Winners: Soulflower Gift Vouchers Giveaway

The birthday special Soulflower Gift Vouchers Giveaway has come to an end. Thank you so much for making this giveaway a success. :-*

I got 367 valid entries.



Without much ado, let's get on with the winners list,

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Prize 1: Rs.500  Soulflower Gift Voucher goes to...

 

Renji Bala (renji*****@sify.com)

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Prize 2: Rs.250  Soulflower Gift Voucher goes to...

Megha Saraf (smartmegha****@yahoo.co.in)

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Prize 3: Rs.250  Soulflower Gift Voucher goes to...

Prachi Gupta (blushand*******@hotmail.com)
 

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Congratulations to all the winners . I will be emailing you shortly hereafter, and would require you to respond to it within next 24 hours, else I would have to pick another winner.  

And others, don't get disheartened, many more exciting things would be coming up in the future ;).

NYX Round Lipstick (Lip Smacking Fun Colors) - Shade Doll Review

Hey ya ladies! As I was telling yesterday, how I got 3 lipsticks from same range of bright pink shade, so here is the review of one of the three. I have been yearning to try out the NYX Round lipsticks for so long, esp. the Tea Rose shade which is always OOS everywhere, but then thought of giving one another shade a try atleast, and got it in the Doll shade, which is the least bright out of the three lippies I got, nevertheless it's a really nice shade to have. Read on to know more.

PRICE:  Rs. 400

QUANTITY: 4 g

INGREDIENTS:

SWATCH:

Left: One Swipe     Right: 2-3 Swipes

MY EXPERIENCE: The Doll shade is a reddish pink shade which looks quite sheer in the hand swatch but is actually quite brighter on lips in real. It makes my yellow undertones on face more prominent. It gives opaque color in 1 - 2 swipes. The texture is buttery and keep lips moisturised till it lasts, so it's better not to use a lip balm beneath it. It stays on my lips for more than 4 hours with little fading and endures light snacking. But gets removed easily with water, and it doesn't leave any tint when fades completely / or being wiped off.  I have always read about the obnoxious smell in other reviews, and now I know why, it sucks really, and I can smell it on lips for initial few moments after applying. I find the packaging cute with the little shade indicator at the end. Thankfully I didn't face any melting issues with this one as I have heard from others.

WHAT I LIKED:

• Smooth buttery texture that glides on lips. 
• Very moisturising on lips however it doesn't feel heavy as such.
• The shade Doll is very pretty reddish pink, though I wish it didn't look so bright on my yellow undertones.
• Lasts more than 4 hours with only slight fading.
• Has more than 144 mindboggling shades to choose from.
• Lists all the ingredients.
• NYX produces100% cruelty-free cosmetics.
  

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• The artificial smell is quite bothering.
• The price in India is quite unjustified IMO.
• Not easily available.

VERDICT: Had the price been not so steep in India, I would have got hold of few more shades. For the actual price, it is a great lippie to have, so if you are fine with international shipping then you can buy them at much cheaper rates at $2-$4 (excluding the shipping fare).

RATINGS:  4 out of 5

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PR Info: Get iconic eyes everyday with the new Lakmé Eyeconic Kajal and Mascara

Indian women are blessed with gorgeous deep set eyes and to help highlight this feature, Lakmé has launched Lakmé Eyeconic – a revolutionary range consisting of kajal and mascara. 

The new Eyeconic Kajal by Lakmé is literally iconic as all you need is one sweep of kajal and it lasts for 10 hours. The product is waterproof, it doesn’t smudge and it is even safe for the eyes since it is dermatologist tested.  Complete your look with lots of Eyeconic Curling Mascara. The mascara gives the eyes an intense black finish and comes equipped with a curling brush that helps give curves to your lashes. It is also enriched with D-Panthenol – a moisturizer which keeps lashes soft and smooth. The product makes the eyes look brighter and adds a perfect sparkle to your entire look.

The Eyeconic kajal and mascara by Lakmé forms the perfect combination in creating a look that is sure to get you noticed!  You can now transform your look from drab to fab with just a little kajal and a hint of some mascara.

