My Latest Haul

My new specs and I love the blue-black combo

This is my most expensive haul of the whole life with my own money and I am really excited to share it with you all :) So, do let me know what you think??? And, let the pics do the talking!!!

those were my geeky purple specs but with not that wide arms!!

saw a Dolce & Gabbana but was too expensive to go for!!!

so I got my very own vogue :)

love the classy specs box

and, some side orders :)

So, what do you think about the haul??? And, btw, today is the last day to enter the giveaway so hurry :)

How to get rid of skin tanning? {Skin Care}

Happy Shivratri :)

 

First thing is that I had long ago done a post on what causes dark knees and elbows and how to get rid of them so I advise you to please go through it.

[Source: Google Images]

Diet for Fairer Complexion
I would only suggest a healthy and balanced diet which has all the possible nutritious foods according to your eating habits. Don't overdo anything. A cleaner body means lesser skin problems.

How to remove the tan?
The basic reason for skin darkness is excess exposure to sun and the excess melanin production resulting from the exposure. So, there are some things which one can do to prevent tan and remove it.

• Apply Zinc Oxide sunscreen to prevent tanning. And, even if you are not able to find any physical sunscreen, don't forget to use a normal sunscreen which is good and reliable and has spf 30 or more. 

• Using Himalaya fairness face pack and Vedic Line papaya face pack really helped with removing the tanned skin. So, you should definitely check them out. I generally used the face packs on alternate days. Applying a thick mask helps.

• Tomato and potato are great for bleaching and removing tan and bringing a glow to the face. 

• Exercise is very very important for bringing a fresh glow to the face and regular hydration of the skin from outside and inside helps the skin maintain a healthy glow and a radiant skin. 

• Always use accessories like scarf and umbrella when outside in the sun. It helped me most to prevent skin tan. 

Have you any ideas on how to prevent tan?

Did you know about Himalaya Herbals Organique? {Your Opinion}

Well, this came as a surprise that Himalaya has actually got an organic brand line of itself and that is probably not available in India. I came across this review on one of the blogs on the Neem face wash and the walnut scrub and apparently this product line is available in Malaysia too and many other places abroad. And, their products are almost the same as available in India. The only difference is their ingredient list. Apparently, the brand uses organic products. Check out their website here and below I have an interesting comparison between the ingredients list of the same products - one of the Organique line and one available in India. 

The ingredient list is of the walnut scrub. [Image Courtesy: My Women Stuff.com]

And, this is the ingredient list of the same product available in India

Have you seen this line in India anywhere? I do wish they bring this to India too and no idea why they didn't till now. Pin It

Also register Your Opinions on:
Are eggs good for hair or not?
Can you guess what they are?
Oil before hair mask?
How often should you change your pads?
How many products do you layer on your face?
How long do you leave the conditioner?
Is Vanity Silly?
Hair Mask first or Conditioner?
Budgeting on Shopping
Face Mask Sheets or Face Masks?

Himalaya Fairness Face Pack {Product Review}

This was one product which was on my wish list since long. I had heard great reviews of the product and many had claimed that the product had removed tanning to quite an extent and since I am basking in the sun almost everyday so tanning is one of the first effects apparent. So, lets see if it worked or not?

Price: Rs 60 for 50gms

Ingredients

My Experience

It is a soft brown colored mousse textured mask which is creamy enough and does spread easily. And, dries fast enough - around 10-15 minutes. But, it is a clay based mask so it hardens and is difficult to remove as usual. And, I would say it will suit all skin types as it is a little creamy.

But, as regards to the results, well my dad commented that my face was looking really bright and fair :) So, I guess you know coz guys and males hardly notice things and generally give negative comments!!! And, I think it does help remove tanning but I am not very sure of that claim though I had used the pack on alternate days for almost two weeks. May be it does and may be it doesn't. But, I definitely don't have anything negative to say about the product. It doesn't dry out the skin afterward but it is better to follow with a moisturizer.

My Recommendation

Worth a try anyways!!! And, good at pecking up the skin in a rush :)

November Haul {Beauty Products}

Well, there was no haul post in October as I received a huge amount of products for reviews and also I had a lot in my stash which I had already shared with you all. So, I still have a lot to finish up. And, then, there was the package from violetbag.com. So, I made my November haul a pretty small business full only of the essentials and of course, the haul does include a product from the wish list too. And, since I have been using these products since little long so reviews should be coming soon. So, check out the products :)

So, what do you think of the haul and any opinions about the products above??

