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7 Bollywood Actresses Who Nail The Saree Look, Indian Lifestyle Blog,Bollywood Blog

7 Bollywood Actresses Who Nail The Saree Look

Fashion, Sarees, Shopping, Tips, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

7 Bollywood Actresses Who Nail The Saree Look

By Nidhal

9 yards is all what it takes to raise your glam quotient by leaps and bounds. Swaddled in the 9 yards of a saree, there would hardly be any Indian lady who would not look resplendent! Given our proclivity for Bollywood actresses and their sense of fashion, why not take a sneak peek into the look book of some of our Tinsel Town ladies who take the gorgeousness of a saree to an altogether different height!

1. DEEPIKA PADUKONE- The darling of the masses whose body gives one major ‘Body Goals’ seems to have the perfect body for a saree. Curves? Check. Built? Check. And that dimpled smile… Melt! Seen here is Deepika swaddled in a traditional Kanjeevaram silk saree which accentuates her enviable frame impeccably. The gajra made up of jasmine flowers is the much-needed finishing touch, isn’t it?

2. SONAM KAPOOR- Touted as the ‘fashionista’ of Tinsel Town, there was no way Sonam couldn’t make an appearance on this list. She’s arrived and how! Keeping the makeup aside for a minute which anyway looks impeccable, she is seen here swaddled in an Anamika Khanna outfit that’s subtle but sizzling. The USP for me is the blouse which highlights one’s back in a way that will leave one drooling. Revealing yet not risqué.

3. KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN- Fondly called the ‘Begum’, Kareena Kapoor Khan compels you to turn back and take a second look with this revealing black saree that she swaddled herself in in the title track of her movie- Heroine. The saree is as simple as it can get but what catches the eyes is the subtle silver kamar-bandh and the pink-bordered bikini blouse that sets temperatures soaring. Not everyone can carry off such a saree. Well, Kareena surely can!

4. KATRINA KAIF- She looks angelic. Period. But when she wears a saree, all you want to do is take her to your mom (of course, boys are being referred to here). Seen here is Katrina Kaif swaddled in a cream-meets- beige coloured heavily embellished saree that is aptly teamed up with a red blouse that adds that much-wanted need of glamour. This was during one of the promotional episodes of her then, impending movie ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ on the reality show- India’s Got Talent.

5. ANUSHKA SHARMA- And finally both the leading ladies of JTHJ make an appearance on the list. The effervescent livewire Anushka Sharma was seen iin the same episode on the show swaddled in a royal blue Manish Malhotra saree with an ornate border that balances the look.

6. VIDYA BALAN- Vidya ‘Oh La La’ Balan proves that you do not need to be a certain body type to wear a saree. Her body type, is by far the most accurate representation of what an average Indian lady’s. She has donned a saree on multiple occasions and does so in absolute panache. Ace designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee is responsible for the makeover to a great extent and seen here are two where Vidya glows in the yellow cotton saree with a laced border. There is a very minute pink border that looks in perfect harmony with the colour and border. Understated we say, Vidya! And you look gorgeous.

7. AISHWARYA RAI BACHCHAN- Miss World 1994 is one sure-shot head-turner and for all the right reasons. Arguably the most easily recalled Bollywood face on the red carpet of Cannes, Aishwarya treats our eyes to this green Sabyasachi saree when she arrived for the premiere of her flick ‘Raavan’ in London.The hairdo? Looks elegant to say the least.

Image Source: 1, 2, 3, Google, 5

Editor’s Note: Totally agree with each one Nidhal, well compiled.

Who according to you carries the saree the best?

