What's In My FabBag? January 2017 Edition

My subscription to Fab Bag was expiring in December las year. I was faced with a choice of either letting it lapse, or renewing it for yet another year....... I thought long and hard and decided I loved FabBag too much to let it go out of my life.  I love to wait for my Bag every month. It is one of the most personalised beauty subscriptions. What I like best is that along with the surprise every month, usually I get to choose one make-up product from a fairly detailed line-up. So my decision made, I hit the renew button.

Now that my FabBag has arrived, here is a quick round-up.

Loving the Satin Purple clutch style bag!

Wella EIMI Perfect Me Lightweight BB Lotion

Product Price: INR 900/- for 100 ml

Sample Size in Bag: 6ml

For a moment I was foxed. BB Lotion from Wella? The hair people from Wella? BB Lotion? The I read more carefully. So its more like a Hair serum/smoothening lotion.

The Nature's Co. Garlic Anti Acne Cream

Product Price: INR 895/- 50 ml

Sample Size in Bag: 20 ml

Garlic to keep vampires at bay? Yes I do have acne prone skin. And I did try it out once. I'm not sure about the product yet, but will keep you posted.

Manna Kadar Liplicked Priming Wand in Joie 

Product Price: INR 1799/- 

Sample Size in Bag: Full Size

A Lovely matte nude pink lip crayon. Only does not quite suit my skin tone. I know just the person to gift it to...

MCaffeine Neem Caffeine Face Wash 

Product Price: INR 449/- for 150 ml

Sample Size in Bag: 50 ml

Face Energiser.... hmmmm.... worth trying out.

O3+ Derma Fresh Mask 

Product Price: INR 425/- for 50 ml 

Sample Size in Bag: Full Size

Brightening and Whitening says the sub text. I'm not sure about that, but it promises to nourish dehydrated, sensitive skin. Right now I am struggling with an acne outbreak. Once it clears out, I'll try it out and let you know if it does me any good.

Value of this Month's Bag: INR 2786/- approx. Well 2 full sized and one delux sized sample is generous. 

My Verdict: Buy it, for yourself or as a gift.... Buy it!

FabBag is a monthly subscription service starting at INR 416/-. Each month's bag contains 3-5 products from national and international brands ranging from drugstore to luxury. Product sizes range from small sample sizes to full size. To join this service click HERE.

January 2017 Edition of My Envy Box

Hello All!

How is the new year treating you so far? I was slightly under the weather due to the cold wave, but now I'm much better.

So how does the first 2017 Edition of My Envy Box look like?

The theme this month is #Getupandboogie. The box has a retro, vinyl record on the foreground, with disco lights twinkling in the background. Very 70's. I love the box and it will make a great gift box!

And what's inside?

Hedonista Hair Perfume

Product Price: INR 1210/- for 100 ml

Sample Size in Box: 50 ml

Hair perfumes seem to be getting quite popular in recent months. I'm looking forward to using it and letting you know what I think about it.

Essence XXXL Shine Lip Gloss

Product Price: INR 229/- for 5ml

Sample Size in Bag: Full Size

I'm already using it and it has the slightest hint of colour and is not annoyingly sticky. Promising. 

Essence Lash Mania Reloaded Mascara

Product Price: INR 349/- for 10ml

Sample Size in Box: Full Size

The product promised long, voluminous lashes without clumping. But I haven't opened it yet since I have a couple of other mascara tubes to get through. But no worries, it has a fair amount of time before it' time is up. So we'll just have to wait for this one.

Bombay Perfumery Fragrance Kits

Product Price: INR 500/- for 5 vial

Sample Size in Box: Full Vial Kit

Wait for a full review. 

P.S.: I love perfumes....

Cheryl's O2C2 Radiance Lotion

Product Price: INR 1050/-

Sample Size in Box: Full Size

I was really excited to see this one, till I read the product description..... "not suitable for sensitive and acne prone skin". I am both, so :(

Approximate value: INR 2778/-. Wow!

Overall Thoughts: Its a great box, with good curation. Only thing that makes me a bit sad is the radiance lotion. I can't use it. But just because I can't,  it does not mean you can't. Great value for money too! Go for it,for yourself or as a gift. Great start to 2017!