Kara Deep Pore Cleansing Wipes {Product Review}

This review is dedicated to Jiya of Shopping, Style and Us. She wanted my opinion on this product when she saw this one in my haul.

Price: Rs 45 for 10 wipes

Ingredients

As you can see, the wipes are bio-degradable which makes me happy

Packaging

Yellow packaging does make it more eye-catching but nothing extra-ordinary!! 

My Experience

I have used only Himalaya wipes before and currently I am using the makeup removing wipes (green colored ones) from Kara so my comparison would be with them. So, these smell awesome!!! And, they have a lot of the serum / liquid or whatever it is as compared to both of the others. The sheets are thick comparatively though the size is same. Since the sheets are thick, one is generally enough for whole of the face and neck which might not be so in the other two cases. The serum also doesn't become slimy and if washed with water later, there is no need for face wash but I do like to use face wash as a back up to remove all the product residues. 

One thing I did note though and which made me skeptical of the product is that the first time I used it, it stung on my skin. Yes, they carry a warning on those lines but only for the product getting into the eyes which I checked out later but I can actually see no reason why it should sting on the face. And, also, it has more chemicals than I would care to apply daily on my face which is another negative. For emergency purposes, it would be perfect though!!!

My Recommendation

I am not sure I should say yay or nay but I think they would be perfect for travel purposes and I did like them more than dislike them. Rest, you should check them out for yourself!!

Himalaya Gentle Baby Wipes {Product Reviews}

I am not much fan of the wipes because I always feel they leave a slimy feeling on my face and they are full of chemicals which I find not very nice for my face and I prefer washing my face but sometimes, it becomes unavoidable to use these wipes. So, I bought a packet of the Himalaya Baby Wipes because they say they are extra soft.

Price: Rs 60 for 24 wipes (Rs 135 around for the bigger pack)

Ingredients

Packaging

Just like all other wipes, you will find this to be a seal-able ones but I often think that this is not a very nice/hygienic packaging as air comes in contact with the wipes and bacteria can breed on the wet wipes and not always the seal goes properly so there is always a gap left if you are not careful allowing the air to go inside. That is one of the other reasons I don't like wipes. I think I would better get back to cotton only though using wipes is far more comfortable.

My Experience

The wipes are indeed soft. But, somehow, the wipes I am using presently are not as wet as they were in the earlier pack. I don't know how that is possible and it can also be that Himalaya has revamped the product. Anyways, the other thing is that the wipes are thinner and delicate when compared to Kara wipes. Thus, sometimes, the wipes also seem to get torn too when there is too much of product on my face.

Regarding the slimy feeling, I think one gets used to it if you use the wipes for over a period of time but then, there is not much of the solution on the wipes I am currently using so it is fine. The wipes, also, do not cause any itching or irritation on the skin and will suit sensitive skin too as this has been meant for the babies. That's a different issue that I will never use such things for my babies. This doesn't have alcohol so that's a plus factor but I think all the wipes these days come without alcohol. It also boasts of Lotus extracts but I have no idea how much that really helps.

One of the best things about these wipes is that it removes the makeup very nicely. I used it during my certain stupid experiments with the eye shadows and tried this and it worked beautifully. But, it can't remove kohl/kajal. I have no idea how it will work for water-proof makeup. Overall, I would say it is a good product despite its few shortcomings.

My Recommendation

Yes, if you are a regular user of wipes and apply makeup.

Also Read other reviews from the same brand:
Himalaya Herbals Natural Moisturizing Lip Butter
Himalaya Herbals Revitalizing Night Cream
Himalaya Protein Conditioner Softness and Shine
Himalaya Refreshing Fruit Pack
Himalaya Protein Shampoo
Himalaya Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub
Himalaya Purifying Neem Scrub and Purifying Neem Face Pack
Himalaya Baby Lotion
Himalaya Hair Loss Cream

My shelf is overfull - Hair Care {Beauty Products}

So, this is the third installment of this series. Last time, you saw the body care products.

Hair Oils

[Read the review here]

Shampoo

I am not sure if I am liking this shampoo!!!

