Vivel Active Essentials 3-in-1 Face Wash + Scrub {Product Review}

Price: Rs

Pros

cleanses the face really well

jojoba beads provide mild exfoliation

Cons

not meant for all skin types even if it says all kind types

leaves my skin a bit dry sometimes

jojoba beads don't get washed off properly

has SLS!!

My Experience

The product is a beautiful pearly blue in color with blue jojoba beads for exfoliation. The beads are not harsh on the skin but for me, the exfoliation wasn't enough. It doesn't help with the blackheads. The product last quite long, little being enough for every time. It lathers quite well and cleanses really well.

The face does look a bit brighter after using it. But, I do feel my skin is getting dry so probably it will suit only oily skin people and not dry. As I said earlier, my skin gets dry as the climate gets cooler, a drying face wash doesn't exactly help!! I love the color of the product, the pale blue.

So, did you use it? Do share what you think about it!

PS: Product sent by brand.

You might like:

Garnier Light Fairness Face wash 

Dove Deep Pure Face Wash 

Auravedic Botanical Actives Pulpy Facewash Honey Almond

Rustic Art Algae Organic Bathing Soap {Product Review}

Price: Rs 155 for 100gms

Ingredients

Pros

just like all handmade soaps, gentle on skin and doesn't leave skin stretched

can be used easily on a baby as well 

doesn't melt so easily and does last around a month with two usages per day

Cons

not as moisturizing as it says

expensive!!

My Experience

I totally love natural handmade soaps and love to try out various different ones so this one was on my radar since I got Rustic Art products for review. The usage of Algae made me curious to check it out. But, the soap is nothing in fancy in looks. In fact, its a dull dark brown in color and no fragrance at all. 

As it says "an ultimate moisturizer", I thought it would leave my skin really soft and not very dry. It didn't leave my skin dry at all nor did my skin feel stretched even if I forgo the moisturizer but I do feel one needs to moisturize immediately afterwards. I felt as if the Algae did nothing extra!!

Ok, it will be unfair to say any product should be doing a double duty and moisturizing is a routine one must not forgo in any case. Surprisingly, the product didn't melt as soon as I feared it would. It did last me around a month of good usage. The best part of the product is it is organic but I do feel its expensive as well. 

Other products from Rustic Art:

Rustic Art Spa and Lotus Organic Bathing Soaps
Rustic Art Aloevera Gel

Clean and Clear Fairness Cream {Product Review}

Price: Rs 120 for 40gms

Pros

controls oil admirably for entire day

leaves skin brighter and matte

gets absorbed really easily

Cons

doesn't suit dry skin at all so stay away!! 

My Experience

The product is light pink in color and very thin in consistency and not at all heavy!! I would say this is a perfect cream for oily skin. Why? Because, it doesn't let my skin get oily and yes, my skin feels a little stretched coz its actually dry combination and these days, my skin is not that oily. Had it been summers, it would have suited me perfectly.

No, its not suitable for dry skin at all. Or, even if you spend a lot of time on AC, I would not suggest this for you. Regarding the fairness claims, I didn't really find it do anything to my skin. But, yes, it probably did make my skin glow but I can't be really sure. But, I did notice that my skin turns a little ashy when I apply more than two pea-size drops of products for my face and neck, one for each.

It does stand true to the claims of oil free so yes, when combined with its counter part face wash, its a perfect recipe to combat oily skin. It would have been great if the products had been launched during summers - quite a respite for oily skin types :) Regarding its sunscreen and UV filter claims, I prefer to use a separate sunscreen. 

PS: Product sent by brand.

