Tag Archives: women

Top Natural Skin, Hair and Body Care Brands in India, Indian Beauty Blog, Skincare Blog

Top Natural Skin, Hair and Body Care Brands in India

Hair Care, Skin care, Top 5, Women, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Top Natural Skin, Hair and Body Care Brands in India

By Nidhal

Tossing away all those chemical-laden cocktails into the trash seems a herculean task given the paucity of alternatives at hand at present, isn’t it? Not anymore. You do not have to repine anymore for there are some niche brands that are not just environment-friendly in their approach but also cent per cent transparent about the ingredients’ list of each and every product of theirs. Sounds impressive, doesn’t it?

No need to glower at your high-end chemical-laden product anymore for burning a hole in your pocket and not throwing any commendable results for here you go with a list of Indian brands- all of which sell via Amazon India, that are not just safe for topical application but also budget-friendly.

1. MAHAGRO – A small but incredulously devoted team based out of Hyderabad, MahaGro may have entered the natural skin, hair and body care market recently (2012) but earns a thumbs up from one and all thanks to their nourishing all-natural, chemical-free, preservative-free, artificial-fragrance- free and cruelty-free products.

Offering not just beauty products (like- herbal bath powder, pimple pack, face pack, hair wash powder, etc.) but also ingredients that can be used to whip one’s own recipes (like orange peel powder, tulsi powder, etc.), their products don’t cost an arm and a leg if you’re contemplating adding the same to your shopping carts. Owned by the obliging Krishna Karthik, they are about to launch herbal soaps and shampoos soon in addition to shipping products PAN India.

My vote of approval goes to the following products-

(a) Herbal bath powder- Enriched with the benefits of myriad herbs in dried form with a lingering aroma of camphor predominantly, Mahagro’s herbal bath powder makes for an efficacious face pack too in addition to being a bath powder. Ideal for use in summers when the mercury rises to unprecedented levels, it cools one’s skin instantly, thereby soothing it.

Price- 179/- INR for 200g (Buy HERE)

(b) Herbal hair wash powder- To those who are fond of giving a wide berth to chemical-laden hair masks/packs, Mahagro’s herbal wash powder is of use. Composed of only dried herbs and leaves sans any chemical preservatives, teaming it with one’s base ingredient of choice say- coconut milk, would work wonders for one’s mane. Regular use will obviously throw much more flattering results vis-à- vis a single use.

Price- 179/- INR for 200g (Buy HERE)

2. TARIKA AYURLABS- The picture-postcard Pondicherry (called Pondy by the locals) gives one’s eyes not just sights to behold but also one’s skin and hair, oodles of unadulterated nourishment through a brand that targets beauty woes through the ancient Indian science- Ayurveda. Not even 1% of the composition of any of their 100% natural, vegan, cruelty-free and chemical-free products contain any nasties that’d compel you to grimace.

Crafting a wholesome combo of products, ranging from hair oils, face serums, face masks to face scrubs, each product impresses with its unique composition. From offering products that seek to address the woes of aging, pimples/spots, foul body odour, excess hair fall to having lacklustre skin, they offer beauty combos that work wonders in allaying the same with regular use.

I would recommend Tarika’s daily facial sandal face mask as well as night oil for face (saffron) to all those whose skin loses its lustre and glow thanks to the barrage of chemical-laden cocktails we pour on ourselves daily in a bid to get the same. A little goes a long way that’s what I realised after using both the gems! Versatile enough to be blended with raw milk and neem decoction, the mask suits every skin type, leaving your skin inherently cleansed and nourished NATURALLY.

The cherry on the cake is Tarika Night oil for face (saffron). The aroma is ethereal, heavenly…a sort of aphrodisiac, taking your olfactory senses to a ride. Upon applying, with a little massage, it blends in with one’s skin easily. Sleep with it for within a few days, you will wake up with skin that looks restored to life. Let’s be rational- one or two uses won’t throw wondrous results. Given the kind of environs we inhabit, we need to be persistent in application. And if we are, the beauty combo from Tarika Ayurlabs leaves you chuffed.

