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.

A. M Amla Hair Soap Review

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A. M Amla Hair Soap Review

Ok..I know most of you might not be aware about this…I am using this from the last 6-7 years and everyone in my family uses this. I use this at first while washing hair…It foams amazingly well coz of the shikakai base and removes most of the oil and dirt..and follow it up with my shampoo..and that makes my hair washing super easy and fast.

A. M Amla Hair Soap Review

It is 100% hand made soap and free from animal fat. It is a black colored soap and it melts away easily in water. So you have to keep it away after using in a dry place so that it doesn’t melt.

MRP: Rs.20/- for 75 gms

There are no ingredients mentioned. But it says for black, long, soft hair and made from pure coconut oil and other ayurvedic ingredients.

Pros:

1. It is the best hair soap I have ever used. I have tried that famous shikakai soap long back..used that as a kid many a times.
2. It lathers well and removes all the oil..thus making my shampooing work easy.
3. I just need to shampoo once after using this even on oiled hair..and thus I save on shampoo too 😉
4. It is a steal at Rs.20 (It was 13 before, then 15 and now 20)
5. It is hand made and free from animal fat.
6. Never caused any hair fall or something and keeps my mane all nice and clean.

Cons:

1. It is a bit drying when used alone as its a soap..you have to use a shampoo after this.
2. It finishes up real fast but I don’t mind that at Rs. 20.
3. Availability might be a problem for some..though I get it at most of the local stores here.

Overall rating- 5/5

Would I buy it again- Yes I would..always…

Have you tried any Amla or Shikakai hair soaps ??

Oriflame Soothing Foot Cream Review

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Oriflame Soothing Foot Cream Review

I am not much into foot creams but when I saw this in the Oriflame catalog..I thought of giving it a try and I am happy I did..read on..

What the Company claims: With a unique blend of moisturisers, chamomile and primrose to soften and soothe. For best results, remove hard skin with the Footfile and massage into feet.

MRP – Rs. 198/- for 75 ml (I got it for Rs. 158/-)

Ingredients : AQUA, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, UREA, GLYCERIN, PARAFFINUM LIQUIDUM, SODIUM CETEARYL SULFATE, CETEARETH-12, DIMETHICONE, IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA, PARFUM, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, LIMONENE, HEXYL CINNAMAL, SORBITOL, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA EXTRACT, PRIMULA VULGARIS, LINALOOL

It is a white colored light cream with a pleasant minty smell. I apply it at night and leave them overnight..the feet are so soft and smooth to touch the next day. I do not have cracks but my mom has..she used it and found a lot of relief in her cracked heels too.

Pros:

1. It moisturises feet amazingly well and leaves them all soft to touch.
2. I love the minty smell.
3. Economical at 198 plus there are always discounts coming up every month..I would suggest to stock it up at a discount.
4. It heals cracked heels in about a week.
5. Fulfills what it claims.
6. Tube packaging which is hygienic.

Cons:

1. Availability..as for all Oriflame products..through consultants. They do have an online option. Check out the Oriflame India site.
2. If you apply a bit too much you would feel greasy and have to wait for it to sink in.
3. It has parabens.

Overall rating- 4/5

Would I buy it again- Yes..its a very nice foot cream…and I think everyone should try it atleast once.

Have you tried it ? Which is your favorite foot cream ?

Lakme Nail Color Remover Review

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I think everyone out there must have definitely used this..It claims to be with Vitamin E.

Directions for use : Dab onto cotton wool to wipe off nail color thoroughly yet gently.

MRP : Rs 49 for 27ml

No ingredients mentioned.

Pros :
1. Comes with a stopper so you can control the amount that comes out.
2. Has Vitamin E..it claims to..which is good for your nails.
3. Removes the nail paint easily..even 2-3 coats of it.
4. Available everywhere..even at the chemists.
4. Economical.
5. Easy to carry around.

Cons:
1. Like all removers leaves the nails a bit dry. I top my nails with my Jergens cream over the nails..and my nails  
    are fine.

Overall rating-3.5/5

Would I buy it again : Yes..but I even wanna try their new Spa line range nail color remover oil..which does not dry nails but the availability is a problem though.

Which nail color remover do you use ??

Jergens All Purpose Face Cream Review

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Jergens All Purpose Face Cream Review

Jergens has very good skin care range..their creams, body lotions are all very good and have rave reviews everywhere..I have tried the all purpose face cream and gonna try the body lotions next.

