Warm Hugs Self Heating Pads Review

Heating pads are something that have been used and advocated for years. I personally have found a significant decrease in the amount of pain that heating pads ease down. But what actually troubles me is to plug in the heating pads and sitting idle at one place doing nothing. Because of this reason, I either do not use heating pads or just turn it on while I am already in bed just for the sake of warmth that may help me sleep.

But recently, I discovered and used an innovative product called 'self heating pad' by Warm Hugs that needs no plugging-in and can be used on-the-go. So here goes its detailed review :)

Product Info:

Be it that annoying Period pain, Back pain or just the Cold Weather, Warm Hugs brings you a way to carry on with your day. Just Open, Stick and Hide !!! Warm Hugs provides soothing warmth directly on the area of discomfort. It is air activated, cloth adhesive and light. It can be worn discreetly under the clothes so you can carry on with your day. Use it to treat menstrual cramps, to soothe muscle pain, or to just keep warm.

Usage Instructions:

Packaging:
Each heating pad is sealed in a sachet. The sachet has got complete details of ingredients used in the pad as well as the stepwise guide to use it. The sachet is absolutely light weight, so can be thrown in your handbag while travelling as well as while stepping out for any reason including to your work place.

Ingredients:
Iron Powder, Water, Vermiculite, Wood Powder, Activated Carbon, Salt.

Price: Rs 380 for a pack of 10 heating pads. You can buy it on Amazon or Snapdeal.

Size:  Each disposable heating pad is of 130x100 mm dimension.

Why Did I use Warm Hugs?
Many a times, I suffer from stiff neck followed by neck pain and shoulder pain. The most probable reason that I can make out is my improper body posture. I try to take care while making body movements, but there are times when soreness of my upper neck area becomes unbearable. The stiffness once started, lasts for a couple of days and prompts neck pain that ranges from mild to extreme and very annoying bcz it almost stops functioning of my above-shoulder body :( Then I have to use some instant pain-relieving sprays or swallow some pain-killer tablets to continue working for atleast next few hours (no employer can give me frequent leaves, u know). Now this time I decided to cure my pain without any medication i.e. by using Warm Hugs Self Heating pads.

My Experience with Warm Hugs?
As mentioned above, there is a stepwise guide on each pack about how to use and apply the heating pad. So I removed the heating pad from the package and waited for few minutes to expose the pad to air for 2-3 minutes so that it should start heating up.

As seen on the heating pad, I was supposed to remove the paper shield. So I peeled off the release paper from its back side that could show up the sticky inner side of the pad. (refrain from touching the sticky portion of the pad to avoid getting it spoiled, else it will fall off)

Then I stuck the pad on outside of my tightly fitted top just below my neck on the right place where it aches the most and wore a shrug over it, so that it remains warm for longer.

The moment I was softly pressurizing the heating pad against my clothes, I could feel mild heat on my skin. I kept the pad resting on its place for whole day as I left to work. I could realize the temperature getting increased. The warmth felt quite soothing and pain-relieving. The pad stuck on my back caused me no hassle while working. The wonderful thing about Warm Hugs is its thin density due to which it does not get emerged from underneath the clothes and nobody can notice its presence until or unless you disclose it yourself ;)

The warmth of Warm Hugs soothed my stiff muscles and minimized my body's discomfort for quite good time. Infact, there was time when the heat was too high that I felt like peeling the pad off, but since it was not unbearable and I was enjoying better flexibility in head movement due to my loosened shoulder muscles; so I retained the pad on my neck for some more time.

Though the brand claims the warmth to last as long as 10 hrs, in my case it was almost 5-6 hrs. There can be various reasons for that. So I peeled the pad off my clothes when it was no longer hot and dispose it off properly. Overall, my first experience with Warm Hugs has been really positive.