PRICE-

Daily Sandale Beauty Mask: INR 480 for 50g (Buy HERE)

Night Oil for Face Saffron: INR 695 for 30ml (Buy HERE)

3. ISHAAN ENTERPRISES: RAYAAN HERBALS- Based out of Hyderabad, this all-natural venture helmed by Mrs. Reshma Thakur believes in giving a wide berth to chemical preservatives. Incepted in 2013 with a vision to craft exquisite skin, hair and body care products sans any hogwash (read: chemicals), Rayaan Herbals (the brand) that comes under Ishaan Enterprises (the company) came to the rescue of all those fraught with seeing chemical-laden products inundate markets! With an expanding range that seeks to cater to varying needs of its customers, if you are at the sea, don’t repine for you can touch base with them (Facebook) and get products tailor-made to suit your needs. Another feather in their cap is that they manufacture the products themselves so every facet is scrutinised to the backbone.

Coming from raw parts of a plant say- stems, flowers, roots, leaves, etc. their herbal products are intricate mixes of herbs. In my humble opinion, one should give a shot to their Hair shining pack. A natural fix for those whose locks look lustreless and drained off gloss, mixing it with the base ingredient that’s most compatible with one’s locks will ensure that it packs a punch at other hair woes too like- lack of softness, brittleness, etc. Dedicated use overtime will surely leave one with more thunderous results than single/two-time uses. It performs to a great extent on what it claims, however, do not get dispirited within a few uses for everyone’s hair condition differs and depending on how damaged one’s locks are, it will work.

PRICE- 550/- INR for 100g (Buy HERE)

4. IRAYA- ‘From the earth’ as is meant by its name in Sanskrit, Iraya- based out of Ahmedabad brings forth to our notice, the bountifulness of nature, which when harnessed ethically nourishes us to the backbone. Without elaborating much on what all the brand offers (Because we all know that! Iraya is a established name. One needs to be living under the rock to be unaware of it), what the USP of Iraya is to me, is that they not just ferret out the most esoteric herbs and blend them to concoct nourishing skin treats but also name their products in a way that is strongly reminiscent of the days when people relied on Ayurveda and natural remedies to tend to her beauty woes instead of store-bought products.

The product I recommend is the Kantivardhak Lepa which does justice to its name- imparts a winsome glow (Kanti) to my face and neck within a few applications without stinging it. Versatile enough to be blended with as many base ingredients (such as- curd, buttermilk, rose water, etc.) as you can come up with, it gets my vote of approval. I find it apt for use by all skin types. Slough it gently while removing to aid the process of scrubbing. Wouldn’t that be equivalent to saying that we are getting the best of both worlds- scrubbing as well as getting a glow? Yes, it surely would be.

PRICE- 445/- INR for 50g (Buy HERE)

5. RAW RITUALS- Handcrafting taken seriously- that’s how I delineate Raw Rituals. Based out of Ahmedabad, this organic skin and hair care venture is helmed by the warm and welcoming Mrs. Lovina Aggarwal and makes no about doing everything manually be it- boiling, whipping, blending, packaging, or designing. If that’s insufficient then, they have all the feathers in their cap to sweep you off your feet- cruelty-free, organic, preservative-free and cent per cent transparent about the ingredients added.

Offering lip balms, face packs, face scrubs, hair oils, body massage oils, face serums and cold-pressed soap- all free from chemicals, there is no reason why Raw Rituals doesn’t deserve a place on our list. I would recommend Raw Rituals’ peppermint and orange lip butter to all those looking to soothe their perennially dry lips that yearn for all the more moisturisation as the mercury goes down. The USP is that it is colourless, thus apt for use by men/boys too. The subtle aroma is capable of sending you into a tizzy thanks to peppermint essential oil which it is replete with.

Read the reviews of the orange lip butter HERE and their Ethereal Face Serum HERE

PRICE- 150/- INR (Buy HERE)

Editor’s Note: That’s quite an interesting list Nidhal. I have tried and loved Iraya. Tarika sounds pretty interesting and I would love to try that!

