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Lotus Herbals Pomegranate and Plum Skin Polisher Review

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Lotus Herbals introduced 3 new skin polishers in their range..I wrote about the Pomegranate and Plum one here
Its the energising one and meant for all skin types. Others are Kiwi and Grapes Revitalising Skin Polisher which is meant for sensitive skin and Orange Peel and Alpine Salt Whitening skin polisher meant for oily to combination skin.

Why is it different than a scrub?
Over-scrubbing with ordinary face scrubs can often lead to rashes and redness. Lotus Herbals Skin Polishers on the other hand do not have any such abrasive effect on skin. Lotus Herbals Skin Polishers unlike ordinary face scrubs have ultra fine granules that tenderly clear dead skin cells while nourishing skin to give it flawless radiance.

Do you see the half filled tub

So basically its different coz it has fine granules and its not so harsh.

MRP: Rs 155/- for 50g and Rs.245/- for 100g

It looks thick and gooey like a jam with small white,black and pink granules in it. It smells decent enough..though some may find it a little strong.

Pros:

1. It works well on the face and is gentle enough to even use it daily.
2. Can be used on hands and feet too.
3. Has a nice pomegranate and plum color,smell and feel.
4. Skin does not feel dry after using this unlike a few scrubs.
5. Skin does feel soft,smooth and it gives a refreshing feeling with all that fruity touch to it.

Cons;

1. Those who prefer more of exfoliation would not like this as its mild.
2.  The quantity in 50g tub is less as its just half filled and also by shelling 90 bucks extra you get double the qty..so this should have been priced around 120-125.
3. One polisher comes in tube form…then why rest two in tubs..tubes are more hygienic and better to use.
4. I cannot comment on the anti wrinkle claim and I am not sure of a scrub helping in controlling wrinkles !

Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 3.25/5

Would I buy it again: May be..

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

Snowberry Bright Defence Day Cream No.1 Review

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About Snowberry: ‘Snowberry’ was born of necessity – as Founder and cosmetician Soraya Hendesi expresses it – “I was simply unable to find skin care that I felt I could trust.”

A New Zealander of Persian origin, Soraya was frustrated by the many compromises she saw in conventional skin care. ‘Natural’ products that failed to take advantage of advances in skin care science, or ‘miracle’ products based on a single ingredient…and products of both kinds containing potentially harmful petrochemicals, sulphates, artificial colouring, parabens, silicones and glycols.

Snowberry means:
No Lauryl Sulphates
No Petrochemicals
No Propylene or Butylene Glycols
No Volatile alcohols
No artificial colours
No Silicones
No DEA or MEA ingredients

Avoiding parabens as the preservative system for Snowberry products led to another dedicated research programme. The breakthrough came in the form of an unusual combination of natural ingredients including Totarol from the New Zealand rainforest to form a unique, natural preservative system. Check out more here

What the Company claims: Designed for oily skin, the Bright Defence Day Cream No.1 is a powerful blend of anti-oxidants, herbal emollients and skin brightening agents that promote smoother, fairer and more even-toned skin at any age. 18+
For superb moisturisation, the Day Cream contains many nourishing herbal emollients, including Rosehip, Grapeseed, Passion Flower and macadamia, as well as the very special New Zealand Harakeke Oil, cultivated in the Snowberry gardens. The Day Cream also contains the essential glycosaminoglycan, hyaluronic acid to boost deep hydration and water retention. Safe and gentle skin brightening agents include ODA White™, Chromabright™ and Seppicalm™.