Other products from Clean and Clear:

Clean & Clear Skin-Balancing Moisturizer

Clean & Clear Fairness Face Wash

Nivea Whitening, Cell Repair & UV Protect Body Lotion {Product Review}

Price: Rs 225 for 950ml

Pros

gets absorbed really quickly into the skin

keeps skin hydrated and moisturized for a long time 

very thin in consistency and you don't require much

has UVA protection

Cons

doesn't have UVB protection

I am not sure about the whitening claims

can't be applied at night coz of UV filters in the product

My Experience

To start with, the consistency of the product is really thin so it gets absorbed very easily but do not underestimate its moisturizing or rather the hydrating properties of the product. It keeps the skin in a great supple condition for almost 6-8 hours and that's the max I have used this product because I remove it in the evening.

I had read somewhere (in someone's review, don't remember which!!) that it helps curb tanning but I don't think I really saw anything like that. The product boasts of 40X Vitamin C but I really didn't see it do anything extraordinary. I think the reason may also lie in the fact that I used it only while going out and not at night or otherwise.

I think it would have been better if the product did not have UV filters so that it can be used at anytime and probably might show some effect on tanning.I totally don't like the whitening claims and regarding UV claims, I always prefer to use sunscreen. I tend to stay away from products which say they moisturize as well as protect. So, I used to layer this upon the sunscreen.

Overall, I am not really sure about the product so I guess they should launch the same in a variation which doesn't have sunscreen. Have you used the product? How did you like it?

PS: Product sent by brand.

Other products I love or hate from Nivea:

Winter Skin Care Lotions 

Nivea Fruity Shine Dragon Fruit vs Pomegranate 

Nivea Refreshing Cleansing Milk

Nivea Repair and Protection

Nivea Nourishing Body Milk

Nivea Sun Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50 PA++ 

Nivea Sun Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 PA++

Forest Essentials Bath & Shower Oil Indian Rose Absolute {Product Review}

Price: Rs 340 for 50ml

Ingredients

Pros

smells blissful

very light oil just like the other one

fragrance lingers on the skin 

Cons

expensive!!

My Experience

This is the other body oil I got from them. I am not a fan of Rose or Jasmine because they are not at all like the synthetic rose or jasmine smells which are too sweet and floral. The real rose and Jasmine smell Earthy and strong!! So, yes, it wasn't my fav at first.

But, like I said, it takes a little getting used to and now, I absolutely love the smell. I wasn't sure if these oils are worth their price. But, these few days dad was with me and I asked him to try it out and asked if it was worth it. He totally loved both of the oils and said they are amazing :)

Like the other body oil, this is also light and disappears easily into the skin but the fragrance stays with you almost all day long! And, it really is aromatic. I do have one doubt that whether this body oil is enough for moisturizing in winters or for extremely dry skin. But, yes, you can always layer it. 

Absolutely recommended though I do know that it is expensive!! So, I would say save up and get one of this and I am sure you will become a fan :) So, have you used any Forest Essential body oil yet? Oh btw, do check out my post on how to use body oils in various ways too!!

Other products I love from Forest Essentials:

Forest Essentials Mashobra Honey & Vanilla Bath & Shower Oil

My August Haul

SOS Organics Handmade Soaps

I had talked about my haul sometime back. Since, I was running short of ideas and since some of you had requested for the haul and reviews, I am putting up the snaps. Do check them out :)

Puro Room Freshener and Episoft face wash

Soul Tree Shampoo, Auravedic Skin Lightening Oil, Rustic Art Algae Soap, Rustic Art Aloevera Gel and Neutrogena Sunscreen

Tea light Candles and Diffuser...should have ordered a match box as well :D

Oh, I did receive following products from PR.

  

Soul Tree travel size samples - both shampoos and one shower gel

Clean & Clear Fairness Cream and Face Wash (had been drooling on the product when I saw the ads!!)

Related Posts:
Episoft Cleanser
Rustic Art Aloevera Gel
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock

Lush Dark Angels Face Cleanser {Product Review}

Price: Rs 700 for 100 gms (approx.)

Ingredients

Rhassoul Mud, Cold Pressed Avocado Oil (Persea gratissima), Glycerine, Powdered Charcoal, Black Sugar (sucrose), Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Perfume, *Linalool, Sandalwood Oil (Santalum album), Rosewood oil (Aniba rosaeodora)

 

Pros

natural ingredients

makes the skin really soft

exfoliates amazingly!!