My Envy Box is a subscription service which brings you 5 trial sized beauty products (typically 2ml-10ml) from the top international luxury and prestige brands delivered to your door step every month. Priced at INR 850/- for a month, it may be subscribed for 3, 6, or 12 months. You may subscribe to this service HERE

New Year Resolutions 2017

Hello,

My first introduction to New Year Resolutions was in primary school. Our teacher was away and we were making a racket. The teacher from the neighbouring classroom walked in and asked us to write down 5 New Year Resolutions.

I do not remember my resolutions for that year. But I do remember that for a long time I kept on making a list of New Year resolutions. I stuck to very few, broke most of them.

In recent years, I have not really bothered making a list. Why? Is it because I break most of them anyway so why waste my time? No. I'm not cynical. Not yet. 

I think I have changed the way I look at New Year. New Year to me now means buying a new calendar and getting used to writing the correct year. Ha ha!

I see each day as the 'first day of the rest of my life'. Not because I am doing something momentous each day, but because I'm trying to live each day, each moment. So now I have more 'what is my resolution for today'. Not lists. One thing at a time. 

For instance, I noticed over the past couple of days that I was not drinking enough water. So, today's resolution was "Drink at least two litres of water today". Did I stick to my resolution today? 

You bet I did. In fact I drank some more. 

I cannot handle vagueness. I need concrete doable things. So I feel like a winner today. 

What's my resolution for tomorrow? Eat 2 whole fruits. Not drink packaged juice, but chew two whole fruits tomorrow. Will I keep my resolution? You bet, I will.

Goodbye 2016. Welcome 2017.

Happy New year to you all!

As we move into the year 2017, I'm hit with thoughts of transience. 2016 was a year I came face to face with death. I lost my mother quite suddenly. Though she had been unwell for a while, I didn't expect her to pass on all of a sudden. It took me a while to make sense of it all. One moment she was with us, watching TV from her favourite seat. A week later I was looking for a photograph for her memorial rituals. 

As we brought back her mortal remains from the hospital and I was preparing her for her final journey (dressing her up like a Hindu married woman) it just seemed she was sleeping and would open her eyes suddenly and ask what the hell I was up to!) 

What about her thoughts, wishes and plans? A family friend's grand-daughter was getting married. She asked if she would be able to go. Did the stopping of her heartbeat and end of any electrical activity in her brain mean the end of her completely?

Is there some part of us that lives on after our body dies? Is there a soul? Has Ma been reborn somewhere? Does she remember this life? Did her thoughts outlive her body? Do some part of our loved ones live on within us? What is the point of life?

Humans have come up with so many theories and ideas surrounding death. Each community, culture and religion tries to answer these questions. But do we really know?

2016 also brought news of so many people passing on. Friends losing a parent or a sibling. 

But 2016 also brought in news of new life. A new tiny new human.... New? 

Life goes on... So many people commented how strong and steady I was through the entire time. Tears did come unbidden, but I didn't break down and weep like a child. I don't know. Did I feel any less sorrow than most other people? I don't know. But I do know that I knew my mother to be a strong and practical woman. I tried to make her last journey as I think she would have liked. No great show, but prompt, practical cremation. A long drive to Garh Mukteshwar, a boat ride, a walk through sugarcane fields. Ma would have loved a trip like that. 

I think the presence of my children had a stabilising effect on me. They have helped me to remain steady. The grandmother was deeply attached to her granddaughters. They miss her but do not get teary eyed when they talk of her. They just talk of everyday memories like how she would give them a bath, or feed them. Or even how they lay in her lap as she watched her favourite shows on  television.

Ma lived a full life. When people came home to express their condolences, they all talked about how she had touched their lives. Even now when we meet, they talk about her and what they miss about her. 

I am not sure why this is my first post of this year. Maybe the news of my favourite uncle's demise has something to do with it. 

'The sun cannot rise if it does not set.'

'There is no joy without sorrow.'

'When you are born, you cry while the world smiles down at you. When you die, you smile while the world cries for you.'

(Stock Image)

Is it the sun rising? Or is it setting? Is it the same with birth and death?

My Envy Box December 2016 Edition

Hi Everyone!

So, in just a couple of weeks we will bid farewell to year 2016 and ring in 2017. But before we do that, let's take a peek into the last My Envy Box of the year.

The theme this month is Lashes and Pouts. So the box is accented with stylized eyes and lips. The pattern is very attractive and is definitely going out with the next birthday gift!