Ingredients:

Biophilic H
A naturally derived phospholipid plant emulsifier with anti-aging and moisturising properties. This clever ingredient binds ingredients and water to the skin

Cetiol CC
An ecocert-approved emollient which smoothes the skin, leaving it with a soft, velvety feel

Apricot Kernel Oil refined
An oil derived from the fleshy centre of the apricot stone, this emollient provides nourishment and has excellent moisturising and antioxidant properties, being rich in Vitamin A, B and E

Kombuchka
Produced from the fermentation of sweet black tea, this compound decreases glycation and skin roughness, improving radiance

Sepicalm VG
A botanical extract which decreases the irregular production of Melanin, evening out skin tone

Glycerine
A natural water-binding agent derived from coconut, providing moisture to the skin
Dermosoft GMCY An active derived from plant material which improves and maintains moisture. It also has antimicrobial properties

Emulmetik 320
An active naturally derived from Soybean with anti-aging and moisturising properties

O.D.A. White
Obtained by the biofermentation from natural and vegetable Oleic acid, this compound reduces Melanin synthesis and brightens skin

Rosehip Oil
A natural emollient with Vitamin A from Rose Hip fruit with excellent moisturising properties this oil also assists with cell regeneration and promotes collagen and elastin levels

Harakeke Seed Oil
A naturally derived oil from the seeds of a New Zealand native plant possessing anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and soothing properties

Serinaid 20 F-IP
A natural, powerful antioxidant which helps to prevent UV-induced degradation of collagen and UV-induced increases in matrix metalloproteinases (enzymes that degrade collagen)

Dermosoft 688
A natural plant extract with anti-microbial and preservative properties. This extract also improves the natural acidic environment of the skin

Vinanza Gold
An extract derived from New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc grape seeds containing powerful antioxidant properties

OxyResvenox
A synthetic compound which offers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and skin tone lightening support

Tocobiol SF c
A natural antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects while also providing moisturisation. Also supports protection against UV irradiation

Lipochroman 6
A synthetic ingredient with powerful antioxidant and anti-aging properties

Chromabright
A synthetic ingredient with lightening and anti-photo aging effects

Phyto Hyaluronic Acid WSK
An extract of the Chinese mushroom ‘Silver ear’, this ingredient has high moisturising properties, leaving the skin soft and smooth

I am really amazed by this brand and its deep research in all the ingredients they use in their products. All their products are made from a combination of around 135 ingredients they have made,used,found or developed which is like damn good.

They have different ranges and products according to age and skin type. This is from their anti ageing brightening range.

Its a white pump dispensor with a cap..I like the packaging too..and the design they use all over signifying nature is good too..Its a light brown lotion which has a little weird smell..but not too thick and gets absorbed easily.

Pros:

1. I like the fact that its totally chemicals free,parabens,colors,sulphates free.
2. Made up of ingredients we never knew were so amazing for the skin as they combine nature with science.
3. Gets easily absorbed into the skin…very light in texture and perfect for oily skin.
4. I liked the fact that they cater to different range…age and skin wise.
5. Packaging is nice too..and pump dispensor makes it easy to use.
6. Keeps skin moisturised and hydrated.
7. Skin was glowing and brightened and I did see a change in the skin.

Cons:

1. Its not available online too..at selected stores in selected countries.
2. The smell is a little weird but then they have not added any artificial fragrance..so I should not complain.

Presently its available only in Austria, France,Germany,New Zealand, UK, UAE, Hong Kong,Ireland, Lebanon, Mexico, Netherlands, Singapore and Sweden…They are preparing to launch it in few more countries including India. But people who have access to it…do try it..you will love the products.

Rating:

Quality: 5/5
Value for money: I do not know the price ..so cannot comment
Availability: 3/5

Overall Rating: I guess 4.5/5..If you have access to it..you should try it..

Would I buy it again: Yes

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

Motives Pressed Eye Shadows in Heiress and Aphrodite Review

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Motives By Loren Ridinger is a well known brand and has lots of amazing products…you can find more of it here

Motives Pressed Eye Shadows come in 73 colors and in that there are some recent new additions..

