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Curatio Fash Anti-Acne Face Wash Review, Skincare, Face wash for Acne in India

Curatio Fash Anti-Acne Face Wash Review

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Curatio Fash Anti-Acne Face Wash Review

By Archana

Winters are almost getting over and sunny days have started. I can feel my skin which suffered from excessive dryness during winters is going to back to its usual oily-combination self. When it comes to face washes, I was using more of creamy cleansers during winters. But now I have to change them to a more deep-cleansing face wash which can control oil for a longer time. Thanks to Bhumika, I got to try this Fash Face Wash from Curatio at the right time. Read to know whether it is a hit or a miss.

Product Claims: Fash Face Cleanser is an innovative approach to healthy skin, which regulates the skin ecosystem. With its specially developed formulation, Fash helps remove dirt, dead cells and excessive oil without leaving skin feeling dry. Regular use of Fash cleanser helps maintain clean, youthful and radiant skin.

Ingredients:

Directions to use: Wet face with water, pour sufficient quantity of Fash face cleanser on palm, develop a rich lather, and gently massage on face for 2 minutes. Rinse off. Repeat if skin is very oily. Use 1-3 times a day.

Packaging:

The face wash comes in a sturdy plastic tube with a flip-open cap. The blue and white color graphics of the tube looks fresh and energizing. I have carried around the tube in my handbag and there has been no leakage or spillage. So packaging wise, the face wash looks good as well as convenient and travel friendly.

Texture and fragrance:

The face wash is blue colored with a mild, fresh, menthol-kind of fragrance. The texture of the face wash is one of the weirdest I have ever come across. It is gel-like and sticky.

My experience:

I have been using the face wash for the past two weeks and have been pretty satisfied with it. Except for the weird, sticky texture that I have mentioned above. When I squeeze the face wash into my hands, the gel just sticks to my hands. I have a hard time spreading it on my face as it just sticks to the skin, even though my face is wet. I need to massage well for it to work. It doesn’t create any lather as such. But on massaging for some time, the blue gel texture turns into bluish-white paste like a face pack. On the directions, it is mentioned that the face wash has to be massaged for 2 minutes. And I felt, it works well only when used that way.

Initially, I was using it in the usual quick way of applying and washing off like any other face wash and it didn’t work well. Also, owing to the sticky consistency, it becomes difficult to wash off as well and takes time to remove it completely. Even I have a hard time washing it off from my hands. While washing, if any gel accidentally drips into your wash basin, it sticks there as well and you have to scrub to get rid of it.

But for all this hard work in using a face wash, the results are very satisfactory. It deep cleanses the skin and removes all oil, dirt and gives a fresh look. Am not sure if it contains menthol or not, but it gives a nice cooling and fresh feeling just like a menthol-based face wash. It doesn’t dry out skin much and I don’t feel the need to immediately reach for a moisturiser, though that might not be the case with dry skin people. It keeps my face fresh and oil-free for around 4-5 hours which is pretty good. Also, as mentioned in the product claims, I feel that it removes dead cells too and the whiteheads which I used to get frequently are more in control now.

Pros:
* Deep cleanses skin and gets rid of all dirt and oil.
* Gives a nice cooling effect.
* Keeps face oil-free for 4-5 hours.
* Removes dead cells.
* Controls whiteheads.
* Doesn’t dry out skin.
* Mild fragrance which is not bothersome.
* Nice and travel-friendly packaging.
* Free from SLS and parabens.

Cons:
* Sticky texture.
* Difficult to wash off.

Price and quantity: Rs.190 for 100g.

Rating: 4.3/5

Verdict: Overall, Curatio Fash Face Wash is a good face wash for oily-combination skin especially in summers. It gives a nice cooling feeling, deep cleanses skin and keeps it oil-free for a long time. Only con is the sticky texture which takes a while to spread and then wash off.

Editor’s Note: Oo..this is something quite unique and interesting. I have never tried something like that, but since this is specially meant for acne prone skin and controls that, it will be a boon for acne prone people. Nice review Archana 🙂

Have you heard of Fash Face Wash from Curatio yet?