Pakistani Brides Who Make Your Heart Skip A Beat

Bridal Files, Lifestyle, Mumbai Bridal Diaries, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pakistani Brides Who Make Your Heart Skip A Beat

By Nidhal

Gorgeous, glamorous, ravishing, awe-inspiring… these adjectives are insufficient when used to delineate our fellow South Asian neighbours, particularly, the ladies from our neighbouring country- Pakistan. It will be a lie and a white one at that if we say that we do not drool over these winsome lasses! From their lustrous mane to their piercing eyes, from their porcelain clear skin to their sharp features, Pakistani ladies have it all. All thanks to Zee Zindagi channel now, we can have a sneak- peak into their lives from the confines of our home and hearth. It goes without saying that besides thought-provoking plots presented in the most understated but compelling manner, our eyes have been treated to some jaw-dropping gorgeous faces. Let’s have a look at some Pakistani ladies who on their D-Day made your hearts skip a beat!

1. SANAM BALOCH- She’s blessed with an angelic, cherubic and winsome face. Period. She began her acting career with ‘Kalaq’ on PTV and subsequently went on to carve a niche for herself by doing meaty roles in the hit Dastaan, Akbari Asghari and Noorpur ki Rani. She tied the knot with Abdullah Farhatullah who fell for her simplicity and positive outlook.

2. SANAM JUNG- Beginning her career as a VJ, Sanam Jung soon ventured into the Pakistani drama industry and essayed leading roles in hit dramas like Dil-E- Muztar where her sizzling chemistry with co-star Imran Abbas Naqvi was the talk of the town. She tied the knot with Syed Abdul Qassam who is a pilot by profession.

3. SANAM SAEED- She’s inarguably the first woman crush of my life. Zindagi Gulzar Hai had me smitten to this Britain-born Pakistani lady whose understated portrayal of Kashaf Murtaza struck a chord with me. And it’s no cakewalk to have a girl smitten when you’ve Fawad Khan as your co-star in the same drama 😀 This lady broke a number of hearts (including mine, Yes, I am serious when I say that she’s my crush) when she tied the knot last year with her childhood sweetheart Farhan Hassan who is a banker from Karachi.

4. AYEZA KHAN- She’s the lady whose smile can melt hearts. Gorgeousness-personified! Ayeza Khan got hitched to fellow co-star Danish Taimoor who himself is a celebrated name in the Pakistani drama industry. The couple has been blessed with a baby girl- Hoorain who seems to have inherited her mother’s genes.

5. SYRA YOUSUF- Incepting her career as a VJ, Syra embarked on her acting career with the Sanam Saeed with ‘Mera Naseeb’ in the year 2011. She went on to essay leading roles in successive dramas like Bilqees Kaur and tied the knot with Shehroz Sabzwari- an actor in the same industry. Doesn’t she look like a fresher from a college? :p What will dilate your eyes is the fact that she’s a mother. Yes, a mother. Nurse your broken heart now 😛

Editor’s Note: They all look absolutely gorgeous, dream brides indeed. Thanks for sharing this Nidhal

Image Source: 1,2,3,4,5

Which one is your favourite? I know it’s tough to pick!

DIY Homemade Hair Mask for Strengthening Hair

DIY, Hair Care, Hair Mask, Home Remedies, How To, Tips, Tips and Tricks, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

DIY Homemade Hair Mask for Strengthening Hair

By Nidhal

One can never run short of ways or ideas to pamper their crowning glory. There is a hairstyle or hair cut that you’d been thinking of getting at any point of time. There’d be those accessories that you’d be dying to experiment with. There would be hair products that you would have played with to give your tresses that bounce of life. But amidst all this, being Indians, we cannot never turn a blind eye to our Good Ol’ home remedies, can we?

So, why not treat our hair to the bountifulness of natural ingredients today and drool over them all over again? March straight to the pantry for there lies your paraphernalia for this DIY recipe.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED-

1. CURD- Enriched with the bountifulness of lactic acid, curd/yoghurt (called Dahi in Hindi) helps to eliminate dandruff, foul smell and dullness. It adds unprecedented gloss and softness that you just can’t get over.

2. TULSI POWDER- Being a plant that has been revered in Hinduism for centuries, Tulsi has benefits galore for your mane. It treats lice, dandruff, itchiness and scalp infections. Yes, your granny was right when she said that Tulsi is a miraculous plant. No questions asked anymore!