Conditioners

whoa!!! when will I finish them :O

Products already reviewed:

• Himalaya Protein Conditioner Softness and Shine

Leave-in Serums

I am not using Livon, btw. It has silicones.

Hair Color and Deep Treatments

Products already reviewed:

• Biotique Henna Powder

Hope you liked the series!!! I am waiting to read your comments :)

September Haul {Beauty Products}

I thought it would be interesting to share my hauls with you so I decided to put up all my hauls into one post and publish it on the last day of the month. Hope you enjoy this series.

NewU Haul

an overdose of cleansing wipes, I must say!!!

needed a non-tinted lip balm so thought to give this one a try!!!

freebies, yay!!! an eyelash comb and a travel pedicure set

And, now the most interesting product of my haul. The story goes somewhat like this - 20th was the last day of member sale at TBS and I went to check out the products but, frankly, I couldn't bring myself to pay in the range of 600-700 for anything out there. So, entered the NewU shop adjoining it!!! And, there I found a lot of interesting products by the brand of Beauty Formulas. It is a UK brand, I checked out after coming home. And, since I saw the warming mineral mask at TBS and found somewhat similar product with this brand, I bought it out of curiosity!!! Frankly, I think TBS would have also costed me the same coz this one is 185 bucks for 3 treatments and TBS offers 100ml for 700 bucks near about. So, not a very intelligent bargain, though!!!

Of course, I used one treatment on the same night. And, it is a weird product (not in the bad sense at all)!!! It gets so warm (and I mean really warm for those who have never used warming mineral mask by TBS). Its a peculiar mask and I did like it but other than that, I am not sure if it really did anything for my skin. Anyways, I shall review it separately after using all the 3 treatments. And, btw, the good thing about this product is that it has Zeolite which is one of the best detox clays available to mankind. And, the product is listed number 2 in the ingredient list.

And, some random haul

Needed a body lotion so thought to give this a try

And, I finally got it!!! I have been waiting to get my hands on this since quite long :)

So, hope that I have got you interested in the haul series. And, I shall definitely be coming with the reviews during the next month!!! Keep a look out :)

PS: Oh, btw, did you enter the Yardley giveaway yet??? If you haven't, follow this link - Yardley Giveaway and submit the answer to the question asked and you are done!!!
 

My Shelf is overfull - Skin Care {Beauty Products}

Ok, so last time, I cleaned my shelf, I came across a plethora of beauty products lying in my closet. So, I decided that I would do a series of my overflowing skin and hair care products and ask you if you know how should I get rid of them. And, if you ever let your things collect to such and extent and still keep adding to it. So, enjoy the snaps!!! And, you can see what reviews you can await and also read the ones I have done with.

Cleansing and Moisturing

starting with face washes (head to toe!!)

Products already reviewed:

• Lakme Perfect Radiance Fairness Facewash

Facial Oils

Products already reviewed:

• Anti-aging Serum Varnya 

face moisturizers

Products already reviewed:

• Lacto Calamine
• Auravedic Facial Skin Repair Moisturizing Lotion 
• Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturizer
• Himalaya Herbals Revitalizing Night Cream

Toning

[read the review here]

Lip Care

lip moisturizers

Products already reviewed:

• Himalaya Herbals Natural Moisturizing Lip Butter

Face Scrubs and Masks

these are the scrubs I have and I forgot to add the Himjoli Walnut Scrub in the snap!!

Products already reviewed:

• Auravedic Pure Brightening Skin Polish 
• Himalaya Purifying Neem Scrub
• Himalaya Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub
• Skin Watchers Papaya Moisture Peeling Gel

not so many masks but wait!!!

Products already reviewed:

• Himalaya Purifying Neem Pack
• Himalaya Refreshing Fruit Pack

see the poor baby!!! he is the only one in his category of 2-in-1

and, I have no idea why I bought this!!

Sunscreens

wish I was so diligent of the protection too :D

Products already reviewed:

• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock 
• MVO Everyday Sheer Coverage

PS: Check back the next installment on body care.

Himalaya Herbals Natural Moisturizing Lip Butter {Product Review}

Price: 125 INR for 10 gms

Ingredients

Well, I am really sorry that I threw away my pack but I remember reading the list and admiring few things in it. It has cocoa and sal and kokum butter. In fact the list was full of oils and butters and it also has beeswax and it is free from petroleum which is a huge plus for this product. 

