(Disclaimer: Sample received from Maybelline)

I’m a little old fashioned and don’t really go beyond the black and brown for eyeliner, so when Maybelline sent me this liner in a brazen electric teal I was a little reluctant to try it out, given I have this mental block against coloured eyeliner.

A dinner out some days ago, and I decided to bite the bullet and try it out. I applied the liner over the upper eyelid lash line and topped the lashes with a double coat of mascara in black, lining the inner eye with my fave Lakme Eyeconic eyeliner in black. The effect was quite startling and bold. What I liked about the eyeliner was that it had a nice glossy effect that lasted through an entire evening, it went on smoothly and it stayed put, needing serious cleanser and face wash to get off. In fact, it peeled off rather than washed off. The brush is convenient to hold and maneuver, and the eyeliner is seriously waterproof. The colour though was a little too dramatic for me, and not really great for my skin tone so I’m going to go to the store and get this in black-I can see it making for a good dramatic eye look for the evening.

Price: Rs 350/- for 3 g

I’m rather vain about my hair and don’t really change around when I find products that suit my hair, so for a while now I’ve been doing a mix of Clear Shampoo and L’Oreal’s Intense Repair Conditioner, alternated with Dove Nourishing Oil Shampoo and Conditioner.

My hair is washed every other day and allowed to air dry. I comb out my hair only with a wide toothed comb. I rarely use a hair brush, am rarely out in the sun, or in airconditioning continuously. When I travel by auto rickshaw, I tie a scarf around my hair or use a cap.  I rarely use a hair dryer on my hair and iron it lightly only if I have an event or a party which might be once a month. I am also over due on a hair cut for months. Were my ends split, I suspect so, although it didn’t feel too rough or look visibly damaged ended to me.

For the past week, I’ve tried out the Dove Split End Rescue Shampoo and Conditioner and I’ve had three washes so far.

My reactions:

Mild pleasant fragrance

The hair felt lighter and softer

As for a reduction in dryness or a noticeable difference in the quality of hair, I can’t really say I noticed anything drastic but all in all, the hair feels soft and bouncy even though it is summer and my hair misbehaves the most in summer.

I’d give it an entire month of regular use before coming to a conclusion on split ends, but yes, the hair is rather soft to the touch.

Product description and instructions:

The Dove Split End Rescue Conditioner is a part of the Dove Damage Solutions range, specially formulated to help bring split-ends together. It has fiber actives that work on the deepest level of your hair, to give you up to 4x lesser split-ends*.

Directions to use the Dove Split End Rescue Conditioner:

• After shampooing, massage through the length of hair and rinse thoroughly after 1 to 3 minutes.
• In case of contact with eyes, rinse thoroughly.

(Disclaimer: The sample was sent to me by the Dove team)

Matthew Curtis, hair stylist and owner of the ‘Matthew Curtis Hair Design’ salon in England, has worked on high-profile fashion and beauty campaigns around the globe since entering the hair industry 11 years ago and is considered one of the decade’s most accomplished stylists.

A veteran in runway and editorial styling, Matthew has created looks for Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs and many other high profile designers. Curtis is regularly sought after by publications around the globe for his advice on the latest runway and everyday trends in hair.

Here’s a brief q&a with Matthew on hair care and basic style advice:

What is the basic minimum hair care regimen you recommend?

The minimum care regimen I recommend is shampoo, conditioner, a styling product and a finishing product. All of these products work together to create healthy feeling and looking hair and the TRESemmé brand has a variety of ranges to cater to specific hair needs. Check out their website http://www.tresemmeindia.com to find out which range of products will best suit your hair.  Your hair is a permanent accessory and it’s important to provide it with great care.

What are the main mistakes women make when it comes to hair care?

One of the main mistakes women make is not using a heat protection product. Nowadays heated styling tools are frequently used and it’s important to protect your hair, make sure to follow all of product instructions when using these products.

What are the strengths of Indian hair?

All hair types are fantastic and have their special qualities but one of the strengths of Indian hair is that it has a great natural gloss to it!

What are the looks that are strong internationally right now in terms of hair style?

There are so many great styles making their way around the globe for Spring-Summer 2013. Take for instance the side parted hairstyles. The part is versatile and can be seen everywhere. Whether your hair is long, short wet, dry, up or down, the side part is 2013’s statement pairing. Some of my other favorites include:

The wet look: It was seen on runways in 2012 and for spring 2013. The style is easily applied to any type of hairstyle and creates a wet finish. The look can be achieved with a number of techniques such as oils, sea-sprays and gels.

