All posts by Bhumika

About Bhumika

Bhumika is a Chartered Accountant by profession but a Beauty/Fashion/Lifestyle Blogger by passion..blogging since 10 plus years, isn't that a proof enough ? :D Her love for lipsticks, accessories, shoes and all things pretty comes across in most of her posts.

Bath and Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Body Lotion Review

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Bath and Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Body Lotion Review

My cousin from US gifted me this body lotion and Revlon Manicure set..Bath and Body Works has some very nice fragrances to choose from..they have their own signature collection..and some awesome variants.

Bath and Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Body Lotion Review

What the Company claims:  Our exclusive Signature Body Lotion formula, fortified with powerful ingredients like super conditioning Shea Butter, fast absorbing Jojoba Oil and protective Vitamin E, hydrates skin with moisture that lasts all day. Our non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and completely to leave skin feeling incredibly soft, smooth and nourished, making it the perfect daily moisturizer.
Our exclusive, award-winning Japanese Cherry Blossom fragrance is a seductive and mysterious floral scent, inspired by the exotic gardens of Japan
Key fragrance notes: Japanese Cherry Blossom, Asian Pear, Kyoto Rose, Mimosa Petals, Himalayan Cedarwood
Winner of 2010 Glammy Award for Best Body Product sold in Department and Specialty Stores

Ingredients:

Usage : Smooth over body to moisturize and lightly fragrance skin.

MRP: 5 $ fir 88ml (for 3 $ on sale) and 10.5 $ for 237 ml (They are having a sale right now..and also this buy 2 get 1 free offer..or buy 3 get 2 free )
Something about the Japanese cherry blossom : The cherry blossom lotion has certain extracts that help to smoothen the skin and make it soft and naturally shiny. It cleanses the skin of harmful toxins and keeps it looking good and healthy. These benefits are further heightened when coupled with the sweet fragrance of cherries that comes from the lotion and from those areas of the body on which the lotion is applied. Japanese cherry blossom lotion has been present in the Japanese culture for many years.

It is a white thick lotion with a strong smell and gets aborbed in a jiffy.

Pros:

1. It is totally non greasy and gets absorbed instantly.
2. Nice easy to carry packaging.
3. The flip cap..which is very hygienic.
4. Part of their Signature Collection and one of the most widely sold ones.
5. Keeps skin moisturised the whole day.
6. The fragrance lingers on the whole day.
7. Not tested on animals.

Cons:

1. Has alcohol and parabens.
2. I know many people love this smell but I found it a bit overpowering for my taste. Since fragrances are personal choices I cant really comment..
3. Availability..not available in India easily and if available..would be more expensive coz of customs.

Overall rating- 3.5/5 (less coz of the smell)

Would I buy it again- If I get to I would surely…esp the Warm Vanilla Sugar, Black Amethyst, Twilight Woods..

Have you tried Bath and Body Works Body Lotion ? Which is your favorite ?

Aroma Magic Mineral Glow Scrub Review

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Aroma Magic Mineral Glow Scrub Review


I am just lovinggg this..Its more of a face pack kind than a scrub. And its my HG too.
Its a pista colored creamy textured scrub and has very fine salt granules in it..so feels grainy..It claims to be a micro derm beauty scrub.

What the Company claims: This face and body scrub takes away layers of dulling cells and black heads.Cleans pores and makes skin look fresh and glowing. The skin appears lighter, smoother and looks healthier.Also removes fine lines and wrinkles.It increases blood circulation.Helps to regenerate new cells.

Directions for use : Apply onto face and body After 10 minutes, massage and wipe off . Rinse off.

Active Ingredients: Corn, Almond, Beta Hydroxy Acids, Citrus extracts, trace elements of Zinc, Calcium & pure essential oils of Tea Tree, Rosemary, Thyme & Lavender.

