Himalaya Purifying Neem Scrub Review

What the Company claims:
Himalaya’s Purifying Neem Scrub removes impurities and dead skin cells. It also removes excess oil from the skin’s surface, which is the root cause of acne.
The scrub is blended with the goodness of Neem, which clears blackheads and acne, and Apricot, which hydrates the skin. The natural ingredients cleanse, nourish and moisturize your skin to make it soft, fresh and radiant.

Indications: Suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.

Ingredients Include: Azadirachta indica (Neem, Nimba),Prunus armeniaca(Apricot, Urumana)

Use Directions: Apply in a circular motion on the face and neck. Rinse with water and pat dry. Use at least once a week for clear, acne-free skin.  For best results also use Purifying Neem Face wash and Purifying Neem Pack.

Our product is dermatologically-tested, noncomedogenic and hypoallergenic.

MRP: Rs.65/- for 50g

Its a light green colored creamy scrub and has minute green and brown granules..its not harsh and perfect for sensitive and acne prone skin..comes in a flip cap packaging and has a little artificial smell.

Pros:

1. Its not harsh and ideal for people with sensitive skin.
2. Can be used daily..would not harm.
3. Did not break me put or cause any other issue.
4. Economically priced.
5. Easy to carry around.
6. Easily available everywhere and you can also buy it online here
7. Though it has flip cap packaging it closes properly and does not remain open unlike a few flip cap tubes.
8. Does not dry out skin after use..and does leave you refreshed.

Cons:

1. Has parabens.
2. People who prefer a little more exfoliation would not like it much.
3. I do not think it helps with blackheads as claimed.

Overall its quite nice..for daily use..and for people with sensitive and acne prone skin…and as its small and handy..you can carry this small tube with you travelling or on your vacations.

Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 4/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

P.S: Product sent by brand for review but it has not affected my opinion.

Lotus Herbals Sun Block Cream SPF 20 Review

What the Company claims: Made with extracts of berry and natural sun screen agents, this cream effectively blocks the UVA & UVB rays of the sun and helps preserve the youthfulness of your skin. Good for protection from direct exposure to sun for shorter period. Good for all parts of the body, reapply frequently.

Directions for use : Apply cream liberally and evenly on face and exposed parts of body before exposure to sun. Cream will not get washed/wiped with water/sweat.

Active Ingredients: Contains berry extracts, octyle methoxy cinnamate, menthyl anthranilate and titanium dioxide.

MRP: Rs. 110/- for 60g

Its called the Berry Breeze Cream coz its pink and has berry extracts in Ingredients and also has that berry smell..its PA+ and has UVA and UVB barriers too alongwith SPF 20. It claims to be sweat proof and water resistant and suitable for all skin types. Its a thick pink colored cream and does get absorbed into the skin.

Pros:

1. Though its thick..its not greasy and gets absorbed easily.
2. Like the berry smell.
3. Sweat proof and water proof..stays well for quite a few hours after which needs to be reapplied.
4. It did not sweat me out or sit on the skin like you have applied a layer of sunscreen.
5. Economical.
6. Travel friendly..easy to carry tube packaging.
7. No whitish cast issued with it.

Cons:

1. Has only SPF 20 which is obviously less for sunny days.
2. May be a little thick for oily skinned or they may not like it.
3. Has parabens.

Overall its quite decent and nice..Lotus Sunscreens have never failed for me yet..I love the SPF 50 spray and its like my HG..and this is also basically a sun block and sweat and water proof too…nice for normal,combination or dry skin.

Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 4/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

Have you tried Lotus Sunscreens? Which one is your favorite?

Duchess Marden Products Review-1

I am sorry for not posting day before yesterday..I was and am still a little upset and angry over the bomb blasts in Mumbai..and yest had some internet issues..

Ok..coming back to the review..I got a few samples of Duchess Marden products to review..I will do that in 2 parts as I do not want to make it too big.

I am reviewing the Cleansers,masque and enzyme exfoliant in here..

Duchess Marden Foaming Cleanser

Benefits:
Removes makeup and impurities gently, yet thoroughly with mild plant-derived surfactants
Replenishes moisture to dry and damaged skin
Stimulates collagen rebuilding to protect skin’s elasticity
Regenerates damaged tissue
Deeply moisturizes, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles
Rose oils impart calming and soothing properties
Free of petrochemicals, parabens and chemical preservatives

It has that rose oil smell which is a signature fragrance for Duchess Marden..its a transparent gel..foams well..and cleans basic makeup,dirt and skin nicely..does not leave the skin dry or stretchy..quite liked it..