Cons

doesn't control oil production

doesn't remove oil or cleanse really well

very expensive!!

My Experience

I got this in June and have been using it on and off since then. I had been wanting to try the product since a very very long time so was very excited to try it out. So, how to use it a very big problem and trust me when I say its damn messy!!! It will blacken your washbasins and everywhere else it touches. 

How to use? Take a pea size amount and pour a drop or two of water on it and make a paste which will be a little watery and cleanse with it thoroughly. Though, I would like to say that it doesn't really cleanse well. I use oil to remove the traces of sunscreen from my skin and this product doesn't cleanse that oil as thoroughly as I would like. 

But, its a damn good exfoliator. It leaves the skin soft and smooth and removes the whiteheads but it didn't really have any noticeable effect on my blackheads. I use it on alternate days to scrub my face properly. Its not at all harsh. Oh btw, avoid looking in the mirror or you might frighten yourself :D Yes, it looks like black paint on the face!! 

 

Its definitely expensive and would last two months at max if used regularly which I think is way too less. The expiry period of the product is probably four months from the date of manufacture but I do have issues with this date things in Lush. They provide date of packaging and expiry but the date of packaging is date when you buy the product. So, how do they calculate the date of expiry? Honestly, Lush is not really working out well for me!!

Have you used Dark Angels?

Other products I love or hate from Lush:

Lush Caca Noir

Lush Aqua Marina Cleanser

Lush Gorilla Perfumes - Short Description

Update on Lush Caca Noir

Biotique Bio Flame of the Forest Fresh Shine Expertise Oil {Product Review}

Price: Rs 159 for 120ml

Ingredients

Pros

leaves hair soft and shiny

smells pleasant

gets washed off easily

My Experience

I have been meaning to try this oil since a long time and you might have seen this oil being mentioned in the hair diaries. I finally managed to finish the oil after using it on and off for a long time. The first thing to notice about the oil is its fragrance which is really pleasant.

The base oil is groundnut oil which is thick but even then, it gets washed off easily and leaves the hair really soft and adds a bit of shine as well. It did not give me any hair fall and whether it helps with hair fall or not is something which I don't know because I did not have hair fall at any time I was using this product specifically. 

Missing the cons? Well, I am not able to think any!! One more piece of information - "Flame of the Forest". It is a flower called "Palash" in hindi. It is supposedly amazing for dandruff and hair loss. The name of this flower is the only reason I got attracted to the product :) Have you tried it?

Other products I love or hate from Biotique:

Biotique Bio Almond & Cashew Fresh Repleneshing Hair Serum
Biotique Bio Honey Gel
Biotique Basil and Parsley Cleanser

Biotique Watercress Fresh Nourishing Conditioner

Biotique Bio Henna fresh Powder Hair Color

Biotique Mountain Ebony Fresh Growth Stimuating Serum

Biotique Carrot Protective Lotion

Biotique Avocado Body Massage Oil

Biotique Basil and Red Sandalwood Powder Talc

Biotique Kelp Hair Growth Protein Shampoo

Biotique Bio Pistachio Ageless Nourishing and Revitalizing Face Pack

Biotique Bio Musk Root Hair Mask

Winter Skin Care Lotions

Nivea Sun Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 PA++ {Product Review}

Price: Rs 299 for 125ml

Pros

gets absorbed really easily

no white cast

is non-sticky as it says

also, water resistant

doesn't get greasy!!

Cons

the ingredients are not stable so has to be reapplied every one to two hours without fail

less on UVA protection coz its just PA++ and not PA+++

My Experience

When I had started using this after its counterpart, I was very happy because of no white cast issues. Its of the same consistency but gets absorbed really easily and can be applied in any amount. It doesn't even get greasy and doesn't feel sticky which is one of the best features of the product.