SoulTree Lipstick in Deep Blush (820)

Product Price: INR 550/-

Sample Size in Box: Full Size

KronoKare - The Frizz Kiss Lip Balm

Product Price: INR 95/- for 10 ml

Sample Size in Box: Full Size

Roots and Herbs Brightening Nutmeg Undereye Tailam

Product Price: INR 1190/- for 50 ml

Sample Size: Full Size

Bliscent Raspberry Lip Butter

Product Price: INR 150/- for 5 gms

Sample Size in Box: Full Size

Gubb Eyelash Curler

Product Price: INR 299/-

Sample Size in Box: Full Size

My Thoughts:

When I first opened the box, I wasn't sure what to think. Two lip balms, an eyelash curler........ But when I examined the box more closely, it wasn't so bad. To begin with, all the products are full size. 

And then there is the Roots and Herbs Undereye Tailam that looks promising. 

Total Value of Box: INR 2284/-. So a good deal if you have paid INR 850/-.But you needn't. Just look below for a discount!

Feel free to use the code to get a flat 20% discount on the December Beauty Box.

My Envy Box is a subscription service which brings you 5 trial sized beauty products (typically 2ml-10ml) from the top international luxury and prestige brands delivered to your door step every month. Priced at INR 850/- for a month, it may be subscribed for 3, 6, or 12 months. You may subscribe to this service HERE

What's In my FabBag: December 2016 Edition

Hi Everyone,

As yet another year comes to an end, lets us look at how FabBag has decided to close the year. FabBag has been the favourite of many bloggers including mine. It's USP is personalised curation and one product of customer's choice and preference almost every month.

So let us see how FabBag fares this month.

This month's bag has a gold and black checkered pattern, which honestly, is a bit too blingy for me. The theme goes with the season.... PARTYHOLIC!!

This month, FabBag has included 4 products out of which one make-up product was customer's choice, The be a Bombshell lipstain.

Natural Bath and Body Thank God It's Friday Hair Mist

Product Price: INR 525 for 100 ml

Sample Size in Bag: 50 ml

Its really a hair perfume..... I've never really had an bad hair odour problem, so I'm not sure I'm quite crazy about the product just yet.

Iba Halal Care Nourishing Foot Massage Cream

Product Price: INR 95/- for 50 gms

Sample Size in Bag: Full Size

I like the addition of this product in the this month's bag. My heels tend to crack in the dry winter months and this Foot Cream is a very welcome addition in the December Bag! 

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil

Product Price: INR 460/- for 60 ml

Sample Size in Bag: 15 ml

My skin is definitely drier right now and I'm looking forward to see how this oil will work for me. However, I'm not so sure about the reduction of scars part.. 

be a Bombshell Lip Stain in the shade Bash (Coral)

Product Price: INR 750/- for 3.2 gms

Sample Size in Bag: Full Size

I selected this product from a range of 5 shades. Its a nice shade of coral. Watch out for a swatch and review post of this product.

Value of November Bag: 1222.5 (approx)

My Verdict: So what do I think about this month's bag? I wouldn't say spectacular..... but I'd say 'Thoughtful'.

FabBag is a monthly subscription service starting at INR 416/-. Each month's bag contains 3-5 products from national and international brands ranging from drugstore to luxury. Product sizes range from small sample sizes to full size. To join this service click HERE.

Avon True Color Perfectly Matte Lipstick: Swatches

Hi Everyone!

Matte lipsticks are the latest rage and all known and lesser known brands are joining the bandwagon. The latest entrant has been Avon India. They have launched 10 shades in pinks browns and reds,under the name True Color Perfectly Matte. In today's post I'm showing you the colour swatches. I'll do a detailed review only after I have had a chance to try them out some more.

This range claims to be more matte than MAC, but, since I have not tried the MAC lipsticks, I cannot really comment on that. 

However, this product won't burn a hole in your pocket. It is priced at INR 479/-, currently the brand is offering an introductory 25% discount. So you get it for INR 359/-.

In Natural Light

In Natural Light

Under Florescent Lighting

Under Florescent Light

That's a fair range of colours, however there are some  shades which will not suit a fair number of India skin tones.

Shades I Like from this Range:

Mauve Matters
Ruby Kiss 
Vibrant Melon
Coral Fever
Splendidly Fuschia
Red Supreme 
Chocolate Crush

Shades which may not suit Indian Skin Tones:

Au Naturel would be almost invisible on most of us
Ideal Lilac
Electric Pink


So which ones do you like?

See you later........!!