3. ALMOND OIL- Being a storehouse of Vitamin E, almond oil helps in locking moisture and adding that enviable sheen to your locks. Prefer organic/cold-pressed almond oil and not the ones that are laden with mineral oil. In my opinion, Almendrop 100% pure almond oil is a wise choice.

4. METHI/FENUGREEK POWDER- Now comes the wonder ingredient which cannot be done without. Methi helps to add shine in addition to imparting softness. It also accelerates the rate of growth of hair which spells cheer for those ladies waiting anxiously to flaunt long luscious locks. Opt for methi powder for grinding is a tad cumbersome and finely grinding takes patience (which sadly, today is a lost virtue).

PROCEDURE-

1. In a clean and dry bowl, add 5-6 tbsp of curd. This is the amount for shoulder length hair. Increase if you have longer hair.

2. Add 3 tbsp each of methi and tulsi powder.

3. Add half a tbsp. of almond oil

4. Mix well thoroughly to form a smooth and consistent paste.

5. Apply generously all over your scalp as well as length (of hair).

6. Wash off after 45 minutes with a mild herbal/organic shampoo. Condition if you feel the need to do so.

7. Repeat twice a week to expedite the results and acclimatise your scalp to these natural ingredients.

That is all for now, folks. Feel free to post your queries and results with me through the ‘comments section’ and try this DIY recipe to get locks which you cannot stop drooling over.

Pssst… It compels you to keep stroking your fingers down your mane intermittently!

Editor’s Note: This sounds really good Nidhal and methi and tulsi are very good for dandruff too. I am definitely trying this, have to get methi and tulsi powder now.

Have you tried this DIY before? If not, do so and let us know how you find it.

Nature’s Essence Nourishing Neem & Aloe Vera Moisturizing Lotion Review

Moisturizers, Nature's Essence, Reviews, Skin care, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Nature’s Essence Nourishing Neem & Aloe Vera Moisturizing Lotion Review

By Nidhal

One is a saviour for those with dry, patchy, lustreless and dull skin. Another is a potent weapon to fight acne, pimples and blackheads. Their blend is bound to be promising for one’s skin. The first ingredient is Aloe vera (called Ghritkumaari and at times, Kumaari in Hindi) and the second is Neem. Do I need to elaborate even a little on the bounties of these two skin saviours? There would be few who’d not have tried either on their skin. If you are one of those, go grab a few leaves of Aloe vera and a handful of Neem leaves. Mash and treat your skin to their virtues to leave it thanking you.

However, if you are an indolent soul who would choose to watch whatever is being on TV than move a bit to grab the remote and change the channel, then doing the above (preparing the mask ) would surely be the last thing on your mind, right? 😛

So, let’s slather something that is made from these two skin saviours instead? In line with that thought, I zeroed in on NATURE’S ESSENCE NOURISHING NEEM AND ALOE VERA MOISTURISING LOTION one fine evening. Let us prepare its report card today.

PRICE –Rs 85/- for 60 ml

DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Gently apply the moisturiser in right quantity on face and body and welcome your skin to a world of nourishment and optimum care.

KEY/ACTIVE INGREDIENTS- Neem, Aloe vera extracts and aroma oil.

WHAT IT CLAIMS- A handpicked blend of antiseptic neem and nourshing aloevera extracts. Added aroma oils soothe the mind & body and give a nourishing treat to your skin.

MY EXPERIENCE-

Packed in a simple plastic tube with a cap on top, the packaging of NATURE’S ESSENCE NOURISHING NEEM AND ALOE VERA MOISTURISING LOTION is fine. It is spillage-free since the cap is sturdy, hygienic and travel-friendly. I do not have any problem with respect to packaging. It is up to the mark for me.

The texture of the lotion is underwhelming for me. It is predominantly runny which when applied on skin makes it oily/greasy. My skin type is dry and after applying a pea-sized amount of it, my skin felt uncomfortably oily. I have applied oils beforehand on my skin to moisturise them such as- extra virgin olive oil, sweet almond oil, virgin sesame oil, etc. but none of them made me feel like a ‘pakora’ being drawn out from a ‘kadhaai’! I admit, I give ‘Desi’ examples to help people visualise things.