Pros:

• Easy to use.
• Travel Friendly packaging
• Inexpensive.
• Portable and Lightweight.
• Hygienic and Disposable.
• Provides instant relief.
• Needs no electricity, flaming, batteries etc.
• Completely natural, non-toxic. 
• Bio-degradable ingredients.
• No side effects.

Cons:

There is no negative aspect about the product, if used in appropriate manner.

Cautions/Tips:

1. Don't stick the pad directly on the skin. As the skin may get low temperature burns after continuous usage or the adhesive will wear off due to the sweat and the pad will slip off from skin.

2. The heat pack is cloth adhesive. It should be stuck on top of underclothes. So wear sufficiently tight-fitted underclothes else the ingredients inside the pad may get accumulated in one side after some time.

3. Don't open the pack until its the right time to use the pad, bcz the heating process begins as soon as the pack is opened and you won't be able to put a heated pad back.

4. Do not use it in combination with any creams or lotions etc.
5. Do not use it on infants.
6. Do not use the pad if it gets torn out.

Overall Opinion:
The heat therapy offered by Warm Hugs is quite inexpensive yet effective to relive oneself from muscle pain, cramps and other internal injuries. Its actually a savior specially to those women who suffer unbearable mensural pain. I definitely recommend the product to everyone who wants to give heat therapy a chance to help alleviate many types of pains.

For more information about Warm Hugs, follow here.

Eeshha Herbal Cocoa Face & Body Moisturizer Review

Those who have been reading the past reviews done by me on skin care products might be knowing that my dry skin is always thirsty for moisture. So I keep on switching to one or the other moisturizers seeking more hydrating power.

This time I got to try Eeshha Herbal Moisturizer for face as well as whole body enriched with Cocoa, Almond oil and Algae extract. 

Product Claims:

The moisturizer contains cocoa butter that works deep and prevents water loss and dehydration, provides flexibility to skin leaving it soft and even toned all the day long. Penetrates deep into the skin; makes it smooth supple by removing roughness. Mineral oil gives lubricant effect, glycerin prevents loss of water from skin preventing dryness; cocoa butter has property of emolliency and retains skin moisture.

Packaging:

The product comes in plastic squeeze bottle with flip-open cap. The hole pierced on the bottle top ejects enough moisturizer in gentle pressurizing. The cap is decently tight.

Price: Rs 135

Quantity: 100 ml

Shelf Life: 3 yrs from the date of Mfg.

Ingredients:

Olive Oil, Almond Oil, Shea butter Blend, Vitamin E, Cocoa Butter, Algae Extract, Isopropyl Myristate,Trehalose, Dimethicon.

  

Before I should start reviewing the moisturizer, let me tell you that tons of our favourite beauty products are loaded with algae (seaweed) extract and we rarely get to find its mention in ingredients list. Algae extract is said to bring potential benefits for our skin. It can help to restore the glow for a youthful skin by improving cellular energy and vitality. It re-activates the natural protective mechanism of skin to restore healthy function which we lose due to stress and other skin issues.

Directios for use:

Apply moisturizer after shower on body and face to enjoy super fast absorption for long lasting hydrating skin.

My take on the product:

The moisturizer is of moderately thick consistency that stays on your palm without running. Though the usage instructions read that it should be applied immediately after shower, I preferred to use it post-shower on my skin after towel drying it and didn't rinse it to enjoy more moisture. I swear that this light pink hued moisturizer actually is so easy to smear without any extra effort and penetrates into skin very easily and evenly. I quite liked the product because it is too light on skin and leaves no shine on skin. Though the moisturizer doesn't feel greasy or sticky at all, yet it gives the skin ample lubrication for a deeply hydrated feel. 

Moving to the hydrating power of Cocoa Face & Body moisturizer, the skin remains soft, supple and glowing for as long as 3-4 hrs. As the summer season progresses, I might have to re-apply it 2-3 times as per the demand of my skin, but the normal skinned beauties would find it enough after single application.