Duchess Marden Creme Cleanser

Benefits:

Same benefits as above

Its a normal white cleanser with an oily kinda smell..removes makeup well..did not irritate or sting eyes..did not dry out skin..overall nice..

Duchess Marden Enzyme Exfoliant

Benefits:

Deeply cleanses and gently exfoliates
Improves skin’s texture
Smoothes fine lines and promotes healthy cell growth and increased circulation
Reduces the appearance of aging by nourishing with powerful antioxidants
Non-abrasive, non-drying, non-irritating
Calming and soothing
Provides a supple, healthy glow to skin

It looks like a normal white lotion but has very minute small grainy exfoliators in it..it works nicely..as claimed its non abrasive non drying non irritating..I guess would work nicely for ppl with sensitive skin..and would not for ppl who like more exfoliation..

Duchess Marden Hydrating Masque

Benefits:

Improves water retention and absorption with ingredients such as Cassia Angustifolia
Palmaria Palmate acts to brighten skin by reducing melanin and pigmentation
Deeply hydrating formula that imparts minerals, nutrients and anti-oxidants

Its a normal transparent thick gel with rose water fragrance and looks different for a mask..quite unique..I apply this all over and keep it for 20-25 minutes and then wash off..skin does feel soft and supple and hydrated..overall its quite nice..

Would do Part-2 of it later.. See more here

P.S: Product sent by brand for review but it has not affected my opinion.

Divine Vanilla Patchouli Soap Review

I had received this from Meg of Beaute Naturelle along with some other samples..

What the Company claims: Sumptuously scented with delicate notes of the Vanilla bean and the exotic, calming and grounding fragrance of of Patchouli. All of the Divine bathing bars are very rich in natural glycerin due to a natural cold process method.

MRP: Rs.50/- for 75g

This is the creamiest soap I have used till now..even after just opening the pack..the dry soap  is also super creamy to touch..has an super awesome smell of vanilla with hints of patchouli..

Pros:

1. Super creamy soap.
2. Foams decently…unlike Khadi
3. Economical..they are priced almost the same as Khadi but are much better than those quality wise.
4. Love the smell !!
5. Does not dry out the skin.

Cons:

1. The smell does not linger for long.
2. Only available online.

Overall I quite liked this soap…better than others I have used..

Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 4/5

Would I buy it again: Yes..I would love to try the different variants in it..

You can check Divine soaps and other products here..Beaute Naturelle has few other brands too…and they have also started COD in Mumbai and Pune..

Due to popularity of the products as gifts, Beauté Naturelle is launching a range of customizable gift baskets, suitable for general gifting, weddings, festivals, birthdays, anniversaries and so on:

Divinité 4 DIVINE Handcrafted Bathing Bars Rs. 350
Sensualité Tvam shower gels: Set of 2: Woody Sandalwood and Honey (Sensual) and Lavender and Ylang-Ylang (Relaxing) Rs. 650
Aromathérapie 3 tvam soaps (Cinnamon-Patchouli, Berberry, Sea Buckthorn or Ginger Lime) Rs. 1,050
Fleur de L’amour (Flower of Love) Rose Addiction Body Butter, Scrub and Lotion Rs. 1,200
Escapade Honey Bees Buzz lotion, Sunscreen, 1 Divine soap, Lip Balm Rs. 1,250

*Prices are inclusive of assembly and packing charges

Features:

Eco-friendly wicker basket
Silver/Gold/Indigo/Iridescent/Multicolored nest of shred the products will rest on
Silver/Gold/Pink mesh encircling the basket and a white/gold ribbon tying it all together.
A lovely handwritten note with whatever you want Beauté Naturelle to say, tied with gold thread or red ribbon.

A picture is worth a thousand words. To view the complete range of gift baskets in detail, please click:

https://picasaweb.google.com/115963025668761104171/BeauteNaturelleGiftingOptions

P.S: Product sent by brand for review but it has not affected my opinion.

Versatile Blogger Award and Sunshine Award Again :)

I got 2  Versatile blog awards from Cali of Beauty Diaries and Rekha of makeupnbeautyreview

and also a Sunshine Award from Hungoveronfashion

Rules:

1. Link back to the person who awarded this award to you:

Thank u Cali  and Rekha and Hungoveronfashion :))

2. Share 7 Random things about yourself

Did here

3. Answer the following questions

Name your favorite color: Pink and Black..actually all 🙂
Name your favorite song: There are way tooo many..
Name your favorite dessert: Rabdi
What is pissing you off?: Weird behavior of some ppl
When you’re upset, you?: Surf the net or watch TV or anything that diverts my mind
Your favorite pet:  Dog or puppy or a parrot..easy to maintain 🙂
Black or White? :  Black (in clothes)
Your biggest fear?:  Loneliness
My best feature is:  Eyes
Everyday attitude:  Live and let live 🙂
What is perfection: Satisfaction from within..though difficult
Guilty pleasure:  All chocolate deserts !! Yumm..