Feb 2016 Forest Essentials My Envy Box Unboxing

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Feb 2016 Forest Essentials My Envy Box Unboxing

Hi guys,

So after the Feb Fab Bag yesterday, it’s time for the Feb My Envy Box, and this time they are celebrating 15 years of Luxurious Ayurveda and it’s the Forest Essentials Special Box.

All the products are from Forest Essentials and it is one of my favourite brands that actually works and shows results on your skin and is all natural and free of chemicals.

MRP: Rs.850/- (Available HERE)

The box is white colored with a pretty peacock design on the top, looks quite nice. All the FE products inside are arranged well compartment wise.

The products in this month’s box:

  • Forest Essentials Mashobra Honey & Vanilla Body Lotion- Rs.375/- for 50ml
  • Forest Essentials Luxury Sugar Soap- Rs.295/- for 50g
  • Forest Essentials Hand Pounded Organic Fruit Scrub -8g (Full size is Rs.1675/- for 50g, so this should be around Rs.300)
  • Forest Essentials Lightening & Brightening Tejasvi Emulsion- 8g (Full size is Rs.2275/- for 50g, so this would be Rs.400)
  • Forest Essentials Madurai Jasmine & Mogra Silkening Shower Wash- Rs.295/- for 50ml

The prices of the smaller 8g samples mentioned on the card are not really justified coz the difference is huge compared to the original price of the product, so there must be a mistake. But still the products are pretty decent sized and the body lotion, soap and shower wash are perfect for travel too.

The total value of the products in the box comes to around Rs.1650-1700 which is still pretty good coz you are paying Rs.850/- per month which is half of that, and even lesser with 3 months of 6 months subscription.

I love FE products and these samples are perfect for me to try and know if it’s worth investing in the full sized product coz FE is not exactly cheap. I definitely recommend getting this month’s My Envy Box, even if you have never tried Forest Essentials products or you swear by them, either way it’s a win-win.

Also there is a special discount card and you can get 10% off on all purchases above Rs.1000/- on Forest Essentials India website using ‘FE15YRS’. My Envy Box has come up with a luxury jewellery subscription in association with NIMAI and currently there is 10% off for the month of Feb using ‘JEWEL10’

Do you like Forest Essentials? Which is your favourite out of the lot. in this month’s box?

All About Laser Hair Removal Treatment

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All About Laser Hair Removal Treatment

By Ishleen

Hair free, now pain free?  Yes, please!

When was the last time you girlies had to endure the distressing pain of waxing and tweezing and plucking? It is DEVASTATING! Okay! Maybe devastating is too harsh a word! But you got my point, right? It is upsetting. Be it a full body waxing session, a facial wax or a bikini wax, the very thought of getting my hair torn apart from my body makes me cringe. And if treatments like the laser treatment, that we are going to talk about today, come to our rescue, I would personally call it a SAVIOUR.

Thanks to the ever growing field of technology, beautifying yourself has become much more convenient and hassle-free. This is where comes handy the oh-so-famous LASER HAIR REMOVAL therapy. Agreed, it is a typically, not-so-pocket-friendly treatment that we are talking about. But if you have that extra credit to splurge, then why not!

TYPES OF LASER TREATMENTS AVAILABLE:

Permanent hair removal through laser beams has been getting popular over the past few decades. Many of us do not know, what exactly is all this about. So here, let me help you out! Basically, permanent hair removal can be done by two ways. Firstly, the laser beams, in which highly concentrated beams are focused on a target area, killing the hair follicles on the targeted skin. Secondly, hair removal can be done through IPL, i.e. Intense Pulsed Light. In this particular treatment, beams of low intensity are widely interspersed on a larger area. IPL is a more general process than laser treatment, which is more targeted. And due to more specific results, people often chose laser treatments over IPL treatment.

HOW DOES THE LASER TREATMENT WORK?

This is the question which hovers over our mind the most often. How exactly does this treatment help in permanent hair loss? Let’s face the truth here. Even laser hair treatments do NOT provide any permanent solution to unwanted hair growth. It just delays the growth of the hair for longer durations. The laser attacks the skin, and in the process kills the hair follicles. More precisely, it attacks the melanin in the hair follicles.

