Review: Tropic Isle Strong Roots Red Pimento Hair Growth Oil

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It took me years to embrace my curls. I used to hate my wavy hair but slowly I learnt how to maintain it. Soft beachy curls quickly became my signature style. I loved how effortless it looked. However, last year I wanted a change and I decided to straighten my hair with at home straightening treatment, Wella Straight. The first time I straightened my hair I loved the sleek look. There is something in Wella Straights new formulation that makes the hair really soft. To maintain my hair I was using Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment. 

Three months after first using the treatment I decided to give it another go. It was such a bad idea. A week or two after using the treatment I started noting bald patches. My thick hair (thanks to Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment) had thinned drastically. 

BEFORE

I was recommended so many hair oils from everyone and their mother. I tried a mixture of desi oils, a mixture of desi powder from Saeed Ghani. Wishlist was on a hiatus and I couldn't get my hands on a Lee Stafford Hair Growth treatment. By December I was desperate and frantic. 

Thankfully, a friend was coming from the US for a wedding. I randomly did a search on Amazon for "hair growth" and stumbled upon the Tropic Isle Strong Roots Red Pimento Hair Growth Oil. I bought a bottle of the Jamican Black Castor Oil and the because the reviews were so good. 

With the combination of these two oils my prayers were answered (yes, I prayed for my hair to grow back). I started to see a difference in two weeks. The bald patches started filling up and my hair felt softer and more manageable (and my panic attacks started subsiding! I was no longer bald)

AFTER

Tropic Isle Strong Roots Red Pimento Hair Growth Oil comes in a small bottle. I mix it in with the Jamican Black Castor Oil. The Tropic Isle Strong Roots isn't your conventional oil. Its texture is similar to Coconut Oil (squishy). I heat it up, wait till it melts and then add it with the Castor Oil. There is a slight tingling sensation after applying it. The best way I can describe it as minty feeling on ones scalp. It doesn't hurt and it's not too obvious. I didn't even notice it the first few times.

I've been using it for almost two months now. Not only have the bald patches filled up, but my hair has gotten longer as well. I highly recommend Lee Staffords Hair Growth Treatment and I've used it for months, but this oil works faster and lasts longer than Lee Staffords Hair Growth Treatment. I used to run out of the Lee Stafford Treatment in less than a month, and I still have more than half left in both Tropic Isle Oils. 

To be honest I can't think of a single con (other than the fact it's not readily available in Pakistan). I love using it and it has been a life saver. You can mix the Tropic Isle Strong Roots Red Pimento Hair Growth Oil with an oil you're already using, you can use it on it's own or mix it in with the Jamican Black Castor Oil like I do. 

I have extremely fine hair and for years I'd stopped using a straightener. I would only straighten my bangs, but other than I would do it on eid or on a wedding function. Why? After straightening my hair would look fried for months. Now they look healthy even when I straighten it (which I do a lot because the natural curl in my hair hasn't returned 100%). 

I hope this post helps all those who wanted before and after pictures. 

You can order it from Wishlist 

Review: Revlon Lip Butter In Strawberry Shortcake

The Revlon Colour Burst Lip Butters served as a launching pad for Wishlist.  They were a delight to stock up on, because they sold out so fast.We couldn't stock them fast enough! When so many of you were buying  Lip Butters from us, we were sitting there surrounded with countless Lip Butters and couldn't try any of them. Sad, right?

I just got my first one a couple of weeks ago. I didn't buy it through Wishlist though. I was in India in the first week of November and Revlon had just launched their Lip Butters there. You guys should be proud of me! I controlled the mad urge for buying any make-up other than Lakme (hey, you can't blame me. Lakme is on the wishlist of any cosmetic junkie who goes to India, right?). On my last day in India though, I panicked! I hadn't done enough shopping! So I ended up buying a lip butter for twice the price we charge you guys (it hit me after I came back to Pakistan! Tsk. I was so mad at myself!) Was it worth the (double) price?

