Tag Archives: Reviews

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.

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 ? 

Lotus Herbals Lemonpure Cleansing Milk Review

Turmeric & Lemon Cleansing Milk

What the Company claims: This unique cleansing milk is ideal for deep cleansing and removing make-up. The astringent property of lemon lifts impurities from the skin. Turmeric works as an antiseptic, maintains moisture level and preserves elasticity of skin. The lemon peel extract draws out younger skin.

Directions for use: Apply all over face and neck with circular movements. Wipe off with either damp cotton or wash off with water.

Active Ingredients: Extracts of wild turmeric, vitiver and lemon peel.

MRP: Rs.155/- for 80 ml

Its a normal pump bottle with a cap like all other Lotus Products mostly. Its creamy in texture and yellow in color…has a strong turmeric and lemon smell…but bearable enough.
I use it as directed and it works well for me…removes all dirt and make up including most of water proof mascara too…I also liked the fact that it did not sting my eyes. It claims to be for normal to dry skin..but worked well for my combination skin too.

Pros:

1. I like the fuss free pump packaging.
2. It removes mostly all the make up including most of the water proof mascara..in 2-3 swipes.
3. I like the fact that it has turmeric and lemon as turmeric is antiseptic and healing and lemon tones the skin.
4. It does not feel too greasy or anything..I use it exactly as directed.
5. Skin feels quite supple and normal after use.
6. It did not sting my eyes like some other cleansing lotions.
7. Works for all skin types.
8. It also has wheatgerm oil,almond oil,orange oil,glycerin,beeswax, and other ingredients beneficial for the skin.

Cons:

1. Some people may not like the smell…I am ok with it.
2. Has parabens.

Overall I quite liked it…and I think its a must try..

Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 4/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

Oriflame Visions Nail Polish Review, Swatches

These are named Quick Dry Nail Polish…

What the Company claims: Many exciting shades. Match them with your makeup, your clothes or your mood – you will find them here! 8 ml.

Ingredients: TOSYLAMIDE/FORMALDEHYDE RESIN, ETHYL ACETATE, TOLUENE, BUTYL ACETATE, NITROCELLULOSE, ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL, DIBUTYL PHTHALATE, CAMPHOR, ACETYL TRIBUTYL CITRATE, STEARALKONIUM HECTORITE, BENZOPHENONE-1, CI 77491, CI 15850, CI 77499, CI 19140

MRP: Rs. 79/-

There are some 22-23 shades to choose from..


I have the shades Romance and Silver Pink..both are quite sheer…you need atleast 2-3 coats of this nail paints to show up on the nails..but they are nice for that subtle sheeny effect when you do not want your nails to be too bright…I do like to try different things on nails depending on my mood.

Romance is a sheer baby pink with multi colored shimmer..gives a duo chromatic effect.. and Silver Pink is a sheer off white with silver and pink shimmer..

Romance

Silver Pink

Pros:

1. Nice subtle sheer shades for that neutral just glossy sheen.
2. Cheap as you get 8 ml..enough qty.
3. Dries very fast.
4. Decent brush and gives even application.

Cons:

1. You can only get it from an Oriflame consultant.
2. Has Toluene and Formaldehyde.

Overall pretty decent..you can try..

Rating:

Quality: 3.5/5
Value for money: 3.5/5
Availability: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3.25/5

Would I buy it again: Yes..may be a brighter shade..

Maybelline Watershine Liquid Diamonds Gloss Naked Brown Review,Swatches

Maybelline Watershine Liquid Diamonds Gloss Naked Brown Review,Swatches

What the Company claims: Hi Shine Liquid Gloss

Size: 3 ml
Glosses to give you the voluptuous dazzling lips you’ve always wanted
Hi-shine liquid format for perfectly supple brilliantly shiny lips
Available in 15 glamorous shades

MRP: Rs. 180/-

These are very cute small liquid glosses..they are called slims coz of their slim small shape..different colors to choose from..they are high on shine and have a vanilla black currant kinda sweet smell…they have a normal slightly slanted wand..easy to use and easy to carry coz of the small size.

Naked Brown is a nude brown matte shade with pink undertones…perfect for daily wear or office wear or anywhere any time..I just love the shade !!

Pros:

1. Nice colors to choose from.
2. Economically priced.
3. Easily available.
4. Travel friendly.
5. Have a nice sweet smell.
6. The slanted small wand is easy to use.
7. Combination of matte and shimmery shades.

Cons:

1. Staying power is just 1-2 hours max.

Overall I super like them. I recommend Naked Brown the most…followed by Pink Ruby, Coral Sunset and Caramel Cream.

Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 3.75/5

Would I buy it again: Yes..for sure..love this shade..and also Coral Sunset.

Have you tried Maybelline Watershine? Which shade is your favorite ??

Queen Cosmetics Tinted Foundation Cream Review

About Queen Cosmetics: Queen has 80 years’ experience of providing pure, proven skin care and make-up for sensitive skin.

In fact, Queen originated the concept of hypo-allergenic – non-allergic – cosmetics in 1927. The formulae were specially devised for clients with sensitive skin by a team of dermatologists and were first manufactured and sold at a pharmacy in Queen Square, London. Today, the products are manufactured by hand at our premises in East Sussex according to the original formulations.Our formulations are as pure and gentle as possible and use as few ingredients as possible per product to reduce the likelihood of an allergic reaction. We manufacture in small batches, ensuring quality and freshness, and meaning we do not need to pack our products full of unnecessary ingredients, additives and preservatives.
Our products are free of fragrance, perfume or essential oils. Queen products have never been tested on animals. More here

What the Company claims: Creamy and smooth, Tinted Foundation Cream provides a touch of colour and a perfect base for powder or blusher. This coloured sensitive skin cream is part of our make-up range for sensitive skin. For greater coverage, use in conjunction with our Translucent Face Powder, or follow with one of our soft powder blushers.