The next big question that arises in our mind, is this suitable for us? Laser treatments were basically targeted for the “LIGHT SKIN-DARK HAIR” audience. Those who had pale skin and darker hair were the most apt patients for this treatment, but now these treatments can be used by dark skinned beauties as well, thanks to the advanced technology.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CLINIC:

Wait, what? Did I just say clinic? Patients? Treatments? Yes, it is a medical procedure. So if you are thinking of getting it done, steer clear form spas and saloons which provide these services without any medical and professional guidance. Even if you are planning to get laser hair removal done from a reputed hospital or clinic, make sure it is done by a professionally acclaimed cosmetic surgeon. In the case of the treatment being done by the doctor’s assistant, make sure a competent doctor remains on site of the procedure to look into any complications.

Surely, it would burn a hole in your pocket, but for some, it has proved to be worth the splurge. The treatment would require about 5-6 sittings, after which approximately 70% of the targeted area’s hair follicles die, thus resulting in hair loss which seems to be permanent. The average cost for each of these sessions may vary from clinic to clinic; depending on where you get it done from and which areas do you target. The sessions generally are meted out on alternative months and can be continued with touch ups, which should generally be taken, for better results.

But alas, no good things come without drawbacks. Most of the times, people who undergo these treatments have to suffer from swelling, redness and rashes on the skin. The skin can get irritated, but your doctor can prescribe ice-packs or targeted gels which can comfort your skin. Although scarring and blisters can occur on the skin, but these cases are very rare and are mostly seen on people with darker skin tones. No, I am not a racist. There is a scientific reason behind that. The darker skin has more melanin and can absorb the radiations more easily as the skin gets more porous. Other changes that may occur after the procedure are hypo pigmentation or hyper pigmentation, which is lightening or darkening of the targeted skin. Though these changes are temporary, but yes, they may happen.

PREPARING FOR THE TREATMENT:

Like any medical procedure, even laser treatment has a set of do’s and don’ts. Consultation with a reputed and experienced doctor is a must, beforehand. You should discuss with your doctor regarding the treatment; whether it is suitable for your particular skin and what results should you be expecting after the required sessions. Discussing the cost is also a generally good idea. Many doctors do advise avoiding direct contact with sun, at least six weeks before the due treatment. It is advice to cut back on waxing, plucking or electrolysis, i.e. any process which can hamper the hair follicle. Some doctor’s advice to shave the skin before the procedure, to get improved results. You may think, why this difference? It is because waxing damages the hair follicle and tugs at it; whereas shaving removes hair while keeping the follicle secure

Indeed, waxing is upsetting, and the mere thought of bikini-waxes makes us cringe and shiver. Yes, yes, we all hate the pain but love that silky, smooth-as-a-baby’s-butt skin. With the improved technology, you can bid the hot and messy waxing adieu forever. Sounds blissful! Doesn’t it?

So this is basically it. This is what I think about this so talked about practice. Go ahead, give it a try. But remember to play it safe. Stay beautiful.

Editor’s Note: Well written Ishleen, I have tried the Laser Hair Removal for my underarms and bikini area, read HERE and HERE. It’s been more than a year and I could not complete all 6 sessions still my growth has reduced a lot! It is basically hair reduction and not hair removal.

Have any of you tried laser hair removal/reduction? Your experience?

P.S: Image from Google

Feb 2016 ‘Love & Makeup’ Fab Bag Unboxing

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Feb 2016 ‘Love & Makeup’ Fab Bag Unboxing

Hi guys,

I just got my February 2016 Fab Bag and the theme for this month’s bag is ‘Love and Makeup’ as it’s the Valentine’s month.

Read my previous Fab Bag reviews:

MRP: Rs.599/- per month (Buy HERE)

It’s a red colored textured pouch going along the ‘Love’ theme.