My Experience

I have been using this since quite a long while (probably around 3 weeks). My biggest complain with this one is its packaging. I would have enjoyed this lip balm had it been in the tube or packaged just like Nivea lip balms because of hygiene and also because of the ease of use of the product. It pretty easy to use the tube on the lips as compared to digging into the tub and scooping it out and then smoothing it on the lips. Apart from this, I would say that the lip balm delivers what it promises. I use this on my lips on the days when I am at home or at night and it keeps my lips soft. Ok, there is probably another thing. The product is moisturizing but it sits on the lips. Well, this is a problem I face with every other lip balm I have tried (including Vaseline, Nivea and Baviphat) so I wouldn't say this lip balm fails on this point. And, of course, you have to apply it every time you eat or drink anything otherwise it stays for minimum of 3-4 hours. But, this lip balm doesn't dry the lips like some others do. And, this smells really awesome. But, the smells lingers on for a long time after you have applied so if you have a sensitive nose then it might irritate you after a certain while. And, regarding the quantity, it will last a long time.        

 

My Recommendation

Yes, it is a good lip balm to keep the lips soft and to prevent chapped lips problem.

PS: Product sent by brand for consideration.

Update on Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic {Product Review}

I was sent a small sample of this tonic some time back and I had reviewed it here. At that time, I had mentioned that the toner was heavy for my skin and probably a spray bottle would be helpful in controlling the amount of the product applied. So, consequently, Louise sent me the spritzer to try out. I have been using the spritzer since almost a month and I would like to update my experience accordingly. Before I write the review, I would like to mention this review is not for the benefit of the brand. Instead, I had missed out on certain salient points of the product in my earlier review so including them and sharing my experience with the spritzer. Check out the toner at the website.  

Ingredients

My Experience

Ok, so I have never used a toner before except for rose water. So, using this toner was very new for me and since I used it from the bottle directly, it always resulted in usage of more product and consequently it became very heavy for my skin. Using the spritzer was also a challenge for me in the starting coz I always used to spray it more thinking this little amount wouldn't be enough for the skin. But, controlling my urge, I gradually found out that only 3 sprays are more than enough for my face. And, after letting it dry for 2-3 minutes and following with Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturizer, my skin was extremely soft and looked radiant. I then used the toner with other products like Himalaya Revitalizing Night Cream and Varnya and the result was equally good.

Now, coming to other aspects of the toner. The toner is alcohol free and is full of natural ingredients like aloevera and natural Vitamin E. The consistency of this toner is almost like water and gets absorbed into the skin very quickly and keeps the skin supple. So, if I compare the ingredients of this toner with others available in the market, I would definitely go for this one even though the price is a bit on the higher side. Also, the toner would last quite a long while coz you need just 3-5 sprays at a time. One can use the spritzer during hot summer months to keep the face fresh and radiant or during air travel where moisture is sucked out due to the air conditioning. I had found other reviews about this toner and found them to be quite favorable and one lady had recommended this one for air travels specially. The toner fulfills the need for hydration of the skin without making it sticky if used int he right quantity. 

My Recommendation

Yes, absolutely!!! I know its costly but it is worth it and lasts quite a long time. 

PS: Product sent by brand for consideration. 

Himalaya Herbals Revitalizing Night Cream {Product Review}

Night Creams are supposed to be contain rich and revitalizing nutrients for the skin so as to repair the damage done to the skin in the morning. So, let us see how this one fares.

Price: 90 INR for 25gms

Ingredients

xMy Experience

This small sample of 25gms was sent to me for review but you need so less to cover the face and neck that this tub would last me around two months if I use it regularly. The cream is light in consistency and not very thick and gets absorbed into the skin very easily. Now, it is very important to apply the right amount of the cream otherwise it will create a layer and sit on the skin and do nothing for the skin. One thing which is pretty noticeable after applying the cream is that the skin feels toned up. In the morning, you wake up with a very smooth and soft skin. I wouldn't say that it has any effect on the fine lines though coz I haven't seen any changes in them. 

My Recommendation

A good and inexpensive night cream for skin which just needs preventive measures not curative ones.     

PS: Product sent by brand for consideration.