Lakme Sun Expert Ultra Matte SPF 40 PA +++ Compact

In the morning, after cleansing (Soulflower Anti-Acne Sulphur Soap) and toning (The Body Shop Tea Tree Toner), I skip moisturising and directly apply the sunscreen. I tried layering sunscreen over a moisturiser but that didn’t suit me and my skin broke out. As I have greasy skin, I use lightweight sunscreens and currently I’m on my second tube of the Inveda Sunscreen Cream Gel. I also use the Olay Total Effect cream (with SPF 15) and keep alternating between the two creams .

However, no matter how light the sunscreen is, my face begins to turn oily within an hour of application. So, I decided to use a compact on the sunscreen. A Dermatologist had recommended using a compact in the mornings, before stepping out of the house. She said the powder would form a protective layer and prevent the pores from getting clogged.

As I was looking at the wide array of compacts on Nykaa to choose from, the Lakme Sun Expert Ultra Matte SPF 40 PA +++ Compact caught my eye. A compact with SPF? Hmm...

Price - Rs.  210/-

Quantity: 7 gm

Shade: Universal

SPF- 40

Directions for use: Blend it on cleansed and hydrated skin, 20 minutes before sun exposure

Claims: non sticky, protection of a sunscreen in a compact, forms a high coverage layer that blocks sun’s harmful rays, SPF 40 shields from UVB rays that cause sunburn, PA +++ shields from UVA rays that cause dark spots, premature aging and skin darkening.

I don’t use this on a daily basis but when I do, I either apply it on a liquid sunscreen or on a BB cream. I use a blush brush to apply this as I don’t like using the compact sponge.

What I like: Economical

A compact with a sunscreen – does a 2-in-1 job of sun protection and acts as a setting powder.

It’s easy to reapply unlike a cream or gel that I’m not comfortable with reapplying on my face without washing it first.

Mattifies my face and reduces the oily shine.

One can avoid greasy sunscreens and use this product by itself.

When used on a BB cream, gives very slight coverage. (Doesn’t cover blemishes but helps slightly with light pigmentation).

Smells good. (For the fragrance Nazis)

It’s “compact”! This is always in my Beauty Kit that I carry around everywhere with me.

What I don’t like: The sponge that comes along with it. Would recommend everybody to use it with a brush.

Face doesn’t remain matte for as long as I would like it to. (2-3 hours).

Will I repurchase? Not immediately as I have the NELF compact that I received in my April Glamego box.

Will I recommend? Yes, most definitely! (I got it for my friend on her birthday).

And hey, look what I found in my office today J

GLAMEGO- APRIL 2018

Bob and I were not too pleased when the contents of the April GlamEgo Box were revealed on Instagram. The theme for this month’s box is summer skin care.

The choice for this month was the shade of the NELF compact. I chose Natural (Fair).

When the box arrived and I took it out of the cardboard packaging, I went ‘WOW’, looking at the pretty pink and green box and then I opened it and went ‘OH!’ in disappointment.

(Price and product details are mentioned in the Product List)

The products for this month:

v NELF- AQUALITE FAIRNESS COMPACT POWDER

This Compact comes with UV protection and with SPF 18. The product claims to give a perfect glowing and bright finish, the SPF 18 protects against darkening. It also claims to contain Vitamin E for anti-ageing and nourishment, to be oil free, ultrafine and light weight with super smooth formula, hypoallergenic and non comedogenic. The reason I was disappointed when I saw this in the list is, I had just purchased the Lakmé compact with SPF 40 (shall a post a review of that soon) and then I see a similar product in the April box!

I can’t help but compare this compact with Lakmé’s. As you can see from the picture, the packaging is cheap, plasticky and has the paint chipped off on the edges. The compact smells of soap (Liril, I would say:D) and for a cheaper price, the Lakmé compact does a much better job at coverage and giving a matte finish and also has a higher SPF.

v ISLAND KISS-PUERTO BERRY BLUSH AND LIP MOISTURISER

I am not a big fan of lip and cheek tints but it turns out that this may well be my favourite product in this month’s box. The tube is big (14 gms of product) and claims to be petroleum-free, non-toxic, organic and offers sun protection with SPF 15.

I have it applied on my lips and my cheek. The lips do feel moisturised after applying it. It gives a light berry tint on the lips and cheeks when applied and post lunch, it had left a natural pink stain on my lips. It washes off easily with water and soap.

v TJORI- WILD TURMERIC ANTI-TAN TREATMENT

I am looking forward to using this product. I haven’t used Tjori products earlier but have read good reviews of the same. Tub contains 50 gms of product. This product claims to form a shield on the skin that reverses the effect of skin damaging free radicals. With ingredients like kasturi manjal, white turmeric roots, vetiver, white clay, bentonite clay, fuller earth and essential oils, I’m expecting it to show good results.

 I tan easily. Shall use this product and post a review soon.

v VEDIC LINE – GOLD FACIAL KIT

I don’t like facial kits. It involves so much work!!!Also, these kits come in sachets. How does one store the product after the first use?

This kit contains 1 sachet each of Scrub, Cream, Massage Gel, Pack, Cleanser and Serum.

Directions to use as shown in the pic.

v NATURAL BATH & BODY- VITAL NOURISHMENT CREAM

This product was the ‘surprise gift’. What a disappointment! It is a repeat from the January box. Why repeat it again so soon!!! I haven’t even used the first tube yet.

Sigh. 23 days more to go for the next box.

Ciao

PS: The only thing that Bob liked about this month’s box is that they’ve finally stopped using straw in their packaging and she’s still waiting for her box in disappointment.