The products in this month’s bag:

  • Just Herbs Coorgi Coffee Lip Smoothening Lip Salve (Full sized)- Rs.345/- for 8g
  • Hikari Cosmetics Blush- Sun Kissed (Full sized)- Rs.1000/- for 6g
  • Spa Ceylon White Jasmine Facial Masque (Full sized)- Rs.2150/- for 100g
  • Chamki Nail Polish in Firozi Blue (Full sized)- Rs.150/- for 11ml
  • Estee Lauder Perfect Clean Multi Action Lotion/Toner- (7ml)- Rs.4470/- for 200ml

I got the Spa Ceylon White Jasmine Facial Masque in the Dec bag and it was a month where you could select one product and I had selected this coz previously I had got the Cooling Foot Scrub in Oct and wanted to try this. Though I love this masque but I am still not done with the previous one and would have loved to try something else than the same product.

The Just Herbs Coorgi Coffee Lip balm is one of my favourites, it smells amazing (like filter coffee) and it free of chemicals, parabens and does not feel waxy. The most light weight lip balm I have ever used and I am glad I got another of my favourites.

Hikari Blush in Sun Kissed is a pretty milky brown shade, I thought it would shimmery and more like a bronzer coz of the name ‘Sun Kissed’ but it is almost matte with very subtle shimmer and it would a perfect contour shade for me. For girls who are fairer and lighter than me, this would make a nice everyday blush but I doubt this would show up on darker skin tones. It can also double up as an eye shadow and/or a transition shade for blending.

Estee Lauder Perfect Clean Multi Action Lotion/Toner is a deluxe sample and pretty good to try out for 6-7 days.

Chamki Nail Polish is again a full sized 11ml nail paint, the color is a nice, teal blue and very summery. I have never heard of this brand, looking forward to try this out.

Overall I would say I am quite happy with the full sized products and the brands in this month’s Fab Bag. The value of products are around Rs.3800-3900/- which is amazing for a bag worth Rs.600/- Definitely recommend getting this month’s Fab Bag.

Did you get your Feb Fab Bag? What products did you receive? Do let me know in the comments below.

Create #StatementFurniture Pieces at Asian Paints Signature Store

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Create #StatementFurniture Pieces at Asian Paints Signature Store

Hi guys,

I attended Asian Paints Blogger’s Meet last week where we visited the Asian Paints Signature Store in Bandra and got the entire experience of how one can customise their wooden furniture to make it a statement piece.

The basic idea here is to transform furniture that we have in our homes so that they become statement pieces that express our style and personality.

When it comes to colour, there are infinite possibilities and Asian Paints brings them all on wood for us. You can choose whatever colour you like and give it a completely different look. ‘Colour On Wood‘ can make a piece of furniture completely your own which reflects your personality and everyone wants their home and/or at least their rooms to reflect their personality.

I definitely suggest heading to the Asian Paints Signature store to experience it all first hand and you can select any colour you want and you can see how the final outcome would be within a second, no longer imagining how it would turn out to be and many a times people end up not liking the final product. Here you see first, select, change and only then it would be worked upon.

We also had some activities where we divided into teams of 3 at first and then it teams of 4. We had to scan our favourite pieces from the store and then later we had to design a piece of furniture on paper using sketch pens.

How would you express your style with a Statement piece you ask, you can rework and redesign your old furniture piece or buy a new one designed exclusively by you. Change the color, vinyl, laminate, etc. You can even add a color coated glass on top of your furniture. Or the new Asian Paints Woodtech Polyster which looks and feels like a glass with the high shine glossiness and finish. There are different finishes you can work with like PU, PU Palette, Emporio, Emporio PU Palette, etc. My favourite has to be the marble finish vinyl/laminate, so you have your wooden furniture but with a marble look 🙂

I had submitted my old wooden side table and look how Asian Paints used their ‘Colour on Wood’ and gave so many different ideas in which I can refurbish this piece.

Deepa also took us around the entire store and showed us different parts of home that were done using ‘Colour on Wood’ and how each piece in that made a statement. From the bedroom to the dining area to the kids’ room, all was fabulously done. One can take some of these ideas and customize according to their preferences to create something totally new.

Asian Paints is now taking one city at a time and creating statement pieces that reflect that city’s culture & traditions so that people who have migrated feel ‘at home’ away from home. It’s a beautiful concept and we saw the Kerala inspired ‘Ormacheppu‘ which is all ready and done. Next they are working on Tamil Nadu and soon you will see furniture inspired from every city in India.

