Kat Burki Tete a Tete Collection {Press Release}

INTRODUCING: The Kat Burki Tete a Tete Collection

Decadent Collection of Organic Body Lotions, Body Gelees and All-Natural Soy Wax Candles

August 2011 - (New York, NY) Kat Burki is delighted to announce the launch of their new Tete a Tete Collection, a decadent collection of Organic Body Lotions, Body Gelees and All-Natural Soy wax Candles designed to awaken your senses and to transport you to the far reaches of the world, from the sandy beaches of Tahiti to the Ivy lined streets of Ile de la Cite.

Notably earthy and natural in fragrance, the Tete a Tete Collection is available in four decadent scents:

·       Almond and Fig

·       Lilac and Rosemary

·       Tahitian Vanilla and Orange Blossom

·       Patchouli and Moss

Tete a Tete Collection Body Gelee: Created with over 80% organic ingredients and formulated with vitamins A and E to help soften and hydrate the skin, the Tete a Tete Body Gelee is the ultimate luxurious cleansing experience. 10oz. $42.00

Tete a Tete Collection Body Lotion: Natural and organic moisturizing body lotion designed to hydrate your skin while transporting you to the exotic reaches of the world through intoxicating fragrances. 10oz. $42.00

Tete a Tete Collection Candles: All-natural 100% soy wax candles, subtly scented to bring a hint of the exotic to the home whilst creating an atmosphere of luxury and tranquility. 16oz. $46.00

About Kat Burki: The Kat Burki Collection specializes in the body, the bath and the boudoir and is created for the chic individual with high expectations for style, quality ingredients and superb craftsmanship. Step into your glamorous dressing room filled with heavenly scents, drape your decadent robe over a chic velvet settee, create a tranquil, soothing atmosphere with a Kat Burki scented candle and relax into your own oasis and personal bliss. 

Kat Burki¹s Body, Bath & Boudoir Collection includes The Signature Collection, The Cosmos Collection and the Tete a Tete Collection. Prices for the line range from $15.00 - $52.00. For a store locator, further information on Kat Burki and the Bed, Bath & Boudoir Collection s or to shop online please visit www.KatBurki.com.

READ MORE - Kat Burki Tete a Tete Collection {Press Release}

Marie Veronique Goodies

Sunscreen

samples

Hey All!! I just wanted to share with you that I had won the Vivawoman MVO giveaway and recently received their goodies which came with 3 samples of course. Marie Veronique Organics is one of the rare organic brands which makes physical sunscreen and I had since long wanted to try it so I am extremely happy to have got these products and their reviews will be coming in time.

READ MORE - Marie Veronique Goodies

Mineral Makeup Brands in India {Readers Query}

This is a question to all those who know about makeup. I would be really grateful if anyone can tell me which mineral makeup brands are available in India? I need to buy a compact but I don't want to go for normal brands available. Suggestions would be highly appreciated.

READ MORE - Mineral Makeup Brands in India {Readers Query}

Garnier Wrinkle Lift Anti-ageing Cream {Product Review}

Source: from website

I am not a lover of moisturizers as I have said earlier on the blog too. I rarely come across some which suit me and this one did!!! So, lets see how well it works??? Ok, I don't have the ingredient list but then its a Garnier product so it is definitely full of chemicals and all but it does have some extracts also mentioned which I remember I read on the list.

Price: 199 INR for 40 gms

My Experience

Well, I used this moisturizer for around 3 weeks but the main user of this is my dad. And, I would say that this actualy reduces the wrinkles on the face. The difference was pretty much apparent when my dad used Himalaya Revitalizing Night Cream for a day and his face had become too wrinkly.  So, yup, no permanent results which no drug store brands can actually give but till the time you use the cream, it does give you a glow and keeps the skin uplifted. 

The product smells really nice and is off-white in color and comes in an attractive red glass jar. Ok, yeah, you have to dig your fingers in. I loved the feel of the moisturizer. It is light and rich and super creamy. A very little quantity of the product required and it keeps your skin hydrated for the whole day. You can instantly see the tightening of your skin and with regular use, the skin actually glows. It also gives a dewy look to the skin. And, the cream is not oily but this might not be suitable for oily skin, I guess. I think it will suit dry skin really well coz of its creamy texture. So, in short, this is one cream which does do what it claims. And, yeah, 40 gms will probably last you one and a half moth if used morning and at night which is quite a good thing. 

My Recommendation

Yes, for people with mature skin or looking for a good anti-aging cream.

READ MORE - Garnier Wrinkle Lift Anti-ageing Cream {Product Review}

Snowberry wins Discover Beauty Award {Press Release}

Premium anti-ageing skin care brand Snowberry received the Discover Beauty Award at Cosmoprof USA this month.