So, if a person with dry skin feels that it makes skin oily, there is little in fact no reason for people with oily/extremely oily skin to invest in it. The staying power too, is underwhelming. It stays for ½-1 hour at max at a stretch in summers. Naturally, during winters, when moisture levels will drop in the atmosphere and our skin’s thirst for hydration will augment by leaps and bounds, this lotion will turn out to be disappointing. The aroma is mild and temporary.

A major limitation is that its ingredients’ list hasn’t been furnished. Only key/active ingredients are mentioned which is highly irresponsible, evasive and negligent on part of Team Nature’s Essence. Rules and regulations regarding production and provision of information about herbal and natural products in our country are very lax. Companies milk this to their advantage by adding merely a few herbal ingredients/their extracts and marketing it as a ‘natural/herbal’ product. In this regard, I am sceptical of Nature’s essence too for it has also abstained from providing the complete list of ingredients.

Even if we keep this aspect aside for a minute, as a product it falls flat on nearly all parameters. Its texture, staying power and after-effects are nowhere commendable. Chuck it away! This one’s not worth your time and hard-earned money.

GOOD-

1. Fine packaging

2. Readily available

3. Available in different sizes

4. Price is budget-friendly

5. Aroma is mild hence, won’t irk those with a sensitive nose

BAD-

1. Complete list of ingredients has not been furnished

2. Runny texture. Lotions should have a thick/creamy texture. If not, at least specify which skin type should opt for it.

3. Makes skin oily/greasy on application. Thus, unsuitable for oily/extremely oily skin type.

4. Does nothing commendable. No glow. No softness. No lustre.

RATING-0.5/5

Editor’s Note: Oh God, what a dud! Never going near it, thanks for the review Nidhal

Have you tried Nature’s Essence Nourishing Neem & Aloe Vera Moisturizing Lotion? If not, don’t!

Rassna Wax Pack Katori Wax Review

Hair Removal, Reviews, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

RASSNA WAX PACK KATORI WAX REVIEW

By Nidhal

Hair is aptly termed the crowning glory. Not only does it raise one’s glam quotient by leaps and bounds but also changes one’s look drastically (at times, unfortunately) 😛 thanks to a number of hair styles at our disposal. However, when the very same hair makes an appearance for no reason on your face (read: you are a woman), panic button is pushed. Getting facial hair bleached every few days is not at all a pragmatic decision given the kinds of toxins and nonsense they are imbued with. Waxing them off seems a pretty doable idea, doesn’t it? Not only is the hair pulled out but also the layer of dead skin cells is extricated. However, there is a catch. The wax you use for your body (legs, under-arms, hands, back, etc.) is not what you are going to make use of here for your facial skin. This one is different. Colloquially, it is called ‘Katori wax’ and today, I am going to review Rassna Wax Pack Katroi Wax.

PRICE – Rs 83/- for a single tub

DIRECTIONS FOR USE– Heat the tub in a double-boiler system and using a wooden spoon apply a little amount when it is warm (and not hot). Spread it well using the spoon and wait for 3-4 minutes. Carefully pull out the peel and wash your skin that has just been waxed with cold water. Repeat if necessary.

INGREDIENTS- Not mentioned anywhere.

WHAT IT CLAIMS- Removes superfluous hair off face that is, from upper lips and chin.

MY EXPERIENCE-

Packed in a cardboard box enclosing a metallic tub in which lies the wax (cold and solidified), the packaging of Rassna Wax Pack katori wax is fine. There is a complimentary wooden spoon provided in each pack. If being used at home, it is hygienic and the metallic tub stays intact till the product is used completely. I don’t find it suitable for being carried while travelling not because the packaging is such but it is so because it needs to be heated before use.