This time, I took out time to analyze the ingredients. Check out the image but I noticed that they do not have any stabilizing agents. [Read about sunscreen ingredients here.] Because of which, I did notice tanning on my hands because I do not reapply the sunscreen (which is very important) and I do go out in the noons, at the peak times when sun's rays are strongest.

Why there was no tanning with the SPF 50 counterpart? Probably because spf 50 provides more protection and it left a white cast which prevented the sun's rays from directly hitting the skin. I didn't analyze the other's ingredients either so this is just hazarding a guess!!

PS: Product sent by brand.

Other products from Nivea:

Nivea Sun Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50 PA++

Nivea Nourishing Body Milk

Winter Skin Care Lotions

Reminiscing Life through Beauty Products

Nivea Fruity Shine Dragon Fruit vs Pomegranate

Nivea Refreshing Cleansing Milk

Nivea Repair and Protection Lip Balm

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Complete UV Moisture SPF 50+ PA+++ {Product Review}

Price: Rs 349 for 30ml

Pros

doesn't leave the skin dry if you skip moisturizer

no tint so you can apply enough sunscreen for full protection

Cons

expensive

not for oily skin

gets greasy sometimes (may be depends on skin type)

My Experience

I have been using this suncreen since the time it was launched in June. It comes in a 30ml pack and is way more expensive than its counterpart but I have not really found much of a difference. Anyway, the packaging is a white bottle with a very thin nozzle which dispenses a little product. 

The product is white and creamy in consistency but very thin. But, the weird thing is that even a little product does get greasy on the face so applying enough of sunscreen really becomes difficult. Also, a little excess of product and you are left with a white cast as well. I, almost always, had to blot out the excess of product after applying the product (after leaving it on for 15-20 minutes to get absorbed). 

Regarding the efficacy of the sunscreen, I am really not sure if it gives the same protection as the dry touch. Because, I did find my skin tanned and dark in between and since some days, I have been again using the dry touch which has considerably prevented my face from tanning. And, the skin is looking a little brighter as well. 

So, I am back to the previous sunscreen for now!! But, I do think that this sunscreen will suit the dry skin beauties really well. The dry touch is matte and this one is moisturizing. I do skip moisturizer whenever I use this and it never made my skin feel dry. The only issue is that this sunscreen finishes off in a month :( Well, remember that you have to apply sunscreen adequately for proper protection?? 

Btw, have you used this product? How was your experience?

Other products from Neutrogena:

Neutrogena Deep Clean Shampoo
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock
Neutrogena Body Lotion Light Sesame Formula
Neutrogena Rainbath Refreshing Shower and Bath Gel
Neutrogena French Milled Soap
Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser
Neutrogena Clean Conditioner

Forest Essentials Mashobra Honey & Vanilla Bath & Shower Oil {Product Review}

If you remember my June mega haul, you would have noticed this. This was among my first buys from FE and honestly, the brand is expensive and I always thought it was over-priced. Yes, I am cynical about most things :) Let's see how I like this.

Price: Rs 340 for 50ml/1.69 Oz

Ingredients

Gokharu - Its an aphrodisiac and used for vata and pitta doshas. Its great for eczema and psoriasis and also relieves itchy skin.
Deodaru - Its extracted from the deodar tree. Its an insect repellant and has anti-fungal properties. Its used mostly in aromatherapy because of its aromatic properties.

Pros

smells absolutely divine

very light oil; doesn't get greasy on skin OR hair

moisturizes the skin adequately

fragrance lingers on the skin 

elevates the mood instantly

Cons

expensive!!

My Experience

To start with, the entire FE haul didn't really empty my pockets because I bought them against the gift voucher I received on redeeming my credit card points. But, this body oil was worth it!! So, lets start analyzing the product. I bought the travel-sized version because I wanted to try out many products though its also available in a bigger size for 1000 bucks.

I really don't know how actual vanilla essential oil smells but this was a bliss. To bathe with this oil soaked in my bath water elevates my mood instantly and really relaxes me on the whole. And, the fragrance of the product smells natural and is strong but doesn't hurt my nose at all. And, my nose is very particular about what it likes!