What does the Company claim: Primary Benefits of Motives® Pressed Eye Shadow:

Impeccable color retention that does not run or crease so you always look your best
Even, smooth and silky application for a glamorous glow
Deflects the light away from fine lines, skin imperfections and hyper-pigmentation, creating a flawless look
Mix and match to create a soft, natural or dramatic look
Paraben, fragrance and oil free


What Makes Motives® Pressed Eye Shadow Unique?
Ultra smooth and luxurious, these eye shadows are crease-proof and deflect the light away from fine lines to help visibly reduce the signs of aging for a bright, polished look. The Motives Pressed Eye Shadows have impeccable color retention that does not run or crease so you always look your best. They glide on ultra smooth with incredible hold, a flawless look, and a luxurious feel and finish. Take the guesswork out of looking gorgeous. The Motives Pressed Eye Shadow promises to give you the long-lasting, high-color look you have always wanted.
These are Latina Beauty Award Winner.

MRP: 12$ for 1.8g

Heiress is described as pearlized finish..its a shimmery pink…believe me the shimmer is so much that it just would not go from my hands..it can be used as an highlighter and works great that way.

Aphrodite is described as matte..though its not completely matte..its a light purple color..

Both are new additions in their collection.

L-R: heiress,aphrodite

I had received both broken esp the Heiress and everyone had a similar complaint..coz these are very very soft in texture..I am going to use them as pigments now..they work fine…m yet to break them completely though//but I have transferred them in separate containers..I do not want to add rubbing alcohol otherwise could have fixed them..would try some time if I feel like.

Pros:

1. They have a buttery soft texture.
2. Very easy to blend.
3. Huge variety of colors to choose from.
4. Stay on well for 4-5 hours without a primer.
5. Pretty nice packaging…you can carry it along too.
6. Does not crease.

Cons:

1. Heiress is very shimmery and thats why there is fall out..the pearlized ones are not for daytime use.
2. They do not ship to India.

Rating:

Quality: 3.75/5
Value for money: 3.5/5
Availability: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

Would I buy it again: Yes..these are quite nice.

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

Lakme Sun Expert After Sun Skin Lightening Face Wash Review

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Lakme Sun Expert After Sun Skin Lightening Face Wash Review

What a huge name..:p
It again is a part of the Sun Expert Range. And comes in the After Sun range of products.

Its transparent and gel like in consistency. It has small white granules kind in between which are very tiny..may be they are meant for exfoliation but they are too small and few in number to help in exfoliation. It again has a nice cucumber and lemon grass smell which lingers on.

Pros:

1. Gives a nice soothing feeling required right after sun exposure similar to Nature’s Co. Peppermint face wash.
2. Skin feels calm and relaxed from the heat…esp for people who suffer from sun burns and go red in the sun.
3. Has a nice smell which lingers on for a while.
4. Does leave skin soft and fresh as claimed.
5. I liked the yellow packaging..it looks very attractive.
6. Did not sting my eyes.
7. Did not leave an oily film or a stretchy feeling on skin..just normal supple clean skin.

Cons:

1. I am not sure of the lightening claim but it does help with tan and I liked the fact about it.
2. ‘Deep cleanses each pore’ sounds high a claim.
3. The tiny little grains in it are of no help…I do not know why where they included.

I think this face wash is perfect for people with sensitive skin and who suffer from sun burns…this would help their skin to soothe a lot.

Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 4/5

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

Iraya Fruit and Nut Scrub Review

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Iraya Fruit and Nut Scrub Review

Iraya Botanicals has amazing products and all hand made and herbal ingredients with no parabens and preservatives. Read more about it in my previous post  here.

Claims to rejuvenate and add a glow..

What the Company claims and Ingredients:

MRP: Around Rs. 150/- to 200/- for 50 g

Its a brown scrub with small granules which are fine and not very harsh..has a pleasant smell. It has a gel like consistency as you can see..and as it spreads along smoothly..you do not need much quantity.

