Makeup My Passion

Hi all !!

I'm back after so many days, finally feeling good and energetic now, so to begin with i'm going to review Dove damage therapy dryness care shampoo. Last couple of months i had very dry and frizzy hairs, so i spotted this shampoo and decided to give it a go.  I have already finished this shampoo, and now is the time to review it..

Claims :-

Nourishes dry, rough hair to restore softness. 

Price : INR 210/-

Quantity : 375ml

The bottle is very sturdy and has flip top cap, and is very huge. It has all the necessary details on its front and back. I actually like the packaging of dove products.

The shampoo is pearly white in color, and if closely observed you can see some shimmer particles in it, though i don't think they interfere with the working of shampoo, and also they don't make your hair shiny disco ball types. The shampoo lathers very well, and rinses off pretty well. Sorry i can't remember the fragrance, as i've already finished it months back, but then we all know that dove pretty good fragrance.

I was sharing this shampoo with my mom, and while it worked pretty well for her (O yea she has blessed hair, and 1000 times better hair quality than me..) it wasn't a blessing for me. It used to make my hairs greasy by the 2-3rd day post hair wash. It used to weigh down my hair, used to make them greasy and then i was forced to change my shampoo, cause it wasn't working the way i expected it to. Whereas, my mum used to love her luscious hairs. It didn't help in hair fall too, and therefore lets not talk about the breakage.

I don't have any major dislikes against this shampoo, but it was just a wrong pick for me cause it worked wonderfully for my mother, at the same time it made my hairs a greasy (that too when i skipped using the conditioner). I will suggest this shampoo to those girls who have extreme dry hairs, whereas girls with greasy and oily hairs should stay away from this shampoo.

Have you tried Dove damage therapy dryness care shampoo ??

Godbless !!

Claims :-

Exfoliates & purifies for clear problem-free skin.

Price :- INR 65/-

Quantity :- 50gms

Key ingredients :- Neem & Apricot.

The packaging is typical Himalaya's, i.e a tube with green flip-top cap. I don't have any complaints with the packaging.

What i love most about this face scrub is, that its perfect for my skin. The formula is neither too creamy nor runny, the scrubbing agents are not abrasive but melt down to some extent, while they still provide an efficient scrubbing action. The scrub is cream based, but it doesn't makes my skin oily (i have combination acne prone skin, and don't opt for cream based scrub). The fragrance is very subtle and gentle, won't bother your nose. It scrubs the skin really well, and i usually use it after a hot shower, cause the skin pores open up and its more sensible to work with a scrub then.

I'm not disappointed with this neem scrub, since it works well for my skin type, and will recommend it to normal-oily skin girls. Oh yes and you are planning to buy it, better check out Big bazaar, as you might spot the combo that i got, it makes sense to buy the 3 at a slashed price. Following is the swatch of scrub, i  love the green and orange granules 

Have you tried Himalaya's purifying neem scrub ? ?

Godbless !!

Price : INR 975/-

Availability : From Forest Essentials Website here.

Content : -

This is how the kit looks once opened, btw i love the cute packaging !! 

The products that i'm going to review today are :-

1. Forest Essentials Facial Cream - Sandalwood 

There are no.of things you will love about this cream. To begin with the fragrance is just soo amazing, i can't really explain the fragrance, but its spicy and sweet (why can't i describe the fragrances ) , it stays easily for more than 4hrs, and even after that it lingers on for a while. The texture of the cream is light and it easily gets absorbed into the skin, i have used it on face, on hands and it moisturizes pretty well, without making the skin oily (but that's subjective, since i have used it in Winters, whereas i doubt it will definitely make my skin oily in summers) 

Ingredients :- 

Olive oil derivatives 5%, Kasturi Manjal 5%, Sweet almond oil 4%, Sev fruit ferment extract 2.5%, Kokum Butter 2.5%, Apricot kernel oil 2%, Sandalwood oil 2%, Cylindrica Root Extract 2%, Anantmool 1.5%, Nagkesar 1.5%, Rice bran extract 1%, Imidazolidinyl Urea (Paraben free) 0.5%, Base QS

Overall, i like this cream, since its multipurpose and as for my face it hasn't broken me yet, so + points for that. Also i love the fragrance so much, that its almost impossible to avoid using it. The small pot has 15gms of product, and if used on-off it might last you for 4-7weeks, depends totally on usage.