MRP : Rs. 80 for 60 gm tube

How I use it : I apply this all over my damp face.Keep it on for 10 mins and then while washing it off..scrub gently. Thus its a face pack cum scrub. It removes dead skin cells and helps in combating ingrowth if used on hands and legs.

Pros:

1. A very gentle soothing scrub.
2. Skin feels super soft and glowing after using it.
3. Helps in removing white heads.
4. Also helps in ingrowth on hands and legs by removing dead skin cells.
5. Contains essential oils and BHA’s too.
6. Does not dry out the skin.

Cons:

1. The tube..it does not close completely..hence not travel friendly.
2. Only active ingredients are mentioned.
3. Does not help in blackheads as it claims…and I am not sure about wrinkles or fine lines..
4. Would be expensive if used on hands and legs as it will finish off soon.
5. The smell….some people might not like it…though I don’t have a sensitive nose and I am ok with it.

Overall I quite love it..my go to face pack cum scrub..my HG ! Totally recommended.

Rating:

Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4.25/5

Would I buy it again- Yes…for sure…I love it..

Have you tried it ? Do you like it ?

Khadi Fresh Jasmine Bathing Bar Review

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Khadi has Soaps (called Herbal Glycerin Body Wash) in many different variants..I have the one in Fresh Jasmine..Its a white colored soap with a very light jasmine smell. The other ones are :

  • Strawberry
  • Haldi Chandan
  • Khus
  • Aloevera
  • Mixed Fruit
  • Chandan
  • Rose Sandal
  • Mogra
  • Neem-Tulsi
  • Neem
  • Lavender
  • Natural Mint
  • Pineapple
  • Orange
  • Natural Saffron
  • Fresh Lemon
  • Kewda 


From site…

Indication : An ayurvedic body wash cleanses the skin and body dirt. It removes dead cells from the skin and giving smoothness and soft feeling.

Method of use : Apply body wash on wet on face. rub to produce lather, then wash off.

Ingredients : Jasmine, Ghartkumari, Haldi, Lodhra, Padmakh, Madhu, Glycerin, Purified water, Base.

Nett Wt. 15g, 75g, 125g.

MRP- Rs 45/- for the 125g bar

Pros:
1. It has a very light smell…nothing too over powering.
2. Has all natural and herbal ingredients.
3. Cleans well as claimed.
4. Does not leave the skin dry.
5. Price is economical.

Cons:
1. Does not lather well..may be coz its soap free type..
2. Availability..even at the main Khadi store there were just 4-5 of these and not all.

I would say its a decent enough natural soap..which can be used everyday. Check out more Khadi products here

Overall rating: 4/5

Would I buy it again:  Yes,,may be..actually I love my body washes more…but when in a hurry I prefer these soaps..and they are nice..I would like to try Strawberry and Neem Tulsi..

Have you used these ? Do you like them ?

Bday gift from myself- 120 color palette !!

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Ok guys..yesterday was my bday..and I received my 120 color eye shadow palette I had ordered yesterday afternoon !! I was super duper happy and somewhere I was feeling I would get it on my bday !!

It was super nicely packed. At first I was shocked seeing such a small packet..coz I had thought it comes bigger in size looking at the pics all over net. After the main cover, it had thick double layer of bubble wrap.


And after removing those,it had 2 thick sheets of thermocol at the front and back…with double cello tapes on it too. Then after removing those, the palette finally with the thin bubble wrap again.

Phew !! I was tired removing all those..:p

I had ordered it on 8th Dec and I got on 22nd Dec…and this was free shipping !! Yay !!

I had heard that 2-3 eye shadows are always broken and that was right..my 2 eye shadows were broken…1 was yellow color and other a dark brown type..its ok..coz I am not gonna use yellow as it is..and there are already so many other yellows in it..ok..you ppl can gimme some tips on fixing those eye shadows..
And in the last row..the colors had spread a bit on each other…:(

I am happy nothing happened to the lower set as I loveee those colors…they look so pretty…

The colors that broke can be seen on the paper opposite..