Revlon Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake

It's only after trying one for yourself do you (finally) understand the hype. I'd tried Cotton Candy at the store and it wasn't that impressive. It had chunky bits of glitter in it, and didn't have enough colour pay off. When I tried Strawberry Shortcake I was blown away by the pretty shade. It's a beautiful cotton candy pink, with a hint of shimmer in it. Its a step up from your basic milky blue-based pink and it's a couple of notches down from being a bright fuchsia. Does that make sense? No? Basically,  it's smack down right in the middle of being the most wearable pink.

My lips tend to get very dry in the winter, and I love that I don't have to think about applying a lip balm (which I often forget) before applying Strawberry Shortcake. It glides on beautifully and doesn't accentuate the dry patches on my lips. Trust me, this is a relief. I love MAC's Creme Cup but it tends to settle in to the dry patches of my lips, and the result isn't very flattering. The only thing I have similar to the Lip Butters is my Dior Addict lipstick and L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipsticks. The L'Oreal version is just as balm (the texture is slightly thicker), but has more of an opaque coverage compared to the Lip Butters.

Starting from the Left:Revlon Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake & L'Oreal Caresse in  Lovely Rose

Are Lip Butters worth it? It depends on what you're looking for. Do your research before investing in a shade. Some shades are very sheer and some have amazing colour pay off (like the one I have). Aroosa, and  another friend of mine have Peach Parfait, and both of them said that it is just a sheer wash of colour. You can opt for super bright colours or play it safe with just a hint of colour on your lips. Either way, these are worth trying out.

You can buy Revlon Lip Butters for 950PKR from Wishlist. ( I got mine for Rs 1200 (600 Indian Rupees) :O ).

Blame It On....

It's been forever and a day since I last did a blog post. I have two reasons, one is more legitimate than the other. A couple of months ago, one of my best friends and I opened an online store called Wishlist. As you can tell I am obsessed with make-up (and bags, oh and shoes...and oooh well the list goes on), and Aroosa is obsessed with accessories.Our obsessions paved the way for us to create a platform from which people could buy whatever they liked. Be it make-up, clothes, shoes or accessories.

Youtube and Blogs have fuelled our passion (addiction is a better word) to shop, haven't they? My wishlists used to consist of endless things I'd seen on Youtube videos, and the sad part was I didn't have access to more than half the things. So Aroosa and I took matters in to our own hands (by the grace of Allah), and created a place where not only WE could shop, but YOU guys could as well. The response and the support we've gotten from each and everyone of you has been amazing (a special nod of appreciation goes out to all the beauty bloggers who have supported us as well. Thank you.).

Glamarama took a back-seat because of Wishlist. However, now we've decided to use Glamarama as an accompanying blog for Wishlist. I'll post pictures of what goes on behind the scenes, let you guys know when we have new things in stock, do outfits of the day, what I'm loving and most importantly do reviews as well. I won't be trying to sell any of the things we have in-stock or that are available on order. I'm going to be open and honest as possible. I'll let you know the good with the bad. Our aim is, through Glamarama we can create a better relationship with all of you.

So, yes I have been busy Wishlist-ing the months away. Another reason is I am cursed with laziness. I always let it get the better of me. I am going to try and do posts at least once or twice a week (I'm going to take it slow you guys!). I have few things in mind that I want to review, but if you want me to review anything please leave a comment below and I shall do so. Also, feel free to let us know what you'd like to see on Wishlist, and how we can improve ourselves.

I shall bid you adieu till my next post. 

Save Or Splurge: Top Five Picks For Summer

Do you, like me, feel as if you’re preparing for battle when summer looms in? I always feel as if it’s me against the scorching sun, the summer heat and not to mention the humidity that charges in during midsummer.  Over the years I have created an army of beauty products that have helped me survive the summer months.