The oil is extremely light and disappears into the skin immediately. It keeps the skin well-moisturized and I am sure it would serve well enough in winters. Pouring 20 drops in hand-hot bath water gives off a very peaceful aroma and wraps you in the fragrance. A perfect choice for a luxurious and pampering evening or night.

I did try using it yesterday as a hair leave-in, taking two drops and distributing it evenly on the hair strands concentrating on the ends and after that was done, I rubbed my palms on the scalp. And, surprisingly, my scalp wasn't feeling dry (which it had been for past few washes) and my hair is not weighed-down even a bit and is soft and added advantage was that curls are more defined.

Yes, I absolutely love it and would recommend it to everyone. The only hitch for me is that its expensive. FE has four bath oils. I have the Tuberose one as well but this product is more strong and I love this more. Somehow, I am not a fan of rose essence!! Seems surprising but actual rose doesn't smell as awesome. Nor does Jasmine even for that matter. Both are strong and pungent and take a little getting used to. 

Related Posts:

5 tips on How to use Bath Oil?

Dove Deep Pure Face Wash {Product Review}

Dove soaps are not my favourite but their face washes did catch my eye and the best part is that they do not have SLS. So, lets check out if I liked it or not :)

Price: Rs 70 for 50gms

Pros

very less quantity required

no SLS

doesn't dry or stretch my skin 

Cons

no improvement in blackheads

doesn't really exfoliate as far as I could experience

My Experience

I don't know what to write in this review coz the face wash is nothing great and neither bad. Its formula is just similar to the Pond's face washes.The product claims to have micro-puff technology which cleanses the pores well and exfoliates at the same time.

Honestly, I don't think I really saw anything like that in my face. It doesn't brighten or stretch my skin or make it dry and neither does the face wash claim anything like that. It is an inexpensive and SLS free face wash which can be given a try.

PS: I have had two sources with dry skin inform me that it is indeed drying for skin so dry girls, take care!! Mine's combi.

PPS: I have decided to remove the Ingredients section for the products which are not natural. 

Other products from Dove:
Dove Color Rescue Shampoo and Conditioner
Dove Nourishing Oil Care Range

Dove Color Rescue Shampoo and Conditioner {Product Review}

Shampoo

Price: Rs 130 for 200ml

Ingredients

Pros

- not very harsh on hair

- does clean the hair really well in even one go

Cons

- has SLS

- can be drying for dry hair types

My Experience

The product is pearly white and cleanses very nicely. It removes all the oil in almost one go unless your hair is dripping with oil. Its not exactly harsh on hair and I found it to be less drying than Dove Nourishing Oil shampoo. What else should I say?  

Conditioner

Price: Rs 72 for 90ml

Ingredients

Pros

- very light so doesn't weigh down the hair

- makes the hair soft

- adds a bit of shine

Cons

- probably doesn't really do anything for the hair except for making it shiny

My Experience

As I mentioned above, the consistency of the product is light and very creamy so it spreads easily on wet hair. If you keep it less than a minute. it doesn't really do anything for the hair but around even a minutes is enough to make the hair soft and shiny. 

Don't know how much it does for the colored hair coz its not exactly a deep conditioning or damage repair product (colored hair is dry and might be damaged in some cases). Also, I don't think it really made my year old colored hair glowing or soft. 

Overall Verdict

But, then, to do justice to the product, my hair color is pretty old and I have done a lot of things to my hair since then as part of various treatments. Overall, the range is worth a try.

PS: Product sent as a part of Indiblogger promotion.

