Category Archives: Reviews

Food Review: The Salad Bar & Walnut Cafe, Indian Food Blogger

Food Review: The Salad Bar & Walnut Cafe

Food Review: The Salad Bar & Walnut Cafe

The Salad Bar and Walnut Cafe is a new place near Vashi station, opp. Four Points by Sheraton. There are no salad places as such in Navi Mumbai and only 1-2 in Mumbai, so The Salad bar is a refreshing change indeed.

The ambiance is simple and nice, I liked how they used jars for lighting, etc., for decorating the place. They play good music too.

Coming to the food, we ordered the Legends of Greece,Mediterranean Chick Pea Salad and Cottage Cheese Salad.The Cottage Cheese Salad had paneer in tikka masala which was yumm, red wine vinaigrette dressing went well, it was slightly over spiced and had quite a lot of Cucumber pieces.

Legends of Greece was a nice,basic salad with oregano vinaigrette dressing. But being it a greek salad, I was expecting much more feta cheese.

The Mediterranean Chick Pea was my favourite! Light and creamy tahini yogurt dressing and perfect blend of ingredients.

Hubby tried the Detox juice (which was too much of beet) and I went with simple Lemon Iced Tea. Lemon Iced tea was nice and refreshing with mint sprigs on top.

We tried  the Pasta Creamy Tomato and the Oreo Milkshake from the Walnut Cafe Menu. Absolutely loved the pasta, perfect olive oil and parmesan cheese drizzling. Creamy and cheesy sauce with a nice blend of tomato and cheese,as mentioned. And the garlic bread were slightly grilled too. Highly recommend trying this!

Oreo milkshake was kind of OK, too creamy for my liking. I had to remove quite a lot of cream from it, it was a tad bit sweet as I prefer less sweet.

Overall, I would say its a nice place to chill and have some yummy salads, or wraps, sandwiches, pastas and chocolate milkshakes.

If you love salads and stay at Navi Mumbai, then you know where to head this weekend!

P.S: This review is a part of #NaviMumbaiFoodies #FoodTrail. You can follow them on twitter or Instagram.

L’Oreal Paris Cannes Collection Glamorous Gloss,Marvellous Matte Look

L’Oreal Paris Cannes Collection Glamorous Gloss,Marvellous Matte Look

Hey guys,

If you have been following me on my twitter or Instagram, you know I had attended the L’Oreal Paris Cannes Press Con Red Carpet where 6 winners each from Team Glamorous Gloss (headed by Katrina Kaif) and Team Marvellous Matte (headed by Sonam Kapoor)  walked the red carpet with their respective team heads i.e. Sonam and Katrina.

Bloggers were also invited for a photo shoot with the stars and divided into Team Gloss and Team Matte. I was in Team Gloss.

We were sent the L’Oreal Paris Exclusive Cannes Collection a day prior and we had to create a gloss/matte look (whichever team we are in) from the collection. I got 3 L’Oreal Paris Color Riche L’Extraordinaire in 201 Rose Symphony, 202 Coral Encore and 400 Plum Quartet, L’Oreal Paris Super Liner Gel Intenza in Sapphire Blue, 1 L’Oreal Paris Moist Mat Lipstick in Spring Rosette and 2 Limited Edition Special Cannes Collection Swarovski crystals studded L’Oreal Paris Moist Mat Lipsticks in Raspberry Syrup and Arabian Night.

I was in Team Gloss, so I went with super glossy lips of course and L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Extraordinaire helped me achieve that look. Its a super glossy liquid lipstick. There are also three shades of gel liners in the Cannes Collection- L’Oreal Paris Super Liner Gel Intenza 36H in Diamond Black,Royal Blue and Sapphire Blue. Royal Blue is a gorgeous deep blue, I would have loved to try that. I got the Sapphire Blue shade which is a deep bluish black..looks more black on the eyes. But the texture and quality of these gel liners are beyond amazing. They come with a brush and I got a smooth flick with just one dip of the brush! Beat that! It is super pigmented and goes smoothly all at once. I loved their previous basic black and brown 24H gel liners too (Check the review of the Brown one HERE)

The Cannes collection includes all the existing L’Oreal Paris Moist Mat Lipsticks and some they have launched in a new revamped Swarovski studded packaging..looks so pretty! The real Swarovski crystals on the top and bottom of the cap and then it comes with a velvet cover to protect those crystals.

LE Cannes Collection Swarovski Studded Moist Mat

I got the shade Raspberry Syrup and Arabian Nights in this new packaging and the shade Spring Rosette in the old packaging.