Low Ponytails: It’s a great and easily achievable trend. We’re all familiar with the classic ponytail and this version is created by gathering the hair at the nape of the head or lower, rather than at the center of the head.

The 60s Bouffant: This hairstyle is another great trend that exudes confidence and class. On the runways for spring 2013 a number of shows featured elegant, retro-inspired bouffants. To get this hairstyle, the hair must be teased, leaving the crown of the hair very full or volumized.

Tomboy Hair: This trend is great and it has countless variations. While some tomboy hairstyles are slick and clean; the majority are about creating a look that is effortlessly chic.

To know more about the latest styles, head to http://www.youtube.com/user/TresemmeIndia and http://www.tresemmeindia.com

Any quick fix hair tips you can recommend for busy urban professional women to go from work to partying?

Our lives are so busy nowadays it’s important to know how to easily transit your look from day to night. I recommend keeping the following essentials in your cosmetic bag or desk drawer at work:

• Travel size can of dry shampoo

• Elastic teasing brush

• A few hair pins

These will help you to quickly pull back your locks into smooth top knots or a sleek chignon to easily glam it up before you leave the office.  Keep this kit handy to make yourself chic in seconds.

I am a recent convert to BB creams. Of the BB creams I’ve tried so far,  the Maybelline and the Garnier BB creams have both been tried out, and I’ve done a repeat purchase of the Garnier one, primarily because although the Maybelline one gave good coverage, it was a little difficult to blend and thick for my already oily skin, the Garnier BB cream felt lighter and blended more easily. My all time favourite remains of course, the Olay Touch Of Foundation, which is light and blends in easily without leaving an obvious coverage.

The Maybelline team kindly sent across a sample of the new Maybelline BB Stick for me to try out. Sadly, the shade wasn’t exact for my skin tone, so I tried it out just for the feel of it at home. Since I haven’t tried out the other shade, I really have no idea whether it would be right for my skin, which is a medium fair to wheatish, my recommendation is to go to the counter and test both shades on your cheek and view it in natural sunlight before making a decision, not the in store flourescent lighting.

To start with, I like products that I can carry along in the handbag, which don’t take much space, especially skin products for middle of the day touch ups and this comes in a convenient sized packaging. It went on smoothly, blended easily, didn’t feel too overly greasy like some sticks do, and soon went to matte from the initial slick feel. If you have oily skin like mine, you might want to daub some compact powder on top of this to keep the skin matte, but if you have normal or dry skin, this would be perfect for you. It isn’t very difficult to blend in and stayed put through upwards of six hours without getting dislodged or sweated off–an impressive task given the climate in Mumbai which makes it tough for make up to stay in place if one is not continuously in airconditioned confines. I’m going to go the store and check out the other shade soon, this is a product that seems to be value for money and good to have in the handbag for a quick pick me up in the middle of the day or anytime you want to freshen your look.

This is what the brand literature says:

 Here’s how our BB Stick is different from our BB Cream:

Flawless, radiant skin + 12hr shine control + 8 benefits in just 1 step!

1. Mineral clay formula guarantees 12hr shine control.

2. Contains Salicylic acid to manage combination & oily skin.

3. Provides a soft, matte and radiant finish.

4. Sweat-resistant and sebum – resistant formula leaves skin fresh all day.

5. Hides appearance of pores & imperfection.

6. Contains SPF 21/PA+++ that protects skin from sun damage.

7. Instantly evens skin tone. 

8. Provides a power-light feel on skin.

Price: Rs. 250.

Expert Tips On How to apply BB Stick

• Swipe BB Stick on your forehead, nose, cheeks and chin.
• Blend in an outward direction towards hairline and jawline using quick, short strokes.