The Lakmé Eyeconic kajal is priced at Rs. 199 and the Lakmé Eyeconic mascara is priced at Rs. 250

About Lakmé

The contemporary and expert in the beauty industry, Lakmé continuously innovates to offer a wide range of, high performance color cosmetics, skincare products, and beauty salons. In addition to leveraging Unilever’s worldwide expertise, Lakmé also partners with the leading cosmetic house; Milan-based Intercos Italia, Schwann Stabilo Germany and Paris-based Fiabila. Combining international cosmetic technology with an in-depth understanding of the Indian woman’s needs, Lakmé also offers its consumers a comprehensive beauty experience through its products and services at the Lakmé Salons and Studios. For further information log on to http://www.facebook.com/ilovelakme or www.lakméindia.com
 

Maybelline Colorama Nail Color - Shade Sexy and Coral Chic Review

I am digging the hot pink / magenta pink shades these days. Recently, I bought 3 lipsticks that are almost in the same shade range of bright pink :O and it was completely unintentional. So it is obvious that I wanted a similar shade for my nails also. Now, Coral being another 'in' shade, I got to have one of those too. So got these two beauties from Maybelline Colorama range, in one of my recent hauls, in the shades Sexy and Coral Chic.

PRICE:  Rs.100

QUANTITY: 8 ml

SWATCH: 

SEXY

CORAL CHIC

 

MY EXPERIENCE: Let me start with the 'Sexy' one, which is an eye popping candy pink / hot pink shade and I just love it. The texture for 'cremoso' variant is creamy pastel like, as the name suggests. 1-2 coats gives opaque coverage.  
Coral Chic, is a pretty coral / orange shade with some pinkish hue , and some golden micro glitters, that are not discernible much to the eyes, but anyhow beautifies the shade further. The texture / consistency of this variant is thin and it requires 2-3 coats for full coverage.

Both the polishes, came with good brushes that made application easy. The staying power is 2-4 days with slight chipping on the tips, depending upon how much wear and tear your nails face. The bottle lists the complete ingredients, which is a first I have seen with any nail polish (sorry couldn't picture it as it was written in micro size fonts :P)! Only thing that bothered me is that, within 2 weeks of opening it, the oil has started imparting from the nail polishes (as occurs with some old polishes) though the expiry dates of the nail polishes are in 2013 / 2014 :-/.

WHAT I LIKED:

• Both the shades are of good consistency and applies smoothly.
• The brush is great and doesn't give any streaks.
• Dries up completely within 8-10 minutes.
• Available in various shades and different textures, and are aptly named (though not in English!) and is pocket friendly as per the quality.
• The packaging is nice and the cap has dents that gives a good grip while applying. Also, it is the first brand of nail polish I came across, that lists all the ingredients (though written in microscopic letters), with the expiry date on the bottle.
  

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: 

• Within two weeks of opening, the polishes have started to impart some oil (like old polishes do).
• I don't know why, but Maybelline never launches all the shades in India (what have we done?! :( ). I want to try the Ruby Rays (google it...you would drool) shade next, but it isn't available here..boohoo.
  

VERDICT: This is surely a great range to try and I wonder why I hadn't till now! Great quality at a great price and some amazing shades to try out.

RATINGS:  4.5 out of 5

Beauty Check - Part 10

The main aim of this series is to give you a glipse of new (or not so new) styles and trends. And today's topic would be some Hair Braiding techniques.

Now, as much as I focus on different makeup styles, color trends, etc.  one part of my styling has been constant and boring, which is, my hairstyle. Either I keep it simply open or tie it up in a ponytail. I love to checkout the new hairstyle techniques on youtube videos though never seem to implement them on myself successfully, because a) I am lazy and b) I am too lazy to think of b. :P

Coming back to today's topic of different hair braiding techniques, you must have already heard of french braid, fishtail braids, mermaid tail braids, waterfall braids, and much more. 

To up the complexity further, here comes another braiding technique called Weave Basket Braiding technique. Won't speak much, let the pictures do the talking,

Interesting isn't it! Just hope my hands won't fall off while trying this out! :P And if you are wondering how to do this, here are two video tutorials I came across, that might help you out, but I am warning you, this ain't easy. ;)

**All images are from Google.

Sunday Peek: Pink N Purple

Hey ya ladies! Hope you are having a great weekend. Sunday on B.B.B means to share some love with a new blogger friend. And today's Sunday Peek features, Preethi from Pink N Purple.