I showed you guys the outfit I wore to the red carpet in my previous OOTD HERE. Let’s take a closer look at the glossy makeup.

Glamorous Gloss Look
Glamorous Gloss Look

I used the L’Oreal Paris Super Liner Gel Intenza in Sapphire Blue on my upper and lower lash line..winged it a bit on the top. And for the lips, I went with L’Oreal Paris Moist Mat Lipstick in Raspberry Syrup as the base and the L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Extraordinaire in Rose Symphony on top.

Products I used for the Glamorous Gloss Look

I did not get a chance to click pics with Sonam or Katrina as they arrived late and my back had started paining by then, so I had to leave sooner.

Marvellous Matte Look

I also tried a matte look the other day..went with Sapphire Blue gel liner again but only on the lower lash line, on upper lashline normal black liner with a slight wing and the L’Oreal Paris Moist Mat Lipstick in Spring Rosette. I am so in love with this shade, my current staple and always in my bag!

Which look did you like more? Are you Team Gloss or Team Matte? Any personal favourite from the L’Oreal Paris Cannes collection? Something you want me to review first? Let me know everything in the comments below 😀

Za True White Emulsion Review

Za True White Emulsion Review

What the Company claims: This feather-light, non-oily emulsion easily permeates into the skin to give translucency, brightness, even-tone while replenishing moisture levels for an incredibly soft and smooth skin

MRP: Rs.899/- for 125 ml

Ingredients: 4MSK, Vitamin C derivatives (AMP and VC-IP), Prism Enhancer, SPA Ingredients: Trehalose, Natural Spring Water, White Lily Extract

All Ingredients:

How to use the product: Smooth an appropriate amount over face with hand or cotton pad after toner.
Slowly apply the emulsion from the centre of the face outwards.

It comes in a slender,sleek bottle with the signature Za curve packaging . It has a nice,easy dispensor,so you just dab the bottle and you get the product. Dab it as many times for the required quantity.

It is very very light and serum like in texture..you know how serums and emulsions are light and water based. But when it comes to moisturisation, it hydrates your skin like nothing else! You just need one single dab of product for entire face and I usually end up taking more, as we take in a cream, but that always ends up being too much and I use the remaining on my hands.

It has been my staple for summers since it is very light and not at all heavy on the skin. But it takes some time to get absorbed completely into the skin.

I definitely recommend it for summers, especially for oily skin. Dry skin might need an additional cream but in winters, for summers, this is perfect for dry skin too.

And considering the quantity you need,this bottle is going to last you really, really long!

Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 3.75/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

Have you tried the Za True White Emulsion? 

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

Illamasqua Glamore Lipstick in Rockabilly Review,Swatches

Illamasqua Glamore Lipstick in Rockabilly Review,Swatches

Remember my previous Illamasqua Glamore Lipsticks in Glissade and Soaked. (See HERE)

Illamasqua added more shades to their Glamore Collection.

What the Company claims: Glamore Lipstick  is a colour intense lipstick with a long lasting satin finish. Ideal for a more hydrated comfort finish. Can be worn under a sheer lip-gloss for more 3D Effect.

MRP: £18.50 for 4g/0.14 OZ. (Approx. Rs.1800/-) (Buy HERE)

Hydrated colour intense lipstick with a long lasting finish.

Key Benefits:

1. Colour Intense
2. Contains moisturising Vitamin E
3. Comfort

Application: Apply directly or use a lip brush.

INGREDIENTS: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Candelilla Cera (Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Cire de Candelilla), Glyceryl Ricinoleate, Oleyl Alcohol, Cera Carnauba (Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax), Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax, Cire Microcristalline), Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil, Huile Minérale), Cetyl Alcohol, Cera Alba (Beeswax, Cire d’abeille), Tocopherol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Parfum (Fragrance), Red 22 Lake (CI 45380), Titanium Dioxide(CI 77891), Yellow 6 Lake (CI 15985), Red 36 (CI 12085), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Carmine (CI 75470)

Made in Germany

Illamasqua lipsticks come in standard black packaging. With the Glamore Collection, they introduced these satin finish, non drying formula.

I absolutely love the shade Glissade and now the new favourite is Rockabilly. These are super pigmented and long staying. They stay for around 6-7 hours.

Feels super light on lips and the finish as described satin, is not completely matte, but pretty comfortable and hydrating. It goes on glossy and settles for a more matte look in an hour.

Rockabilly is described as a cherry red, it is indeed a cool toned pink based cherry red but very wearable and not over bright, though it looks more pink in the bullet in bright light here.