Available in 2 shades: 

1.Radiance

2. Fawn

(Check it here: http://www.maybelline.co.in/products/face/cream/bb_stick_india.html)

Disclaimer: The product was sent to me by Maybelline to be reviewed

(since the Dove app is off now, I thought I’d post the blog posts I’d written for them here, just for my own record)

Hair, hair, everywhere
Once upon a time, I had hair that swung to my hips. Yes, of course, those were prehistoric times when I was still in school and college and the mater assumed responsibility of oiling and plaiting the tresses to the unceasing whine of I hate my hair, I want to cut it all off, inspired of course, by all my classmates doing exciting things to their hair and cutting it in the most mad fashion.
And then I grew up. And got married. One month into the marriage, discovering I was free of the mater’s disapproving gaze, I chopped the hair to shoulder length. The new, hipper me was greeted with much wailing and mourning and I realised that hair is a definer of one’s identity.
I’ve always set a great deal at store by the way my hair looks. It has been the standard length, a little below the shoulders, cut in layers and occasionally highlighted and often coloured.

The only thing I asked from my hair stylist always was that it should be a wash and wear cut, I had absolutely no time to do fancy things like blow dry my hair, or set it with curlers and such like or even visit a parlour regularly for setting even for special occasions. Me and my wash and wear hair limped along happily for quite a bit, until recently, when my debut book came out.
I went for my first few events with my wash and wear hair style and realised I looked like a right frump.

And a kind friend advised me that getting the hair done before the event would actually be a good investment and kinder on the eyes of those who must see me. And so it started, the process of parlour visits to get the hair blowdried, ironed out and such like.
So here’s what I did to my hair before each event: Blowdry, iron and the works.
While the hair looked fabulous, the hair line was, I’m horrified to say, noticeably thinning, a part appeared where there was once none and the maid grumbled under her breath about all the hair that seemed to be scattered all over the house. I am not even mentioning the hair clogging the drains, as this is a family rated blog and that would get into obscene territory. Suffice to say, I was losing hair and losing it bad and I was so terrified I’d gone to a doctor, consulted about possible causes of hair loss, started downing multivitamins, done blood tests to rule out thyroid and other hormonal imbalances which might have led to this.
And then I went and got my hair highlighted too. So now I had hair that was falling, and just that wee bit in need of more TLC.
Bingo. The good folks at Dove probably had a hotline to the powers above while I was bitterly complaining about the hair loss situ and I got a random call, asking me if I would like to be guinea pig and try out the new Dove Hairfall Rescue System they were going to launch. As far as cosmetics, hair and skin care go, I am always game to try stuff out, so I did.

So it was that I came to be rubbing in the Dove Hairfall Rescue System Intensive Root Treatment into my scalp after every wash. With a beating heart and trembling hand. Would it stop the hair loss, would I be saved from having a wig maker profit from my patronage, would I actually stop thinking in terms of “Okay, Persis Khambatta rocked the bald look, maybe I could try it out?” Wait with bated breath for the second half of this…..

Happy Hair Days are here again
It has been two weeks of religiously applying the Dove Hair Fall Rescue Intensive Hair Treatment which, as the literature on the product tells us, “contains Trichazole with Ginseng Soy Protein to reduce damage at the roots and lock your hair firmly in place, effectively reducing hair fall due to breakage and strengthens hair at the root.”
Frankly, I do know that I don’t take the best care of my hair, nor is my diet. To add to my woes, I was down with a spate of viral fever for the better part of one week and know that post a fever, the hair is always likely to shed rapidly, for reasons a doctor might be able to explain better.
I did slack off application of the required dose for a couple of hair washes, the days when I was down with the viral fever, when I was too ill to be bothered with doing anything except pouring the water onto self and crashing back into bed. But I recovered and went back to applying the Intensive Hair Fall Treatment post a wash.
The product comes in mini bottles meant for a single application, and has a convenient nozzle to allow for application directly on the scalp. A slight massage into the roots for two minutes post application and I was set for the day.

Interestingly, the Dove Hair Fall Rescue Treatment is unique in that it focused on the scalp and on strengthening the roots, rather than dealing with breakage (not that I had any less of breakage, given the abuse I had subjected my hair to in the past year). It works differently from other products by actually almost glueing your hair back to your scalp, a mild exaggeration but the Trichazole Actives it contains are scientifically proven to prevent the enzymes in one’s system from breaking down the ‘glue’ that binds the hair root to the hair follicle. And two weeks for a perceptible difference is something that us time-pressed urbanites would surely adore. We need immediate results, we can’t be applying stuff and waiting for a couple of months to see the difference.