Have you tried any of these natural brands? Your favourite natural brand and product?

Giorgio Armani Sì EDP Review

EDP, Giorgio Armani, Lifestyle, Perfumes, Reviews, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Giorgio Armani Sì EDP Review

By Linda

Hello gorgeous ladies,

Hope you had an amazing Diwali with your loved ones. Today’s review is about a lovely fragrance called Si by Giorgio Armani. A sale assistant at the counter in the Mumbai international airport (Duty Free Shopping) allowed me to try on this perfume and assured me that once sprayed on to your clothes, this perfume will last for at least 3 days. Yes!! You heard me right 3 days, so I went ahead to try it. I’m very particular in terms of perfumes since I dislike strong fragrances or perfumes that are too sweet and fruity. Strong perfumes tend to give a headache secondly I cannot spray perfume on my skin since it irritates easily. Fragrances that are subtle and yet lasts for long is what I like and look for. As I tried on this perfume, it was easy for me to decide as I instantly fell in love with this classy fragrance. There were other various collections in Si range. But this was the best high end perfume I found for myself. I was offered this perfume on a discounted price since I purchased various other things in Duty Free. So let’s find out more about this awesome fragrance.

Product description: An Aromatic rose scented fragrance. At once chic, voluptuous, intense and soft. Si eau de parfum lingers on the skin and enchants the sense. The distinguish and elegant fragrance allows women to express their every emotion.

Si has a top note of blackcurrant nectar, a heart of freesia and Rose of Mai, with a musky blond wood base. This fragrance was created for the modern women who’s strong yet feminie, sophisticated yet charismatic. She embodies the very essence of chic Italian elegance and style.

Price: Approx 7000 INR for 50 ml.

Packaging: The Perfume is packed in a glass transparent bottle with a black cap giving a sophisticated yet a feminine look with the brand names printed. It comes in a well packed carton box. The shape of the bottle is convenient to grip and comfortably hold on to the nozzle to pump required amount of fragrance. The ingredients of the perfume are mentioned on the back of the carton box. I always keep it in the carton and carry along with me while I’m travelling overseas.

My take on Giorgio Armani Sì Perfume

In simple words this fragrance has a subtle yet unique note that I never came across .It does not even irritate the skin or give any sorts of headache once spraying onto yourself or your clothes. It smells feminine and sophisticated. I had many of them asking me as in which perfume I’m wearing. The smell remains on all day long. You need not carry the bottle along with you all day since the fragrance just remains throughout once sprayed. And as the sales assistant assured me it definitely remains on your clothes for days.

I haven’t sprayed this perfume on a sunny and humid day. Mostly sprayed it during an indoor event in cool temperatures.

I do not use it on daily basis since I don’t want finish the bottle soon 🙂 It’s perfect for important events like high end parties, job interview, meetings or even a date, where you can get easily noticed for this classic perfume and a few raised eyebrows here and there. Believe me it’s hard to explain in words how the perfume exactly smells but handsdown it will be totally worth it. I’m definitely buying this perfume again hope it remains on the permanent collections. A Must buy!!.

Pros:

  • Unique Fragrance
  • Lasts really long (Clothes and skin)
  • Does not irritate the skin
  • Does not given any headaches (atleast for me)
  • Smells simply awesome
  • Suitable for any event(wearable perfume)

Cons:

  • None

Rating: 5/5

Would I recommend Giorgio Armani Sì Eau de Parfum Spray? Definitely Yes!!! , I’m confident you will love this perfume.

Editor’s Note: This sounds absolutely amazing, I will definitely try this at the duty free next.

Have you tried the Giorgio Armani Sì EDP? Which is your favourite perfume?

Benefits of Shaving & How to Shave

Gillette, Hair Removal, How To, Razor, Shaving, Tips, Tips and Tricks, Women, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Benefits of Shaving & How to Shave

Hi guys,

If you remember some time back I did a post on shaving myths, see HERE. So today I thought of sharing the benefits of shaving and the correct method of shaving.