In this, the largest cosmetics trade show in the US calendar, just 17 new brands from around the world were selected to be part of Discover Beauty, a Cosmoprof programme to identify the most innovative brands most likely to succeed in the highly competitive US market.

The selected brands were judged on creativity, innovation and market readiness by buyers from specialty retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman, C.O. Bigelow, Henri Bendel and HSN as well as various beauty bloggers including Bellasugar.com, DailyMakeover.com and Youbeauty.com.

The 2011 Discover Beauty Award winner, Snowberry from New Zealand was announced at the Discover Beauty Party at MIX in THEhotel at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas. This natural, but highly functional anti-aging skin care line is full of peptides, antioxidants, super fruits, and the finest herbal oils, including extracts from New Zealand rain forest plants cultivated on Snowberry's plantation.

Receiving the Award, Snowberry founder Soraya Hendesi said she believed the Award recognised a brand that is visually appealing as well as one that does not stint on offering women extraordinarily rich skin care products.

“We have customers all around the world who say how much they love the Snowberry brand. But it is much more important to me when they tell me how much their skin has improved. I have never been interested in skin care that compromises or pretends. I want the finest known anti-ageing bio-actives, and I want all of them. I want Snowberry to benefit every woman’s skin, every single day, for her lifetime.”

Snowberry launched in Germany; is represented in the UK, The Netherlands and Scandinavia, and this year is entering Italy, Korea, and China, and now the USA.

The Discover Beauty Award is Snowberry’s third international award in two years. Last year Snowberry won the prestigious Silver Dieline for best packaging and branding in Chicago, and was Runner Up Favourite Brand at Beyond Beauty at Cosmeeting in Paris.

READ MORE - Snowberry wins Discover Beauty Award {Press Release}

Tela Beauty Organics Phyto Keratin Smoothing Treatment Blowout {Press Release}

Tela Beauty Organics, LLC, a luxury organic hair care company dedicated to creating USDA Certified organic performance hair and body care products, announced today the launch of Tela Beauty Organics Phyto Keratin Smoothing Treatment BLOW OUT! by Philip Pelusi, a formaldehyde-free keratin smoothing hair treatment that contains 85% USDA Certified Organic ingredients.

Philip Pelusi, celebrity stylist, CEO and Founder of Tela Beauty Organics -a performance based hair care line comprised of shampoos, conditioners, styling products complete with USDA Certified Organic and Oregon Tilth Certified Organic approval standards, is proud to launch BLOW OUT! and its groundbreaking formula, containing Hydro-Charged Pelusi Ceramide Complex, during his 45th milestone year as beauty industry leader, product innovator, stylist, educator, and multiple salon owner.

BLOW OUT! contains NO Formaldehyde and NO Formaldehyde Derivatives; NO Aldehydes, NO harsh chemicals, NO irritating fumes or odors, AND is Sulfate, Paraben free with Allergen Free Fragrance.

Philip Pelusi's revolutionary Hydro-Charged Pelusi Ceramide Complex, Patent Pending is a potent strengthening and moisture binding plant ceramide complex that repairs, strengthens and reconstitutes hair's inner structure with its lipid hydration system.

Tela Phyto-Keratin Micro-Emulsion, also designed and innovated by Pelusi, deeply conditions and penetrates hair with moisture-based plant derived amino acids, natural fruit acids, and betaine.

Tela Beauty Organics Phyto-Keratin Smoothing Treatment BLOW OUT! also contains Pelusi's proprietary USDA Certified Organic Regenerating Blend: Organic Horsetail, Organic Reishi Mushroom, Organic Sprouted Soy, Organic Aloe, Organic Lavender, Organic Bilberry; and Organic Sugar Cane and Sugar Maple. Plus, organic cuticle sealers and shine enhancers Organic Orange and Lemon.

Tela Beauty Organics Phyto-Keratin Smoothing Treatment BLOW OUT! eliminates frizz and leaves hair smoother and shinier for approximately 4-6 weeks. Hair is dramatically restored, renewed, healthier, stronger, silky, shiny and lustrous. This semi-permanent organic treatment does not alter the hair's chemistry. It actually leaves it stronger rather than weakening its internal structure.

BLOW OUT! is a hair smoother and rejuvenating treatment in one! So gentle that it can and should be used immediately after a hair color service to seal in color and improve hair fabric's condition.

The Tela Design Studio by Philip Pelusi in New York City is the first official hair studio to offer BLOW OUT! to its clients as a salon service. The Tela Design Studio is an expression of Philip Pelusi's life long passion for healthy hair and organic beauty.

