewer. I also use it near the eye as a final step to my cleansing routine. It stings if it enter the eye but does a fine job of removing residual kohl etc!

The bottle comes with a screw on mint colored cap and whilst it doesn't screw to a terribly tight fit, it is snug enough to be safe for travel.

This toner is part of their three step process. To get the best out of it, it is highly recommended that you use the cleanser and moisturizer from the same range. I used to use them and really did like them both too. However, my skin is breaking out now and I have currently shifted to the tried and tested Cetaphil cleanser and moisturizing lotion at the moment since they are medicated.

It's pricey at Rs. 1400 for a 200ml bottle but it will last you at least 5 months of liberal usage. It is not available online and I would strongly recommend getting a skin analysis done at a Clinique store before you pick one up. Unfortunately, Clinique retails only in select cities.

If you still don't believe that a toner is important in your skincare routine, this one might change your mind.

Lancome Giveaway on Indian Shringar

Lancome spells luxury. I have been eyeing quite some Lancome goodies for some time including the hypotic mascara! Dollie is offering som uber cool Lancome minis to the winner of the giveaway on her blog Indian Shringar. So after you finish drooling over them, I'd suggest you better enter!

Giveaway by Shikha from the Dress and Makeup Blog

Woohoo... another giveaway news! This time it's on the Dress and Makeup blog. Shikha, who writes the blog, is such a dear! Head over there right now to win yourself some cool TBS and Korres goodies :)

Review: Nyassa Belgian Chocolate Sugar Scrub

Nyassa Belgian Chocolate Sugar Scrub

Nyassa Belgian Chocolate Sugar Scrub

I am of the handful few who dislike chocolaty stuff. Don't get me wrong, I am a chocolate lover through and through but only in the yummy bar form, wrapped in foil and encased in plastic. Anything else chocolate is a big no no for me. That includes ice-creams, cakes, fudge, creams, body butters and body scrubs! So when I received a sample of the Nyassa Belgian Chocolate Body Sugar Scrub, I was apprehensive. So much so that I planned to give it away to a more chocolate friendly friend. But somehow I managed to keep it and last night,  I was in the mood for some major pampering. Could be the fact that it's Valentine's week or just that it was Sunday night and I wasn't ready to give up on my weekend already! So, I went through the whole routine of herbal oil massage, natural face pack, deep conditioning and then I discovered the scrub box looking at me with great hopes. How could I say no to that sweet little thing when I was in such an indulgent mood! Out came the box. I was a little apprehensive about it's cleansing qualities since it felt rather oily to touch dry. So I first used my shower gel and scooped out a bit for my thoroughly rinsed skin. As soon as I scrubbed it on one arm, I was enveloped in a smell so divine, I am at a loss of words! It scrubbed to a weak, foamy consistency and all that remains are sugar granules which help in the exfoliation. I noticed that these granules do not dissolve quickly so please do not keep scrubbing until they dissolve, you might damage your skin. It did not dry out my skin at all. I felt all caressed and well cared for when I stepped out of the bath. Thankfully the smell doesn't linger and your body butter (which is a must after a scrub) will kill any residual choco fragrance. That is a huge plus for me!

Now a few things I did not like about the product are that it comes in a tub. That means you scoop out a bit with bare hands; unhygienic and all! Other than that, since it doesn't lather, so you keep scooping out more for every limb. You might end up dripping all over the tub and ruining the scrub! Also, the lid screws on top of the tub and the sugar gets stuck in the rims. I ended up trying to close it multiple times and managed a decent job only after I cleaned the tub head and the cap!

You can pick one up one from Vellvette. It is priced at Rs. 950 for 200 gm. My sample was  50 gm and will last me two uses. Going by the math, it's a tad bit expensive.

All in all, I liked the Nyassa Belgian Chocolate sugar scrub. Even someone from the minuscule chocolate hating tribe. I'd especially recommend you use it as an indulgence this Valentine's Day. Or gift it to the someone special  Better yet, share it with them ;)

Shourima's giveaway

The rather charming Shourima Ghosh is celebrating the first anniversary of her blog Makeup Fashion and Everything I love and has planned a very generous giveaway. Do check it out :)