Let's get to know some more about her, in her own words.

"

Hi everyone......I am Preethi Prasad ( simply Preethi ).

I am from INDIA..currently staying in London.  

I am a engineering graduate as most of us( lolz..). 

I am a home maker now.not working any where..but full time blogger you can say !! 

I love the colours pink and purple...that's why I named my blog name u can see. 

Drop me a mail to just to say hi or any other information....contact me at cutepinknpurple@gmail.com 

You can contact me through FB   https://www.facebook.com/Cutepinknpurple "

Pink and Purple are two of my favourite colors too. Wish you all the very best with your blog Preethi. Looking forward to much more reviews, recipes, tutorials from you. Others, don't forget to check out her blog, Pink N Purple and share some love. :)

Do you want to get featured on B.B.B too? Then send me your entry. Click here for more details.   

Roots Anti-bacteria All purpose Hairbrush 9613 Review

Hey ya beauties! I am going to do a quick review of my new hairbrush that I got in my recent haul, which is Roots Anti-bacteria All purpose Hairbrush No. - 9613.

PRICE:  Rs. 195 (though the package shows Rs.145)

QUANTITY: 1 hairbrush

DIRECTIONS TO USE:

WHAT IT CLAIMS: Best suited for thick hair. The body of the brush repels bacteria giving you utmost hygiene, hence preventing scalp and skin irritation. The rounded nylon bristles of the Roots brush massage the scalp and glide through hair with ease to offer snag free styling. 

MY EXPERIENCE: I wanted a non-cushioned hairbrush, as I hate cleaning cushioned hairbrushes which retains water and takes up lot of time to get dry. Roots Anti-bacteria All purpose Hairbrush fitted my bill for this purpose, and moreover it has this anti-bacteria bristles which caught my attention and I wanted to try it. 

I really like this brush, as the bristles are of really good quality and doesn't break/bend under pressure. I have medium thick hair but this works perfectly for me. The tiny nylon balls are good for massaging and blood circulation, and it gives much better feeling than normal combs. Doesn't give any static hair, detangles hair easily and adds more shine and less frizz to hair. I liked it much better than my previous un-branded cushion brushes and normal combs. Cleaning it off is also much easier, and the tangled hairs come off easily. Even when cleaned with water, it dries up pretty faster than cushioned brushes.

WHAT I LIKED:

• A non-cushioned, anti-bacterial brush that provides better results than a normal comb.
• Good quality bristles that helps in easy detangling of hair.
• Cleaning it up doesn't take much time.
• Economically priced.
  

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• Not sure about the availability, can be bought online though.
• I am not sure how the Anti-bacteria thing worked, but I am happy its there. Only thing I hate is that it can't be used when some leave-on products are applied on hair. :(
• Umm... since it is hard / non-cushioned, I bang my head once/twice while combing if I am not careful ;) :P.

VERDICT: A good quality brush at an affordable price and it suits my needs. Would work better for thick hair types. Let me know if you have tried this one.

RATINGS:  4.5 out of 5

PR Info: Kaya’s new Purifying Range

 Get rid of those pimples with Kaya’s new Purifying Range!

The ultimate skin care regimen to stay acne free this monsoon.

To fight all the woes of monsoon playing havoc on your skin, Kaya Skin Clinic introduces its latest revolutionary ‘Purifying Range’. The new set of 3 products is a perfect way to fight those unwanted breakouts on your skin and keep it looking flawlessly radiant this monsoon.

Kaya Skin Clinic has always been at the forefront of advanced skin care solutions and has once again demonstrated a unique understanding of women’s skin care needs with the introduction of its latest revolutionary range of products. Addressing the need gap of holistic skin care solution, Dr. Sangeeta Amladi, Head Medical Services, Kaya Skin Clinic, said, “Kaya’s new Purifying Range has been designed keeping in mind the oily and acne prone Indian skin-type. Cleansing, toning and moisturizing should be a part of every woman’s daily skin regime and following this acne free beauty regimen on a daily basis will surely reduce chances of break-outs and help keep skin looking   radiant, flawless and healthy at all times.”

Purifying Cleanser: Rs. 350/- for a 100 ml

With Salicylic acid that deep cleans your pores to remove oil, dust and other impurities, Kaya’s Purifying Cleanser works on the skin mildly, making it pure and soft. A product specially formulated for oily and acne prone skin, it has a unique combination of skin conditioners like Olive oil derivatives, which purify the skin without drying it out.

