Product Review: Vert Fresh Cucumber and Mint Face Scrub

Hi Everyone!

I have always loved making my own scrubs and face packs but now I do not always have the time. But now a lot of products are available from brands which are now hand-making their products. VERT is one such brand. I received it as part of a FabBag sample sometime back. I have used it a couple of times now and lets see how it fared on me......


Product Price: INR 700/- for

Product Claim:
Known for its fresh, natural and handmade cosmetics, Vert is a brand with many a loyal customers, who absolutely swear by its products' efficacy and natural ingredients. This gentle scrub is fortified with fresh cucumbers, sugar, jasmine, nutmeg and mint oil. It effectively removes dead skin and keeps the skin hydrated, yet oil-free.  

List of Ingredients: 
 Fresh cucumber puree, sugar powder, Jasmine Powder, Nutmeg powder, Preservative, Fragrance oil, Mint oil


How to use: 
Apply on wet face & neck ,leave it for few minutes,let the fruit juices seep into your skin.Scrub in circular motion, rinse off with water. Do not use soap immediately after using this product. 

 

My Take on the Product:


The product comes in a transparent plastic tub with  a screw on lid. The texture is a bit on the dryer side and you have to work hard to apply it over your skin, as is given in the instructions. So Instead of trying to layer it over my face, I just take out a bit of product, soften it with rosewater and just scrub my face. The fragrance is nothing special, does smell of mint, but also of something else.... can't really place it. I wonder why they had to add a fragrance oil. Mint, nutmeg and Jasmine would have their own smell, which I might have liked better, actually.  

What I like best about this product is that it had no plastic beads to aid in scrubbing. These plastic beads are a huge environmental hazard. So at least on this front, the brand fulfills its environmental commitment. The granules are fairly gentle on the facial skin. I cannot say that this scrub has worked miracles for my skin. Its been ok. It has not broken me out, which is a plus. I am not sure I will buy this product again. There are many herbal and natural scrubs available that I have had my eye on. 

Pros:

1. Natural product
2. Scrubbing beads are natural and safe for skin and  
3. Mint is a known cooler
4. Cucumber is a good skin astringent. 
5. Did not cause a breakout on my skin.

Cons:

1. Does not mention which preservatives are used.
2. Product is a bit hard, needs to be softened with water before use.
3. Smells a bit strange.

Overall Verdict: 4/5. I would have given the product a 3. It gets +1 due to its natural scrub grains as against synthetic/plastic ones.

Have you used Vert Fresh Cucumber and Mint Scrub? How did it work for you? Let me know in the comments section below.

Think and Stay Beautiful!

Product Review:) Naked by Lisa Hayden Potion Lotion

Hi!
Today we'll do a quick look at this new product I got. Its called Naked by Lisa Hayden Potion Lotion. It came in my January Fab Bag. You can get it here

  It comes in a transparent glass jar with a golden screw cap and lettering. There is a little note about the product, on handmade paper attached to the neck of the jar with a thin jute string. Gives it a nice homey touch.
As you can see the little note tells you something about the product and its usage

 

This is how Fab Bag describes this product:

I got a 30 gram jar which is priced at INR 310/-

If you notice, the product has to be used within 3 months of manufacture (though the Fab Bag description says 6 months), since there are supposed to be no preservatives in the product.

List of Ingredients and their benefits:

1.  Aloe Vera: good for sunburns and acne, lightens stretch marks. Great moisturiser, fughts skin ageing. 
2. Alpha Tocopherol (Vit E) oil: Because of its antioxidant activity, vitamin E helps combat the damaging effects on your skin of free radicals, which come from various sources including pollution, UV radiation, poor nutrition, and as a result of aging.
3. Rosehip oil:contains:
   - linoleic acid (omega- 6 fatty acid) which can play a role in the structure of the membranes of the cells
   - oleic acid (omega-9 fatty acid) which is considered as keeping skin supple and moist
   - linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acid) is a good skin moisturiser
   - antioxidants, beta-carotene, lycopene and vitamin C, which are important for protection from free radical damage
4. Persea Americana (avocado) oil:
   rich in vitamins A, D and E, lecithin, as well as potassium - known as the youth mineral. It is also high in sterolins, which are reputed to reduce age spots reduce age spots, help heal sun damage and scars. It is the sterolins (also called plant steroids) in the oil that helps to soften the skin and imparts a superior moisturizing effect.
5. Geranium oil: is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic
6. Lavender oil: antiviral, bacterial and anti-inflammatory, calming
   