Tela Beauty Organics Phyto-Keratin Smoothing Treatment BLOW OUT is being distributed to select salons and spas across the United States.

READ MORE - Tela Beauty Organics Phyto Keratin Smoothing Treatment Blowout {Press Release}

Himalaya Herbals Natural Moisturizing Lip Butter {Product Review}

Price: 125 INR for 10 gms

Ingredients

Well, I am really sorry that I threw away my pack but I remember reading the list and admiring few things in it. It has cocoa and sal and kokum butter. In fact the list was full of oils and butters and it also has beeswax and it is free from petroleum which is a huge plus for this product. 

My Experience

I have been using this since quite a long while (probably around 3 weeks). My biggest complain with this one is its packaging. I would have enjoyed this lip balm had it been in the tube or packaged just like Nivea lip balms because of hygiene and also because of the ease of use of the product. It pretty easy to use the tube on the lips as compared to digging into the tub and scooping it out and then smoothing it on the lips. Apart from this, I would say that the lip balm delivers what it promises. I use this on my lips on the days when I am at home or at night and it keeps my lips soft. Ok, there is probably another thing. The product is moisturizing but it sits on the lips. Well, this is a problem I face with every other lip balm I have tried (including Vaseline, Nivea and Baviphat) so I wouldn't say this lip balm fails on this point. And, of course, you have to apply it every time you eat or drink anything otherwise it stays for minimum of 3-4 hours. But, this lip balm doesn't dry the lips like some others do. And, this smells really awesome. But, the smells lingers on for a long time after you have applied so if you have a sensitive nose then it might irritate you after a certain while. And, regarding the quantity, it will last a long time.        

 

My Recommendation

Yes, it is a good lip balm to keep the lips soft and to prevent chapped lips problem.

PS: Product sent by brand for consideration.

READ MORE - Himalaya Herbals Natural Moisturizing Lip Butter {Product Review}

Lotus Herbals announced the “Lotus Beauty Star- Esthetician of the year Award” {Press Release}

 Mr. Kamal Passi, Chairman and Managing Director, Lotus Herbals, Mr. Nitin Passi, Director, Marketing and Sales and Mr. Dipin Passi, Director Lotus Herbals, with the first Prize winner Ms. Kalpana Rathore, Benher Beauty Salon, Lucknow

Lotus Herbals Professional, the professional skin care brand from Lotus Herbals Ltd., hosted the ‘Lotus Beauty Carnival’, India’s First Professional Beauty Congress, at the luxurious Marriott Resort and Spa, in Goa, recently. The nation’s leading estheticians and salon owners celebrated their success at a dazzling awards function which was the main attraction of the event. The glitzy event witnessed a power packed musical performance by the renowned bollywood singer Akriti Kakkad and a troupe of dancers who mesmerized the crowd with their power packed performance.

Mr. Kamal Passi, Chairman and Managing Director, Lotus Herbals, Mr. Nitin Passi, Director, Marketing and Sales, Lotus Herbals and Mr. Dipin Passi, Director, Lotus Herbals, with the first runner up  Ms. Rashmi Mishra, Rashmi Beauty Parlor, Rourkela

The ‘Lotus Beauty Carnival 2011’was a celebration of the “Lotus Beauty Star – Esthetician of the Year Contest 2010-11”. This innovative contest was initiated on September 1st, 2010 and carried on till March 31st, 2011. The contest received a tremendous response with more than 1500 enrolments from estheticians and salons across India and Nepal who participated in this contest.

 Mr. Kamal Passi, Chairman and Managing Director, Lotus Herbals, Mr. Nitin Passi, Director, Marketing and Sales and Mr. Dipin Passi, Director Lotus Herbals, with the second runner up.Mr. Ashok Kumar, Cloud 9, Dehradun

Adding glamour to the “LOTUS BEAUTY STAR 2010-11 Awards” function was television super star Mona Singh of Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi fame, who announced the names of the winners. The awards were divided into two categories, Awards for National winners and Awards for City winners and were given away by Mr. Kamal Passi, Chairman and Managing Director, Lotus Herbals, Mr. Nitin Passi, Director, Marketing and Sales, Lotus Herbals and Mr. Dipin Passi, Director, Lotus Herbals. The first prize, in the national awards category, was won by Ms. Kalpana Rathore of Benher Beauty Salon, Lucknow who got a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000. The first runner up was Ms. Rashmi Mishra, Rashmi Beauty Parlor, Rourkela who got a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and the second runner up was Mr. Ashok Kumar, Cloud 9 salon, Dehradun got a cash prize of Rs 25,000. Apart from these winners, awards were given to the first city winners from the participating cities across the country.