What I liked best about the Dove Hair Fall Rescue Treatment is that it gets absorbed quickly into the scalp and doesn’t feel like you’ve applied anything, nor does the hair feel weighed down or greasy, stiff or sticky in anyway. Given Mumbai’s humidity though, it did take some time to dry up completely, which does become a time consumer in the wash and wear lifestyle that one has. But letting the hair dry naturally didn’t see any negative effect on the appearance of the hair.

Add to this, the fact that my hair is oily. I dread adding any more oily stuff to my hair, because I see myself morphing into a greaseball within a couple of hours. Thankfully, the consistency of this is just like water, so is non sticky completely.  You can apply it directly on the hair via the nozzle

It has been two weeks now and the hair is definitely coming off less on the rubber band I use to tie it up at night. The pillow has fewer stray strands mocking me when I wake up in the morning.
And yes, I’m definitely not avoiding shampooing my hair anymore for fear of being confronted by half my scalp going down the drain. The drain too is looking happier, not being choked as it were by the hair that’s been washed out.

http://www.dove.in/en/Products/Hair-Care/Dove-Hair-Fall-Rescue/Hair-Fall-Rescue-Treatment.aspx

The skin, as one crosses into senior citizen territory, is behaving rather strangely. To start with it still behaves like an adolescent at times, by breaking out into most unseemly acne, given that it hasn’t realised one is now nearly premenopausal. On the flip, the crow’s feet, and the lines beneath the eyes and the laugh lines that refuse to face have settled down comfortably, having signed up long lease and applied for their Aadhar cards and such, making me realise that the skin care regimen I was using, basically light moisturising, wasn’t working anymore.

The skin had also turned patchy in parts, and pigmented, and over all, it wasn’t a pretty sight, unless the compact had been slapped on generously.

Last month, I tried out another product which was wonderful for the skin, and this month, I’ve been using the Pond’s Gold Radiance Ultra Rich Night Treatment Capsules religiously.  Setting aside my natural laziness to hunt down scissors and cut off top of capsule, by placing small manicure scissor right next to the jar containing these capsules, I have been washing face clean every night and squirting out capsule contents onto face.

The serum, I’m told contains real gold concentrate. Given the price of gold these days, this is the closest I’m going to be to having any new stuff of the metal in contact with the skin. The serum also has a vitamin complex and an anti-ageing ingredient called CLA, which is just what the doctor prescribed for mine wrinkling skin.

Here’s my experience:

It spread smoothly and assimilated into the skin without a trace. The skin was dry enough post application for me to venture forth in public and not seem like I’d just emerged from playing an oil field.

The skin did not feel oily when I woke in the mornings post application which is the problem I face with most moisturisers, creams and a couple of other serums I’ve tried.

Is the skin clearer? I would think so. It is definitely more supple, and not as taut as it was through the past few months. Is it more radiant? I think I would have to use it for a while more to get a clearer picture of that. But the one positive in these three weeks of applying it–I haven’t broken out in pimples yet.

Price: Rs 2499/- for 40 capsules, one per day of use.

Disclaimer: The product sample was sent to me by the good people at Pond’s

Let me fess up, I never wore red lipstick. Maroon yes, brown yes, pink yes, but red I always shied away from thinking it would never suit my skin—yes I have the typical wheatish, dusky Indian complexion that has a yellow undertone to it, and ergo red lipsticks have always been a subject of much debate. I had a Dior red which had been gifted to me in days of yore, but I used it rarely and that too only on days when I was sure that folks wouldn’t run behind me, throwing stones. Ah, I exaggerate. But you get my drift, re my views on red lippers.

A friend on twitter, take a bow Soni Aggarwal, introduced me to the joys of red lipstick when she insisted I get myself to the MAC store and buy self a shade called Russian Red. Red lipstick is for everyone, she told me, with the confidence of a woman who knows her red lipsticks and carries it well. Get thee to a MAC store now. I dithered and dathered and finally went to the MAC store, and emerged clutching a little black bullet called Russian Red, and a MAC compact. Oh come on, is it possible to go to a MAC store and emerge with just one item?

As I used the red lipstick I realize that red lipstick is a definer. It sets the women apart from the girls, it announces to the world that you are confident, you know yourself and you don’t hesitate to kick ass.

Why, I wondered, don’t more women wear red lipstick? Then I realized, in true lightbulb manner, that they’re all terrified of red lipstick. So here is my little contribution to the cause of getting red lipstick onto more lips, and more collars if you please.