What the product looks like: It is a thick white lotion. It is not hard like the consistency of Boroplus, nor is it too runny.It has a light and fluffy texture. It has a light fresh floral fragrance which I quite like.

Product swatch:

 

This is how it looks immediately after blending in. But the lotion gets absorbed pretty quickly into the skin .

My experience with the product:

The Jar is nice and compact and the product does not leak out. It has a nice soft floral scent which I like. The product is light and absorbs easily into my skin. and does not look oily. It has not caused me to break out either, so that's good!

Pros:

1. No chemical preservatives

2. Nice fragrance

3. Good texture

4. Does not leave skin feeling oily and loaded
5. Good leak-proof packaging, understated looks.

Cons:
1. Bit expensive
2. Short shelf-life

Overall Rating:
4.75/5. This product loses marks more due the cost factor than anything else. The greatest thing about this product is that it has no chemical based preservatives!!

Will I buy this product again? YES

Don't Ignore Your Local Brands!! Jovees Carrot and Anjeer Sun Block SPF 45

I have been doing reviews for a couple of local brands like Arish, Somi's Ayurvedic Products of Keya Seth's Aromatherapy. There is another nice brand named Jovees which was launched in 2004, and has a whole range of skin and hair care products. But today I am going to review a brilliant product which I discovered (I am glad I did!). This is the Jovees Carrot and Anjeer Sunblock with SPF 45

 I was travelling and had misplaced my regular sunblock. I desperately needed to buy one. I went to a local chemist shop and asked for a good sunblock  and he gave me this. I had heard about Jovees off and on but I had never used any of their products. So I was skeptical. But I really had no choice. But what a pleasant surprise!!

The Product is priced at INR 165/- for a 50g tube.

In the photo above you can see the product claim and method of use. 
Let us now look at the ingredients:

Active Ingredients:

1. Ficus: It acts as a very good skin cleanser and helps in prevention and curing of skin problems like acne and pimples. It can also cure inflammations like abscesses, warts and boils.
2. Liquorice: Skin whitening properties, anti-inflammatory
3. Aloe Indica:treats sunburns and acne, moisturising and anti-aging properties 
4. Sandalwood: Anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, moisturising properties.
5. Daucus Carota or Carrot Seed Oil is a thin, yellow oil distilled from ground seeds is rich in Beta-Carotene. Not only beneficial for mature skin, sun damaged skin, or skin that is exposed to harsh weather conditions, it is also valued for its soothing, relaxing properties. Part of its strength is that it not only helps sun spots or other signs of age or damage fade over time, but it also helps to prevent wrinkles from forming in the first place!
6. Wheatgerm: Wheat germ oil has several properties that make it an effective way to reduce damage done to the skin. Due to its high levels of antioxidants, it has the ability to repair skin cells that have been damaged by the sun, pollution or an unhealthy diet.It also reduces the appearance of wrinkles and can soothe sunburns.

Product Swatches:

After Blending in

After product application on face.

My experience:

The product comes in a nice flip top tube, which can be carried easily in your purse. The dispenser allows you to control the amount of product you want, so there is no wastage. The texture is like a cream, as you can see in the swatch. The product has a gentle fragrance that disappears soon after application. It blends easily and has a nice, mattifying effect. Great for my oily skin. However, it does not leave the skin feeling dry and stretchy. I went for a week long village trip and spent most of the day out in the hot sun. When I got back people said I hardly had a tan. So great product! 