Other products from Dove:

Dove Nourishing Oil Care Range

Aloe Veda Herbal Hair Oil {Product Review}

Price: Rs 125 for 200ml (pretty decent)

Ingredients

Absolutely love the ingredients!!! Sesame oil is one of my fav oils for hair as its not very thick and heavy and is extremely nourishing and also prevents gray hair. A little information about Allantoin:

Allantoin is also used in medications for dermatological conditions including acne, impetigo, eczema, and psoriasis. Allantoin is moisturizing and keratolytic, meaning that it causes keratin in the skin to soften. This property helps skin to heal more quickly and to bind moisture more effectively, making products containing allantoin useful for dry skin and for healing wounds, burns, and scars. It is also effective against sunburn, chapped lips, cold sores, diaper rash, and similar skin irritations. (Source)

Pros

- made of amazing ingredients

- gives a bit of shine to the hair

- isn't a heavy hair oil

Cons

- smells too sweet for my nose

- has some green color added to it perhaps

My Experience

I have been using this hair oil since almost a month after I have left the treatment. I have talked about this in my June hair diary. So, to start with its a green colored oil which has a really sweet smell. I am not a fan of strong smells and I am not a fan of this either.

Moving on, I have applied this with the help of cotton as well as I have mentioned here. Incidentally, the usage on the website talks about the same method.

For best results, oil your hair with Aloe Veda's Herbal Hair Oil at least twice in a week. The best time to oil your hair is in the night. Leave the oil overnight and wash it next morning as this allows deeper penetration. If possible use heated oil as hot oil penetrates scalp better and carries the active ingredients to the hair roots. If done appropriately using a cotton ball directly on scalp this can give amazing results. To ensure that you do not damage the properties of the hair oil place the bowl over boiling water to heat the oil. It is advisable to apply oil in the night and leave your hair oiled overnight. Massage your scalp for few minutes even while shampooing and finish off with a light conditioner. Regular application stimulates the scalp and activates the hair follicles which leads to better hair growth.

it comes in a flip top bottle

So, I can say that yes, it does give shine to the hair. But, to be honest, the shine is less compared to the treatment I was on which really strengthened my belief in the treatment. I did not face any major hair fall or any other problem while using this oil.

One thing which I would say is that it seems to have some green color added to the oil. Why? I apply the oil from a silver bowl so there is always some quantity of oil which remains in the bowl and I don't wash it unless I apply the ginger tonic as well (which is generally next morning, I apply oil at night). And, I always noticed some green color spots on the place where oil was present.

As to how much it helps with hair growth, I am not really sure coz its too early to say something like that. Overall, I found it to be a decent hair oil which gets washed off easily and doesn't weigh down the hair!!! It leaves the hair shinier and softer if you haven't used a better product than that.

Availability

Online - Aloe Veda Websites

PS: Product sent by brand for consideration. 

Other products from Aloe Veda:

Aloeveda Moisturising Bathing Bar Indian Khus with Kewda Extracts

Aloe Veda Chocolate Vanilla Lip Butter

Nivea Sun Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50 PA++ {Product Review}

Price: Rs 399 for 125ml

Ingredients

I am skipping on this part because I couldn't get a better pic :( Sorry, guys!!!

Pros

- a medium consistency lotion which spreads easily

- smells nice

- does protect from tanning

Cons

- white cast!!!

- little issue with blending
- its PA++ and not PA+++ (the 3 +'s give highest protection against UVA rays)

My Experience

Since you all are already aware of my stringent requirements when it comes to sunscreen, doing an unbiased review is pretty difficult for me. I have needed a body sunscreen since long and this one came at the right time. And, Nivea being on the top of my beloved brands, the products did make me curious and I was very happy when I got a chance to try the products.

To begin with, the lotion is of a medium consistency and is pleasantly perfumed which doesn't bother the nose and doesn't linger on the skin either. It is of a soft yellow color and spreads easily on the skin. Now, this is where the trouble with the product begins. It spreads easily but it sits on top of my skin (which I have no issue with since its a sun protector).