T- 1 swipe, B- 3 swipes

Here is it on me..

Overall, I would say the Illamasqua Glamore Lipsticks are a must have! These are super pigmented,long staying,light,comfortable and have a nice range of shades. Only issues are pricing which is a bit high and the availability.

Rating:

Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money: 3.75/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall Rating: 3.75/5

Would I buy it again: Yes !

Have you tried Illamasqua Glamore Lipsticks? Which is your favorite ?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Firming Lotion Review

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Firming Lotion Review

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Firming Lotion’, a powerful combination of Cocoa Butter, Collagen, Elastin and Shea Butter that firms and tones whilst improving the skin’s elasticity. This unique formula is specifically designed to restore your body to its natural, original firmness after weight loss or pregnancy .

Moreover, Palmer’s Firming Butter moisturizes & smoothes skin, reduces the appearance of stretch marks and helps promote youthful-looking skin.

Oozing a lush chocolate caramel fragrance, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter is a natural, non-greasy, intensive formulation that comes packed with active ingredients like pure Cocoa and Shea Butter to replenish moisture loss in the skin, Collagen to firm and tone, Elastin to give your skin the suppleness and elasticity it needs to stretch without tearing, Vitamin E for all over goodness and the newest antioxidant in the market today – Coenzyme Q10 – to help free radicals and stimulate the skin’s cell for achieving a more toned and smoother appearance.

Unlike other firming butter lotions, it contains very less amount of water which keeps the skin hydrated and allows your skin to breathe without blocking the pores of your skin. Moreover, it also helps in improving the appearance of scars and marks within 6 weeks of its application.

Palmer’s Firming Butter is dermatologist tested; contains no irritating essential oils and is Paraben and Phthalate free.

MRP: Rs.520/- for 315ml

Ingredients:

I started using this Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Firming Lotion when I was on bed rest for about 1.5 months. It was important for me to atleast try and tone my skin as much as I could, when I was immobile and not allowed to move at all, as muscles were not at all being used and went loose.

Also when you loose weight, the fat is quite loose and not at all firm or toned. Cellulite issue is also very common amongst women, especially on the thighs.

I love cocoa butter and lotions containing cocoa butter and shea butter, they are perfect for moisturizing dry skin. Coming to this Palmer’s Lotion, I love the pump packaging. It is very convenient and easy to use, though not travel friendly. There would be smaller sizes available which would be suitable for travel.

It smells amazing…the warm caramel cocoa smell is out of this world. I love how hydrating it is, also this huge bottle lasts really long! It is very light in texture. Skin does feel a bit firm and it did not loosen with the muscles. Also it is very smooth and soft and I did not have to reapply the lotion even in winters. I can’t say the skin was completely firmed or toned as it takes a lot of time to show results.

Overall, I would say, I loved the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Firming Lotion. I love Palmer’s products in general and they have never disappointed me. This is now an addition to my favourites list.

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Have you tried the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Firming Lotion? 

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

Avene New Dry Touch Emulsion Sunscreen SPF50+ Review

Avene New Dry Touch Emulsion Sunscreen SPF50+ Review

What the Company claims: The unique Dry Touch Experience

Squeeze the Emulsion from the specially created air-free tube… you’ll feel the difference in the texture as soon as it’s on your skin. The lightweight formula sits easily even when liberally applied (as it should be, for the best and most complete protection) and lets your skin breathe easily too. It’s transparent on application, so you won’t have that unnatural white cast or spots. Moisturising yet non-sticky, it offers a mattifying effect so your skin appears natural and nourished.

What makes Avène New Dry Touch Emulsion so special?

Has a very high SPF of 50+
Paraben free, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic
Stays for a long time
Prevents skin damage
Soothes skin because of the presence of thermal spring water

MRP: Rs.1250/- for 50ml

Ingredients:

So Avene has reformulated and relaunched their sunscreen and made it ‘Dry Touch’ means non-sticky and non-greasy.

It looks like a tube packaging but it has a pump dispensor with a cap. Its white in color and creamy in texture, goes on smooth and blends on the skin, even if you take a little more quantity. Feels light on the skin, no greasiness indeed. It has a mattifying effect.

The most surprising thing was no white cast even though its SPF50+. I like the fact that it offers such high protection. And it is completely non-sticky which is rare in sunscreens. Paraben-free too and non-comedogenic so oily skin can also use it, without the fear of breaking out.

I would suggest re-applying it every 3-4 hours though if you are going to be out in the sun whole day. Also this is water resistant, so good for swimmers too.