Choose from the following (listed in order of palest to darkest): Warm Peach, Honey Beige, Misty Beige, Warm Amber

Dot over your face and smooth in gently, taking care to blend well around the jawline and hairline.

Ingredients: Stearic Acid, Paraffinum Liquidum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Aqua, Sorbitol, Methylparaben, Triethanolamine, Titanium Dioxide, Pigments.

 45ml £15.35

It comes in a pump kind of bottle..but it does not pump out easily from it…the shade is a little darker than my skin tone and its the second palest…so only four shades to select from is a problem..this is more of a tinted moisturiser than a foundation…its very creamy and blends well..but it would give a light to medium coverage..

Pros:

1. Works well as a tinted moisturiser.
2. Perfect for dry skin as its very creamy and hydrating.
3. All products made suitable to sensitive skin.
4. Shipping is decent enough.. 4.5£
5. Works for everyday wear and comes off easily even with a normal cleanser.

Cons:

1. Only 4 shades to choose from.
2. Has parabens and cetearyl alcohol.
3. Only available online.
4. May be thick for oily skin..esp in humid climate…would not stay long.
5. Not meant for people who need heavy coverage.
6. I think it should be priced a little less.

Overall its kind of ok..does not work great as a foundation but ok as a tinted moisturiser..I like its ease of use as a daily wear…you can use it easily and remove it easily.

Rating:

Quality: 3/5
Value for money: 3/5
Availability: 2.5/5

Overall Rating: 2.75/5

Would I buy it again: Umm..maybe not..

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

Lotus Herbals Jojobawash Review

Active Milli Capsules Nourishing Face Wash

What the Company claims: The innovative mili capsules present in this premium face wash contain herbal extracts of jojoba, avocado and vitamin-e. These active ingredients are delivered directly to your face when applied leaving your skin clean and nourished.

Directions for use: Squeeze a small quantity on wet palms. Crush mili capsules and work out lather. Apply on wet face with circular movements. Wash off.

Active Ingredients: Extracts of jojoba, avocado and vitamin-e.

MRP: Rs.110/- for 80g

Its a transparent gel…a little runny with small blue and brown mili capsules…small beads type in it…has a nice refreshing pleasant smell. It does not dry out or stretch skin and cleanses well..this would suit all skin types.

Pros:

1. This does not dry out and removes oil and dirt well…so would suit all skin types.
2. Has a nice pleasant smell.
3. The mili capsules are actually fun to use.
4. Economically priced.
5. The packaging is decent and the flip cap closes properly.
6. Easily available everywhere.

Cons:

1. Its too slippery and the beads just slip off from your hands always.
2. I am not sure if they contain jojoba, avocado and Vitamin E.

Overall I quite liked this face wash and its nice for daily use.

Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 3.85/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

Have you tried it ??

P.S: Today is the last day to enter my CreaClip giveaway…go here…hurry..

Biotique Chlorophyll Gel Review

First of all Sorry for being MIA..I was out of town and it was a sudden trip as the tickets were not confirmed before..and later they got confirmed..so I had to pack and rush within an hour !! Had amazing fun at the trip with my friends… :))

Coming back to the topic…I have been using Biotique Chlorophyll Gel from last year.

What the Company claims:

Product Description
Chlorphyll is the “green” in all plants, meant to absorb and harness the energy of the sun involved in photosynthesis and highly valued for its antiseptic properties.

This refreshing, anti-bacterial moisturizer is blended with chlorophyll and extracts of seaweed, sea algae, aloe vera and gum arabic to tighten pores, avert blemishes, and keep skin nourished and clear without flaking.

Ingredients:
Chinai ghas (Gelidium amansii) 1.5%
Kuda (Holorrhena antidysenterica) 2.0%
Ghrit kumari (Aloevera indica) 2.0%
Kikkar gaund (Acacia Arabica) 2.0%
Samundir kai (Gelidium amansii) 10.0%
Himalayan Water Q.S.


Apply evenly over cleansed face and neck, morning and evening, to refresh skin. Also recommended for post hair removal, to soothe and condition the skin against redness and irritation.

MRP: Rs. 199/- for 65g

Its a transparent green gel..looks very similar to Aloe Vera Gel..but has added properties of Chlorophyll, Acacia and other ingredients..has a light refreshing smell.

Though it can be used as a moisturiser and it is stated so in the directions…if your skin needs added moisture..this would not be enough..I usually use it post waxing..and it soothes my skin as I do get small red bumps post waxing.

Pros:

1. Very light texture and gets easily absorbed.
2. Amazing to soothe skin post waxing.
3. Has a nice refreshing smell.
4. Is not greasy like other creams and so would be perfect for people with oily skin.
5. Has all natural ingredients.
6. Economical as you need a little quantity.
7. Perfect moisturiser for summers..esp for ppl with oily skin.

Cons:

1. Comes in a tub..so you need to dip hands.
2. Dry skinned ppl cannot use only this as its not moisturising enough.
3. Keep it away from your mouth..even a slight touch and you get that bitter taste :/

Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 4/5

Would I buy it again: Yes..I love using it post waxing and even as a moisturiser in summers.

I recommend this strongly to people who get bumps like me post waxing..use this immediately and skin would feel much better.

Have you used Biotique Chlorophyll Gel ??