Purifying Toner: Rs. 290/- for a 100 ml

With special botanical extracts of rose, witch hazel and cucumber, Kaya’s Purifying Toner gently tones, soothes and exfoliates the skin, unclogs pores and rejuvenates it. The Mandelic Acid prevents skin breakouts and the Niancinamide ensures anti-inflammation, leaving your skin bright and radiant. This non-alcoholic toner comes with a special mist pump for easy usage.

Purifying Nourisher: Rs. 680/- for a 50 ml

Coupled with the hydrating properties of Aloe Vera, the anti-inflammatory properties of Almond Oil and rose extracts, Kaya’s Purifying Nourisher is a non-greasy formula which gets easily absorbed into the skin. The Sodium PCA increases the water holding capacity of the skin, making it soft and supple. It also contains antioxidants that protect the skin from the ill effects of prolonged exposure to the sun and other pollutants.

For regular skin-care using the Purifying range, follow the steps mentioned below:

Step 1 – Cleanse with Kaya’s Purifying Cleanser:

Take required quantity of Purifying Cleanser and massage gently on wet face. Rinse face with water and pat dry.

Step 2 – Tone with Kaya’s Purifying Toner:

Moisten the cotton pad with toner, sweep gently over the face and neck OR spray directly on your face and neck. Do not rinse. 

Step 3 – Moisturise with Purifying Nourisher:

Apply Purifying Nourisher on face and neck and massage gently. The formula gets absorbed quickly into skin, making it soft and supple.

Now women have the perfect solution to keep acne at bay and get flawlessly radiant skin even in the grimy monsoon season! So come rain or shine, make sure you take these vital steps to treat, repair and prevent acne with Kaya’s new Purifying Range!

VLCC Daily Protect Honey Lip Balm Review

Hey ya beauties! Do you believe that products with higher price tags always work better than the lower priced ones in the same range? Or there are some hidden treasures in the lowly priced products too? Why am I asking such weird questions?

Read on my review on VLCC Daily Protect Honey Lip Balm to know more.

PRICE:  Rs.49

QUANTITY: 4g

INGREDIENTS:

WHAT IT CLAIMS:

This moisture rich formula soothes and conditions lips, keeping them soft and supple. 

SPF 15 protects from harmful effects of sun. 

Light, non greasy formula, provides long lasting moisture, leaving the lips supple and hydrated.

  

MY EXPERIENCE: When I got this one, the first thing that irked me a lot is that it melted and leaked in the packaging, and I wasn't really sure whether I would want to try it on my lips. But I tried it anyways and I am glad I did. :D  VLCC Daily Protect Honey Lip Balm is a non-waxy, hydrating, moisturising, colorless lipbalm, with yummy cocoa/shea butter smell. It stays on for more than 3 hours, without any snacking (or licking lips :P ) in between.  

Only thing is that it may not work as a base for lipsticks (except matte ones), i.e. you would need multiple swipes to build the color or for creamy lipsticks it might bleed. But for the price it comes for, I have no complaints! :D 

WHAT I LIKED:

• True to its claim, it moisturises lips and keeps it soft.
• Keep lips hydrated for 3-4 hours easily, if not rubbed/licked off.
• It is un-tinted, with a cocoa butter smell and is tasteless.
• Has SPF 15, as an added benefit.
• Tube packaging hence hygienic and travel friendly.
• The price, I am yet to come across any cheaper lipbalm in a tube, that works.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• I can't vouch for, if it would heal extremely chapped lips or not, although it is quite moisturising.
• It is soft and might melt in extreme heat. Mine was bought during peak of summer and it came through courier.
• Might not work as a base for soft, creamy lipsticks.

VERDICT:

This is surely a great find. Though not high priced, it definitely can give a tough competition to a few. This is definitely going to be a repeat buy for me. What about you?

RATINGS:  4.75 out of 5

Soulflower Healthy Hair Aroma Massage Oil Review

Hey ya ladies! So, how many of you hate oiling your hair, raise your hands! *Mine would be the first to rise*. I hated it since my childhood and stopped oiling my hair for a long time (read: years). Then I would take pity on my dry/damaging hair sometimes and would oil it occasionally. I was never satisfied with any, and would totally loathe the chipku (sticky/oily) feeling most of them give. 