Let’s begin with the benefits of shaving:

  • Economical : It has to be the most economical method of hair removal. While waxing requires help usually and the charges range from Rs. 500-1000 for hands/legs etc., depending on the body parts and type of wax and from where/whom you get it done, shaving can be done at the comfort of your home yourself and one gift pack worth Rs.550/- will last you ages as it comes with changeable cartridges
  • Time saving : You need not visit a salon or need any appointments for shaving. You can do it anytime, anywhere. All you will need is your razor and shaving gel.
  • Easy and quick : It’s also the quickest method of hair removal. This is the biggest benefit in my opinion 😀 I am always running late and I am most of the times in knee length dresses/midi skirts, I bless my Gillette Venus during that time :p It’s like a savior, I finish shaving in 5 minutes literally.
  • Painless : Well yes ladies, it is completely painless! While waxing and epilation give me huge red bumps which take 2-3 days to subside, shaving seems like a blessing in comparision.
  • Travel friendly : I always carry my razor when I am going on a 9-10 days holiday/vacation. With my razor with me, I can wear whatever I want to! Yes, you can carry an epilator too, but a razor is much smaller and lighter in comparision. And as explained above, easy, quick and painless coz you got no time on a vacation to sit and epilate! Always prefer a razor over an epilator

While there are number of benefits of shaving, the only con would be that you have to shave once in 5-7 days depending on your hair growth. But I think that is totally doable considering the benefits and how quick it is.

Now, let’s come to the correct method of shaving. I know a lot of girls have dryness, itchiness, ingrown hair, etc. after shaving, if you follow this method step by step, I assure you that there will be no such problems.

1. Exfoliate your body/parts where you want to shave a day prior using a body scrub/loofah/bath gloves.

2. Moisturize your skin beforehand. Never start shaving on dry skin

3. Soak the skin for 1-2 minutes in the shower before starting to shave. But do not let the skin soak in the bath for too long as the water will plump up the skin and that may affect the smoothness of shave.

4. Always use a shaving gel. The Satin Care shave gel is meant for sensitive skin and has aloe vera. It not only keeps the skin moisturized and give a super smooth shave, it also soothes the skin coz of the aloe.

5. Clean the razor well, in between each part.

6. Wash off, pat dry and use a rich, moisturizing body butter/body lotion. If it has Retinol, that would be even better!

7. Keep moisturizing for 2-3 days

That’s it. If you follow this exact method, there will never be any dryness or itchiness.

You can buy the Gillette Venus All in One Pack HERE

How do you shave? Do you follow this method?

Best Red Carpet Looks of B-Town Ladies

Bollywood, Fashion, Lifestyle, Shopping, Women, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Best Red Carpet Looks of B-Town Ladies

By Nidhal

The stage is set. The gruelling hours put in rehearsals are waiting to throw results. The awards are ready to make someone’s day. Film award ceremonies in India, no matter rigged or genuine, do provide a wide gamut of entertainment besides evincing the knack (or at times, unfortunately the lack of it) in fashion of our Tinseltown celebrities. So, on that note let’s take a look at the best red carpet looks of Bollywood ladies who sashayed in sheer panache and let everyone bewitched.

1. KRITI SANON – This newbie has definitely caught the fancy of fashionistas with her simple, subtle but stunning fashion sense. Seen her is Kriti Sanon all decked up in an orange gown with almost zero accessories and a neatly done hairdo on the red carpet of Star Guild Awards 2016. The look is as simple as it gets but catches ones eyeballs. Who said simple cannot be stunning? Kriti is here to refute it and how!

2. PRIYANKA CHOPRA- Often hailed as a fashionista, Priyanka Chopra floored one and all on the red carpet of Oscars 2016 when she opted for this white embellished strapless gown by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad. With her hair pulled into a subtle pony with a centre part, she walked the ginormous red carpet with panache.