 Bollywood Singer Akriti Kakkad performing at the Lotus Beauty Star Awards night at the Marriott Resort and Spa, Goa on 26^th July 2011

The “Lotus Beauty Carnival” and the “Lotus Beauty Star- Esthetician of the Year Award” is yet another testament to Lotus Herbals commitment to be a driving force in the professional beauty care industry in India.

Television Super Star, Mona Singh, announcing the names of the winners at the Lotus Beauty Star Awards night, at the Mariott Resort and Spa, Goa on 26^th July 2011

About Lotus Herbals

Lotus Herbals Ltd. is a leading manufacturer and marketer of quality natural cosmetics based on the 5000 years old science of Ayurveda. An ISO 9001 (2000) certified company, Lotus Herbals follows strict manufacturing processes as per GMP. Lotus Herbals retail range reaches 125 cities and towns through 8 branch offices and 400 distributors. The brand is currently available at over 45,000 leading retail outlets including Departmental and chain stores across India.

Lotus Herbals’ professional division currently serves 85 cities through 110 distributors with world class technical products, education and services reaching over 5,400 beauty salons and spas.

READ MORE - Lotus Herbals announced the “Lotus Beauty Star- Esthetician of the year Award” {Press Release}

Update on Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic {Product Review}

I was sent a small sample of this tonic some time back and I had reviewed it here. At that time, I had mentioned that the toner was heavy for my skin and probably a spray bottle would be helpful in controlling the amount of the product applied. So, consequently, Louise sent me the spritzer to try out. I have been using the spritzer since almost a month and I would like to update my experience accordingly. Before I write the review, I would like to mention this review is not for the benefit of the brand. Instead, I had missed out on certain salient points of the product in my earlier review so including them and sharing my experience with the spritzer. Check out the toner at the website.    

Ingredients

My Experience

Ok, so I have never used a toner before except for rose water. So, using this toner was very new for me and since I used it from the bottle directly, it always resulted in usage of more product and consequently it became very heavy for my skin. Using the spritzer was also a challenge for me in the starting coz I always used to spray it more thinking this little amount wouldn't be enough for the skin. But, controlling my urge, I gradually found out that only 3 sprays are more than enough for my face. And, after letting it dry for 2-3 minutes and following with Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturizer, my skin was extremely soft and looked radiant. I then used the toner with other products like Himalaya Revitalizing Night Cream and Varnya and the result was equally good.

Now, coming to other aspects of the toner. The toner is alcohol free and is full of natural ingredients like aloevera and natural Vitamin E. The consistency of this toner is almost like water and gets absorbed into the skin very quickly and keeps the skin supple. So, if I compare the ingredients of this toner with others available in the market, I would definitely go for this one even though the price is a bit on the higher side. Also, the toner would last quite a long while coz you need just 3-5 sprays at a time. One can use the spritzer during hot summer months to keep the face fresh and radiant or during air travel where moisture is sucked out due to the air conditioning. I had found other reviews about this toner and found them to be quite favorable and one lady had recommended this one for air travels specially. The toner fulfills the need for hydration of the skin without making it sticky if used int he right quantity. 

My Recommendation

Yes, absolutely!!! I know its costly but it is worth it and lasts quite a long time. 

PS: Product sent by brand for consideration. 

READ MORE - Update on Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic {Product Review}

Biotique Mountain Ebony Fresh Growth Stimuating Serum {Product Review}

This is one of the few hair range products from Biotique which I absolutely would recommend to anyone especially if they have sensitive scalp or suffer with scalp issues.

Price: 159 INR for 120 ml (little pricy, I guess!!!)

Ingredients

Ingredients - Neem, Licorice Root powder, Long pepper, Safflower, Pudina, Mountain Ebony (in order of listing)

Read here about Mountain Ebony.

My Experience

Ok, so let me start with its smell. Really weird and very herbal but not very offensive so nothing to worry about. Now, the look and feel. If you read the ingredient list, you can find that the main ingredient of the product is water so yup, it is watery. Entirely watery and not a gel or a fluid or even a slight bit viscous. When you pour the product on to your hand, it runs and escapes almost like water. So, that becomes a problem with the product. Since its so watery, the application is a little difficult so you have to figure out the exact method on how to apply. My favorite way is to use the Wella hair developer which I use to apply hair oil too. That way, you can be sure you have covered every area on your scalp and the product doesn't go waste coz it gets applied on the scalp. And, while applying, you would automatically need to massage the product in otherwise it will run off the scalp. Now, let me talk a little about the product now. 