The size if the eye shadows is indeed small..around a 50 paise coin..and thats why the small size of the palette..and that makes it perfect to even carry anywhere.

But considering I use makeup ocassionally this is gonna last me a longggg longg time..

The seller buyincoins is indeed very good…accept only Paypal..and reply promptly too..I loved shopping with them and plus the super cheap rates and free shipping..I got this palette for 13$..

Will I buy again: Yes obviously…I will get the 88 color warm palette and the 15 color concealer palette..but not now…may be after some time…after I get used to this palette a bit..

Any other reccos ?

Oriflame Discover Phuket Exotic Paradise Body Scrub Review

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Oriflame Discover Phuket Exotic Paradise Body Scrub Review

I had bought this too with my other Oriflame purchases. Its a body scrub from their Discover Phuket range. Its gel like in texture with very small green beads i.e the jojoba esters in it for exfoliation.

What the Company claims: Get soft skin and enjoy the sparling zesty scent.

Directions for use : Apply on wet skin in circular movements and rinse.

MRP- Rs 349/- for 200 ml (I got it for Rs.198/-)

Ingredients: AQUA, SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE, GLYCERIN, POLYETHYLENE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE,ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, PARFUM, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, METHYLPARABEN,JOJOBA ESTERS, BENZOPHENONE-4, 2-BROMO-2-NITROPROPANE-1,3-DIOL, CI 77288, CI 19140, CI 42090

Pros:
1. I love the smell !! Its very exotic kind truly.
2. It exfoliates well. I felt the difference.
3. A little bit is needed and it foams a lot.
4. I liked the tube packaging.Handy..
5. Its perfect as a body scrub.

Cons:
1. Has SLS…please don’t use it on your face. Its not mentioned but I won’t recommend that as SLS washes away the moisture from your upper layer of skin…which is very thin on the face.
2. Price…if not on offer..349 is a bit steep for this.
3. May be a bit drying for dry skinned people.

Rating:

Quality: 3.5/5
Value for money: 3.5/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall rating-3.5/5

Would I buy it again- Yes may be when on an offer. I want to try the Sea Algae Scrub…I have heard thats even nicer..

Have you tried Oriflame scrubs ?

Dabur Vatika Fairness Face Pack Review

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Dabur Vatika Fairness Face Pack Review


I use this occasionally..maybe once or twice a month…actually pampering myself all depends on my mood :p
I am on my 2nd tube and I love it..It is a brownish red pure sandalwood color paste..and amazing sandalwood smell.

What the Company claims : Discover long lasting fairness from within. Experience the smooth touch of 3 minute skin, with a prized blend of natural ingredients that penetrate deep into your skin and make it fairer in a 3-step action.

  • Chandan, Milk and other ingredients remove dead cells.
  • Kesar and Mulethi enhance the complexion by altering the melanin formulation in the skin.
  • Haridra extracts and other Ayurvedic herbs give you a blemish-free fair skin.

MRP- Rs 50/- for 60 gm
Directions for use : Wash Face. Pat skin dry. Apply the Face Pack evenly on your face daily avoiding eyes and mouth. Let it dry. Wash it off and discover radiant long lasting fairness. Suitable for daily use.

Shelf life : 18 months from the date of manufacture.

Key Ingredients: Multani Mitti, Glycerin , Haldi. Chandan, Kesar, Lactic Acid, Mulethi, etc

Pros :
1. Easy to blend and use.
2. Love the sandalwood smell.
3. Skin glows after use and feels all soft and refreshed.
4. Does not dry the skin.
5. Economical at Rs.50/-
6. Travel friendly.
7. Tube form packaging.

Cons:
1. I am not sure about the fairness thing as it claims..though sandalwood helps in lightening the skin and scars.
2. Dry skinned ppl may need a moisturiser after using this if it is drying for them..I am fine without it too.

Overall rating- 4/5

Would I buy it again :  Yes..at this price and with this effect..I think its damn good.