You can get more information here https://www.asianpaints.com/woodtechstudio

Do visit the #ColourStoreAsianPaints at Bandra and check out for yourself 🙂

Top 5 Patanjali Products in India

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Top 5 Patanjali Products in India

By Sanchita

Ayurvedic medicines have its roots in India and no matter how much we rave about luxury cosmetics, we always find our way back to herbal skincare. Patanjali have reached out everywhere in India and has been acknowledged as one of the most popular herbal brand. The range is wide and covers everything – from skincare, cosmetics, haircare and even health issues. Their availability is good if you have a store nearby and they are also expanding. Thankfully, there is a store near my place and I got to try several products from the brand. There are such products I always repurchase as it is beyond commendable.

Here’s my top 5 Patanjali Products for you all.

1. Patanjali Aloe Vera Gel – (75 INR for 150ml)

This is the product which grabbed my attention on the brand. I have used a lot of moisturizer for oily skin, but this is one exceptional products that worked wonder for my skin. it has a refreshing fragrance and gives a soothing sensation to the skin. The absorption takes no time at all and makes the skin hydrated yet matte. I also face some discoloration issue around the mouth due to threading but this one has eliminated a lot after a prolonged usage. You require a very tiny amount for face and neck and makes the skin smooth, supple and hydrated. It is a must-have for oily and acne prone skin.

2. Patanjali Divya Kanti Lep – (60 INR for 50 gm)

This is sort of face pack powder that needs to be applied as a paste mixed with rose water. The Ayurvedic blend of ingredients helps to rid of skin problems like removing dark spots, pimples, acne and other signs of ageing and giving your skin a natural and healthy glow. It contains the goodness of Haldi, Manjeeth, Chandan, Aloe Vera, Jalphal, Kapoor, etc. My stubborn acne marks starting fading off when I had diligently used this product thrice a week. The results are surely effective and it is another praiseworthy product from this brand I have used.

3. Patanjali Divya Badam Rogan Almond Oil – (100 INR for 60 ml)

I must have exhausted 10-12 bottles of this one and so you can imagine my love for this. From skin care to hair care, I incorporate the product literally everywhere. I have dark circles and extremely dehydrated eye area and I use the almond oil regular before bedtime. During winter months, I apply this on my dry patches to sooth and rejuvenate them. For hair, I sometimes used it with a concoction of coconut oil or sometimes alone. It can also be used as makeup remover and highly effective for eyes. The price is reasonably price and also one of the bets almond oil I have used.

4. Patanjali Kesh Kanti Milk Protein Hair Cleanser – (95 INR for 200ml)

Shampoos often dry out the hair but this one is exceptional. It has the goodness of bhringraj, mehendi, neem, tulsi and aloe Vera which works magically on my heat-damaged lifeless mane. It effectively cleanses the scalp of any layer of dirt, grime, oil and sweat and makes the hair nourished and soft. It lathers well and has a pleasant aroma to it. It works great for normal to dry hair and meritoriously balances the moisture level of the hair.

5. Patanjali Amla Juice – (100 INR for 1litre)

Sometimes you have to take care of the skin from inside. Living in a world of delicious junk food, our digestive system often takes a toll and results in various skin problems like acne, pigmentation, dehydration, dullness, etc. Patanjali Amla Juice, 20ml per day, is an excellent choice for a healthy juice which is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. From healthy skin to hair – Amla can improve the health in every way. It also boosts my metabolism and keeps the weight in control and has cured my hair loss problem completely. The taste is a slight put-off but the product will do miracle for your health.

So, which is your favorite Patanjali product?

Editor’s Note: My husband swears by Patanjali products, Aloe vera juice and jams being his favourites. I haven’t tried any of their beauty or skincare products but the Aloe Vera gel is definitely on my list, will check these out too. Nice compilation Sanchita 🙂

Lotus Herbals Nutranite Skin Renewal Nutritive Night Creme Review

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Lotus Herbals Nutranite Skin Renewal Nutritive Night Creme Review

By Archana

Hi all,

Today, I will be reviewing a night cream, Lotus Herbals Nutranite Skin Renewal Nutritive Night Creme. Winters have started and our skin needs adequate nourishment. Dry skin is the main cause of fine lines and wrinkles. To keep our skin youthful and supple, it is best to add a night cream in our routine, atleast during winters. Night creams are not like regular moisturisers as they work to provide deeper hydration and nourishment. Read on to know how this night cream from Lotus Herbals fares.