This is a thick light pink colored cream..with a texture like cold creams.

What the Company claims : Deep cleans your skin to remove makeup and dirt and provides a radiant, dewy base for makeup. Also softens and moisturises to help smooth skin and fight dryness.

Directions for use: Smooth generously over your face and throat. Remove with a tissue or leave on overnight.

MRP: Rs.220 for 425g

Ingredients : Mineral Oil, Water, Beeswax, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Sodium Borate, Fragrance, Isopropyl Myristate, Dmdm Hydantoin , Red 4

I got it from Alfa in Mumbai..you can try to find it any place which sell in wholesale or at chemists..

Pros:

1. It is the best cleanser I have ever used. And I have tried Lakme, Himalaya. Garnier, etc. It removes even the toughest of waterproof mascara. I just apply a layer of it n leave on for 5 mins and wipe the whole thing off. Its my HG cleanser.
2. It does not sting eyes at all. I have used it on lower lashline and even near the waterline.
3. It moisturises skin well and skin never feels dry even after using a face wash after this.
4. I use it for my dry elbows and knees or as a hand cream or foot cream too. It is very multi purpose.
5. Economical and cost effective. I got this hugee tub at 220/- which would stay for min 2 yrs.
6. No parabens or phenoxyethanol.
7. Boon for people with dry skin.
8. Has a nice smell.
9. Can also be used as a night cream.
10.Never broke me out.

Cons:

1. Comes in a tub so you have to dip your fingers in.
2. Oily to combination skin cannot use it on face…I do use it sometimes and especially in this chilly winters where skin is a bit dry.
3. One has to wait 2-3 mins for it to get absorbed completely.

Overall rating- 4/5

Would I buy it again- Yes yes..its my HG cleanser.. I would always buy it..this is going to last me 2 more years though..

Have you used this ? Do you like it ?

Colorbar Velvet Matte Lipstick Review, Swatches

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Colorbar Velvet Matte Lipstick Naked Pink Review, Swatches

Rakshanda wanted a review on this..so here it is..
Colorbar Velvet Matte Lipsticks come in 45 shades and there is one for every one..there are pinks, browns, nudes, mauves, burgundy,etc..all colors..

I have the one in 57P Naked Pink. Its a dark mauvey pink with a little earthiness to it..I think this shade would suit people with both fair and dusky complexion..it comes off different on different skin tones..for people with pink pigmented lips..its even an MLBB shade.

What the Company claims : For a rich lip colour with a creamy shine, the Velvett Matte Lipstick, available in 45 stunning shades infuse the lips with vibrancy. Its unique 2-in-1 formulation gives the lips a creamy, yet matte finish. A one of a kind product in India, it has super softening agents that give the lips a soft and supple appearance while keep them nourished with Vitamin E. Staying on up to 5 hours on application, the Velvett Matte Lipstick can be further accentuated with lip gloss and lip liner.

MRP- Rs. 225/- for 4.2 g (They were for Rs.200/- before)

Here is the swatch

And here it is on me..

Pros:

1. True to its claim..they are pretty long lasting..in fact they lasted the longest amongst all the lipsticks I have..They stayed for around 4-5 hours despite eating,drinking,everything..and they leave behind a tint.
2. The colors are very pretty.
3. They are a steal at Rs.225/-..pretty economical. (I got them for Rs. 180/-)
4. The ends have the same shade as the color..so easy to recognise if you have 2-3 of these.
5. They have a sweet smell…not too bothering.
6. They go on pretty smoothly…and have a somewhat matte finish.
7. 4.2 g is a good enough quantity.

Cons:

1. They are a bit drying as all matte lipsticks but wearing a lip balm underneath would help.
2. You have to top it off with a clear gloss if you like the glossy finish.
3. The shades online are pretty confusing and don’t match the color at all.
4. All the shades leave behind a pink tint..which is somewhat weird.

Overall these are quite value for money…and offer some amazing shades..surely recommended..

Rating:

Quality: 3.75/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall rating- 4/5

Would I buy it again- Yes..I am eyeing the Bare and Twig shades.

You can check out the shades here

You have the option to buy Colorbar USA online if you don’t get it at your place. I have heard people receive their orders within 2 weeks..check out their website for more.

So do you have this ? Plan to buy one ? Which shade ? 