Have you tried this ?

Nivea Fruity Shine Lip Balm v/s Lotus Herbals Lip Therapy

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I love tinted lip balms..and there is Nivea and Lotus which make good ones in India (Vaseline has come up with Rosy Glow in their tubes too..and that too at Rs.60 /- )…Nivea has the tube ones too in tinted which are Pinkish Boost, Glamorous Gloss,etc and the twisted tube one has 2 variations…the normal plain tinted i.e Star Fruit in Cherry and Strawberry and the Fruity Shine i.e the one with slight shimmer in Dragonfruit and Pomegranate.
Lotus comes in a tub in the flavors i.e Lotus lip balms in Strrawberry and Orange and the twisted tube i.e Lotus lip therapy in Cherry, Chocolate, Velvetty Rose, Fresh Mint, Vanilla and Cocoa.

I have Nivea Fruity Shine in Dragonfruit and Lotus Lip Therapy in Cherry. Dragon fruit is all pink with some shimmer..which is not that visible and has a fruity smell.Lotus Cherry is less tinted but goes on a sheer red on lips.

L- Lotus cherry R- Nivea dragonfruit

Coming to Nivea
What the Company claims : Nivea Fruity Shine Dragon Fruit SPF 10 Lip Balm

Do you want to explore a sensational scent and fruity shine? Experience the scent and taste of paradise! Enjoy Nivea Fruity Shine Dragonfruit leaving a touch of pinkish color on beautiful and gentle lips. This new formula combines rich almond oil, jojoba oil and shea butter to keep your lips as soft and fresh as they can be!

Suggested Use: Apply on lips when desired.

Ingredients: Polyisobutene, Octyldodecanol, Ricinus Communis Oil, Pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Candelilla Cera, Myristryl Myristate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Cera Microcristalina, Isopropyl palmitate, Synthetic Wax, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Polyglyceryl-3 Dilsostearate, Butyl Methyoxydibenzoylmethane, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Simmondsia, Chinensis Oil, Mangifera India Juice, Citrus Aurantifolia Juice, Tocopheryl Acetate, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Bisabolol Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Mica, Aqua, Neohesperidin Dihydrochalcone, BHT, Citric Acid, Trideceth-9, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium sorbate, Linalool, Limonene, Parfum, CI 15850, CI 77491, CI 778991, CI 45380, CI 77499

MRP : Rs.129 for 4.8 gm

Pros:
1. The Tint !!! I love the tint…and no lip balm gives as much tint as these Nivea babies..and it stays on whole day.
2. Easy to carry.
3. Availability
4. These Fruity Shine ones have SPF 10 but the Star Fruit ones do not mention SPF…only say UV protection.
5. The caps are large enough..no fear of losing.
6. Not that waxy but very smooth…with the right amount of tint and shimmer.

Cons:
1. The moisturisation is very low…the lip balm goes away just as you eat or drink anything leaving the tint behind.
2. Hardly does anything for very dry or chapped lips….cant be used in winters.

Overall rating: 3.5/5

And now the Lotus
What the Company claims : Rehydrates. Heals. Protects. Has SPF 15. The Lip Therapy’s highly active moisturising formula with high concentration of Shea and Kokum butter, helps to repair dry, cracked and chapped lips and protects them from the drying effect of cold, dry winds of winter, making them looks look healthier and smoother.

Directions for use : Apply liberally using the convenient roll on stick. Use twice during the day for smooth, supple and healthy lips.

Active ingredients:  Shea Butter, Kokum Butter & respective Fruit extracts

MRP- Rs 95 for 4 gm

Pros:
1. The moisturisation. It does what it claims..rehydrates and heals dry and chapped lips.
2. Perfect for the winters when lips need extra moisturisation.
3. Easy to carry.
4. Availability.
5. Has 6 flavors..and all are tinted except Chocolate which smells like chocolate but is plain and has no tint.
6. Has SPF 15.
7. No animal testing.