Biotique says "This intensive serum helps stimulate new and healthy hair growth. Leaves scalp feeling exhilarated, free from dryness and irritation". When you apply it to the scalp, it feels very cool and soothing to the scalp. It is very good for the scalp which is pretty sensitive and itchy. It calms the scalp on the days when your hair is paining or scalp is aching. Well, regarding the hair growth claims, I am not completely sure but I am not even ruling it out coz I have definitely seen some changes but since I am not entirely sure, I will talk about this claim if I see any positive proof of this claim. One more thing which I would add to the positives of this product is that it relives the dryness and oiliness of the scalp. Yes, it can do both. I don't know how it is possible but I think it balances out the oil production. The proof for this is that I have dry scalp sometimes which is easily cured when I apply this. And, once I had applied this after oiling my hair since I didn't wash it that day, my scalp looked almost oil free after a while. 

A word of caution is that this product is only for the scalp and not the hair so it shouldn't be applied on the hair. And, massaging the product in improves blood circulation too. And, after applying this product, do not comb your hair because the scalp is little wet with the product and hairs may break if you try to comb. I always apply this product at night and this can be applied everyday without fail. It doesn't make the scalp greasy or anything so one need not worry about that. This product is suitable for every kind of hair type and scalp type.

My Recommendation

Yes, absolutely coz it is very effective and not that expensive.

READ MORE - Biotique Mountain Ebony Fresh Growth Stimuating Serum {Product Review}

Himalaya Herbals Revitalizing Night Cream {Product Review}

Night Creams are supposed to be contain rich and revitalizing nutrients for the skin so as to repair the damage done to the skin in the morning. So, let us see how this one fares.

Price: 90 INR for 25gms

Ingredients

xMy Experience

This small sample of 25gms was sent to me for review but you need so less to cover the face and neck that this tub would last me around two months if I use it regularly. The cream is light in consistency and not very thick and gets absorbed into the skin very easily. Now, it is very important to apply the right amount of the cream otherwise it will create a layer and sit on the skin and do nothing for the skin. One thing which is pretty noticeable after applying the cream is that the skin feels toned up. In the morning, you wake up with a very smooth and soft skin. I wouldn't say that it has any effect on the fine lines though coz I haven't seen any changes in them. 

My Recommendation

A good and inexpensive night cream for skin which just needs preventive measures not curative ones.     

PS: Product sent by brand for consideration.

READ MORE - Himalaya Herbals Revitalizing Night Cream {Product Review}

SLS / SLES in Lush {Ingredient}

If you are a brand conscious and ingredient conscious consumer, you would have noticed that the solid shampoos of Lush have SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) as one of their ingredients. I was a little disappointed with this revelation as I had put hopes on Lush for being a SLS-savior on the shampoo front for me. Then, later on, in one of the sites I had read a comment by the reader. She said that she was told by the Lush sales girl that the SLS used in Lush products is natural. Now, I was boggled by that statement and did some research on that.

SLS and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulphate) are chemical products and not vegan or organic ingredients. Though both SLS and SLES are derived from coconut or palm oils, they have to be reacted with sulphuric acid and ethylene oxide respectively. So, comparatively SLES is a gentler ingredient of the two but when ever SLES is used, you would generally find another ingredient in the list called 'Cocamidopropyl Betaine' which is used to make the SLES even more milder so as to reduce irritation due to the ingredient. (source) 

I have checked two or three products which list SLES as their ingredients and have found Betaine to be another of their ingredients. And, regarding the usage of SLS / SLES in Lush, I had sent a mail to the US office regarding my concern and this is their response:

Thank you for writing to us.  We use sodium lauryl sulfate in our solid shampoos, and we do not consider this ingredient to be a natural one. Although it does originate from coconut materials, it does undergo some changes which deem it a synthetic material by our view.

We do list our full ingredients on our website, in our stores, and in our catalogue, and we aim to be as transparent as possible so that our customers can select products they feel comfortable with. Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns and I’d be glad to help!

So, next time you go to a Lush store and find these ingredients, please note that there is nothing natural about SLS / SLES and not all products in Lush are vegan coz they have parabens and other chemicals too. And this is not a bad thing at all.

READ MORE - SLS / SLES in Lush {Ingredient}

Kat Burki’s Natural Body Cremes and Organic Soaps {Product Information}

After a long day perfecting our tans at the beach, our sun-kissed skin can often become sensitive, dry and damaged.  Even simple tasks such as taking a shower or wearing tight fitting clothes can suddenly become extremely uncomfortable or even painful. But, thankfully, you can achieve gorgeous golden-brown without the dry, flaky skin. Kat Burki’s organic soaps and moisturizers use the finest all-natural ingredients to soothe, moisturize and ease the effects on the skin from a day spent baking in the sun. 