Skin Care Haul

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Finally I found Khadi yesterday. There is a huge Khadi grih at the Khadi Lane ahead of VT station..I got a few things from there and some other daily winter essentials..
Here are they..

 
  

 I got Garnier Body Cocoon, Lotus sun safe spray in SPF 50, Ashwin’s Rose water, Vaseline Petroleum Jelly, Glycerine, Everyuth Golden Glow peel off..and some Khadi products..

 

Which are
Khadi Body Massage Oil with Kesar, Almond oil and Olive oil
Khadi Kesar peel off scrub gel
Khadi Mauri facewash and
Khadi Fresh Jasmine handmade soap.

Khadi has its own hits and misses. Not everything is good and the quality varies coz different things are manufactured at different places in India. I would review these after using..

Have you used any of these ? Do you like Khadi products ?

First FOTD- in Traditional Wear

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Yesterday I attended a wedding..and so I thought putting up pics here..I wore a green and red suit and here are the pics..

Products used :

Ponds TM, Street Wear Pressed powder, Lakme Desert Rose Trio Blush, Giordani Loose Powder Brush, Bourjois Khol and Contour Eye Pencil in Black, Colorbar I Glide in Jaded, Oriflame eyelash curler, Maybelline Colossal Volume Mascara, Colorbar Velvet Matte Lipstick in Naked Pink and Lakme star shine Gloss in No. 67 (Tropical Island Collection)

Ok..lets see a before pic- my total bare face and an after..

 

So what do you guys think ? Did you like it ?
All suggestions are welcome…they help me improve..:)

The Body Shop Bath Gloves Review and a Dupe

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The Body Shop Bath Gloves Review and a Dupe
I think the Body Shop Bath Gloves are the best thing ever made…they are simply awesome. And I know all my fellow bloggers wouldnt agree more..I am in love with them..And  they are my HG for body exfoliation.

As I had said earlier about the benefits of exfoliation that it helps remoce the dead skin cells from the skin’s topmost layer i.e the epidermis so that the new cells formed can form up the topmost layer.What the Company claims : Best if you want to remove dead skin cells and increase the lather of your body wash with exfoliating mitts.

Source

How it works:
Textured mitts are elasticized to stretch to fit any size hands.
Available in a variety of colors. (White, Yellow,Orange,Green,Pink,Off White,Lavender,etc)
Particularly for use on dry skin that needs intense exfoliation on a regular basis
Elasticated and woven nylon material – provides intense exfoliation.
An elasticated wrist band on each glove – stops the gloves from slipping off the hands during use.
A loop on each glove – enables you to hang them in your bathroom for ease.

Recommended use: Use the gloves two to three times a week for maximum effect. Pour a small amount of body wash onto gloves and rub in circular motion over body. Rinse after use and hang to dry. Regular exfoliation and massage can help to tone and firm skin. For extra exfoliation, use with one of The Body Shop® scrubs.

Instructions :  Pour a small amount of body wash onto the gloves and rub over the body in circular movements. (You need to wet the gloves before pouring body wash on it.)

Price : Rs 245/- for a pair. (Increased to Rs.395 now)

Pros:

1. It is the best for exfoliation and no loofah can beat this.
2. Lathers all body washes well.
3. Easy to use.
4. Fits all sizes of hands coz of its elasticity
5. Shrinks back to its own size after drying.
6. Long lasting. I am using it from 6 months and they still have the same effect.I think you can change them after a year for hygiene purposes.
7. I have them in PINK..!!
8. I also use them lightly on my nose for exfoliation and it works fine but be gentle.
9. Leaves my skin super duper soft and smooth even with using it twice a week.
10.Lightened my dark elbows a bit.(I am habituated to keep elbows on the table from the start 🙁 )
11.Reduces bathing time to half as this hardly takes only 10 mins.

Cons:

1. They are a bit rough and abrasive at the start for 3-4 washes but then the texture is perfect and fine enough for exfoliation.

Overall rating- 5/5

Would I buy this again : Yes..forever..they are full value for money..!!

P.S : There is a similar product in the market called Fenny Bath Gloves and those are for Rs 110/-. I dunno about the quality but they look exactly similar. Check them at Suma’s blog here

Have you used these ? Do you like them or should I say love them ?? 

Update: These need to be changed after 7-8 months as they loose their elasticity later.