The wax is cold and solidified but upon being heated for 1-2 minutes, its consistency changes to that of honey. In fact, it looks exactly like honey. Upon being slathered on one’s upper lip area (do not use katori wax for eye brows. Ever), it dries up almost instantaneously. Here comes the painful part for you need to pull it out at lightning quick speed to pull out the hair. Usually, one layer is sufficient for me but when I use on my sideburns, a single layer doesn’t bear results. So, I have to bear the brunt of the heat as well as the sensation on pulling it off, more than once.

The bottom line is that it works effectively, however, given the stubbornness of the hair follicles, number of applications vary. Also, never use it on the bikini line, eye brow area or such precarious’ regions. Even before using it, consult with a dermatologist or someone who can offer sane advice regarding skin care. If used improperly, you might end with scalded skin. Do not play with fire! (I couldn’t have come up with a better idiom)

GOOD-

1. Pulls baby hair very well

2. Dirt-cheap

3. Chemical-free solution. It isn’t as noxious as getting bleached on a regular basis is.

4. Softens skin (since hair is pulled out so, the area appears soft and smooth naturally)

BAD-

1. Limited availability. I haven’t seen it online yet.

2. Process of application is messy

3. If one has hardened hair, you will have to apply it more than once to pull out the hair.

RATING- 4/5

Editor’s Note: I have heard so much about this Nidhal, never able to find it anywhere. I needed it for my upper lips, but since the time I have got Braun Face, I am sorted. Though having this backup is always good. Where did you get yours from?

Have you tried Rassna Katori Wax before?

Everyuth Naturals Neem Face Wash Review

Everyuth, Face Wash, Reviews, Skin care, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVERYUTH NATURALS NEEM FACE WASH REVIEW

By Nidhal

It is said that chewing a few leaves of this plant daily would help you kick acne, pimples and blemishes forever. The taste, however, cannot be vouched for. Able to guess which plant it is? Let me spill the beans. It is none other than ‘Neem’ and it has benefits in abundance for your skin. Not only does it clear acne, pimples, dark circles but also delays signs of ageing. So, why not incorporate this wonder ingredient to let our skin enjoy its bounties? In keeping with this thought, I grabbed Everyuth Naturals Neem Face Wash one day. Having used it a couple of times by now, let me give you a sneak-peek into its performance.

PRICE- Rs 40/- for 60 g+12 g (free)

DIRECTIONS FOR USE– Squeeze out a small quantity onto your palm. Work up lather and gently massage on face. Rinse with water and pat your skin dry. Use 2 or 3 times a day.

INGREDIENTS-

WHAT IT CLAIMS– Regular exposure to dust, pollution and heat leaves your skin excessively oily. This causes acne, pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. Everyuth Naturals neem face wash is enriched with Neem, tea tree oil and Chamomile. It gently deep cleanses your skin, removes pimple-causing bacteria and controls excessive oil secretion.

MY EXPERIENCE-

Packed in a tube with a flip-open cap at its end, the packaging of Everyuth Naturals Neem Face Wash is quite handy, hygienic and travel-friendly. The cap is sturdy which averts leakage/spillage. Hence, scores well on account of packaging.

The product has a slimy consistency. Now, don’t picture is completely as a hideous paste that looks like algae. The texture is predominantly slimy. It borders on the liquid side. The aroma is mild but refreshing. It isn’t long-lasting however. When mixed with a little water, a fine lather is created effortlessly which when worked up on one’s skin, sadly gives a feeling of sucking up skin’s moisture. After rinsing it off, the first thing I noted was that my skin looked unnaturally white. In fact it was so white that I pictured myself hitting my face on a plate having flour! Oh yes, you guessed it right this time. It sucked moisture and how! I had to immediately apply a moisturiser for it was highly discomfiting.