2. Forest Essentials Lip balm - Kerala lime glaze

Well, this isn't the lip balm that is mentioned in the contents or the website, but my pack had Kerala lime glaze lip balm instead of Kokum butter and honey lip balm. This isn't an issue for me, as long as i have 6 products in the kit. The lip balm melts easily once rubbed against the lips, and releases this sweet lemonade fragrance, that increases my craving for a perfect lemonade in this weather. The lip balm has no flavor, and is clear. Upon application, the lips become soft, and it imparts a glossy and fuller lip (although it no where claims to give a sexy pout). I have used the balm under lipsticks, and on its own too and it survives approx 3hrs, and during that time period the lips don't really need re-application. However, it didn't repair my dry lips totally, and also in post period i felt a need to apply balm again. To sum up, it works nicely while its on, hydrates lips, makes them soft and supple, but once its gone the lips aren't significantly healed.

3. Forest Essentials Facial Scrub - Walnut Gel

I have a love-hate relationship with this face scrub. I normally detest any walnut scrub, since its too harsh for my sensitive skin. But still i was very much excited to use this scrub, reason ?? See the swatch below. The texture of the walnut gel scrub describes itself, its a gel based scrub which has fine powder of walnut. Being gel based, it works perfectly for my skin type, but still the powder of walnut is too brutal for my skin, no matter how less amount i take to scrub, i always end up with red skin that feels overly scrubbed (no i don't scrub like an idiot !!) But for dry skin this is going to be a perfect scrub, because the walnut powder even though is not gritty or chunky, but still works effectively. Somehow i don't feel this is going to work for sensitive skin.

Ingredients :-

Crushed walnut seed powder 32%, Aloe vera gel 20%, Vitamin E 1%, Akhrot Powder 3%, Agneemanth 2%, Kachoor 2%, Base QS.

Overall the kit is worth the price you pay, but i still feel that it will be a good option if they allow the customers to customize their kit according to their choices, this is just a personal choice. However the basic stuff in the kit is perfect for all. Also i love the packaging of the kit, just apt for gifting somebody !!

Have you tried Forest Essentials Ladies essentials kit yet ?? What product would you want to try out of these 6 products ??

Godbless !!

P.S :- Product sent by the brand for consideration, however it hasn't affected my opinion.

Hi all !!

Hope you had a fantastic Christmas !! Well mine was absolutely incredible : fog, chilly winds , in short a perfect Christmas (without snowfall !). Moving on, today i will be reviewing another Benefit Full Finish Lipstick, in shade La La land, you can read review of No competition here.

Claims :-

Your search for the perfect lipstick is over! From naughty nudes to red carpet reds, these rich, seductive full-finish lipsticks give you the coverage and color you've been longing for. This creamy formula with medium to full coverage. Leaves lips with a smooth finish. With 20 glamorous shades to choose from, you'll want them all!

Price : $18

Quantity : 3.0 gms

Ingredients :-

OCTYLDODECANOL, OCTYLDODECYL NEOPENTANOATE, DIISOSTEARYL MALATE, POLYETHYLENE, C10-30 CHOLESTEROL/LANOSTEROL ESTERS, TRIDECYL TRIMELLITATE, HYDROGENATED POLYISOBUTENE, STEARYL DIMETHICONE, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRAISOSTEARATE, BEESWAX (CERA ALBA), VP/HEXADECENE COPOLYMER, EUPHORBIA CERIFERA (CANDELILLA) WAX, MICA, COPERNICIA CERIFERA (CARNAUBA) WAX, TALC, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, BHT. [+/- : TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE (CI 77002), RED 7 LAKE (CI 15850), RED 28 LAKE (CI 45410), RED 6 (CI 15850), RED 33 LAKE (CI 17200), YELLOW 5 LAKE (CI 19140), CARMINE (CI 75470), RED 30 LAKE (CI 73360), BLUE 1 LAKE (CI 42090)]. N° 04948/N

By the way, i absolutely love the quotes they have in each lipstick !! Packaging is sturdy and classy, even though its black, it has asymmetrical design on the bottom of the lipstick. I have no complaints with the packaging, since i have carried it in my purse a lot of times.

The shade La La land is described as "nude rose" ; the swatch in their official website is a bit too dark, but the actual shade is a perfect nude rose. While purchasing this shade, i was skeptical, cause i haven't tried much nude shades as they tend to wash me out completely. But this is an exceptional shade, its a perfect combination of brown+pink, and toned down to a level where you can get a 'nude' lip look. As far as texture and staying power is concerned, I already love these lipsticks since they are opaque, give full coverage, are moisturizing, and stays for good 3hrs. 

The shade will easily suit fair-medium girls, and i'm NC 43.5 (with pigmented lips) but still it works perfect for me !! Following is a single swatch.

I'm looking forward to buy more of these lipsticks as and when StrawberryNet stocks more shades. Totally loving these lipsticks.

Have you tried Benefit Lipsticks ??

Godbless !!

Hi all !!