Oriflame Coconut and Rice Milk Nourishing Shampoo Review

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Oriflame Coconut and Rice Milk Nourishing Shampoo Review

Let me share with you all my experience with  this shampoo which sounds very good !!
When I first saw this shampoo in the catalog along with the other two shampoos..i.e Cotton and Wild rose Protecting and White Nettle and Papaya Anti Dandruff 2 in 1 Shampoo plus Conditioner. I loved the way it was described and it sounded too good. So I ordered it and then what happened read on…
What does the Company claim : Inspire your dry hair with a lavish, indulgent shampoo with exquisite natural extracts of coconut oil and rice milk to hydrate, nurture and condition.
A mild and gentle shampoo to effectively cleanse and nourish hair.
Directions for use : Apply to wet hair, massage into a rich lather and rinse.
Price: Rs.99 for 100 ml and Rs 159 for 200 ml. (I got it for Rs 79)

Ingredients :  AQUA, SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, GLYCOL DISTEARATE, LAURETH-4, PARFUM, SODIUM CITRATE, POLYQUATERNIUM-7, GLYCERIN, 2-BROMO-2-NITROPROPANE-1,3-DIOL, COCOS NUCIFERA, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, SINE ADIPE LAC, TRIDECETH-9, ORYZA SATIVA BRAN EXTRACT

It is white in color and is runny. It has a very unpleasant strong coconuty smell.
Cons :


1.The smell !! It has a very strong coconut smell which is similar to a cheap coconut toffee…may be similar to that small red kismi toffee :p
2. It does not lather.
3. It does not remove oil.
4. t did nothing to my hair except giving it a limp feeling.
5. Has SLS and loads of other chemicals.
Pros :


1.   The bottle is good with a tight enough flip cap. I would re-use this to store something else while travelling.
2.    Its expiry is 3 years from the date of manufacture..i would probably use this for pedicure or something  :p
Rating- 1/5
Would I buy it again –Noooo…Never !!!

Vaseline Intensive Care Total Moisture Lotion Review

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Vaseline Total Moisture Lotion claims to be for dry skin and containing soya and oat extracts and Vitamin E.
It is a light white colored lotion and medium in consistency. It has a light smell but leaves behind a perfume type scent.

What the Company claims : Feed your skin with essential nutrients to keep it healthy. Non greasy formula nourishes your skin and leaves it feeling silky soft and smooth. Enriched with protein from Soya and Oat extracts and Vitamin E known to make skin healthy. Get soft,smooth,healthy,nourished skin everyday !

MRP –  20ml @ Rs. 6/-, 40ml @ Rs. 22/-, 100ml @ Rs. 49/-, 300ml @ Rs. 119/-

Directions for use – Apply daily all over the body.

Key Ingredients : Water, Stearic Acid, Glycerine, Petroleum jelly, Vitamin E Acetate.

Pros :
1. Comes in various sizes..so easy to get a smaller one and try and also travel friendly.
2. Spreads easily on hands and legs and moisturises well.
3. Gets easily absorbed and does not give a greasy feeling.
4. Keeps skin moisturised whole day.
5. I kinda trust Vaseline as a brand and especially for winters. All the products so far have worked for me.

Cons :
1. Smells ok.
2. Only key ingredients mentioned.
3. They have increased prices marginally from last year.
4. As the lotion reaches the end,one has to wait for it to come out which takes a lot of time. I store the bottle upside down for that.
5. It is meant for dry skin but I think it would suit normal to combination more as dry skin needs extra moisturisation the Vaseline Cocoa Butter Deep Moisturisation would work better for them I feel.
6. Does not contain SPF.

I also like the Healthy White Lotion and that does help keep tan at bay and lighten the skin 1 shade if not more.

Overall rating- 3.5/5

Would I buy it again- Yes either this or Healthy White…I like both.

P.S : There is a contest going on for this if you have seen the ad. If you buy the 100 ml or 300 ml pack and sms or mail your 24 hour amazing skin story in 200 words with the UCN code, you stand a chance to win a trip to paris for two, laptops, i pod shuffles or talktime worth 2000/-. Check it out here
No,I have not written. I am not good at writing stories and all :p

So have you used this ? Which lotion you using for winters ?

Related posts: 

Lakme Honey and Avocado Winter Perfect Day Lotion Review 
Garnier Body Cocoon Review 
Garnier Light Daily Moisturising Lotion Review 
Himani Boroplus Advanced Moisturising Lotion Review 
Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser Review