Tuesday, 13 March 2012

My New Year's Giveaway Winners!

Hello Friends!
I am extremely excited to announce the results of my First and New Year's Giveaway.Many of you must be waiting for the results.Thanks a lot to all of you for your support.The entire experience of conducting the Giveaway was really awesome.This made me feel very special and content.More than 50 people entered in my giveaway.I had to disqualify couple of people for not obeying the rules properly :( 

Anyways I got an whooping 1043 entries dear.This means a lot to me.I had not expected so much, you all guys are wonderful.Another thing I would love to say that from next time I would try to make the rules of my Giveaway much simpler and flexible, thanks for your lovely tips for improvement.So here I announce the result.All the winners were chosen by Random.org.


FIRST WINNER:



      CONGRATULATIONS JYOTIRUPA MISHRA !

                                SECOND WINNER:


CONGRATULATIONS SINDHU GUPTA !

THIRD WINNER:



CONGRATULATIONS BHAVNA PANDEY!

All the winners are requested to reply my mail with their Address and Phone number within 72 hours or I will have to choose new winners by Random.org

p.s I will announce another Giveaway around the month of May and thats going to be much bigger Sweeties! :)

Tuesday, 6 March 2012

Omved All Skin Types Ubtan

Hello Friends!
Today I am going to review 'Omved All Skin Types Ubtan' which I recently purchased during my Organic Haul :) from Natural Mantra 

Description:
Omved All Skin Types Ubtan is made with nourishing grains and skin-regenerating herbs for exfoliation without over-abrasion. No parabens, sulfates, silicones, petrochemicals, glycols, phthalates, synthetic colors or perfumes. Proprietary ayurvedic medicine.

  
Ingredients:
Every 25gms of powder contains -
Green lentil (moong) 24%
Black lentil (udad) 24%
Red sandalwood (pterocarpus santalinus) 24%
White sandalwood (santalum alba) 24%
Turmeric root (curcuma longa) 4%


Price:Rs 120 for 50 Grams

My Take On This Product:
I am a big fan of home made ubtans since my childhood as they impart flawless glowing skin with time and are devoid of any kind of harmful preservatives.Just storing them is difficult and must be prepared  freshly for each time use.Its almost impossible to prepare ubtan and apply when you are staying away from home.Several of my friends still use homemade face packs in dry form prepared my their momma.So lucky girls they are :p  

Anyways I recently came across this Ubtan and Omved is really a quite well known brand which makes Natural Cosmetics, so I ordered this Ubtan without thinking much.( I love hoarding Face Masks :p )The most wonderful fact about this product is that entirely 100% of the Ubtan is made up of natural ingredients and does not contain any kind of preservatives, fragrance or additives.It is made up of Green and Black Lentils, Red and White Sandalwood and turmeric.


This pack comes in a pouch like packaging which I do not like at all as we do not have refrigerator here and storing it is a pain.Once its open there are chances of contamination.Anyways I have poured the content in a small container and use it with a spatula.The ubtan is very fine and when mixed with water or rose water gives a paste of fine consistency.This ubtan initially smells of Red Sandalwood and after some time you get strong fragrance of Lentils.Within 5-7 minutes this pack tightens, if you you have ever used lentil pack you would know the feeling definitely. This ubtan gently cleanses and mildly exfoliates my skin.Though my skin feels tightened after the ubtan dries up, this actually gently washes off leaving very smooth radiant and clear skin.I suffer from uneven skin tone, my forehead is darker in comparison to rest of my face, so after using it for 2-3 times, I could see remarkable de-tanning of my fore head region resulting in even skin tone.


This ubtan removes dead cells effectively, suppresses pimples  and prevents occurrence of new ones too. After cleansing with it for some 4-5 times, my skin texture is improving now.However, I need a moisturizer after cleansing with it.I wont say it dries up my skin but it does not hydrate either. So I use a moisturizer after using it for sure.This ubtan would be very useful for oily, combination and Normal skin too.I have normal to dry skin so I add a bit of honey sometimes to this ubtan and apply.I am using it 2 times a week and seriously very happy with results.