But that never stopped me from buying and trying different oils, and the recent one I got, is from Soulflower Healthy Hair Aroma Massage Oil and here is my review on it.

PRICE:  Rs. 450.00

QUANTITY: 90ml

INGREDIENTS: Lavender, rosemary, neem, juniper, emblica officinalis essential oils, jojoba, olive, coconut & castor oils. 

WHAT IT CLAIMS:

" This special blend provides all round strength & energy to your hair. Prevents hair fall & premature baldness, promotes hair growth, reduces itchiness & dry scalp conditions that lead to dandruff. "

MY EXPERIENCE: The first thing that caught my attention about this oil, is that it doesn't make any tall claims, of doing so and so things in so and so time. It just claims to give Healthy hair and it actually makes hair look healthy. The ingredients list shows the blend of all the recommended oils required for good hair growth which I like. Another fact I love about it is that, it isn't sticky/oily. It's thick (since it has castor oil and olive oil) in texture but not chipku champu type, if you know what I mean. And it smells really sweet, I don't know why I identify it with the sweet aroma of fennel seeds, though it's not there in the ingredients :P. I have been using it once/twice every week and like to keep it overnight before washing it off. It washes off easily leaving a softness and shine that makes hair look healthy and adds volume too. 

I don't have much of dandruff problem, so can't comment if it works on it or not.  Only thing I really don't like about this, is the packaging and the pin hole mouth, as it isn't exactly functional for this purpose. And it's the same case for most of the massage oils in their range. I need to put so much pressure to get the required amount of oil that the shape of the bottle gets deformed as a result. :P I hope if anyone from Soulflower is reading this, then please do something about this packaging problem.

WHAT I LIKED:

• It makes my dry hair look healthy and adds volume to it.
• Doesn't give sticky oily feeling like with most hair oils.
• I love the sweet aroma of the oil, though others might/might not like it as it is a bit strong and stays for a good while, but that's a personal preference.
• Soulflower claims to make effective products out of fresh fruit and vegetables and the finest essential oils without animal ingredients. And they don't do animal testing either.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• The packaging isn't functional and could be improvised.
• The price is on the higher side.
• Soulflower products have only 1 flagship store at Inorbit Mall, Malad as of now, but is easily available online.
  

VERDICT: For the first time I look forward to this haircare routine of oiling my hair, and I love how it works on my hair. Definitely recommended!

RATINGS:  4.5 out of 5

Sunday Peek: Indian Beauty Journal

Yay! It's a Sunday, and you know what it means. Time to meet another blogger buddy :)

Well today, the newbie blogger to be featured isn't exactly a newbie, since she was an active guest beauty blogger on other beauty blog portals and I have been a fan of her writing for long . She is none other than, Preetha Karthik from Indian Beauty Journal.

Let's get to know about about her and her new personal blog. :)

"

Hello everyone, I am Preetha Karthik, shortly called as "Pree" by my friends. I am an ex-software engineer, currently a home-maker. 

I am a typical south Indian born in Delhi, raised in Chennai and currently living in Mumbai. I speak Tamil, Hindi and English. 

I love doing anything creative. My passion for creativity started at the age of three when I picked up sketch pens,water colours and paint brushes.

As I grew up,I also picked up a liking for makeup and skincare.  I have now taken a step ahead and entered this blogging world.Through this blog, Indian Beauty Journal, I shall be sharing my thoughts on makeup, skincare, mehendi, nailart and everything related to beauty. Kindly support and encourage me.  

Love,  

Preetha "

Wish you the best Preetha. And all of you, don't forget to visit her lovely blog and share some love :).

Do you want to get featured on B.B.B too? Then send me your entry. Click here for more details.  

Iraya Grapes & Green Apple Shower Gel Review

Spending some good time with ze besties, is the best way to rejuvenate, IMO. Had a great day with incessant banter, laughing out loud (lol that was LOL :P) on stupid things, good hearted bitching ;), gorging on and overstuffing myself  :D. So much so that I am up so late writing this review :D Oh btw, I am reviewing the Iraya Grapes & Green Apple Shower Gel today.