Skin exposed to the sun in the summer needs all of the therapy it can get, so make sure to start in the shower with a natural therapeutic soap and continue through the day with soothing moisturizers for preventative and soothing effects.  And what better way to treat your skin than to let it seep in all of the natural benefits of these 3 soothing flavors by Kat Burki, custom designed to bring maximum benefits to just about every skin type:

1) Indulge in the soothing benefits of White Tea Soap and Body Crème with its subtle, soft fragrance incorporating soothing scents of pine, mandarin, palmarosa, white-tea extract and oils of olive, coconut, and palm. White tea is packed with even more anti-oxidants than green tea to keep skin healthy and youthful while the delicious scent will soothe the senses leaving you feeling refreshed and relaxed.      

White Tea Organic Soap ($18.00)
White Tea Body Crème (6oz. $52.00 or 2oz. $15.00)

2) Ignite your skin’s freshness with Freesia and Pink Grapefruit, another delicious summery scent which will leave you feeling clean, fresh and smelling delicious for those lovely, long summer nights. Grapefruit is renowned for its anti-oxidant properties and its scent is known to invigorate the mind and awaken the senses. The perfect pick-me up after a hot summer day.

Freesia and Pink Grapefruit Organic Soap ($18.00)
Freesia and Pink Grapefruit Crème (6oz. $52.00 or 2oz. $15.00)

3) The airy combination of Avocado and Cucumber is the perfect scent for skin suffering from sunburn or heat rash. Cucumber has long been recognized for its incredible cooling effects while avocado is a rich moisturizer. The combination will instantly cool down and moisturize skin while its enchantingly elegantly crisp and clean scent will have you so relaxed you’ll quickly forget about any discomfort you were once in!

Avocado and Cucumber Body Creme (6oz. $52.00 or 2oz. $15.00) 

Avocado and Cucumber Organic Soap ($18.00)

No matter how minimal or extreme your skin is suffering from sun damage this summer, Kat Burki organic soaps and body crèmes are the perfect remedy to leave skin feeling refreshed and moisturized during these hot, hazy summer months.

About Kat Burki: Kat Burki products are designed for the chic individual to relax and unwind with her clean, soothing and sophisticated scents of candles, soaps and cream’s made from the finest natural ingredients which are carefully selected and fine-tuned by Kat Burki herself. The full Kat Burki Collection is available online at www.katburki.com.

PS: Information sent by PR.

READ MORE - Kat Burki’s Natural Body Cremes and Organic Soaps {Product Information}

Dermalogica Skin Renewal Booster {Product Launch}

Dermalogica launches Skin Renewal Booster

PS: Information sent by the brand.

READ MORE - Dermalogica Skin Renewal Booster {Product Launch}

Biotique Carrot Protective Lotion {Product Review}

I have already said that I am a fan of Biotique products but the 'fanhood' is limited to some ranges only. So, I was and have been since a really long time in search of a herbal sun screen which is equally effective and less harmful as compared to its chemical counterparts. I have already used the sandalwood one from Biotique too. So, I'll just review both of them together.

Price: 280 INR for 210 ml

Ingredients

How do 1% and 3% ingredients do their work??

My Experience

I have same thing to say about both the sunscreens. They both are really effective when it comes to protection. But, the main problem arises when you apply. I found them really sticky and in case you are living in a humid climate, these are definitely not for you coz your skin will just feel sticky and damp and oily. But, I have applied this lotion in hills too where I found that the lotion did not feel sticky at all. It got absorbed very easily into the skin and it protected well from the sun which was surely never a question. But, these sunscreens are strictly for the body and not for face. I did make a mistake of using them again and again on face but they just make the face oily but they work well there too. So, if you have really dry skin or staying in really cold climate, you can definitely use this in place of a moisturizer and a sunscreen. Otherwise, I just wish they had not been that sticky and I would have been really glad to use them. 

The one question I always have for Biotique products is that what it the base cream which they use??? Does that come under the listing process of Biotique or they just buy the base material and make their own Ayurvedic formulations on top of the base material because of which they do not have to list down the ingredients of their base material. And, also, how can a product stay for so long as 3 years without any preservatives or does the base material come with preservatives too. I would definitely love an answer for that. But, their products do work (some don't though)!!

My Recommendation

Kinda tricky coz I would love to recommend it as a safer sunscreen but its pretty sticky for most of the skin types. So, in case you are a dry skin type or live in colder climates (only in hill stations and not winters in Delhi), this might work out.