Products claims: Nutranite is a luxurious nutrient-rich night cream that helps renew the skin while you sleep. It works with skin’s own repair and replenishment system to undo the damage caused by dehydration and environmental exposure during the day. It boosts skin’s resiliency, strengthens natural defences while restoring firmness and smoothening imperfections. As a result, skin is supple and renewed in the morning.

Active ingredients :- Naturally derived Alpha Hydroxy fruit acids derived from grapes, nourishing Ginseng & Lily nectar.

Ingredients:

Directions to use: After cleansing face with LEMONPURE and toning with ROSETONE, apply NUTRANITE in dots all over the face and neck area. Use finger tips to gently massage spread the creme.

Packaging: The night cream comes in a pretty translucent glass jar with a golden screw lid. There is an outer carton box with blue and silver graphics. The entire packaging feels very luxurious and I feel like am treating myself to something special. However, being glass, its little heavy to be carried around.

Texture and fragrance: It is a milky white colored cream with a very soft, fluffy, whipped texture. The consistency is thinner, more like a souffle. It has a nice fruity fragrance of grapes which I love. The fragrance is mild and pleasant and not overpowering.

My experience: I initially purchased this night cream few months back during summers. But it didn’t work for me then as it made me sweat too much and clogged pores. So, I left it for a long time without using. Now as winters have started, I thought of giving it another try. And I am surprised to say, it works beautifully. I have combination skin which gets very dry in winters. I have been using this cream every night for the past one month. And my skin texture has improved a lot. Just a tiny bit of cream is needed. The soft, whipped texture makes it easy to massage all over my face. I usually massage for around 2 minutes as a regular massage promotes blood circulation and maintains youthfulness. The cream sinks in completely within few seconds without any stickiness or greasiness. My skin feels so soft and supple. When I wake up in the morning, I can feel my skin adequately nourished and little glowing. Also, due to the deep hydration it provides, with regular use, the fine lines on my forehead have been smoothed out. This is an excellent night cream for normal-dry skin. Combination skin people like me can use it in winters. Some might feel its expensive. But as very little quantity is needed each time, a jar will easily last for 2 months.

Pros:
* Soft, fluffy whipped texture.
* Provides intense nourishment and deep hydration.
* Makes skin soft and supple.
* Smooths out fine lines with regular use.
* Contains goodness of AHA from grapes, ginseng and lily nectar.
* Nice fruity fragrance.
* Attractive luxurious packaging.

Cons:
* Might not suit oily skin people.
* Applying more amount of cream in summers can cause sweating.

Price and quantity: Rs.395 for 50g.

Rating: 4.3/5

Verdict: Lotus Herbals Nutranite Skin Renewal Nutritive Night Creme is a good budget-friendly night cream which delivers excellent results in terms of nourishment and hydration. Combination skin people can use it in winters and normal-dry skin people can use it all year round. Oily, acne-prone skin people should stay away from it. Also, if you are looking for a night cream with extra benefits like brightening, anti-ageing, pigmentation, etc, then this is not for you.

Editor’s Note: This sounds perfect for current winter weather Archana, I love using oils and rich creams at night time, especially in winters. Lovely review 🙂

Have you tried the Lotus Herbals Nutranite Night Cream? Which is your favourite night cream?

Mantra Herbals Holy Basil & Lily Revitalizer Face Cream Review

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Mantra Herbals Holy Basil & Lily Revitalizer Face Cream Review

Hi guys,

I have always loved natural, ayurvedic based products which are free of chemicals, parabens, etc. and also the more natural the product is, the results have been better.

Mantra Herbals is a nice all natural brand and is launched by Baidyanath Group.