I quite like it, only issue being,it is quite pricey, for you need a good amount for liberal application when it comes to sunscreen. Dry skin might need additional moisture but oily skin can skip the additional moisture. The thermal spring water, being one of the ingredients, will also soothe the skin.

Overall, I would say its quite nice as a sunscreen and I do recommend it. It does what it claims! Especially if you have sensitive skin or sunscreens don’t somehow work for you,give this a try.

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Have you tried the new Avene New Dry Touch Emulsion Sunscreen SPF50+? Which is your favourite sunscreen currently?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

April 2015 My Envy Box Review

April 2015 My Envy Box Review

Hey guys,

I am late in reviewing the April My Envy Box but here it is..

Read more about My Envy Box HERE and check out all the previous reviews HERE.

This time they have changed a few things in the box. Its a peach colored box, usually they have a pouch in which all the products are, this time there was no pouch and the products were all separate within the box. Also there was only one card this time with information of all 5 products unlike 5 different cards for each, which is good.

MRP: Rs.850/-

Lets take a look at what all I received in the April My Envy Box:

  • Za True White Exfoliating Clay– A deluxe sample of 30g which is quite good (Full Size Rs.399/- for 100g)
  • Catrice Longlasting Lip Pencil in Prince Cherry- Full size (Rs.300/-)
  • Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream 1.5ml small vial (Rs.5700/- for 100ml)
  • Kama Ayurveda Rejuvenating and Brightening Ayurvedic Night Cream– 2 small jars. I guess they are 5-6g each. (Full size Rs.1195/- for 50g)
  • Avene VHP Dry Touch Emulsion SPF50+ 5ml (Rs.1250/- for 50ml)

I love the products this time, a full sized makeup product is a perfect addition. The Catrice lip pencil is a very pretty red and would work with so many of my red lipsticks. I like Kama Ayurveda products and looking forward to trying out the night cream which I am glad comes in 2 jars and is a good quantity. The Za True White Exfoliating Clay is a new launch and is exclusively a part of My Envy Box, so again something new to try.

I am already using the Avene Dry Touch Emulsion and love it, so this would go into my travel bag, useful for a 1-2 day short trip. And the Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream smells like a dream indeed, fresh and floral but a bit light though for my taste.

Overall, I am quite happy with this month’s My Envy Box. I hope they continue with this, coz I see such good boxes only once in 3-4 months and not every month unfortunately 🙁

You can request an invite for My Envy Box HERE

Did you like April My Envy Box?

Za True White Liquid Foundation Review,Swatches

Za True White Liquid Foundation Review,Swatches

What the Company claims: Spotless Brightening Powder and Poreless Powder create Pearly White Skin. Contains Vitamins C & E derivatives, minerals and hyaluronic acid for skincare. Its base formula leaves skin feeling satiny, smooth and bright.

SPF25 PA++

MRP: Rs.950/- for 30ml

Shades Available: 6 (OC00,OC0W,OC10,OC20,OC30 for yellow skin tones and PO10 for pink skin tones)

Ingredients:

I have the shade OC30 which is the lightest in the range and yet slightly lighter for me, still better since I have been at home since the past 3 months and not tanned at all. But I doubt these shades would work for majority Indian skin tones.

It comes in a sleek, curvy glass bottle and has a steel cap. It has a white pump inside which helps dispense the perfect quantity of product. I quite like the packaging.

The liquid foundation is very thin and runny..so don’t be surprised and also pump bit by bit when you dispense the product.

I love its water based texture and the super light consistency. I have never come across a foundation that is so light on the skin. It feels weightless and spreads  and blends easily.

Coverage wise, it offers medium coverage though buildable. You can layer for more better coverage. But if you expecting coverage of spots or acne scars with this, it won’t help. You will need to use a separate concealer for those. I like using it for daily use coz of its super light consistency and I do not like heavy coverage for daily use, so this fits the bill perfectly. Also it offers a nice,dewy finish which I love. But if you have oily skin, you will need to use a powder over this. In summers, one would need to use a powder with this,especially for T-zone. It stays on for 7-8 hours in winters and around 5-6 hours in the current,humid summers.

You do not need a lot of quantity of it and it will last you pretty long. So the price tag is kind of ok.

Here is it on me..with no concealer or powder but just the foundation.

Overall, I would say it is perfect for dry skin and skin which does not need too much coverage. If you like light texture and dewy finish, you will love this. Oily skin would need a powder alongwith. Only downside is number of shades offered and no dark shades at all.