4. Award 15 blogs

I pass this on to all my fellow bloggers..All of you who have not yet done this tag..would love to hear things about you…Indgal, Pooja_g,Rekha,Nidhi,Divya and everyone out there 🙂

My 250 followers giveaway !!

Ok..I was planning a giveaway from a long time….all the google docs and stuff had to be checked properly..coz I am using it for the first time..

You must have seen double of a few things in my hauls..I was collecting those for the giveaway 🙂

What are the things I am giving away..

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk
Maybelline Watershine Liquid Diamonds Gloss in Naked Brown
Hello Kitty False Eyelashes
Lotus Herbals Color Marvel Nail Paint in Beige Golden shade
Oriflame Visions Quick Dry Nail Paint in Romance

I have swatched the nail paints once on a nail for review purpose..all other products are new..

I may add in a few random stuff later 🙂

Rules:
You do not have to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email id where you can be reached should you win.This giveaway is international and will end on 15th September 2011 at 12.00. The winner will be chosen using random.org and will be notified by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond, or another winner will be selected.

To enter:
Mandatory Entry:
1) Follow my blog through GFC.
2) Leave your email id so that I can contact you.

Extra Entries:
3) Like my page on Facebook here. (2 points ) and share the post on facebook tagging 5 of your friends (3 points)
4) Follow me on Twitter @bhumika_t (2 points ) and tweet about this giveaway. (2 points )
5) Follow my blog on Networked Blogs here. (2 points )
6) Sign-up for New Love’s e-mail updates (delivered via Feedburner) you actually have to Verify and Confirm the subscription in order to receive the extra entry. (5 points )
7) Post it on your side bar. (5 points )
8) Do a blog post about this giveaway…but it should not be a combined post of all giveaways..a separate blog post about this giveaway..and the blog should be a real one..and not one made just for giveaways.(7 points )
9) Refer your friends to participate in the giveaway who are not already followers of my  blog..and you can get more entries..your friend has to mention your name in the form..you can refer upto 10 of your friends..each friend who joins gets you 2 entries…so if 10 of your friends have joined in and are referred by you..you get 20 more entries..

You can get a total of 49 entries if you do everything !! Remember its international and ends on 15th September..

So here is the form and good luck 🙂

How to get a Retro Look

Vogue’s retro look is easy peasy and nice..

Go the retro route with our make-up tutorial

The winged eyeliner is here to stay so it is only fit that we teach you how to create this glamorous look inspired by the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Brigitte Bardot. Vogue.in teamed with Lead Make-up Artist, L’Oreal Paris, Ojas Rajani to learn how to recreate this look in seven easy steps. “It’s the most glamourous of looks and is also among the easiest “says Rajani. We agree.

Step 1

Step 1: Apply foundation all over face and neck. Follow up with a concealer under the eyes, corners of the nose and mouth. Dab a little on any blemishes you want to cover.“Gently pat the concealer on. Don’t rub it too hard on the skin. This helps cleverly camouflage the blemishes and keeps makeup from looking cakey.” advises Rajani.

Step 2 .

Step 2: With a flat eye shadow brush apply a gold eye shadow all over your lid. Follow up with a black shadow, tracing a line along your lash line. This becomes the base for the eyeliner and keeps it from looking too strong.

Step 3

Step 3: With a black pencil liner draw a thick line across your upper lash line following up on the trace. “Always start from the outer corner and move inwards,” says Rajani letting us in on a Bollywood makeup secret.

Step 4

Step 4: With a small dense brush smudge the line. Now, extend it on the outer corner of your eye moving upwards and outwards creating the wing. Choose the length of the wing according to your preference. Remember, the longer the wing, the higher the drama. We like the Revlon Luxurious Color Smoky Crayon – Black Smoke for a thick line. “This is the perfect look for women with honey or olive skin tones. It recreates the magic of the doe eyes and gentle flush in the cheeks.” says Rajani.

Step 5

Step 5: Fill your eyebrows and finish off with a good dose of lengthening mascara.

Step 6    
Step 6: Apply a matte rose blush on the cheeks. We recommend the Clinique Powder Blusher in Honey blush. It works well on a range of skin tones, light to dark. “The frost gold on the eye needs to be softened up with a gentle flush on the cheeks. A rose-y matte blush helps achieve this.” says Rajani.