3. AISHWARYA RAI BACHCHAN- Miss World 1994 opted for a strapless Oscar de la Renta gown in maroon at Cannes Film Festival 2015. Often accused for committing major style blunders in the past when it came to Cannes, Aishwarya nails it with this look. Smittten? Who wouldn’t be? 🙂

4. SHRADDHA KAPOOR- With such a cherubic and angelic face as hers, it would be difficult to look unprepossessing. On the green carpet of IIFA 2015, Shraddha Kapoor grabbed all the limelight for this simple strapless black gown that complemented her petite frame well. With a dazzling smile, minimal makeup and accessories, Shraddha looked a million bucks.

5. DEEPIKA PADUKONE- Mark my words- If there is any list on the most gorgeous/fashionable/elegant ladies, it’d be incomplete if she doesn’t make an appearance. Deepika Padukone glows effulgently in this elaborate and embellished Sabyasachi saree. With her hair done in a neat bun and a heart-warming smile, Deepika set a number of hearts fluttering (mine included) 🙂

6. KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN- Sashaying down the red carpet of Filmfare Glamour & Style Awards in a lemon colour Roberto Cavalli gown, the Begum of Pataudi- Kareena Kapoor Khan delineated the art of effortless dressing.

7. ANUSHKA SHARMA– There is a vibe of chirpiness, effervescence and a-girl- next-door surrounding this leggy lass who stepped into the glitzy world of Bollywood opposite SRK with Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi in 2008 which makes her likeable. Not to forget, she was a model before switching over to acting so, her dressing sense has to be impeccable (as we expect naturally). Seen here is this towering lady swaddled in a light yellow Gauri and Nainka gown, which at the Vogue Beauty Awards. Dreamy, we say!

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

Editor’s Note: I had attended the Vogue Beauty Awards last year and saw Anushka Sharma in person, her gown was beautiful! Also Aishwarya’s dress is one of my favourites! Kriti’t gown is oh so striking, love orange! I think I love all 😀

Who is your favourite?

New Whisper Ultra Clean: 5x Better Protection

Reviews, Whisper, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

New Whisper Ultra Clean: 5x Better Protection

If you follow me on twitter, you would be knowing about the new Whisper Ultra Clean. They also had a Bloggers’ Meet on 19th Dec where Aditi Mittal, Kalki Koechlin were present, more on the event later.

I had received this new Whisper Ultra Clean at the start of December with the event invite and I tried it last month.

What it claims:  It claims to have 1000 suction holes which absorb upto 100% wetness offering more dryness, faster absorption and more protection. Magic Gel Crystals, Odour Lock technology, extra long and a softer, comfortable top cover.

One Whisper Ultra Clean = 5 Ordinary Pads

I have always used Whisper Ultra and was all eager to try this new and improved version. I loved the packaging and how it came in this wooden basket and had this white and green theme going on.

I did feel the change in these newer pads, having used Whisper Ultra always, these ones definitely offered more dryness and I also like the fact that these are XL and long enough to not worry about sleeping or staining the bed sheet.

There are a lot of taboos associated with periods in India. When I was young, my grandmother told me that whenever I get my periods or they just start and I see it, I should immediately go and have a bath including hair bath. I used to follow it for a few years as I was quite naive about the entire periods thing. There were times when I had some important work and was getting late and still had to go and take a bath as I got my periods. As soon as I matured, I realized this ‘custom’ had no logic or reasoning and I stopped following it. Other such taboos are not touching the pickle during periods as it would turn bad, not touching idols or worshipping or going to temples, etc. While I don’t believe in any of the others and don’t follow them, I still avoid going to temples only not to irk someone else’s sentiments or beliefs.

And coming to owing those 5 days, I consider those days as any other days and live normally. My first day at times is a little painful and I usually take a tablet if it obstructs my work or I have to go out. I either go for Spasmonil or Cycolpam, Cyclopam is a little heavy and half an hour you feel a bit weird post having it. I am stuck to Spasmonil ever since I have used it. I don’t go for a tablet unless the pain or cramps are a lot. Few things which doctors recommend and I try to follow  and which work for me during those five days are less salt, less caffeine, light exercise, hot water bag, etc.

You can try a free sample of the new Whisper Ultra Clean, just go HERE and register 🙂

What do you follow to #OwnThose5Days? Have you tried the new Whisper Ultra yet?