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Have you tried the Za True White Liquid Foundation?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

The Nine to 9 April Fab Bag Review

The Nine to 9 April Fab Bag Review

Hey guys,

This month’s Fab Bag is a nice nine to 9 office from day to night look kind of concept. Something which you can keep in your office bag or drawer. Its a leopard print black and white bag.

MRP: Rs.599/- per month (Offers on 6 months and 12 months subscription. Go HERE)

Read my previous March Fab Bag Review HERE.

What do we have in the bag:

  •  Malavara Shower Gel (Rs.300) and Body Lotion (Rs.390/-) in Lime Vetiver- 60ml each
  • City Color Blush Quad in the Shade Coral (Full size)- Rs.500/-
  • Denman Hair Brush – Rs.475/-
  • Chambor Body Mist in Tender Tuberose (10ml)- Rs.595/- for 200ml

My most favourite product out of all these was the Blush Quad in Coral which is a gorgeous mix of peach,pink and beige. How pretty does it look!

I also loved the Denman brush, I thought it might not be that good since it does not have cushion or padding at the base, but it is pretty decent. I would have loved it if it would have been foldable.

The Lime-Vetiver Shower Gel and Body Lotion Duo by Malvara smells really good and is perfect for carrying in your office bag or while you are travelling.

Coming to the Chambor Body Mist, it had all leaked when I got it, so I remain with just 2-3 ml of the product. It smells good and thankfully it was in bubble wrap, so has not leaked out in the bag or mixed with other products.

Overall I would say this month’s bag is totally worth it! The blush quad and hair brush are total value for money. Can’t wait for the May Fab Bag already 😀 These guys are getting better and better each day with the concepts, bags and kind of products. Its a pleasure to receive a bag and unveil it every month and then finding such useful and value for money products worth every penny of the bag!

Have you tried the Fab Bag yet? What did you get in your April Fab Bag?

Maybelline Rebel Bouquet Lipsticks Review,Swatches

Maybelline Rebel Bouquet Lipsticks Review,Swatches

Hey guys, I went to the Maybelline Rebel Bouquet Collection Launch on the 16th and we got a few samples to try out. As you know, I am most excited about the lipsticks always 😀 I have been trying these out since 2 days and here is the review.

They are called Rebel Bloom in the US and Rebel Bouquet in the UK same as here in India. The collection is more about pastels but not many shades would suit the Indian skintones, so Maybelline India has selected the shades that would suit the Indian skin tones and only launched those.

What the Company claims: Color Sensational presents the NEW Rebel Bouquet collection. A burst of rebellious colour!

Why You’ll Love It
Super-saturated pigments give fresh-picked pastels a bright kick. Sumptuous feel and enriched with honey nectar. 6 vivacious shades.

MRP: Rs.450/- for 3.9g

Shades Available: 6 (Sadly they are named REB01 to REB06, while the ones in US have pretty names. Maybelline why you no name lipsticks? :/)

I am reviewing the shades REB01 and REB05.

It comes in the normal ColorSensational square packaging with a transaparent red cap. The labels behind are red and coral according to the shades.

It is super creamy and soft in texture and melts in contact with the skin. It has a glossy,mirror finish which will give a bit of plumping effect to your lips.

I have turned into a matte lips fan recently, and these are into the glossy category. I wish they were matte :p They are quite pigmented but you do need to go over twice for a smooth and fully opaque coverage. Also since these are very creamy, they tend to bleed and you will have to be careful while applying. But once applied, they settle after some time and then stay put.

L- REB05, R- REB01

These are not transfer proof and you will need to reapply if you are eating or drinking,can survive tea and light snacks though. But otherwise, they stay for 4-5 hours (REB05 Peach stays for 3-4 hours) and also leave behind a pretty stain which stays for sometime.

T- REB01, B- REB05

You do not need any lip balm with these, since these are super moisturising. The honey nectar takes care of your lips.

REB05 is a peachy coral shade

REB01 is an apple red shade with some very fine shimmer

And here are these on moi..

L- REB05, R- REB01

These are reasonably priced at Rs.450, though the ColorSensational ones are priced at Rs.400 and the Bold Matte at Rs.425. A 5-6% price increase is still ok, unlike the brands these days who have increased prices 30-40% for their new launches.

Overall, I would say these are glossy and moisturising texture wise, but are not transfer proof. Also, these might bleed and need a bit of careful application, but once settled, they stay put well. I loved the peachy coral REB05 and can’t wait to check out the other 4 shades. Recommended!

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Are you excited about the New Maybelline Rebel Bouquet Lipsticks? Which shade did you like?

P.S: Gifted by Brand