Cons:
1. They are waxy and not as tinted as Nivea.
2. Small caps..may tend to lose them.

Overall rating- 4/5

 So which one I would buy : Nivea for the tint and Lotus for the moisturisation..I think I would stick to Lotus for winters.

Which one do you like ? Have you tried both ?

Lacto Calamine Lotion Review- Classic and Aloe

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Lacto Calamine Lotion Review- Classic and Aloe


I have been using Lacto Calamine from the last 4-5 years and can easily say its my HG..it is one product I cant live without. I have three of these right now too :p
I have used both the Classic (normal to oily skin one) and Aloe Moisturiser (dry to normal skin one).I will state the ingredients and exact difference between both of them. It is a light pink lotion with medium consistency.

LC Classic :

What the Company claims : Skinsurance. Daily use formula with balanced Kaolin and Glycerin. The goodness of Clay and Glycerin gives your skin : 1. Nourishment 2.Acne and Oil Control 3. Dead skin removal 4. Protection. Apply everyday for clear,beautiful skin.

MRP : Rs. 32 for 30ml, Rs.52 for 60 ml and Rs.72 for 120 ml (Both have same prices)

Ingredients : Aqua, Light Kaolin, Castor oil, Glycerin, Zinc Oxide, Zinc Carbonate, emulsifiers, preservatives, perfume and permitted colors.

Directions : Shake well before use.

LC Aloe Moisturiser :

What the Company claims : Skinsurance. Daily use formula with Kaolin and Special Moisturisers. Discover Skinsurance for dry skin. 1. Moisturisation 2. Protection 3. Dead skin removal  4. Acne Control. Apply everyday for soft, clear skin.

MRP : same

Ingredients : Aqua, Light Kaolin, Sorbitol soln 70%, Propylene Glycol, glycerine, Aloe Vera gel, Castor oil, Zinc Oxide, Zinc Carbonate, Simethicone, emulsifiers, preservatives,perfume and permitted colors. (highlighted ingredients different from classic)

Directions : same

Pros:

1. Clay, Glycerin and Aloe all are beneficial for the skin.
2. Keeps oil and shine at bay and does reduce acne with regular use.
3. Is tinted..so can be used daily to even out skin.
4. Reduces redness and soothes skin.
5. Helps in burns, insect bites,etc
6. It does help in dead skin removal and nourishment..I use it regularly but skipped it during my exams as I had no time at all…and my skin had gone all haywire…and with its regular use again it came back to normal. I just swear by this. This is the best thing ever made for me :p
7. Helps with cleaning up any makeup mistakes..I just dab some LC on a Q tip and clean out any mess..whether eye liner,lip liner or smudgy kohl..this cleans it off lightly.
8. Expiry date is 5 years from the date of manufacture..its going to stay long even if you are not a regular user.
9. The small bottle is absolutely travel friendly..you can carry it around anywhere.
10.Economical at this price.

Cons :

1. It is not moisturising enough. It leaves the skin dry and in winters I need a moisturiser over this but in summers I am fine with this. But dry skinned people will obviously need a moisturiser over this.
2. I personally dint find any difference in the Classic and Aloe one except the ingredients.
3. Those who like a dewy effect on the skin would not like this as it gives a matte effect. (I love that :p)
4. If not shaken well…the liquid would separate and that would come out first as it has a wide opening.

Overall rating- 5/5

Would I buy it again- YES..forever and ever ..:D

Do you use LC ? Do you like it ?

Related posts:


Fab India Clove Acne Control Cream Review
Lakme Honey and Avocado Winter Perfect Day Lotion Review
Vaseline Intensive Care Total Moisture Lotion Review 
Garnier Body Cocoon Review 

Ponds Age Miracle Tinted Moisturiser Review

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Ponds Age Miracle Tinted Moisturiser Review

I have the shade 02 Sheer Rose in it. The other two shades are 01 Sheer Ivory and 03 Sheer Honey.