 Here are my top five picks that are a must have in my summer survival list. These are the things you can easily get your hands on in Pakistan.

Sun Block

The most important arsenal in my list is a good sunblock. I can step out of the house without any make-up on but I never, and I repeat, never leave without applying a sunblock. The reason why it’s so important is because sun exposure is it accelerates the aging process and causes skin damage. There are those, like me, who dread the idea of uneven skin tone. Yes, vanity always gets the better of us.

Save

Neurogena’s Fine Fairness Moisture 

I have oily skin and in the past I have used the normal Neutrogena Dry Touch Sunblock with SPF 100 and I hated it. I had to use it because it was the best and also because of the high spf, trust me it did not look pretty. In the end I had to succumb to mixing It in with a matte moisturizer to make it work for me.

Neurogena’s Fine Fairness Moisture with SPF 50 is great for both oily and dry skin. This is what I imagined the Try Touch version to be like. It absorbs quickly, leaves a matte finish and feels light on the skin.  On humid days it feels just a tad bit heavy and oily, nothing a good face powder can’t work it’s magic on.

 It claims to prevent appearance of brown spots and skin darkening due to sun exposure, as well as new dark melanin from forming. It provides protection for maintaining fair, even-toned skin. I'd personally feel better if it had a high Spf!

Price: Rs770

Splurge

Luscious cosmetics took Pakistan by storm with their innovative beauty products designed especially for Asian skin. One of their best selling products is their Whitening Base with Spf 35. This is supposed to be ideal for our part of the world, and according to Luscious Spf 35 is the ideal recommended by dermatologists for our skin (I prefer using a higher Spf). The base is available for normal to dry and oily skin types.

Don’t let the term “whitening” frighten you though. It doesn’t leave any white film over the face, nor does it make you look grey. This is a two in one product that can be used as both a primer and a sunblock.

Price: Rs 975

Best For B.O

This is just as important as sunblock, because nobody wants to smell nasty or be near someone who does.

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Patkari is also known as the alum stone and crystal deodorant. This is easily found in Lahore, Al-Fatah carries them. You rub this on your arm pits and I guarantee you’ll smell odorless all day long. Obviously nothing transfers on your skin because it's just a stone, but for some reason it controls body odor in the best way possible. When I'm going out I spray my favorite perfume after using the patkari, and it helps make the scent last longer. What you can do is crush the alum stone and mix it with rose water and store the mixture in an empty roll on deodorant bottle

Price: Rs 60/70 depending on where you buy it.

Splurge

There’s not much of price difference here but this is also a great (not so natural) product for hot summer days. The FA roll on deodorant is amazing. They have a wide selection of scents to choose from which honestly lasts all days. This is truly a confidence booster in my book.

Price:Rs 150

Face Powder

My defense against an oily skin is a good face powder. As you’ve probably guessed by now I have oily skin, and I am always trying out products that help me combat it.

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Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder is my favorite drug store face powder. I cannot say enough good things about it. On a good, dry summer day it keeps the face shine free for up to 5 to 6 hours (or slightly more depending on your skin type). On a humid day I find after 5/6 hours it doesn’t necessarily get shiny, but it starts to oxidize (changes color; i.e. turns darker or orangey) on me. Often, people with darker skin tones complain that they can’t find their shade, because all the seven shades look fairy light. The shade “translucent” has no color to and it ideal for both very fair to dark skin tones.

Price:Rs 550

Splurge

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish: I am someone who rarely wears foundation, and it took me a while to find something that kept the oils at bay but still gave decent coverage to hide bits of redness on my face. This on me lasts for more than 6 hours and doesn’t oxidize a bit.  Also, it provides as an excellent base for my make-up.

Price: The price varies at different stores. Al-Noor is selling it for Rs 4500 and Green Valley for Rs3500

On Trend Lipstick Shade

Neon is “in” in a big way this spring/summer. The trend has consumed clothes, bags, accessories and make-up in it’s wake. This is the time to invest in a good neon/fuchsia pink lipstick. A bright pop of pink makes a great style statement.