But, it leaves a horrible amount of white cast which makes it absolutely impossible to use the exact amount of sunscreen which is actually required to achieve the said protection. One arm needs a tea spoonful of sunscreen which is around 5ml and I am hardly able to apply a really huge dollop on both hands :( 

I have not tested the sunscreen under stringent conditions because I got them a month back when I was in Delhi and in Hyderabad, it has been cloudy since then. In the meantime, I do go out in the afternoons around 11-2 PM slot and apply my sunscreen once right in the morning. 

Also, if you have read my posts on sunscreens, I have ranted a lot about the regular sunscreen ingredients being not so stable and break down on exposure to sun so I don't know if this sunscreen breaks down or not but its ingredients are all same. But, I won't say that my arms have tanned seriously or anything. 

Also, there is one claim which bothers me a bit. The sunscreen talks about immediate protection. As far as my knowledge goes, the sunscreen ingredients take 15-30 minutes to get activated and form a shield on the skin to protect from the sun's rays. So, as a precautionary measure, I always apply this at the same time I apply the sunscreen on my face. No, I haven't used this on my face as I didn't want the white cast.

One word about its water resistant power. Since it gives a very thick white cast, whenever I wash my hand, I can see a layer of the white film where the water touches my skin and initially, I had thought it to be water resistant. But, once I was caught up in the rain and the whole sunscreen literally bled from my hands and it was looking really bad coz I didn't have hankie or napkin to wipe off the cast and my whole hand was looking painted white!!! So, yes, its not water resistant in a torrent of rain but it does have some resistance. 

Also, since I have ranted so much about this product's negatives, let me state some positives about its counterpart product - spf 30 one. It doesn't give any white cast and disappears into skin really well!!! I am loving it and my arms haven't grown dark even though I apply it only once in a day!!!

PS: Product sent by brand for consideration.

Other products from Nivea:

Nivea Nourishing Body Milk
Winter Skin Care Lotions
Reminiscing Life through Beauty Products
Nivea Fruity Shine Dragon Fruit vs Pomegranate
Nivea Refreshing Cleansing Milk
Nivea Repair and Protection Lip Balm

Auravedic Botanical Actives Pulpy Facewash Honey Almond {Product Review}

Price: Rs 150 for 100gms

Ingredients

Pros

- made of natural ingredients

- no SLS (I am searching for a face was without SLS) 

- cleanses the skin really well 

- leaves the skin soft and doesn't stretch it

Cons

- stings the eyes real bad!!! 

- not suitable for excessively dry skin as it stings badly!!

- if you use excess of product, it makes the skin feel stripped

- it would have been great if it came in a flip top packaging

My Experience

I got this product back in February for review. But, that time, my skin was going through a dry patch so when I used this for two-three times, it really stung my skin badly. So, from personal experience, I can say that this product is really potent and is not for people who suffer from any skin issues like eczema and psoriasis. For the record, I don't have any.

it smells really funky like a jelly (in a good way)

So, I had to discontinue using this product that time and I had talked to the Auravedic people too regarding this issue. They also advised me to stop using it immediately. But, last month, I ran out of my face wash stock so I decided to give this a try again!! My skin was healthy and not going though any rough patches that time so the face wash was good. 

Coming to the cons again, the biggest problem I have with this product is that it stings my eyes every time I use it. It was really frustrating. Yes, I do understand that it has natural ingredients which are not suitable for the delicate eye area. But, I do expect not to end up hurting my eyes every time I wash my face. Otherwise, it cleanses the skin really really well. 

Also, another issue with the product is that since it comes in tub packaging, sometimes I do pick up a little more of product and if I do use excessive product at one time, it really makes my skin feel stripped off and dry. The usual amount to be used at one time is a pea size of the product and it forms a good amount of lather and leaves the skin really soft and doesn't stretch it at all. 

A flip top packaging would be a great idea for this product so that one can control the amount of product coming out of the bottle. Overall, I do want to give another variation (Rose-Saffron) of this a try but I am holding back just because of the stinging issues. Yes, it is definitely worth a try and one tub lasts for a month easily!!

PS: Product sent by brand. 