Just a quick Eotd i did today, it was actually a requested look by Rekha from Glitter and Gorgeous. The inspirational pic (which i'm not including btw, cause my interpretation turned out to be extremely different lol) had lots of warmth in terms of eyeshadows used, the original shades used were Warm copper/orange, brilliant gold, some cranberry (all in pearl finish), and a matte purple. I did the look using the closer shades, but the result isn't as warm and appealing, however i did the step by step look, so here's how the final look :-

Step 1 :- Prime lids using an eye primer, then set it using an eye shadow that matches exactly your skin tone, you can use your compact for same. Note - i had applied the primer on lower lid too, because you won't want your kajal/eyeshadow to smudge. After that i blended a matte purple eyeshadow all over the lid (actually above), and pulled it up as far as i could, the blending is entirely upto you how far you want to feather it. Similarly place some on the lower lid too.

Step 2 :- Then using a flat eyeshadow brush, i applied 'Overground' (from sleek glory palette) which is a light bronzy shade. After that i used some cranberry shade (you can use any red/magenta to add more warmth) just in the socket area. However i didn't blend it.

Step 3 :- The inspiration pic had used dark brown eyeshadow to add more depth to the socket and crease, i accidently took black eyeshadow on my brush , my bad !! so you must have understood why the whole look changed. Blend the brown/black (whatever you want) in the socket, and place some on the outer lower lid. Then add some golden eyeshadow in the inner corner, this will highlight your eyes and widen them up. Highlight your brow bone using a matte eyeshadow, and apply lots of mascara.

If you're wondering what i have on my waterline, umm its the black eyeshadow's remains   This is the final look.

I paired some nude lipstick with this look, and I was good to go for any party  but of course i didn't 

Share in your thoughts about the look. What are your plans for Christmas ?? 

Godbless !!

If you follow me on Facebook, then you all probably know that i have been drooling over the new Kerastase Elixir Ultimate Grand Crus oils for quite some time. Today i will be reviewing their Oleo-Complexe grand crus oil, that is suitable for all hair types.

Claims :-

Versatile beautifying oil with Oleo-complexe. The exceptional combination of camellia, argan, maize, and pracaxi oils. Suitable for All hair types. 

Result : Hair is nourished, protected and enhanced, leaving it feeling light, soft and supple with incredible shine.

Price : INR 2200/-

Quantity : 125ml

Shelf life : 3yrs

It comes in a plastic see through golden bottle with a pump dispenser, that allows you to work efficiently without wasting product. All other details are mentioned on the golden cardboard carton. I really like the pump dispenser, and 1 shot is enough to cover my hairs (they're till my waist). If you're thinking that it is expensive, then I must say that it is expensive, but still considering the amount one has to use, this bottle will easily last more than 8months or even max a year.


In the past i have used a couple of leave-in treatments, or hair serums and potions, and they all tend to make the hairs greasy at some point (probably early as compared to Elixir Ultime). The serum (i know its oil, but let me call it serum ! ) is runny but still has a thick consistency, and it looks like a gold potion !! The packaging is thick and a bit chubby, but still light weight, and no ways i would never carry it around.


Now let me tell you, if you are a fan of exquisite fragrances, then you'll really want to sniff this at least once !! Well the very first time i wasn't able to detect any fragrance, but when i rubbed between my palms, it immediately released the fantastic aroma. The serum makes the hairs very soft and shiny, and yes light too. Following is my experience according to the claims :-

• As a pre-cleanse product : No doubt, i have used it before washing my hairs, and it works just as fine any hair oil, but the results are bit more good. You'll experience softer and shiny manageable hairs.
• As an intensive leave-in conditioner : Mostly i have used it after head wash as a leave in treatment, it works fine, but to be honest i expected it to help me in de-tangling my hairs, and it doesn't helps with that. Therefore without the "detangling" factor i surely loose a few strands while combing my hairs.
• As a heat protectant : I don't blow dry my hairs, but for occasions i have straightened my hairs, and applied the grand crus oil to tame and maintain the transformation. It works nicely with straightened hairs 
• As a finishing product : I have used this a no.of times as a finishing product, and it helps in taming any frizz ( i do have a lot of small hairs in the crown area that keep on showing ), it tames them to an extent.

OMG my hands look so chubby and weird :|

One thing i'd suggest is not to go overboard with this oil in case your retouching your hair, or using it to tame your hair, as it will tend to get greasy and the hairs will go horribly oily by the end of the day. But it works just fine if you're using it as a pre-cleanse product or a leave-in treatment. However you use it, the end results are soft, shiny, lightweight and manageable hairs !! I only am disappointed a bit because it doesn't helps in detangling the hairs.


If you want to know what variant will suit your hairs according to the needs, then check out this app here on Kerastase Facebook page, and if you want to buy it you can locate your nearby Salon by using this app, or if you want to win a brand new Kerastase Oleo-Complexe then do check out my giveaway here.

Godbless !!




P.S : Product sent by the brand for consideration, however it hasn't affected my opinion.