The only silver lining was that it cleansed my skin but nothing apart from that cheered me up. A look at its ingredients’ list and you’ll hit your head on the wall for investing in something that contains hordes of chemicals ranging from SLES to PEG, cocamidopropyl to parabens and so on and so forth. This one doesn’t work on pimples. How can it? Pimples are not determined by only one factor which can be taken care of by use of just one product. Even if you follow the procedure of applying mashed Neem leaves religiously, you need to watch over your diet and overall skin care regimen, right? So, relying on a product exclusively to combat so many skin woes would be naïve and far-fetched. This product is a debacle in a nutshell. It falls flat on its claims.

GOOD-

  • Readily available
  • Economical price
  • Mild and refreshing aroma
  • Imparts a clean look
  • Packed well

BAD-

  • Contains SLES, Cocamidopropyl, PEG, Fragrance (under the garb of which a number of chemicals are added), EDTA and parabens. Woah! That’s way too many chemicals. All of them are toxic.
  • Too drying for dry/extremely dry skin. Hence, not suitable for this skin type at all. Sucks moisture out of your skin.
  • Does not work on pimples and acne. Such problems aren’t combatted by mere use of one or two products. A lot of things including one’s diet and skin care regimen need to be watched out.
  • Does not impart radiance. What we get to see after washing it off is merely a clean face which is the case with every ABC face pack. Nothing to boost about.

RATING- 0/5

Editor’s Note: Sounds horrible! Have you tried the Himalaya Neem Face Wash? That actually works, and I love how mild, gentle yet refreshing it is. My Holy Grail since years!

Have you tried the Everyuth Neem Face Wash? If no, then don’t!

Whitetone Face Powder Review

Face Powder, Reviews, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

WHITETONE FACE POWDER REVIEW

By Nidhal

Finishing touches… Just like a sculptor’s finishing touch to his oeuvre makes it a masterpiece, a dancer’s perfect pirouette evokes a sigh of admiration from his/her audience and a writer’s final words strike a chord, in the similar way, finishing touches to one’s skin simply prep one’s appearance up, don’t they? A little powder dabbed carefully on one’s skin not only controls excess sweating but also sorts out uneven complexion. In line with this thought, I zeroed in on WHITETONE FACE POWDER one fine day.

Let me clarify my stand on an issue before proceeding. I have no fascination for fair/white/pale skin. I never have and never will. I didn’t grab it because the word “White-tone’’ was embossed on its package. It’s funny in fact bordering on hilarious how a mere powder can leave one with fair skin. If smeared in excess, it will cast a very unnatural white tone which I am sure looks very hideous to most. My purpose of buying it was to see if it adds that finishing touch my appearance which I just talked about above. Well, then it is time to see its report card, right?

PRICE- Rs 100/- for 70g

DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Apply on face and neck in required amounts.

INGREDEINTS-

WHAT IT CLAIMS- Nothing

MY EXPERIENCE-

Packed in a plastic bottle with a flip-top cap, the packaging of Whitetone face powder is sturdy, hygienic and travel-friendly according to me. Of course, if not shut properly, the powder will obviously spill put but then, the cap provided is sturdy enough to avert such a situation. In a nutshell, even though it is nowhere eye-catching or fancy, yet it is fine for me.

It is finely powdered with a visible white colour and a very mild aroma. The aroma is temporary. It will vanish within seconds of application but sadly the colour is a major put-off. No one is as white as a whitewashed wall! Indians are predominantly dusky and making a powder that complements the warm Indian skin shades is what is expected and appreciable.

When applied on one’s skin, it gives a very unnatural white appearance. In fact, one looks as if a bag of flour has been dropped on them! During sweltering summers when we sweat, the distinction between our natural complexion and this white colour becomes all the more obvious. For this very reason, I do not find it useful at all. Moreover, it wouldn’t be of much use to those with dry/extremely dry skin since their skin is already sapped off moisture. Using a powder which works to seal the pores (which is how, powders ‘control sweating’) will worsen the condition.

The final nail in the coffin comes in the form of its ingredients’ list which has nothing natural. The worst part being it has silicones (dimethicone) and artificial fragrance (under the garb of which toxic chemicals are added).

