Here are some recent (to recent-ish) acquisitions and my thoughts on them.
COSRX Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream
I bought this before it was the dead of winter, thinking it would help my skin not feel like the parched desert soil. However, I actually did not end up using it much at all.
This white, creamy moisturiser is occlusive and rich. It’s actually not as thick as I was thinking it’d be (I was expecting it to be similar to Avene’s Cicalfate). But, nonetheless, it always left my skin feeling happy and healthy.
Another thing I REALLY appreciated about this cream is how soothing it is (it contains Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Glycerin and Madecassic acid, among others). I had a really bad allergic episode one time and despite having downed my meds, I was still struggling to get the flaring under control. That’s when I generously applied this cream to the affected areas. Lo and behold, it worked wonderfully.
I ended up leaving this moisturiser in my studio as opposed to my bedroom, which is why it didn’t get used as much.
This gets a solid A- from me.
PRICE: 1950 INR
QUANTITY: 80 grams
AVAILABILITY: Beautybarn, Nykaa etc.
TONYMOLY The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Cream
Here’s another moisturiser I bought. This one, I actually use on an almost regular basis (on days when I somehow remember to use skincare, that is).
This moisturiser is really creamy but still lightweight. It hydrates my skin and also helps retain its moisture. I like that it does its job without making my skin feel sticky. Green Tea products, for the most part, tend to be noob-friendly. This is no exception.
I also like how big the tub is and you can get one that’s even bigger than the one I’m holding.
I remember how, maybe 4-5 years ago, this was a really popular moisturiser in the K-Beauty blogosphere. So, that’s the thing – not only is this a fantastic moisturiser but also something that is very nostalgic to me.
PRICE: 1700 INR
QUANTITY: 60 ml (100 ml also available)
AVAILABILITY: Nykaa etc.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Ride Or Die Lip Balm – “Mighty Mint”
I bought this balm because (A) I cannot resist buying a new lip balm and (B) I thought it’d be solid candidate to replace my Glossier ones.
I was really disappointed by this balm. From what I remember. I only tried it twice or so.
It was thick (which isn’t a bad thing), gloopy, not particularly minty.
I do like the packaging, though. Looks like a tube of watercolour. Maybe the tinted ones are better?
PRICE: 500 INR
QUANTITY: 12 grams
AVAILABILITY: Nykaa etc.
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter – “2 Fair”
So, this I get the hype about. I’ve used this a total of TWO times (do you all notice a theme with my life these days?) but I’ve just loved the subtle, soft glow it imparts.
It is a liquid luminizer that has a doe-foot applicator for you to pin-point your application.
A little goes a long way. You can also turn it up a few notches by using more product if you want a more pronounced glow.
This product can be mixed into your foundation (I’ve not tried this since I never use foundations or other base products, boo), can be used before your foundation or just on top of the high-points of your face like a regular liquid highlighter.
I’m looking forward to using it more.
PRICE: 4000 INR
QUANTITY: 30 ml
AVAILABILITY: Nykaa etc.
Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner
Another skincare product that has Green Tea as its main ingredient in the same post. I guess I’ve been loving green tea lately.
Anyway, I tried out a sample size of this toner in the past and since I liked it, I went ahead and splurged on the full-sized bottle.
It’s a watery, scentless toner that does its job of bringing back moisture back to my skin.
I find this toner to be soothing as well (no surprises there since it contains Centella Asiatica extract).
It’s just a non-offensive part of my routine (on days when I actually have the will to follow through with my so-called routine).
PRICE: 1250 INR
QUANTITY: 200 ml
AVAILABILITY: Beautybarn etc.
Mario Badescu Facial Mist With Aloe, Cucumber & Green Tea
I bought this because it was on sale.
It’s a small bottle of nothing.
The mist itself is ultra-fine. I suppose it’s going to be all right to use this during summers to cool oneself off. Keeping it in the fridge will make the experience better, I reckon.
But it really doesn’t do much. It just calms down heated skin is all.
I do like the size and portability of it, though.
PRICE: 475 INR
QUANTITY: 59 ml
AVAILABILITY: Nykaa etc.
Burberry Weekend For Women Eau De Parfum
I bought this perfume in Autumn. I like the packaging, it’s very clean and fuss-free.
I feel like the packaging is indicative of what the perfume smells like – you guessed it, clean and fuss-free.
The notes in this perfume are
- “A sheer fragrance with top notes of tangerine, tree sap and Reseda plant
- Delicate floral heart notes of wild rose, peach blossom, iris and hyacinth, invigorated by a subtle splash of nectarine
- The low notes of cedar wood and sandalwood add depth for a relaxed and fresh scent”
I just think this is a clean, soapy scent. The citrusy notes do come to the fore but I feel like the floral notes are a little powdery on this. It’s just a non-offensive scent that’s great for a quick spritz before you run out to do some errands. I also think it’s a good office perfume for summertime.
It’s a good buy if you want to use perfume but want to be low-key about it.
PRICE: 4600 INR
QUANTITY: 50 ml (also available in 100 ml)
AVAILABILITY: Nykaa, Shoppers Stop etc.