Pros:
1. Nice, handy packaging.
2. Mattifying effect on oily skin.
 3. Oil free formula
4. Does not over-dry skin
5. Water-resistant, so great for sweaty, humid weather.
6. High SPF , with UVA+UVB protection.

7. Lives up to its claim of protecting skin from tanning, after blending in, skin looks nice and fresh.
8. Reasonably priced.

Cons:
1. Not meant for those with dry skin, even though it says 'for all skin types' (checked with a friend with dry skin). However, you can mix it with a moisturizer of your choice when applying.
2. Does not list all the ingredients.

Product rating: 4.9/5. Only because its not really meant for all skin types.

Will I buy this product again?  YES, YES, YES. It is my Holy Grail Product!!!!!

Product Review: Somi's Glow Safe Sunscreen Lotion

Somi Gupta's products have been around now for over 5 years and I have used a couple of them for about 3 years. I am fan of her Glow Fresh Face and Body Grains.

Today I will be reviewing another of her products called Somi's Glow Safe Sunscreen Lotion. As I re-visited Somi Gupta's website, I dicovered that the packaging of the product has been changed. So the new Package is here:

The one I bought is so:

Product Claim:

Product Price: INR 140/- for 100ml

List of Ingredients:

1. Neelotpala Patra: Is said to  improve circulation, widely used in aromatherapy
2. Kur: Couldn't figure out what this is!
3. Chandan: Known for its cooling properties, great for oily, acne prone skin, reverses sun-damage to skin, anti-aging.
4. Benermul: Again don't know what it is.
5. sodium hydroxide: is an inorganic compound used to control the pH levels or serve as a buffering agent in cosmetics and personal care products
6. Carbomer: is used as a thickener and emulsion stabilizer
7. Propylene Glycol: is a humectant, which means it helps the skin to absorb moisture
8. Glycerin: is a wonderful moisturizer for all skin types.
9. Strearic Acid: Good emulsifying & thickening properties (stabilizes emulsions), gives soft waxy, pearly & cooling feel on the skin. 
10. Ethylene Glycol Monostearate: used as emulsifying agent in various face creams and cosmetic lotions
11. Light Liquid paraffin:  is a very highly refined mineral oil used in cosmetics
12. Titanium Dioxide: It is an inert earth mineral used as a thickening, whitening, lubricating, and sunscreen ingredient in cosmetics. It protects skin from UVA and UVB radiation and is considered to have no risk of skin irritation
13. Then a bunch of parabens as preservatives. 

Product Swatches:

After Blending

My experience with the Product:

The product  has a light foundation-like colour and texture, much like a tinted moisturizer. It glides well on the skin and is not too difficult to blend in. It has a nice gentle fruity, sandalwoody smell, but it goes away in a while. I have applied it regularly for a couple of months now and I have not noticed any more tanning than I usually get. My only issue is that it does not mention the SPF factor. But it seems in the neighbourhood of around SPF 15. Another point is that you are asked to re-apply every 2-3 hrs......... inconvenient , if you ask me. It also says nothing about being water or sweat proof, so what does one do during the hot, humid months? 

Somi Gupta also has a couple of talk shows (on Bangla Channels), where she says that the product can be used as a substitute for foundation. In that sense it gives very little coverage. Lacto Calamine has better coverage than this. However, Glow Safe does hold a face powder well.

Pros:
1. Nice Texture
2. Does not streak
3. Easy to blend into skin
4. Reasonable price
5. Pleasant smell

Cons:
1. Does not mention SPF factor
2. Needs to be re-applied every 2-3 hrs.
3. Does not give coverage like foundation as per its claim

4. Is not water or sweat proof

5. Not easily available outside West Bengal

Product Rating 2.5/5 

Mainly for its nice texture and easy blendability. If you are not looking for coverage and are not finicky about SPF numbers then you could go for it.