(Some of my red lipsticks which happened to be in my bag right now. The Dior is so old that I can’t even make out the name of the shade. Left to right: Lakme Absolute Classic Rose, Maybelline 14 hour Non Stop Red 510, MAC Runway Red, Shiseido Perfect Rouge, Dior in supine position)

Firstly, choose your red carefully. You need to have the right red for your skin tone. This can only happen through a lot of trial and error, and once you’ve found the right red, stick to it, buy it repeatedly, make it part of your signature look.

If you have fair skin, pick a bright matte red.

If your skin tone is wheatish, like most of us do, choose a brighter or a deeper red, depending on whether it is for day wear or evening wear. Bold orangey reds are lovely for a day look, crimsons rock an evening look.

If you have dusky skin a dark crimson or a maroon works best for your skin tone.

And yes, remember that if you have red lipstick don’t over do the eyes, keep the focus of the look on your lips, apply the lipstick with a brush, line with a neutral liner if you want more definition, blot with a finger if you want a reddish stain.

Here are some Classic Matte Reds I’ve tried:

Lakme Absolute Classic Rose Matte

This is a brick red, with orange undertones. It worked wonderfully with my skin, so I can safely say it would work for wheatish skins. It needed a touch up post a meal, but what I liked about it was that it stayed matte but didn’t dry the lips out. The colour is nice and strong, without popping.

Price: Rs 575/-

(Disclaimer: Received this as a sample from Lakme)

MAC

Russian Red

This is a classic Red, which is an intense blue-red, which made me think that perhaps it would not work with my skin tone but much to my surprise it looked just fabulous. It is the kind of red I would imagine works with most complexions, it has a blue undertone yet is neutral. Though I would recommend duskier complexions skipped it. The coverage is fabulous, one swipe is enough to get the deep colour you need for the colour to make an impact. The formula is trifle dry though and the lips felt dry post removal. It stays on for a good five to six hours without needing a touch up, unless of course, you’re eating or drinking.

(Disclaimer: I purchased this product).

Price Rs 990.

Ruby Woo

This is a very matte, very vivid red blue. Best for lighter skins by fabulous deep red, and goes on deep with a lovely intense hue. It stays on firmly for around six hours and goes on matte as it should be. A classic shade this.

Price: Rs 990

(Disclaimer: I purchased this product).

Runway Red

A nice red from MAC, this is a medium-deep blue-based cranberry red with a hint of pink/fuchsia. This has a satin finish, so it isn’t as drying as a matte lipstick, but not as glossy as a crème lipstick either. This shade is a limited edition so might not be available.

(Disclaimer: This was sent to me by MAC)

M∙A∙C Marilyn Monroe collection has Scarlet Ibis which is bright orange red matte and Charmed I’m Sure which is a dark true red (matte) like the Hollywood goddess used. This is also on my to buy list.

My current favourite is this one:

Maybelline Superstay 14 hour lipstick Non Stop Red 510

Moisturising. Deep colour single swipe. Nice bright pop of colour. Gives a matte effect without drying out the lips. The look is really bold, so you need to make your lips the focal point of your look and tone down the eyes and cheeks, or just do a simple liner above the upper lid with mascara.

Given that it is long lasting, the lipstick doesn’t feel heavy or caked, like I’ve experienced with some other brands which are also long lasting.

It lasted for around six to seven hours of eating and drinking with no retouches, so I’m not complaining, that’s pretty good for me, even through their packaging says 14 hours.

It refused to budge with face wash and I found I needed to use make up remover to get it off. Given the staying power it showed, that’s small compromise for someone like me who just prefers on regular days to just wash all the make up off rather than use make up remover..

Price: Rs 525

(Disclaimer: This was sent to me by Maybelline)

Shiseido Perfect Rouge RD 304

I picked this one up on an impulse after getting cornered into a trial demo at a Shiseido pop up at the Inorbit Atrium. It is a pleasant enough shade, strawberry red with a tinge of orange, slight shimmer to it, and goes well with my skin tone. It is hydrating, goes on smooth, but needs regular touch ups, which it is forgiven because it hydrates so well.

(Have completely forgotten the price, it has been a while since I bought it).