Save:

Luscious Cosmetics Lip Couture in Paparazzi is a great way to dabble in this trend. It’s also great for those who prefer to wear lipgloss instead of lipsticks. Lip Couture is opaque and provides excellent color pay off.

Splurge

Maybelline’s Fuchsia Fever #140 is a favorite amongst make-up artists and beauty bloggers alike. The quality of the lipstick is amazing and long lasting. The shade is right on trend for spring/summer.

Price: Rs925

Mascara

Good mascara is the perfect finishing touch to one’s look. It doesn’t look over done; instead it just enhances your natural features. During the summer days mascaras tend to smear and end up giving the wearer the dreaded panda eye, instead of a glamorous finish. That is why investing in a good water proof mascara is important.

Save: Maybeline’s Define-A-Lash is one of my favorites and is often sold out at most Maybelline counters in Lahore. It’s an excellent dupe for the iconic L’Oreal Telescopic. Define-A-Lash (as the name suggests) defines every lash while providing volume and length. Multiple coats can make the lashes look dramatic.

Price: Rs 800

Splurge: Bourjois Volume Glamour Max (water proof) mascara is probably one of the best I’ve tired. It doesn’t clump or smear, which makes it ideal for summer. It’s perfect for anyone who wants dramatic, fuller, glamorous eye lashes.

Price: Rs1250

*All the images except for Neurogena’s Fine Fairness Moisture are taken from Google. 


Let me know your top five picks. 

Going Desi: Pink Kola Puri From Khaadi

Kola Puri From Khaadi

Honestly, I haven't even started wearing the shoes I bought back from my trip and I've bought three pairs of shoes since I've been back. In my defence (for once) my mother told me that I should get these. She's on a kula puri kick these days and I guess her obsession was infectious.

I've never seen pink kola puri's before. Trust Khaadi to come out with the cutest pair of kola puri's- ever! I've never paid much attention to Khaadi shoes before, and I wasn't particularly drawn in by their new display (out of habit) because all I really wanted was a new kurta. After going through the kurta rack a dozen times, and failing to find something that screamed "buy me" I gave up, and I headed to my second favourite section, the jewellery display. My mother was trying their kola puri's and I headed towards her. 

By the time I started trying on their shoes I had a vision of  me walking out with the gold kola puri's, not the pink ones. I was told that the gold ones (in the style that I wanted) have been sold out for weeks at every outlet (it just wasn't my day!). I loved how the pink ones looked on my feet, but to be honest I wasn't in love with them at first.

Kola Puri From Khaadi

Now, they've grown on me and I have to admit they are soft and comfortable to walk in. I love their pinkness! The colour does make them more limiting though, because I can't wear them with everything.
These kola puri's are ideal for the hot Lahori weather. They look more chic and put together than your average flip flops. I'll be buying the gold ones when they're back in stock.

 

Price: Rs1700

PS. I'm wearing Luscious Salsa on my nails. 

Going Desi: Khussa's From Khussa Mahal

Gold Khussas From Khussa Mahal

I've been wanting to invest in a good pair of khussa's for a while now. Maybe even months! I've been putting it off because just the thought of going to Liberty in this heat makes me shudder. A few days ago I finally decided to buy a pair of golden khusa's from Khusa Mahal ( In my head I don't know why Saleem Fabrics keeps popping up instead of Khusa Mahal).

Gold Khussas From Khussa Mahal

Gold Khussas From Khussa Mahal

Personally, I think Khussas look good with anything, but paired with a churidaar they personify laid back elegance. I chose simple golden ones because they'd go with everything. I've worn them a few times and it's safe to say I love them. Often, I find that one needs to wear them a few times before the leather starts feeling soft and comfortable. Surprisingly, these felt soft and comfortable the moment I slipped them on. 