PRICE:  Rs.295

QUANTITY: 250 ml

INGREDIENTS: 

WHAT IT CLAIMS: "Fresh juices of grapes and green apples are blended with the extracts of brahmi and mimosa to make this refreshing shower gel. It cleanses and balances the skin, and the wonderful aroma of fresh green apples helps perk up and brighten the mood, all day."

MY EXPERIENCE: The first thing that I liked about the Iraya Grapes & Green Apple Shower Gel is the pump dispenser packaging. It is so perfect for this purpose. Next is the consistency, again a perfect score, and is exactly a gel should be like (non sticky and spreads easily). It lathers okay, not too much neither too less. Now coming to the smell, it starts with a hint of Green Apple, and then I find it to resemble wheatgerm oil+ some herbal thing, and it isn't strong either, so doesn't linger on skin and I find nothing much relaxing about it. It doesn't dry out my skin but leaves a stretchy feeling, so moisturising is a must after this. In a nutshell,

WHAT I LIKED:

• Love the hygienic, travel friendly packaging. I wish every shower gel come in this kind of bottle.
• The gel spreads easily and lathers decently.
• Doesn't dry out my skin excessively.
• Iraya doesn't test on animals and is made from mostly natural ingredients.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• Not really fond of the fragrance but that's a personal choice.
• Available through Iraya stores and online.
  

VERDICT:  Apart from the fragrance I don't have any issues with this. If you are more into fruity fragrances, then you might like it more. Let me know how you find it.

RATINGS:  4 out of 5

Dove Damage Therapy Hair Fall Rescue Conditioner Review

Hey ya beauties! I have already posted my review of Dove Damage Therapy Hair Fall Rescue Shampoo a few days ago, today I am reviewing the conditioner from this range. As a tradition, the Dove conditioners works better for my hair than their shampoos, infact, my HG conditioner is from their Oil-Care range. Let's see how this one fared on me.

PRICE:  Rs.69

QUANTITY: 90ml

INGREDIENTS:

WHAT IT CLAIMS: The Patented Micro Moisture Serum helps repair the weakened hair surface from root to tip. It smoothens lifted cuticles for perfect detangling. Leaves hair strengthened and resistant to hair fall and breakage.

MY EXPERIENCE: Dove Damage Therapy range is a new improved version of the previous range and was launched last year. The Hair Fall Rescue Conditioner comes in a flip top cap tube packaging like all other Dove conditioners. It is pearly white cream in texture, with the same trademark smell of Dove conditioners. I require two dollops of it for my 2"-below-shoulder hair length and keep it on for 2-3 mins and rinse it off. Surprisingly, I got better results using it with shampoos from other ranges (Dove / non-Dove) than the Dove Damage Therapy Hair Fall Rescue Shampoo. It makes my hair really soft to touch, and shiny and manageable, when used with other shampoos. It helps in easy detangling of hair thus reducing hair breakage. Now, coming to the hairfall rescue claim, I don't see how it can work on hairfall problem when I don't apply it on my scalp and it never reaches the hair roots :-/ Compared to the Dove Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner, I like the Oil care more than the Hair fall rescue one, because the Oil care one is better suited for my dry/frizzy hair, since it is more thick in consistency. But if you have thin hair, and thick conditioners weigh down your hair, then surely you can give this a try.

WHAT I LIKED:

• Makes hair really soft and manageable.
• Help in easy detangling and hence, reduces hair breakage to an extent.
• Doesn't weigh down my hair (unlike the shampoo from this range).
• I like the smell of Dove conditioners ;).
• Travel friendly tube packaging.
• Pocket friendly.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

• I can't contemplate how it will work on hairfall when, being a conditioner, it shouldn't be applied on scalp. 
• Works better with other shampoos, than the one from this range, on my hair.
• Doesn't control frizz completely. But you know by now it's beyond repair. :P

VERDICT: I didn't find any such fault with the conditioner, (except for the claim). Works on my dry hair pretty nicely without weighing it down. Would recommend it to all with dry/damaged hair problems.

RATINGS:  4.5 out of 5

**Product sent by PR for consideration but it doesn't influence my honest opinion! Read my disclaimer. 

Independence Day??!!

I am posting it! I am not!...I am posting it! I am not!...posting it! not!