READ MORE - Biotique Carrot Protective Lotion {Product Review}

Baviphat Paprika Whitening Hand Cream {Product Review}

Baviphat is a very popular brand in Malaysia and Singapore and Korea too. Its a Korean company. So, this was one of the goodies I won in a giveaway I mentioned sometime back. I have no idea about the price or ingredients list coz my pack didn't mention any.

My Experience

I love the small yellow capsicum tub and the smell of this cream is even more awesome though I can't really describe it. I have never used a hand cream before so I am not gonna give a comparison account but I'll say that it is very non-sticky and gets easily absorbed into the skin. I hate the creams which make my hand sticky and almost all do that so I avoid applying any cream and I am used to often washing my hands. Its a phobia with me but since I have started using this cream, my hands are comparatively softer and don't get dried up as they used to. And, this cream also moisturizes my nails and cuticles. So, yup, this one is a great product but unfortunately not available in India. But, they do have a website but its in Korean!!! Check it out here.

My Recommendation
Oh!! yes, definitely!!! And, I guess its a drug store brand so its not outrageously expensive or something.

READ MORE - Baviphat Paprika Whitening Hand Cream {Product Review}

Lotus Herbals Pomegranate and Plum Skin Polisher {Product Launch}

Ok, so I am late in putting this up. So, here it is and I have been eying this since it came. 

What does Lotus say about it?

If you are looking for a gentler way to scrub your skin and get that youthful appearance, look no further! Lotus Herbals has introduced Pomegranate & Plum Energizing Skin Polisher that ensures smooth, flawless and younger skin. This innovative skin polisher protects from pollution, dust and exposure to the harsh rays of the sun and helps in restoring the natural glow of the skin.

Lotus Herbals Pomegranate & Plum Energizing Skin Polisher is enriched with active ingredients such as pomegranate, which has skin renewal properties that help increase collagen and plum that infuses powerful anti oxidants into the skin, making it soft and supple. It contains ultra fine granules that are non-abrasive and gently rejuvenate the skin by removing dead skin cells. This skin polisher therapeutically exfoliates and cleanses the skin of toxins and other impurities while protecting against environmental pollutants. Suitable for all skin types, its deep detoxification re-energizes the skin, reduces fine lines and offers wrinkle protection. Now regenerate your skin to a new level of vitality for a more youthful, healthy and radiant appearance, all day long.

Lotus Herbals Pomegranate & Plum Energizing Skin Polisher is attractively priced at Rs 155 for 50gms and Rs 245 for 100 gms and is available at leading beauty and departmental stores across the country.

Now add a breath of fresh air to dull, tired skin by making this luxurious skin polisher a part of your skin care regime!

PS: Press Release sent by the brand. 

READ MORE - Lotus Herbals Pomegranate and Plum Skin Polisher {Product Launch}

Biotique Basil and Red Sandalwood Powder Talc {Product Review}

I am more of a talc girl than the deo gal coz I don't like chemical preparations especially when they have alcohol and such stuff, though, I am equally cautious about what goes into my talc. I don't know the price since I have never bought it. The bottles from the hotels have served me well till today and I always get attracted to Yardley talcs before I go to Biotique just coz of their awesome smells.

Ingredients

Neem 3%, Manijistha 2%, Rakt Chandan 1%, Yashad Bhasma 3.5%, Shankh Bhasm 1%, Peet Chandan Tail 0.5%, Makka 2%, Tulasi Panchang 1.5%, Siliate of Magnesia

Now, Biotique always makes me think how much the ingredients are doing for the skin and etc. going by the percentage of the ingredients put into it. Anyway, some of the products do work really well like Biotique Musk Root Hair Pack (which I have been advising to everyone literally!!) and Biotique Pistachio Face Pack.

My Experience

From the ingredients, you can easily infer that the base of this talc is Silicate of Magnesia and there is no extra fragrance added and since this is a dry product, there is no need for preservatives. Now, coming to the ingredient Silicate of Magnesia (known as talc), it is the softest known mineral which can be easily scratched by a fingernail. Now, in the past decade a lot of cancers have been associated with the use of talc. So, I would like to add that whatever body products you are using, kindly keep them away from your private body parts. There are quite a lot of people who use talcs near their private parts or even on the babies for freshness and avoiding sweat. But, actually, it is very dangerous coz the foreign materials should never be allowed to enter the body. This holds particularly true for women who can succumb to ovarian cancers and vaginal infections if the talc is used near the private parts. So, kindly use better judgement.

Coming to the talc, it has a very slight smell which is pleasant and is not at all felt unless you take it really close to your nose.And, you should not inhale the talc ever.

My Recommendation

Its nothing different from other talcs available in the market. If you are comparing a deo and a talc, I would always go for talc as I find it is less harmful. 