Pros Of The Product:
-Devoid of Parabens, Phthalates, Artificial Fragrance, sulfates, Glycols or Petrochemicals. Synthetic colors.
-It comprises of 100% natural ingredients.
-Its a ready to use ubtan and quickly dries up, so can be used before any outing.
-Gently cleanses and exfoliates skin leaving smooth, radiant skin.
-This ubtan suppresses existing pimples and prevents occurrence of new ones.
-It helps in lightening of blemishes, especially post acne marks with regular usage.
-It helped my in de-tanning my fore head region too.
-Imparts even skin tone.
-Regular usage improves skin texture remarkably.
-Its a fine ubtan that gives right consistency when diluted.
-Helpful in removal of facial hair too.
-Its more of a skin treatment product, so can be used 2-3 times a week to improve skin health.
-One can skip using a scrub too, as this serves the purpose of scrub too.
-Though it tightens your skin within few minutes but its not over abrasive.
-Red Sandalwood is widely known for its skin regenerating properties.
-Though it contains turmeric but it does not leave any pronounced yellow cast on my skin.
-Price is pretty reasonable for the quantity and quality of the product.

Cons Of The Product:
-I would have liked it more, if it comes in a tub like packaging with a small spatula, the pouch like packaging increases the risk of contamination.
-Availability is a big issue.Available at few online shopping sites.
- It dries up within 5-7 minutes and has tightening effect.
-Imparts slightly yellow cast. (Does not stay for a long time though)
-It does not hydrate my skin so moisturizer is must after using it.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Will I repurchase it?
Yes after it gets finishes, I will repurchase it for sure.

My overall Recommendation: I will definitely recommend you this product. Dry skin beauties can however make a paste using yogurt or honey.



Saturday, 3 March 2012

Neev Olive Neem Shampoo

Hello Friends!
Recently I hauled several organic products ranging from soap, shampoos to cashew nuts. So here is my review of the Neev Olive neem shampoo which I used for my stubborn dandruff problem.So did it solve the purpose? Do read on to know more.
About Neev 
Neev Herbal Handmade Soaps are made from vegetable oils (coconut, olive, palm and mahua oils) and purest essential oils without using any chemicals or artificial colors. Mild and nourishing to the skin they do not rob the skin off its natural oil. 

-Mahua Oil which has been traditionally used by the tribal communities of Jharkhand helps to keep the skin healthy and shiny. 


All our soaps are made in small batches using cold process method which best preserves the beneficial qualities of our ingredients. Freshness, quality ingredients and gentle processing all contribute to our exceptional product.


Neev Herbal Handmade Soaps also help in controlling water pollution since they contain no harsh ingredients or chemical preservatives. There is no wastage or pollution caused during the manufacturing process.


Neev Herbal Handmade Soaps last longer than the normal soaps of similar weight, because they do not contain any fillers.


Neev Herbal Handmade Soaps is not Just a commodity but a vision. It is a social enterprise that reveres and celebrates harmony between man and nature. We aim to produce the highest quality handcrafted herbal products while providing a dignified means of employment for rural women and regenerating rural economy”"

What The Company Says?
Olive Oil is a gentle cleanser of the scalp which removes dandruff, neem oil is antiseptic, antifungal, antilice, and removes itchiness, almond oil adds luster to hair, rosemary helps hair grow longer and stronger, lavender prevents hair loss. It has the same pH as water.

 

Ingredients: Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Almond Oil, Neem Oil, Lye, Distilled Water, and scented using pure essential oils of Rosemary, Lavender. It has the same pH as water.

Price- Rs 160 for 200 ml, Rs 85 for 100 ml

My Take On This Product:
Recently I hauled lots of Eco- friendly, Safe and preservative free organic products from Natural Mantra site.I had heard a lot about Neev soaps so I purchased a gift pack comprising of 4 different soaps and 2 body washes.During winter I suffered from severe dandruff and my overall health of my hair deteriorated a lot.I tried several drug store shampoos but within two days I used to get the dandruff back.I wanted to try something which could eliminate my dandruff yet make my hair soft and healthy.So when I saw this shampoo, I ordered it immediately.I liked the ingredient list pretty much as it has neem which is a natural anti- bacterial source and olive oil conditions hair to a great extent.I found its price to be quite reasonable too.

This shampoo comes in a flap cap bottle and has the typical Lavender fragrance.I checked and found Lavender oil to be one of its ingredients too.I have used it thrice and more than half of the bottle has finished.This shampoo is amber colored and has runny consistency.