Will I buy this product again? No,  with all the nice BB creams around...............

There are 2 ingredients which I couldn't quite figure out............I'd love you to tell me about them so this could be a complete review!

Otherwise too,let me know if you find these reviews useful at all!! Leave your thoughts in the comment box below.

See you!

Product Review: Biotique Bio Mountain Ebony Fresh Growth Stimulating Serum:Intensive Hair Growth Treatment

Hello Beautiful!
 
I'm on a major product reviewing spree at the moment............ So today I am going to review Biotique's Bio Mountain Ebony Fresh Growth Stimulating Serum:Intensive Hair Growth Treatment

I has used this product many years ago and was most unimpressed by it then. However, I have recently rediscovered the product which is now much improved! I recently received a mailer from www.medplusbeauty.com (I am a regular shopper on this site) offering flat 30% discount on Biotique products. I had used some of their other products and thought it would be nice to browse through again. I picked up a few things (which I will review later) but I wanted to hit the INR 600/- mark to avail of their free shipping offer. So I gave this product another go.

And I am glad I did! This time round the product is so much better!

Product Claim:

Now to the real part. The product comes in a 120 ml plastic  semi-transparent bottle with a green screw-on cap. The mouth of the bottle has a a small hole to dispense the product drop-by-drop so you needn't pour it out in a bowl or anything. You can directly apply a couple of drops at a time to your scalp.... very convenient! The bottle itself comes in a cardboard box and has a security seal, so you know the product has not been tampered with.

For 120 ml, the product is priced at: INR 159/- but I got it at 30% discount (the offer was on at www.medplusbeauty,com)

Ingredients:

1.  Neem: contain azadirachtin compound which gives neem its anti-bacterial, antifungal and anti-parasitic properties
2. Mulethi: is used in hair care as it promotes the growth of hair according to ayurveda. It is also believed to help keep the scalp moist and hydrated. People with thinning hair can benefit from using licorice as it works on the adrenal glands.
3. Pippali/laung: Said in ayurveda to be useful in controlling hairloss.
4. Kusumbhi Tail (oil)/safflower:  it has the highest level of linoleic fatty acid available commercially. It is very beneficial to very dry flaky skin, excellent conditioner for dry scalp
5. Pudina/Mint: Mint acts as a cooling sensation to the skin and helps in dealing with skin irritations, therefore good for the scalp too.
6. Kachnar/mountain ebony: Has antiseptic properties and is said to promote hair growth.

My Experience with the Product:

When I first sniffed the product it was really pleasant..... the husband likes it too....... a minty-herbal-floral smell. The earlier product was very watery and runny, but this time it is more viscous. It is a deep burgundy colour . It is called a serum but its not meant for the hair shaft. It is supposed to be used on the scalp. the little hole on the top of the bottle is very effective and you can use the product directly from the bottle with zero wastage. I have a dry,itchy scalp with dandruff and the serum had an immediate cooling effect on my scalp. This pleasant sensation lasts till the scalp is wet, but the itchiness has definitely reduced. I usually apply the serum before going to bed and it definitely relaxes me. So the product most surely delivers on its promise of the scalp feeling "toned, exhilarated, free from dryness and irritation"! 

It does not leave the scalp feeling oily. I don't have to wash off the product. It gets completely absorbed. I have seen no residue either on my pillow-case (I apply it before bedtime) nor on my comb ( I use a white one)

As for promoting hair growth........ hmmm...... I don't know... is it because of my aloevera gel treatment or this, I definitely have some new hair growth. However, the product has not led to any more hair loss......... So that is good!

Pros:

1. Nice packaging
2. Bottle dispenser is good and there is no wastage of product
3. Reasonably priced 
4. Not too watery, a more viscous texture
5. Non-sticky
6. Does not have to be washed off or shampooed
7. No residue
8. Pleasant smell
9. Cools and reduces itchiness of scalp
10. I have definitely seen a reduction of dandruff
11. Has not caused me any hair loss
12. Easily available
13. No preservatives
14. Not tested on animals

Cons:

1. Not sure about new hair growth
2. Called a serum but does not control frizz, does not de-tangle hair

Overall Rating: 4.9/5 only because I am not sure of new hair-growth claim.