MANTRA PROMISE:
All Our products are free from harmful chemicals, Silicone, Paraben, Paraffin, SLES, SLS, Glycols, Formaldehyde, PEG & Soap. No Artificial Colours & Fragrance. pH balanced.
100% Vegetarian. Not tested on Animals. Dermatological tested on Human Volunteers.
Products manufactured under GMP approved facility.
Mantra packaging is recyclable.
Voluntarily registered (VCRP) with the USFDA.

I have been trying out their new Holy Basil and Lily Face Cream everyday since the past one month and here is my review on it.

What the Company claims: A timeless blend of extracts of Holy Basil, Dandelion, White Lily & Lavender in Sesame Oil. Nourishes and protects skin from the elements, resulting in soft and radiant skin. Holy Basil naturally clarifies the skin while White Lily soothes it. Dandelion is naturally rejuvenating & revitalizing. Lavender supports healthy skin while imparting a soothing scent. Ideal for reviving a dull & sallow complexion. Excellent for blemish-prone skin.

Authentic Ayurveda Product

Direction to Use: Apply on freshly cleansed face. Repeat whenever required. For best results use morning & night after cleansing with Holy Basil Toner.

Ingredients: Aqua, Dermofeel Sensolv (Isoamyl Laurate), Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Beeswax acid, Stearic acid, Glycerol Stearate, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Emulsifying Wax , Lilium Polyphyllum (White Lily) Flower Oil, Lavandula Angustilfolia (Lavender) Oil, Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion) Leaf Extract, Sodium Borate, Ocimum Bisilicum (Basil) Leaf Extract, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate.

MRP: Rs.700/- for 100ml (Buy HERE)

It comes in this white and pink tube with a flip cap packaging. The cream is white in color and quite thick in texture. It needs to be blended well but does not leave any cast as such.

It has a strong herbal smell but not bothersome, pleasant kinds. It feels slightly sticky but needs some time to settle down. It gives a complete matte finish and would work for oily skin too. Dry skin might need a heavier moisturizer, but only for winters.

I have been using this since a month and I also had some break outs and this cream did help me fade the acne scars quicker.  The blend of holy basil, lavender and white lily is quite good for the skin being anti-inflammatory and helps renew the cells and fade scars, though one has to use it continuously to see results. The beeswax and sesame oil make it quite rich and moisturizing. I love using it beneath my foundation too, coz it leaves no dry patches on the skin and moisturizes well but giving a matte finish.

Being all natural and chemical, paraben free is always a plus. I agree it’s priced on the higher side but same goes for brands like Forest Essentials and Kama Ayurveda and this is equally good and comparable.

I do not like the fact that it does not have SPF, I do not prefer using 2-3 different products and like my moisturizers to have SPF in them. Also these are not easily available yet, currently I believe only on their online site. I hope they are soon available on all websites and in stores coz they have an amazing range of bath, body, hair, pain management products and also products for men.

Overall I really like this cream and still using it daily. Definitely recommend this, would work for all skin types.

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Have you tried anything from Mantra Herbals yet?

How To Plan Your Wedding Trousseau

Accessories, Lifestyle, Lingerie, Mumbai Bridal Diaries, Tips, Tips and Tricks, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

How To Plan Your Wedding Trousseau

Hi guys,

Continuing the bridal posts from last month, today we are talking about wedding trousseau. How to plan it, what all to include, etc.

Trousseau mostly includes a new wardrobe, jewellery, makeup, clutches, shoes, basically everything a bride needs post wedding. Now every family has a different budget and different customs, some have a total of 11 outfits to give and some have 21 to 51 depending on the budget.

A bride should always mix and match the outfits in a trousseau, go for some anarkalis, some lehengas, sarees, kurtis and even western dresses for your honeymoon and the likes, so you have 1-2 options for every occasion post your wedding for at least a few months. But also keep your choice and lifestyle in mind, if you wear more of western wear and hardly wear any sarees, go for some basic 2-3 pieces and not more. Keep a balance and include everything but more of what you would actually need and use.

Jadtar (Kundan) Set

Coming to the outfits, what you must include is one piece of each type, like embroidery work, thread work, real silk, organza, zardozi, benarasi, gotta patti, so that from a simple occasion to a more grand occasion, you are sorted for everything. Also always have basic colors of blouses, petticoats and churidhars like gold, silver, red, green, blue, black and white so that you can mix and match.