Other products from Auravedic:

Auravedic Reviving Body Cleanser

Auravedic Pure Brightening Skin Polish Amla Tamarind

Auravedic Facial Skin Repair Moisturizing Lotion

Auravedic Pomegranate Grapeseed Face Polish

Earthy Goods Vanilla Patchouli Indulging Handmade Soap {Product Review}

Price: Rs 95 for 100gms (approx.)

Ingredients

Pros

- smell is incredible and uplifting. 

- moisturizing and doesn't leave the skin stretched.  

- love that its a natural soap and has amazing ingredients.

- feels luxurious :)

Cons

- Palm Oil comes from Palm trees which are getting endangered. 

- I don't know if the ingredients are organic.

- melts very soon :(

- the sandalwood powder on one face of the soap bar is very scratchy!!!

My Experience

I love their soaps. They are amazing, moisturizing and smell awesome while they last. My dad also fell in love with the soap. But, yes, one side of this soap has vanilla swirls which are topped with sandalwood powder or may be vanilla bean powder too (it felt like that to me). But, its pretty scratchy on the skin :( 

Otherwise, I would recommend all the Earthy Goods soaps. You should definitely check them out!! I am in love with handmade soaps and am not gonna switch back to the commercially available ones anytime in the future now. Yes, the only problem with handmade soaps is that they melt very easily :(

Availability

Online - Earthy Goods Website

Other products from Earthy Goods:

Earth Store Cinnamon Spice, Jasmine Lavender and Mountain Rose
Earthy Goods Forest Honey Nourishing Handmade Soap

Vedic Line+ BB Cream {Product Review}

Price: Rs 225 for 30ml

Ingredients

Pros

- gives an even brightened finish

- has pinkish undertones and gives a pink flush to the skin

- stays for 5-6 hours

- suits most of the skin tones

- very small quantity is enough

Cons

- may give white cast sometimes

- blending does create problem sometimes

- may not suit really dark skin tones, medium wheatish is fine though!!

My Experience

I love the packaging!!! Absolutely cute and girly and bright. It has a small nozzle which disperses a little amount of product and honestly, you need just a small drop of the product for the entire face. It smells nice as well. The fragrance is very light and almost non-existent so not to worry much about it.

after blending, see how natural it looks!!

The color of the product is light brown which suits even the fair skin tones. It has pink undertones which gives a pink look to the face even if you are a little yellow. The texture of the product is light and a little runny so it spreads easily on the skin and gets absorbed soon.

I did initially face bending issues but later on, a simple tip became my mantra and no blending issues from there on. This tip was published by Paris (check it out here). She says that when using fingers to blend foundations, one should use the whole palm instead of just the finger tips!! And, trust me, it really works. 

And, the finish of the product is very sheer. It gives a light glow to the face but otherwise your own skin shines through. It doesn't really cover any part of the skin. The product does have spf 20 but then you need such a little amount of the product that the sun protection is just not enough. 

Also, sometimes, the product tends to leave white patches, courtesy Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide so use it in just a little amount. I don't know why I always face problem while applying any tinted moisturizer on the area between nose and lips. Probably, I always take more than the amount required.

Overall, I did like the BB cream. My review is probably the last you will find but I have read all the other reviews and there are very mixed reactions to the product but not negative. Also, yes, this product controls oil and sweat to a very less extent. So, make sure you use loose powder to take care of sweat and extra oil. 

Regarding its staying power, I would say that it stays well up to 3-5 hours but doesn't last entire day for me!! If blended portion by portion on the face, it does stay an entire day but the blending becomes difficult for me in that way so I avoid it!!! Otherwise, it does keep the face fresh till the time it stays.

PS: Product sent by brand.

Check out other products from Vedic Line:

Vedic Line+ Exfo 10 Avocado Face Scrub

Vedic Line Apple Green Toner
Vedic Line Fig & Honey Moisturizer
Vedic Line Papaya Scrub and Papaya Face Pack
Vedic Line Neem & Brahmi Disinfecting Face Wash