See what a hard time I am having, to decide whether to speak my mind?  Coz a few days back a farmer was labelled a ' Maoist' and has been put into jail, since he asked our CM of the state, what did she do for the rural people esp. farmers (her major vote bank) in the 1 year of her reign?! Democratic, aren't we?  Rewind a bit more, another such incident happened with a 'college going girl' from Presidency College (one of the reputed colleges in the world) and was labelled ' Maoist' for asking 'uncomfortable' questions on a live TV show! 

The recently ended TV show, Satyamev Jayate, showed us the sorry true state of our beloved country. We cried, we discussed/debated, we empathise with the victims. And pledged to be better. And then the Guwahati incident happened to show nothing is going to change (?).

And the lists goes on and on. I have stopped leafing through the newspapers, to try and ignore everything that's happening around me. But addiction to social networking doesn't leave a choice.

I am not celebrating this 66th 'Independence Day' and neither going to wish you ' Happy Independence Day'.

I am not feeling happy about my country or the day. Sure, its a day to salute the freedom fighters, the patriots who gave us freedom from the 'British rule'. They did what they thought they should do at that time.

But we are still shackled by Corruption, Terrorism, Illiteracy, Religious/Ethnic/Society biases. We are still fighting!

*Links are to direct websites or wikipedia pages.

Khadi Natural Mint Handmade Ayurvedic Bathing Bar Review

Hey ya! Sorry for being a bit draggy on the blog, as I was in a crappy mood for past few days, hence wasn't blogging as much as I would have liked to. But then I am very moody by nature and to say, that I stuck with this blog for over a year, is an accomplishment in itself :P. 

Okay enough about me, let's now get on with today's review of the Khadi Natural Mint Handmade Ayurvedic Bathing Bar.

PRICE:  Rs.50

QUANTITY: 125g

INGREDIENTS:  

WHAT IT CLAIMS:

An ayurvedic body wash cleanses the skin and body dirt. It removes dead cells from the skin and giving smoothness and soft feeling.

MY EXPERIENCE: Anything with mint in it, and you know I gotta have it. Khadi Natural Mint soap is green colored bar, with a subtle minty fragrance. And by subtle I mean, I smell it on the bar only and not on my skin and it 'exactly' smells like, Chlor-mint feels inside your mouth. :P I hope you get the idea ;) . It lathers moderately and cleanses skin well, without making it dry/flaky. Being an ayurvedic handmade soap, it is made of natural ingredients which is good for skin, though the complete list is not given, and unlike other handmade soaps, it doesn't melt easily and so, lasts longer.

WHAT I LIKED:

• It is minty (not edible :P ;) ) and I am crazy for mint.
• Being a handmade soap, it is very decently priced.
• Cleanses skin without over drying it. 
• Lathers moderately.
• Doesn't melt away easily, hence lasts longer than other handmade soaps.
  

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: 

• The smell could have been a little stronger and stayed little longer.
• Boring packaging as with all other Khadi products.
• Availability might be a problem, but one can get it easily online.

VERDICT: It is a decent soap to try and would suit all skin types. If you are into handmade soaps with natural ingredients,  then you can try this range, but don't expect too much out of it.

RATINGS:  3.75 out of 5 

Sunday Peek: Indian Belle

Oopsie! I almost missed today's feature. Sorry for being a little late my dearies! 

Today I am going to feature another Bong belle from the blogosphere, and she is Nivedita from Indian Belle.

Here are some tidbits from Nivedita,

"

A blog where you'll read about the benefits of herbal and natural products. Though it may seem a tedious process, yet the natural way of managing your skin is the most healthiest way in the long run. As the name suggests, this blog will talk about the ways adopetd by many Indian women since ages. So stay natural and radiant, and be happy and stay tuned for there's lots to come! :) 

I'm a big fan of all things natural, though am not a puritan! I do buy my sunscreens from the stores and also my make up, but for basic skin care and the CTM routine, I fall back on grandma's secrets because I believe - Beauty is skin deep! 

A bengali born in Kolkata, I'm a working woman, living in Pune, Maharshtra. Yes I'm a foodie like all Bengalis are and a 'real Indian woman', as popularised by Vidya Balan. :)  "

Way to go Nivedita and looking forward to more of the DIYs on your blog. And all the ladies out there, hope you too get benefited with Nivedita's tips. So hop on to Indian Belle right now!

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