GOOD-

  • Readily available
  • Economical pricing
  • Fine packaging

BAD-

  • Casts an unnatural white complexion which shows on Indian skin shades.
  • Unsuitable for dry and extremely dry skin
  • Instills a sense of inferiority in the minds of an average Indian who anyway is way too obsessed with fairness, by selling something under the name of “Whitetone”.
  • Contains silicones and artificial fragrance.

RATING- 0.5/5

Editor’s Note: Oh God, such a dud! Knew from the name, and the fancy advertisement they do on TV :/ Nice review Nidhal 🙂

Have you tried the Whitetone Face Powder? Please don’t if you haven’t :p

Almendrop 100% Pure Almond Oil Review

Oils, Reviews, Skin care, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

ALMENDROP 100% PURE ALMOND OIL REVIEW

By Nidhal Sinha

Almond oil has benefits galore for your skin and crowning glory. Don’t believe? Enriched with Vitamins A, E and B, almond oil is food for your skin. Not only does it quench your skin’s thirst for moisturisation but also halt the signs of aging. Sounds good? Wait, there’s good news for your mane too. Almond oil is a great emollient and also cleanses skin and removes dead cells. This quality helps fight dandruff and keep the scalp clean. It is light in texture and that makes it a great substitute for shine enhancers or leave-in conditioners. Almond oil has amazing moisturizing properties due to the essential fatty acids and the vitamin E it contains. Lusciously gorgeous mane, did I hear you say that?

Oh, wait, the benefits don’t end here. There’s good news for your lips too. How? Almond oil comes to your rescue when you want those soft, pink lips to die for. Almond oil’s rich vitamin content and the fact that is a great moisturizer works wonders in softening lips and imparting a winsome natural pink colour. Since it is storehouse of beauty hacks, why not grab a bottle of almond oil and put a full stop to all our beauty woes? Sure, but markets are inundated with hordes of almond oil brands. Which one should be relied upon? Well, the answer is subjective but today, I will bring a brand of almond oil to your notice that will hopefully leave you with the answer to the above poser.

So, let’s begin with the review of ALMENDROP 100% PURE ALMOND OIL on that note.

PRICE- Rs 225/- for 175 ml (BUY HERE)

DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Apply on skin, hair or lips by massaging it gently.

INGREDIENTS- Refined almond oil (edible grade)

WHAT IT CLAIMS- Beneficial for hair, skin and health.

MY EXPERIENCE-

Packed in a simply but sturdy plastic bottle with cap on top and a layer of plastic covering shielding the oil from contamination inset, the packaging of ALMENDROP 100% PURE ALMOND OIL is leakage-free and hygienic. That said, I doubt if it is travel-friendly or not. The cap, I think may loosen its grip with use. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the packaging to make it travel-friendly. Just the cap needs to be revamped. All else is fine.

The oil isn’t lightweight but it isn’t as heavy as coconut oil is. If applied on one’s skin and hair, one will get a feeling that something is applied. But again it won’t be so heavy that you will feel uneasy in keeping it for long duration. The oil has no fragrance which is a plus point for me. I detest artificial fragrances.

When used on skin overnight (of course, I won’t recommend oily-skinned ladies to do so), you wake up with a dewy and moisturised skin. The key is to be regular. Miracles don’t happen overnight unless it is a Bollywood movie 😛 As far as its use on lips is concerned, a better idea would be to add ghee to it since the oil gets soaked immediately when slathered on lips. Finally when it comes to one’s crowning glory, if used as a hot oil treatment overtime (around 2 months), you’ll get shiny and softened locks. This depends of your hair’s condition and frequency of usage too so, do not picture shiny tresses instantaneously on reading my experience

All in all, it a good investment. The results aren’t noted within a week or two of use. Be patient and persistent. It’s a natural treatment but the results will spellbind you for sure.