Step 7: For a softer day time take on the look choose a nude champagne lip color. We recommend the L’Oreal Glam Shine – 405. For a night time look when it’s easier to wear deeper shades, go all out with a scarlet lip. Our favorite is the Chanel Rouge Allure- Excessive.

L’Occitane Lavender Hand Cream Review

L’Occitane Lavender Hand Cream Review

I had shared my experience about 99labels.com and that I got the L’occitane Lavender hand cream…I am using it from these many days..and read on to know more 😉

What the Company clams: A signature L’Occitane essential. A worldwide best-seller. Blends the nourishing benefits of Shea Butter with soothing A.O.C. lavender essential oil and rosemary extract. Contains vitamin E, shown to help encourage cell renewal, and–for sheer pleasure–bestows the subtle fragrances of the Mediterranean upon your senses. Feel transported to Provence with every application.


Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Isononyl Isononanoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Propylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Cyclomethicone, Honey Extract, Polyacrylamide, Ceteareth-33, Phenoxyethanol, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Fragrance, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Beeswax, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Methylparaben, Laureth-7, Linalool, Menthol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Limonene, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Coumarin, Citral, Benzyl Alcohol, Geraniol.

MRP: Rs. 495/- for 30ml

I never used a hand cream before…my hands are soft and any normal cream worked for me just as fine..But I had heard so much about it that I wanted to try..and when I saw this on offer I could not resist myself 😉 I am glad coz I am loving the experience..

Its a normal white colored cream..not too thick or greasy neither runny..normal consistency..spreads easily and gets absorbed in a jiffy ! It smells DIVINE !!
Seriously I am so in love with the lavender smell now..and the smell stays on for 3-4 hours…and I like keep smelling my hands :p I am so addicted to it now 🙂 Its so small..it fits in the palms..

Pros:

1. Smells super awesome.
2. The smell stays on for 3-4 hours.
3. Hands stay super soft..especially when used over night..you wake up to soft hands having amazing lavender smell 🙂
4. It gets absorbed in a jiffy…and its not at all greasy kinds..so you would not have that sticky greasy feeling..I hate those thick greasy creams :/
5. I like the packaging..its kinda different but a trademark L’occitane of course
6. Has shea butter,sunflower oil,lavender oil,rosemary oil,honey,coconut oil, xanthum gum and other ingredients..does feel great on the skin.
7. I use a little for cuticles and nails too..and like how they feel 🙂
8. Travel friendly.

Cons:

1. Expensive…you get only 30 ml for 495..you can get double qty at the same price from The Body Shop.
2. No SPF.
3. Has parabens and alcohol.

Overall I am in love with it…but its a splurge surely..and not an economical buy..but sometimes you can pamper yourself 😉

Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 4/5

Would I buy it again: Yes… 🙂

Have you tried the L’occitane hand creams yet ? 

FOTD- Midnight Blue and Silver

I have used Midnight blue and Silvery white combo here on my eyes..I have used Mattify! Cosmetics eye shadows in Midnight Train and Snow Bunny…you can use any midnight blue and silvery white shadows.

You may find the shadows not that intense..coz I prefer subtle looks..

I used Midnight Blue all over the lid and blended it with my compact and a little of silvery white too..and used Silvery white as a highlight for the brow bone..

I have used only a few products in this look..coz it was just a casual everyday kinda look..I have not used any blush too..

Maybelline Colossal kajal
Maybelline Colossal Volume Mascara
Street Wear Compact
Bourjois Kohl and Contour Eye pencil in Noir Expert
Lotus Herbals Moist Petals Lipstick in Rose Petal
Mattify! Cosmetics eye shadows in Midnight Train and Snow Bunny
Oriflame eyelash Curler
And Vega eyeshadow brushes and Sigms E25 which are not pictured here..

Please ignore my dark circles or face coz I did not use a concealer or foundation..and my wet unkempt hair..

Like it ?? 

Buyincoins 7% off on Eyeshadow Palettes !!

Yes…I think its a fab offer and not worth missing…You can get your additional 5 % off as I mentioned here plus 7% using this coupon code on eyeshadow palettes..which I think is a great offer..but using the 10 % ebay coupon is more better anyways..and as you can use only 1 coupon..use the 10% one..
I would review my palettes soon…but I very much recommend the 88 warm pro palette…thats a must have…trust me..its pretty nice..and love all the shades in it..and they are so wearable for our warm skin tones.
Use the coupon code 7%OFFEYE and get the discount..the offer is going on till 22nd July.
Check out all the palettes here