READ MORE - Biotique Basil and Red Sandalwood Powder Talc {Product Review}

Auravedic Reviving Body Cleanser {Product Review}

An extremely gentle cleanser with minimum foam and a very subtle lingering fragrance. I don't know the price since it was not present on the bottle and I was sent the product for review. The website also doesn't give any information on the prices but I am sure it is reasonable. Have a look at the range of their products here.

Ingredients

The snap didn't come very clear so I'll just write the ingredients as listed.

Lemon Peel Extract, Ginger Extract, Almond Oil, Poly Ethylene Glycol, Geranium Oil, Aloe Vera Extract, Lemon Oil, Citric Acid, Sodium Lauryl Ethyl Sulphate, Coco Mono Ethyl Aide, Coco Amido Propyl Butane, Disodium Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid, Preservatives, Glycerin, Aqua, D-Panthenol 

So, if we go accoding to the ingredient list, it had quite a huge amount of natural extracts of lemon peels, ginger and aloe vera and good proportion of almond oil and geranium oil for which one should be happy. And, it is quite surprising that the cleanser doesn't foam a lot even though it has SLES. May be its not that excess in quantity. After all, it is listed in the middle. What concerns me most is the term - Preservatives. That's pretty ambiguous and I would have wished it to specify what preservatives were used even if they are parabens.

My Experience

First thing you will notice is its smell. It smells faintly of lime and ginger which is soothing to your senses and slightly uplifting. It foams very little but cleanses very thoroughly. It doesn't leave any film afterward too or make the skin feeling dry or stretchy. Instead, it makes the skin supple and hydrated enough to live without a moisturizer for some hours. I have used it with the Body Shop gloves and even then it didn't foam a lot. It really behaves like a herbal preparation should for which I love the product. I was looking for a product which is gentle enough for the skin especially during summers and this is probably the best one till date I have used. I have been using it since a week or 10 days and I love it.

My Recommendation

Yes, definitely!!! One should give it a try and I am sure you would love it. Though, there is a question of its availability. It has its retail outlets in Mumbai but I am not sure of any other place in India so Mumbaikars can go and explore its wide range of products. 

PS: I would love to make a special mention about the packaging of the entire products they sent me. It was just beautiful and they had put some potpourri petals in the box so when I opened the box, I was greeted with a very pleasant fragrance. The packaging of all its products is simple and utilitarian.

PS: Product sent by brand for consideration.

READ MORE - Auravedic Reviving Body Cleanser {Product Review}

Lush Aqua Marina Cleanser {Product Review}

Pink Mass wrapped in the sea weed

My second purchase from Lush and not much of a hope!!!

Price: 643 INR for 110 gms

Ingredients

full of amazing ingredients which is really a good thing - glycerin, calamine powder, Irish moss infusion, aloe vera, sea salt, nori seaweed, sweet orange, patchouli oil, carrageenan and perfume

My Experience

It looks peachy encircled in green and really gross green, actually, but since it is seaweed and Lush, you will forgive everything. So, you require a really less quantity of the cleanser - more like a peanut size. The direction is to make a paste with water and use as a regular cleanser but it is better to take the peanut size and rub it all over your wet face. It dissolves easily that way and many of the reviews suggest the same thing. You can feel the clay. It smells weird but likable once you get used to it so nothing to worry about. And, since it is so costly, I would like to get maximum out of it, so I massage it for 2-3 minutes over the face. It does cleanse the face really well. Does not leave any residue behind and leaves the skin soft. But, it can not even remove a simple kajal so it doesn't remove make up at all. 

I have been using this on and off since February and I have noticed that it used to dry my face during the colder temperatures where as it is just fine now a days. I have a combination skin which is towards dry side. So, keeping that in view, it wouldn't suit people with dry skin (I don't think it is meant for them) and people living in hilly regions. The climate there is too dry so you need something which can hydrate and moisturize your skin. I donno if I have a very strong reason but I can just say that it is fine but nothing great for me certainly nothing special after looking at the price I bought it for. Well, I get better results using besan which costs only pennies. Not that I am abusing Lush or something but my experience with both the products I have used till now (Caca Noir, this one and even Porridge Soap which I haven't yet reviewed) has not been great. So, I think I'll take a little break from Lush and revisit at a later point it for some masks and scrubs which is a better idea.

My Recommendation

Try it in the shop and wait for an hour or two and then decide for yourself if you want it or not. Try it on your face not hands. Don't feel ashamed or anything. You are after all gonna pay a lot for it. You might end up liking it coz it did get rave reviews all over the blogosphere.  

READ MORE - Lush Aqua Marina Cleanser {Product Review}