GOOD-
Economical price
Hydrated lips if not deeply then in combination with other natural ingredients such as-ghee.
Imparts shine to your crowning glory. Again, the results won’t be seen immediately. Religious use overtime throws such results.
Moisturises skin well.
Sturdy bottle.
Pure. It is an edible grade oil which validates its purity.
No artificial aroma

BAD-
Limited availability. I found it a supermarket in New Delhi. It is an imported oil so, it may take time to reach the remotest corners of India.
Cap’s packaging needs to be modified to make it travel-friendly

RATING- 4.5/5

Editor’s Note: I just saw this on Amazon and it looks pretty good. I always recommend Hamdard Rogan Badam Shirin but this is cheaper and seems like a nice option.

Have you tried Almendrop Almond Oil yet? Heard of it?

Burt’s Bees Replenishing Regenerant Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil Review

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Burt’s Bees Replenishing Regenerant Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil Review

By Nidhal

There’s no shortage of lip balms in an average lady’s armoury but still, one cannot simply get over them, right? There will always be a lip balm that will entice you towards itself the way we are lured to the kitchen when our mothers whip our favourite dish 😛

One lip balm that has been on my to-buy list has been BURTS BEES REPLENISHING REGENERANT LIP BALM. Since winters have wrapped up, I have bid adieu to my lip butters and cleared my ‘armoury’ to make way for lip balms. It goes without saying that after burning a hole in my pocket, I managed to grab this lip balm and today, its report card by me is right before your eyes. Scroll to see if it emerged with flying colours or flunked.

PRICE- Rs 950/- for 4.25 g

DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Glide on lips as often as desired.

INGREDIENTS- Not mentioned

WHAT IT CLAIMS– Give your thirsty lips a whole lot of love with our lip balm with antioxidant-rich Pomegranate Oil. 100% natural, it happily hydrates and revitalizes your lips with a hint of color for an even, beautifully toned appearance.

• Packed with the power of Pomegranate Oil.
• Sweet Pomegranate flavor.
• Single tubes and twinpack available

MY EXPERIENCE-

Burt’s bees replenishing regenerant lip balm comes packed in a cardboard container with the main balm being ensconced in a sturdy plastic tube with a cap on top. Due to the provision of the balm in a tube, I find it a lot less troublesome to use than lip butters which require the user to dip their fingers in the tub of the lip butter. Its cap is sturdy too and hasn’t lost its grip despite a month of use. On the whole, it is up to the mark in terms of packaging.

The balm has a smooth, non-greasy and non-buttery texture. It is lightweight and in spite of being swiped several times, you won’t get a heavy feel. Its staying power sadly, is not praiseworthy given its price. It stays for 1-2 hours in case of my lips which are not dry. With heavy meals, retouch is tacit.

Even though it looks pink, yet it is absolutely colourless. No matter how many times you swipe it, it just doesn’t throw any colour. That’s’ a major put-off for me for I think those with slightly/highly pigmented lips won’t be able to use it. Its moisturising power isn’t commendable. I don’t find it hydrating my lips deeply. So, for those with chapped lips, again it is of limited use.

Despite using it for a month, I didn’t notice any noteworthy result in the condition of lips. A bad investment? Yes, absolutely.

GOOD-

  • Sturdy packaging. The balm never gets stuck in the tube despite regular use (exceptions may exist).
  • Mild and pleasant aroma

BAD-

  • Highly expensive for a lip balm
  • Disappointing staying power for the price paid
  • Almost zero tint. It won’t cover pigmentation hence, of less use to those with dark lips or even slight pigmentation.
  • Does not hydrate lips intensely
  • Availability is an issue. It isn’t still easy to spot in neighbouring markets.
  • Hasn’t impacted the condition of my lips in any noticeable way despite a month of usage.
  • Ingredients’ list has not been furnished.

RATING- 1/5

Obviously do not recommend and not buying it again.

Editor’s Note: Whoa, I have heard such mixed reviews. Some of the Burt’s Bees lip balms are pretty amazing. I have one which is pretty good. Also I did not find this Regenerant one on their website, but only the basic moisturizing Pomegranate one, so this one is discontinued now I believe.

Have you tried this Burt’s Bees Replenishing Regenerant Pomegranate Lip Balm yet?