Lets not forget talking about its fragrance... The initial thoughts after reading the key ingredients that have gone into formulation of this moisturizer gave me an impression of chocolaty fragrance. But to my great surprise, the moisturizer doesn't smell like chocolate exactly, but a sweet and somewhat unusual fragrance lingers on body for quite a few hrs. 

Pros:

Wonderful Ingredients.

Chemical free.

Smells great.

Deeply hydrates the skin.

Cost effective.

Decent packaging.

Smoothens the texture of skin.

Non Sticky.

Cons: 

Actually Nothing.

Final Word:

Eeshha Herbal Cocoa Face & Body Moisturizer is a wow product for Normal to Dry skin people and you need not to use different emollients for face and body.

Eeshha Herbal Hydrating Cold Cream Review

Team Eeshha Herbal has sent me a huge pack of skin care goodies long back and I am in the process of testing them on myself and my family member since many days. I have already reviewed two of their lovely products in past few days i.e. a kajal pencil and a soap.

Today I am going to share my views on Eeshha Herbal Hydrating Cold Cream. Many people apply cold creams only during winter season as they find it greasy on their skin. But the people whose skin needs extra moisture due to dryness, they may find this cold cream quite effective even in summer days.

Product Claims:
This rich cream contains aloe vera, jojoba butter, cocoa and Kokum butter which are excellent moisturizing and nourishing ingredients that penetrate into skin texture for healing dead and chapped skin. It is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants. Sun protection factor 15 shields your skin from harmful UV rays. Suitable for all kinds of skin.

Usage Instructions:
Apply after taking shower, towel dry and apply this cream generously all over the parts, with gentle massage till it get completely absorbed. Use it regularly everyday for better results.

Eeshha Herbal Hydrating Cold Cream is a small jar of 50 gm content at a price of Rs 135. The shelf life is 3 yrs from the date of manufacturing. The product packaging is light colored cardboard box bearing all the product details.

Ingredients: Cocoa Butter, Kokum Butter, Rose water Distillate, Liquorice Extract, Aloevera Extract, Jojoba Oil, Olive Oil, ,Silicon Oil, Titanium dioxide, OMC, Vitamin B12. Vitamin E.

My take on the product:
As I first applied the Eeshha Herbal Hydrating Cold Cream on my face, the first thing that impressed me was the texture of the cream which so easily got penetrated in my skin. The skin felt instant hydration and deep moisture. Undoubtedly, its because of the best moisturizing ingredients that give long lasting benefit.

The consistency is creamy thick as we expect from any cream. And I just needed to take very less quantity to cover whole face.

The cream has almost nil fragrance or I should say it does not pleases me like the naturally scented products. It may be a plus point to those who look for non-aromatic skin care products. But to me a mild refreshing smell would be an added positive, if provided.

This cold cream is not only a facial cream but can also be used on any part of your body specially the elbows, neck, back and arms. The drier parts of the body feel like drinking enough moisture and the cream proves its revitalizing capacity to the fullest on these areas.

The natural ingredients actually saved me from bothering about its harsh effects on skin at all. No itching or no burning. So its a cost-effective product for making your skin soft, supple and radiant without looking greasy on the top.

Pros:

• Wonderful ingredients.
• Easy to absorb.
• Can be applied on any body part.
• Pocket friendly price.
• Easily available.
• No side effects
• Makes skin really hydrated.

Cons: 

Actually Nothing!! But I just long for some nice fragrance that lingers on for at least few minutes after shower for a fresh feel.

Hope you liked the review.

Valentine With Vedantika Herbals Giveaway (closed)

Hey Frnz..

Without much delay, here is how you can win some hampers ...Read the rules below.

Mandatory Rules:

1. Follow Vedantika Herbals and Alive n Kicking on Facebook.
2. Share the giveaway on your Facebook timeline tagging both the pages and your friends. 
3. The giveaway starts today on 14 Feb and will end on 21 Feb, 2015 (both days inclusive). 
4. The result will be announced by me in co-ordination with the brand within a day or two after the closing date.
5. There will be 3 winners who will win a lovely hamper consisting of 4 wonderful products each.
6. The winners will have to provide the postal details within 24 hours else the other deserving winner will be selected.