What the Company claims : Experience the dual power of anti-ageing skincare with a natural “no makeup” finish with our lightweight, tinted anti-ageing moisturizer. With super-fine colorspheres to even out your skin tone and the same active ingredients of one of our best anti-ageing moisturizer, Advanced CLA Complex + SPF 15 PA++ for that smooth, natural finish with a luminous radiant glow.

How to enjoy a naturally sheer finish with anti-ageing protection: Apply evenly over thoroughly cleansed face.

Anti Ageing Tinted Moisturizer
Visibly reduces the appearance of lines, wrinkles and pores
Conceals to minimize age spots
Gives a natural, “no makeup” finish
Available in 3 skin-blending shades(Sheer Ivory, Sheer Honey, Sheer Beige)

MRP- Rs.215/- for 30 ml

I don’t use a foundation. I just use this TM and finish it off with a pressed powder..and that is enough for me…evens out my skin tone and gives a nice look. I use my fingers to blend it in..one can also use a foundation brush for it…just take a pea sized amount and dot it on the face and blend it outwards using your fingers.

Pros :
1. Combines foundation and moisturiser. You need not use 2 separate products.
2. Has SPF 15 and protection from PA ++. So works as a sunscreen too for ppl who are fine with SPF 15.
3. Very small,cute, easy to carry bottle. Travel friendly.
4. Blends well..easy to use.
5. You just need a small pea sized amount..so a little goes a long way.
6. Gives light coverage and evens out skin tone.
7. An ideal daily wear option for working people.
8. I don’t have open pores problems but it has helped people with minimisation of pores a little bit.
9. Perfect for winters and people with dry skin.
10.Never broke me out..non comodogenic.
11.Stays well for 5-6 hours with a pressed powder..for humid climate.
12.Has a small nozzle at top..you can control the exact qty you want.

Cons:
1. Not suitable for people with oily skin as its a bit thick.
2. It wears off with sweat..so you need to set it with a pressed powder.
3. Very light coverage..those who need heavy coverage..its not for you..it wont hide blemishes or spots.
4. Only 3 shades and sheer rose and sheer ivory look very similar.

Overall rating- 4.5/5

Would I buy it again- Yes..for sure…I really like this.

Have you used this ? How would you compare this with the Biotique one those who have used both ?

Oriflame Visions V Dynamic Duo Eyeliner Pencil Review

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I had ordered this in the color Alladin and Yasmin (yup thats the name :p) which is a dark brown and light brownish bronze. Other colors available in this are :
Laurel and Hardy (Black and white)
Jekyll and Hyde (Light blue and black)
Batman and Robin (Light blue and grey)
Thelma and Louise (Black and off white)
Tom and Jerry (Lilac and sky blue)

What the Company claims : Make this double-ended pencil eyeliner your new best friend. This colour co-ordinated twosome promises mischievous lines that have no bounds, ready to tackle any shape or form.


MRP : Rs.169/- (Check out discounts and offers) for 14 gm.

Ingredients : HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL, HYDROGENATED PALM KERNEL GLYCERIDES, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, TALC, HYDROGENATED PALM GLYCERIDES, MICA, RHUS SUCCEDANEA CERA, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII BUTTER EXTRACT, LECITHIN, TOCOPHEROL, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, CITRIC ACID, CI 77499, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77891

Pros:
1. It glides on smoothly and does not tug.
2. You get two colors together.
3. It does not sting or irritate the eyes..not even the waterline.
4. Economical at this price.
5. Does not smudge and stays on for 3-4 hours.
6. Oriflame does not test on animals.

Cons:
1. The light colors hardly show up on eyes..how much ever you glide on..those colors wont show on eyes.
2. The color combinations are ok…I wanted more of green,dark blue,purple.etc

Check them out here

Overall rating- 3/5

Would I buy it again- No..I like dark colors that at least show up on eyes.

Have you used this ? And if yes.which one ? Did you like it ?