I skipped oiling my hair for the first time thinking  that  it would be very mild in nature.I used quantity more than required.I found, it lathered really pretty well and made my hair squeaky clean.My hair is already dry, so this shampoo led to tangled mess of hair.  :( It was a pain to comb my hair then.But yes it eliminated my dandruff almost entirely with two washes.Next time when I used it after oiling, my hair didn't feel very dry.One thing is must, this shampoo is indeed very effective for dandruff but if one has dry hair then do not skip conditioner after using it.I am regularly using it along with Organic Surge Shine Boost conditioner and I really liked its effect.It imparts natural shine and lots of body to my hair.But one thing I didn't like was almost more than half the bottle got finished with three washes so it turns out to be pretty costly.

Pros Of The Product:
-Contains all natural ingredients like Neem oil, Olive Oil, almond oil, coconut oil and essential oils of Rosemary and Lavender.
-Very Reasonable price for the quantity provided.
-Its SLS and harmful preservative free.
-It eliminates dandruff completely and improves overall scalp health.
-It imparts natural shine and great volume to hair.
-These days available online at StyleCraze and Natural Mantra website.
-Safe option for dandruff elimination.
-Didn't cause any kind of hair fall.
-Creates good amount of lather and leaves hair squeaky clean.
-It has a lingering lavender fragrance.

Cons of The Product:
-Never skip a conditioner after using it.
-Without oiling hair and skipping a conditioner made my hair more dry.
-Lots of quantity required for each wash.
-The preservative used is not mentioned in the packaging.
-The Foaming base used is not mentioned in the package.
-There should be a conditioner in this range too.
-Available at few places and very few online shopping sites.
-The Consistency of the shampoo is quite runny.
-Despite the use of several oils, I didn't find it very moisturizing for my hair.

Rating: 3.25 out of 5

Will I repurchase it? May be only for dandruff elimination.

My Overall Recommendation:
If you want to try a safer option for stubborn dandruff removal, then you can go for this shampoo.But its not very moisturizing and do not skip a conditioner after using it.

Friday, 2 March 2012

Vedic Line Choco Vanilla Face and Body Butter

By Bhavna Pande (Giveaway Entry) 
What The Company Says:
Vedic Line Chocolate Spa is based on Ayurvedic concept of harmony & balancing of fragrance, color & texture. This helps to relax & rejuvenate. We have chosen only worldwide accepted & known combinations of chocolate with fruits & nuts to enhance & rejuvenate skin.
Vedic Line Chocolate Cosmetics contain essential fatty acids, cocoa, vitamins, anti oxidants & minerals which help in growth & renewal of healthy cells. Fragrance of products stimulates passion & lifts up energy. 
What the package says:
Get the bath of moisture and mushy softness.

Details:
Whipped cream with mega moisturizing and calming effect. It softens and nourishes the skin giving it the blanket of satiny softness.

How to Use
Massage with gentle strokes and pressure until the cream gets absorbed in the skin.

Qty-65 ml.

Price –Rs 200 




Personal views:

Positive points-
Best body butter i have used so far.
Looks like peanut butter and smells divine.
It does moisturize the skin well and gives a soothing effect
Helps to get rid of dry skin and stays long
Love the cute brown tub .nice packing

Negative point-
The only negative point according to me is it has only 65 ml. I need more quantity. 



Rating: 4.8/5 (0.2 deducted because it has less quantity)

Thursday, 1 March 2012

My Mega Haul from Natural Mantra.com

Hello Sweeties!
Last month I had shared my overall shopping experience from Natural Mantra HERE I really loved handmade cosmetics without preservatives and other harmful chemicals a lot as they are reliable and safe in the long run. So recently I bought several products ranging from soaps to snacks from this site.So do check out my latest haul sweeties.


1-Soulflower Sandalwood and Geranium Shampoo Bar
2-Soulflower Hair Conditioner Bar
3-Nourish Organics Garlic Roasted Caju ( Tastes awesome :p )
4-Vegetal Hair Color- Dark Brown
5-Last Forest Beewax Lipbalm- Honey, Strawberry.
6-Litchi Honey
7-Auravedic Destressing Facial Booster (Damn good Facial Moisturiser)
8-Rustic Art Paper soap.
9-Omved Taruni Face Pack.
10-Soulflower Key Ring (Got it Free)

Lass Cosmetics Beauty Pack : (I am super impressed with the whole range both quality and quantity wise)
1-Lass Cosmetics Papaya and Walnut Scrub
2-Lass Cosmetics Glow Pack Facial Therapy
3-Lass Cosmetics Rose Water
4-Lass Cosmetics Aloe Vera Hydro gel with Gold Leaf.

Do let me know if you want to see reviews of any particular product.

Sorry for not posting since a long time.I am not well since many days.  :(