Pros:

1. Its a very mild scrub and would suit people with sensitive skin also.
2. Has a very nice pleasant smell.
3. It does scrub well and makes the skin soft and smooth as claimed.
4. I liked the natural ingredients of fruits and nuts.
5. NO parabens.
6. Not tested on animals and 100% veg.
7. Well priced for the quality.
8. As it has a gel like consistency and spreads nicely ..you do no need much and it will last long.

Cons:

1. Its a glass jar and has to be handled with care…and one has to dip fingers to get the product..which would become difficult at the end for the remaining product.
2. You cannot carry it along with you.
3.  Availability is an issue with Iraya as you only get it at selected Spas.

Rating:

Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money: 4.5/5
Availability: 3/5

Overall Rating: 4/5

Would I buy it again: Yes…love it…in fact want to try more and more of Iraya.

Where can you find it:

In Mumbai: Hyatt Regency (Club Prana) Grand Hyatt (Club Oasis) J.W. Marriott (Quan Spa)
Westin Mumbai (HeavenlySpa ) Radisson, Alibaug (Mandara Spa)

In New Delhi: Shangri – la (Health Club) The Leela, Gurgaon (Lavanya Spa) Westin Sohna, Gurgaon (Heavenly Spa) Hyatt Regency

In Goa: Park Hyatt (Sereno Spa)    Goa Marriott (Blu Spa)    The Zuri Varca (Maya Spa)

In Chennai: Radisson GRT (Bodhi Spa)    Courtyard by Marriott (Health Club)

In Kolkotta: Fort Raichak (Anaya Spa)    Swissotel    Aikya Spa

In Hyderabad: Westin Mindspace (Heavenly Spa)    Marriott Hyderabad (Health Club)

In Jaipur: Jai Mahal Palace (The Spa at Jai Mahal)

In Pune: Westin Pune (Heavenly Spa)    Hyatt Regency    Pune Marriott Hotel & Convection Centre

In Bangalore: The Zuri (Maya Spa)

In Nashik: The Gateway Hotel

In Lucknow: Taj Residency

I think these products are surely worth a try…and I am sure many of you will find your Holy Grail in them 🙂

Have you tried Iraya ?

Auravedic Luxurious Bath and Body Oil Review

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What does the Company claim: Contains pure & natural botanical extracts.For soft & glowing skin use regularly before, during or after bath.Excellent for daily use.
With pure extracts of winter cherry to provide freshness and Deodar Cedar for anti fungal cleansing. Its infused with mountain spice.
This luxurious oil with pure extracts of winter cherry and deodar cedar moisturizes the skin for that soft   glowing after bath skin.

                                  

Usage: Apply generously & massage gently all over the body before, during or after bath.

Ingredients: (in %)
Lac 20%, Cedrus Deodara 2% (Himalayan Cedar- oil helps in curing skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis), Chonemorpha macrophylla 1.85% , Anethum graveolens 1.88% (Dill- very good in healing of wounds and in massage oils), Withania Somnifera 1.65% (Ashwagandha,winter cherry,indian ginseng- used as as a toner and anti-inflammatory skin ointment, and is thought to have antioxidant properties, which may account for its use as an anti-aging ingredient), Alpinia Calcarata 1.23% (Promotes skin healing), Glycyrhizza glabra 1.17%( Licorice- Used as a whitener, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and moisturizer), Picrorhiza Kurroa 1.68% (Katuka- used to treat skin conditions including eczema and vitiligo, a disorder that causes white patches on the skin), Dysoxylum malabaricum 1.12%( Indian white cedar),  Gorchorus trilocularis 1.09%( used in skin troubles), Cyperus rotundus 1% (Nut grass- helps in pigmentation), Curcuma longa 2.11%(Turmeric- antiseptic,anti fungal,anti oxidant), Coconut Oil q.s, Cow’s Milk 15.22%, Preservatives

Do you see the spice settled at the bottom

MRP: Rs.250/- for 100ml

Check out the places where it is available and other products here

I liked all the ingredients in it..loved knowing them more and getting more info from Google..I think this oil has all the perfect and essential good ingredients for the skin.