Will I buy this product again? YES 

Product Review: Arish Ayurvedic Haldi Neem Face Pack

Hello again!

I'll be doing another product review today. I bought Arish Ayurvedic Haldi Neem Face Pack in June 2013 and I have been using this face pack off and on since then.

Pic from the co.website

Product Claim:

Indication: It helps to skin glow making it fairer and brighter, barnaprasadhak.

Directions for use: Apply evenly all over the face & neck, keep it for 15 minutes and wash with water. Use daily for better result 

This product comes in a 50 g jar and is priced at INR 180/-

It is ready to use in a soft paste form, so you can slap it on straight from the jar!

Lets look at the ingredients:

This is the jar I purchased in June 2013. I think they have changed the packaging since.

Properties of the Ingredients:

1. Haridra/Root Turmeric: anti-aging, moisturizing, antioxidant, astringent and antimicrobial properties.                                                                                               
2. Daruharidra/ tree turmeric: Detoxifying                                                                         
3. Saurashtri Mrittika/Multani Mitti: rich in magnesium chloride which helps to reduce acne,sweat resistant, oil-absorbing, improves blood circulation, anti tan properties.                                                                                
4. Neem: anti- bacterial, anti- parasitic, anti- fungal, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, a boon for those with oily and acne prone skin.                                                                                                                            
5. Shwetchandan/ white sandalwood: used to treat various skin conditions including dryness, eczema, itchiness, and rashes.                                                                                   
6. Polysorbate 20: used as an emulsifier to combine oil and water, said to be soothing to the skin.                                                                                                            
7. Carbomer: the compound is used as a thickener and emulsion stabiliser.                                                                                   
8. Propelyne Glycol: Propylene glycol is a humectant, which means it helps the skin to absorb moisture. It helps to carry the water-based ingredients into the skin                                                                                                         
9. Bentonite:  Bentonite provides an active thickening substance for shampoos, calamine lotions, facial creams, and lipsticks, where it keeps the preparations in homogenous form, maintains the moisture levels, and applies non-greasy stickiness.                                                                                                                     
10. Sodium Banzoate: food preservative                                                                                                       
11. Mixed fruit:  I wonder what fruits??                                                                                                                      

The actual product

My experience:
 I liked the no-fuss packaging, however, the screw top cap seemed too loose (I hope it was only a one off and not all jar caps are loose!!). A great part is that it is ready-to-use paste, so its very convenient to carry around, especially when traveling and you don't always have a bowl to mix your dry packs in!
I love to stick my nose in and sniff my beauty products and I liked the gentle sandalwoody smell. The consistency was good, not runny and not too thick........ very emollienty. However, it tends to dry out a  bit over time. I put some rosewater into the jar to moisten it again. It spread quite beautifully over my face.

Application

After washing off pack. No make-up n nice glow!

I kept it on till it dried,which would be about 20 minutes. After washing off with plain water, this is what I got!! Lovely dewy soft glow. I am wearing no make up, not even a moisturiser. This photo was taken in natural light inside my room, facing the window, no flash.

I just love how my skin feels after using it. The product advice is to use everyday, but I have used it only once a week to 10 days. I always use this when I have to go out for a special function. The make-up sits much better on my skin.

Pros:
1. Ready to use.
2. Great smell
3. Good consistency
4. easy to spread on skin
5. Does not dry out skin too much
6. Gives a lovely glow
7. Great skin pick me up before a party.
8. Affordable. Lasts for about 3 months if used weekly.

Cons: 
1. Packaging can be better.
2. Availability outside West Bengal is an issue.

Overall Rating: 4.8/5, only because of availability issues, or else I would have given it a 5/5!!