Some other reds that folks around have recommended but I haven’t tried meself:

Revlon Color Burst True Red

Revlon Matte In The Red

Revlon Certainly Red

Cover Girl Lip Perfection in Euphoria

Givenchy Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick

Lancôme L’Absolu Nu Lipstick

NARS Semi-Matte Lipstick Red Lizard

Estee Lauder Signature Lipstick Rich Red

Shiseido Perfect Rouge – RD415 Valentine

Yves Saint Laurent ‘Rouge Volupté’ Lipstick

Faces Red Diva

Chambor Powder Matte Rubis Rouge

Matte Red Lipstick Application – Dita Von Teese Style : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPt8orN449g&feature=player_embedded

If you have a red lipstick shade you love, do let me know, would love to try it out.

If you’re looking for healing and help, Megha Dinesh might be some one you could get in touch with.

Megha Dinesh, Spa Therapist and Healer, founder of Vejovis

“Life is beautiful and our problems are always a reflection of our inner Strengths.”
“After 13 years of gaining experience in Oberoi, Taj and The Park in different, challenging capacities, today I have my own firm Vejovis named after the Roman God of Healing to provide Spa Consultancy and Corporate or Individual workshops using different Healing approaches.
I believe that I have always been a very blessed and special child of universe that despite of every situation my quest to grow, develop and help myself being healed and others around never diminished. I have undergone various courses in India and abroad including Reiki teacher, Craniosacral Therapist, Hypno therapist, PLR therapist, E.F.T. Practitioner, Taosomatics Body Mind Therapist etc.”
She can be contacted at meghadin@gmail.com

Last year, during my book launch I had hosted a Kiehl’s coffee meet at Inorbit Malad and as part of the goody bag, I’d received a sample of the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate.

The sample, unfortunately, went deep into the recesses of my lotions and potions drawer and dropped out of mind until a recent clean out of the drawer brought it to the fore. I decided to try it out.

They tell me this product has sold more than one million bottles since its debut three years ago and is a global best seller selling one bottle every minute globally.

It is a week now since I’ve been trying the product. The skin, I must confess, has been acting its age. The lines on the forehead, around the eyes and deep grooves by the side of the mouth are here to stay, having acquired PAN card and Ration card and other legitimacy that lets them stay on, unwanted. Also, we were in the midst of the miniscule Mumbai winter, so there were dry, rough patches, which coexisted uneasily with the oil geysers on overdrive on my nose.

I used the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate for a week. It comes in a medicinal looking purple glass bottle with a dropper to ensure appropriate dosage. You don’t need too much. A couple of drops. I applied it over my regular night moisturiser. I don’t know if that was the correct way of applying it.

This is what the literature says:

“Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate, affectionately referred to as “Midnight Magic” by a
Kiehl’s customer, was developed as an anhydrous (“water-free”), unconventional concentration
of skin-boosting, plant-derived oils – plus carefully selected essential oils.

Plant-derived (botanical) Oils: Squalane and Evening Primrose Oil are high-quality actives and,
within the formula, provide skin with botanical lipids similar to its own natural oils.
Additionally, through the careful selection of Coriander and Rose Hip Seed Oils, the formula
provides a complete blend of Omegas (Omega 3, 6 and 9) – fatty acids which the body cannot
produce on its own, and that work to reinforce the cutaneous barrier. The result is younger
looking skin through improved overall skin quality, enhanced skin elasticity, and a reduction in
the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”

What I liked about the product is that it gets easily absorbed into the skin. You don’t wake up in the morning looking like a greaseball, which happens with me when I use most intensive moisturising products, given my dual needs of moisturising with my skin which is ageing but intrinsically oily.

It has been a week now. The skin is definitely more supple, the lines are less pronounced, the smoothness factor is coming back into the skin. The long lost glow is still lost but I’m hopeful that a month or so of using this would bring that back from the land of fond memories. The patchiness in the skin tone is slightly diminished, but then I cannot expect miracles in merely a week of use. I’m giving it a month of regular usage before I draw my final conclusions. Right now though, I haven’t broken out into pimples, the skin is looking better, the upper eye area which had started to look just that bit crepey is back to some semblance of smoothness. The neck feels smoother. So I would give it a definite thumbs up. Plus it is composed of essential botanical oils and no chemicals, so I am more trusting of it. I’m just a little sad that I took a year to get down to trying it out.

Disclaimer: This product sample was kindly given to me by Kiehl’s for trial.