Do not forget to include 1-2 classic pieces like silk, kanjeevaram, benarasi sarees or dresses that you can wear on any occasion and whatever the current trends, coz classic never goes out of style.

Also as already mentioned include more of western wear if that is what you are going to wear more of, anyway. New pair of denims, few tops, dresses, maxi dresses, skirts, and anything you can mix and match, a honeymoon wardrobe basically 😀

Lingerie, the most important, the right style and fit of lingerie can make or break your outfit. Invest in different types of lingerie & night wear like strapless, sports bra, lace, set of briefs and a few different styles of night wear.

Do not forget the accessories, bags and shoes. A basic gold and silver clutch for weddings, a formal bag, a casual bag and 2-3 pairs of basic shoes again including wedding wear, casual wear and a formal heels will keep you sorted. For accessories, buy only stuff that you would wear and matches your style from chunky statement pieces to delicate and dainty pieces, choose what you would actually use and relates to your style.

The most expensive part of your trousseau is the jewellery, invest in one gold and one diamond set at least but keep in mind your style when you buy it. For me personally, I like small and delicate jewellery and chose accordingly. Invest in classics that would go with your wedding wear and also evening or formal wear at the same time.

Makeup, again as I mentioned a lot of times, choose basic colors like golds, greens and browns for eye shadows or go for a palette which has all the basic shades. Or pick single eyeshadows and combine them in a magnetic palette to make your own customized palette. For lipsticks, choose a red, orange, nude, pink and you will be sorted for all outfits. But always try the shade before and pick up a tone that matches and works for your skin. Blush and highlighter are also an important part. Read my detailed post on what makeup your should include in your wedding trousseau HERE.

A cupboard to keep all the above stuff 😀 Also if you are setting up a new home, some basic home accessories can also be included. A bed spread, bed sheet and the likes would anyway be a part of trousseau. You will also be gifted dinner sets, tea sets and a lot of home accessories on your wedding, so maybe can buy those later.

Do not shop way too much and always be mindful of your budget. The key here is a balance of everything but within your budget 🙂

Do let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Zotiqq January Jewellery Subscription Box Unboxing, Review

Accessories, Fashion, Jewellery, Lifestyle, Reviews, Shopping, Zotiqq, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Zotiqq January Jewellery Subscription Box Unboxing, Review

Hi guys,

I have unboxed and reviewed a lot of subscription boxes till now on the blog from makeup, beauty to food. This is the first time I am reviewing a jewellery subscription box.

Zotiqq is an online fashion & lifestyle portal where they have monthly jewellery subscription boxes and one can also buy the pieces they like individually. It is the brainchild of a fellow beauty blogger and friend Ritu Rajput, most of you must be knowing her, her blog is called ‘The Indian Beauty’

MRP: Rs.1500/- per month (Buy HERE)

The Zotiqq jewellery subscription box is priced at Rs.1500/- per month but if you have 3 months, 6 months or 12 months subscription, you get an amazing deal!

Coming to the January subscription box, it was the ‘New Year’ theme and hence had sparkly baubles. Let’s see what they are..

It comes in this royal blue and beige packaging, the box in itself is quite sturdy and nice and good to stock your jewellery or makeup. It comes nicely bubble wrapped and no jewellery was damaged. Each item is individually stored inside the box in a plastic cover, which is nice coz many a times the jewellery gets entangled within each other.

I got 5 items in this month’s box.

First two are a diamante statement neckpiece and matching set of statement earrings which can be worn together or individually.

Red tube mesh filled with rhinestones, statement neckpiece

My favourite from the lot, a statement cocktail ring.

And a pretty hand harness which will work with so many different outfits.

I like the theme based box and getting 4-5 pieces together at a price of Rs.1500/- coz individually these jewellery pieces cost a lot more. Definitely worth your money and I do recommend trying this jewellery subscription box.

I am not sure if the January box would be still available, but you can book the Feb subscription box right now 🙂

Have you tried any Jewellery Subscription Boxes before? What did you like the most?