Its a thick yellow oil and the mountain spice which settles down in the bottle can be seen. It has a strong smell though.

Pros:

1. A perfect blend of essential ingredients for the skin.
2. I liked the fact that all the ingredients were stated with %.
3. Its a nice body massage oil and perfect for using it before bath.
4. Has a flip cap bottle which is easy to use.
5. Moisturises skin well and keeps it supple…and would suit dry skin more..though I feel its little greasy for summers.

Cons:

1. Its a little thick oil and takes a lot of time in absorbing completely..its good for winters.
2. Has a strong herbal spices smell.
3. This is a body oil and at 100 ml quantity it would get used up in 3-4 times if used all over the body..and hence the price of 250 is a little expensive..or I think they should increase the quantity.
4. Availability in other States is an issue.
5. I am a little sceptical about the preservatives written at the end.

Overall I liked the herbal and natural ingredients in the skin and love the quality of it.

Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 3.75/5

Would I buy it again: May be for winters…I do not like the greasy feeling of oil in summers.

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

Lakme Sun Expert SPF 24 PA++ Cucumber and Lemongrass Lotion Review

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Lakme Sun Expert SPF 24 PA++ Cucumber and Lemongrass Lotion Review

Lakme has in its new sunscreen range both After Sun products and Sun Expert products..The After Sun Products include a skin lightening facewash, gel and a mask which would help get rid of the tan.

The sunscreen range is divided into SPF 24,30 and 50. All provide broad spectrum UV protection and PA + or ++ or +++
There is also one Body Lotion having SPF 24 PA++. Check out more at lakmesunexpert.com

Here I am reviewing the SPF 24 PA ++ Cucumber and Lemongrass Lotion.

I was already using the 55 ml bottle from 2 weeks and was going to review it soon and I got this in 20 gm tube.

Its a thick white lotion. I was amazed to see such a thick lotion at first as I expected it to have normal runny consistency. It has cucumber and lemongrass smell.

Pros:

1. Though its a thick lotion it has a light feel and gets absorbed real fast.
2. It has nice cucumber and lemon grass smell which stays on for 2-3 hours.
3. I liked the fact that it comes in three variants and is reasonably priced.
4. The small tube is very handy and travel friendly..and as its to be re applied in sun every 4 hours..its perfect to carry it along with you.
5. You do not need a lot of product as it spreads nicely and covers up each part.
6. Liked the yellow packaging.
7. No whitish cast issue was there with this.

Cons:

1. It has only SPF 24..so not suitable for swimming or a lot of sun exposure.
2. A white layer was formed on the opening of the bottle…though the tube looked fine.
3. Its not water proof or sweat proof..though it does not even claim to be..but it would not stay for long..and hence need to be re applied.
4. I do not have past sun damage or spots but I think its a high claim to make.

Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 4/5

Would I buy it again: Yes…esp the tube one which is ideal to carry along.

Have you tried the  New Lakme Sunscreens ?

Lakme Fantasy Shimmer Liner in Astral Green Review

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Lakme had launched 8 shimmer liners in the Fantasy Collection.

All these are shimmery liquid liners with a cute small bottle and a long handle. The brush is normal liquid liner brush and not felt tip. I guess felt tip would have been easier.

Astral Green is a nice shimmery light green..These are not water proof..but stay on well for 3-4 hours.

Pros:

1. These are decent enough in consistency.
2. Easy to use.
3. Stay on well for 3-4 hours.
4. All 8 colors are very pretty and would look good esp the Midnight Moon and the Moonshine Top Coat.
5. Nice packaging.
6. Priced decently.

Cons:

1. I wish the quantity was a little more.
2. All colors together are never available at the counter..there are always only 4-5.
3. These are not water proof..so one has to be careful in that.
4. As these are shimmery..these are not for day time.

Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

Would I buy it again: Yes…I loved Midnight Moon..

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

Maybelline Colossal Kajal Review

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I got this kajal after hearing lots of ppl raving about it..Its a twist up mechanical pencil..and is nice dark black.

It claims to have
Mega Intensity + Mega Wear for 6 hours which equals to Colossal Striking Eyes

Well it has lot of product in it..and would last me a long time..

MRP: Rs 150/-

Shelf life: 24 months

This is how it looks on my eyes

Pros:

1. Its nice dark black.
2. Glides on nicely and is super soft.
3. Reasonably priced.
4. Does not spread or smudge much or give racoon eyes like a few herbal kajals.
5. I liked the yellow packaging.
6. It does not go away completely leaving your eyes bare..and there is a hint of it till the time you remove it.

Cons:

1. Claim of 6 hours staying power is wrong…it hardly stays for 2 hours.
2. It does get collected at the corners.
3. When I got wet in rain..it smudged too and gave me racoon eyes 🙁 So basically not meant for the rainy season.
4. No Ingredients mentioned…dont know what the 5 caring ingredients are :/

Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

Would I buy it again: No…the only fact good about it..is that it does not smudge..but I am not impressed with the staying power…just another normal kajal

Related posts:

Lotus Herbals Natural Kajal Review 
The Kohl that survives all tests 

Have you tried the Colossal kajal ? What do you think ?

Nature’s Brilliance By Sue Mineral Lipsticks and Blush Review

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I had described more about Nature’s Brilliance and Sue in my previous post here where I reviewed the mineral eye shadows.

Today I am reviewing the Mineral Color Set consisting of mineral blush/eye color and Cranberry Butter lipstick.

The Cranberry Butter Lipstick is in the shade ‘Bordeaux’ which is champagne brown pink and ‘Peach Sunset’ which is a peachy orange..but comes out very sheer on the lips like a lip balm.

Ingredients: Pure Cranberry Butter (Pure Cranberry Fruit, Shea Butter, Jojoba), Certified Organic Jojoba Oil, Lecithin (Vegetbale Source), Castor Seed Oil, Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol (Vegetable Source), Olive Fruit Oil, Beeswax, Soybean Lipids, Carnauba Wax, Candelillia Wax, Natural Vitamin E, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Mica, Iron Oxide.

All lip products now also contain tangerine oil and Vitamin C.

MRP: 10$

Pros:

1. Its made up of all natural ingredients.
2. Very very creamy and smooth to glide on.
3. Keeps lips very moisturized.
4. The color stays on for 2-3 hours.
5. Wide variety of colors.

Cons:

1. It tends to melt.
2. Colors like Peach Sunset come out very sheer and hardly show up.
3. A white layer forms on the lipstick and there are some minute grainy things which may be the natural ingredients that come up in between.
4. Its only available in US and Canada right now.

The Blush is in the shade 001MCS which I did not find the shade of on the site. Its a soft shimmery pink which looks a little brown in the jar.

MRP: 7$

Ingredients: Serecite, Mica, Iron Oxide, Titanium Dioxide.

Goes on very silky and stays on all day.

T- Unblended B- Blended

Pros:

1. The blush is as it claims…goes on silky..
2. Stays for a decent amount of time.
3. These colors can be used both as a blush or eye color.
4. Again its mineral color and suitable for sensitive skin too.
5. The colors are very pretty in this range from pinks,peaches,beige,rose,orange,corals.

Cons:

1. Most of the colors are shimmery..so not for day time use.
2. And as it does not ship to India 🙁

Rating:

Quality: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 2/5

Overall Rating: 3.75/5

Would I buy it again: If in case I get to lay hands on them through relatives in US…I would surely like to try other colors.

If you stay in US or Canada you should surely try this brand. You can get 10% discount on all the products by using the coupon code ‘BHUMIKA10’. Check out the site here

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