Also, I love that these are a dull gold rather than a bright, in your face shiny gold. I can wear them casually, or on formal functions like a wedding (like I did two days in a row much to my mothers dismay. She wanted me to wear heels).

Gold Khussas From Khussa Mahal

These were for RS 850 which I think is a steal. Have you made a trip to Khussa Mahal recently? Are you going to?

Review: Ponds Flawless White Naturals Day Cream

Ponds Flawless White Naturals Day Cream

Ponds Claims:

"Pond's Flawless White Naturals day cream contains the wonder of Camellia leaf extract. Found in the foothills of the Himalayas, this precious extract contains powerful antioxidants to fight against the causes of skin darkening. After years of research, Pond's Flawless White Naturals day cream, containing the extraordinary Camellia leaf extract, is specially formulated to lighten skin and reduce dark spots. "

My Ponds cream has been battered and bruised as you can tell. I took it to Dubai with me and lets just say my bag wasn't very kind to it. I've almost used it up and before I say my final adieu to it I thought I'd do a review on it.

Ponds Flawless White Naturals Day Cream






Ponds Flawless White Naturals Day Cream


My love affair with Ponds has been going on forever and have loved all the variations that they came out with every year. The Ponds Detox cream was one of my favourite, and I was actually depressed that they discontinued it. I got addicted to the Ponds Flawless White cream that they came out with last year as well. I used it as my sunblock, and I loved it. I think I used up two or three jars of it last year. I'm guessing I shouldn't get attached to the Ponds creams because every year it's something new. Ponds came out with two creams this year and I've used both. This is the one that is on the more expensive side and I bought it first. I thought it was going to be same as last year but with different packaging, but I was mistaken.

When I first used it I was surprised that the texture of the cream was different (Ponds Detox and Flawless White were similar). It is light weight, soft and more moisturising than it's predecessor. Also, it doesn't have that same strong scent that I've now started associating with Ponds creams. It smells similar, but the scent is very subtle compared to the previous versions. Everything about it looked so promising until I started noticing little breaks outs erupting on my face. This was the only thing that I'd changed in my skin care routine, so I'm pretty sure this was the cause.





Ponds Flawless White Naturals Day Cream



Ponds Flawless White Naturals Day Cream


The cream claims to be all natural (hence the name), and I was surprised to see vicious things taking over my face one spot at a time (there were two or three before I left for Dubai). In Dubai I used it with my sunblock and I had more (subtle) break outs. Honestly, I was stubborn enough to still use the product because I didn't want to get a tan (hey, I'm being honest).

What I loved about White Flawless (the one that came out last year) was that it had cream to powder finish. It had a matte finish which made it ideal for oily skin. This on the other hand doesn't have that finish. It absorbed well and didn't look oily during the dry summer days, but after having used it during Lahore's legendary humid days it is safe to say it does make me look oily.

I don't have sensitive skin and this is first cream that has broken me out in years (subtle break outs, but still! Oh, and the bumps on my forehead would give any drama queen an anxiety attack).  The fact that it's not ideal for oily skin (unless you sweep powder over it) is a big turn off too. Before, I would just layer Flawless White all over my face and I was good to go. On the other hand it'll be ideal for people with dry skin. It's moisturizing and it'll work great for their skin type.

Other than that, I think it did it's job well. There were days I used this and ignored the sunblock and didn't notice any tanning. My best friend and I spent more than two hours at the beach and I surprisingly enough I didn't get a tan. It didn't lighten my skin though if thats what you're wondering. I was out in the sun more than usual during that week and a half, and didn't notice getting tanned which is worth pointing out. In my opinion this isn't as good as last years Flawless White.

Still, I don't think I will be repurchasing it again. (unless my vanity gets the better of me).  Let me know if you've tried this, or are planning on trying this. Has it caused you to break out?

Price: Rs770 (The prices may vary at different stores)