Optional Entries to earn extra points:

1. Subscribe to http://maliveandkicking.com via email or GFC or both 
2. Share n invite friends everyday.

The Prize Hamper looks really amazing...

P.S. This is a sponsored giveaway. So I'm only responsible to forward the winners details to the brand who will be sending the prizes of winners directly.
Update: Giveaway extended till the 28 Feb.

Navarasas Stress Relief Body Wash Review

Stress is something that everyone is dealing with in day to day life... some of us prefer meditating and others believe in yoga, but lazy me look for easy yet instant remedies to unwind. Getting to know that a body wash can do wonders in relieving one's stress is something I was skeptical to believe until I tried Navarasas Stress Relief Body Wash.

Product Claims:
Navarasas Stress Relief Body Wash is one of the luxurious creation infused with Grapefruit, Spearmint and Eucalyptus packaged in a shower gel by Ms. Nikki. A combination that has been brewed claims to relieve stress and leave your body feel fresh.

How to Use it:
Apply this body wash ontoyour damp skin during a shower and rinse off well. You can use it in a relaxing bubble bath by adding required quantity in running water. It is advised to use it in sync with Stress Relief scrub and body butter for optimum results.
Price & Packaging :
The body wash is packed in a simple sturdy transparent plastic bottle with flip-open screw cap tight enough to make the bottle leak-proof. I received the sample pack of 30 ml. But the full size bottle of 200 ml can be purchased at a cost of Rs 399

My Experience:

In the first glimpse of the body wash, I appreciated the packaging which has been kept very uncomplicated and effortless. Though I needed to press the bottle a bit harder to eject few drops on my palm. The body wash is a very pale yellow liquid with moderately thick consistency... not as runny as water, but flows quicker.

An aromatic journey started with a stronger delightful scent being inhaled by me during hot water bath. The reviving aroma actually cleared my breath as I whiffed the liquid on my palm most probably due to presence of Eucalyptus & Spearmint loaded with decongestant properties. I absolutely loved how this body wash easily spreads on damp skin either with a loofah or with hands. The body wash is indeed a fast foaming gel that made my skin feel softened after usage and instantly kicked my senses because of its beneficial natural ingredients. And why not!! Navarasas by Nikki has got brilliance to blend essential oils so tactfully that it miraculously rejuvenates me whatever product I use from their collection. 

During summers, I don't think I would need to moisturize my skin after bathing with this body wash as it is enriched with gentle skin conditioners. But in this winter season, I followed by applying a layer of the lavender body butter for deeper hydration which had a stimulant action on the mind.

 Pros: 

• Excellent Ingredients.
• Authentic Preparation Without Chemicals
• Travel Friendly Packaging.
• Cool, Refreshing Fragrance.
• Calming Effect on Mood and Mind.
• Cleanses and hydrates the skin gently.
• Not overly Expensive. (if you glance at the natural things gone into it)

Cons:

• The bottle is made up of more of robust plastic that needs to be pressed hard.

All in all, adding Navarasas Stress Relief Body Wash in your daily bathing ritual will not only promote your skin's health, but will also wash off your stress caused by any reasons. I have been using this 30 ml content in almost 7-8 showers, which is pretty admirable.

Fuschia Orange Peel Handmade Soap Review

Hello Dearies

               You know I'm in love with handmade soaps since long. Infact for almost 3-4 years, I have not purchased & used a chemical based soap usually available in the market. At times, I feel surprised how and why people go for those fancy-looking soaps that actually have no skin benefits :/

                Today, my intention is to make you aware of another promising brand dealing in handmade soaps i.e. Fuschia. I know, you might be feeling that I addressed this name earlier also in one of my posts. Yups! you are right. I already used n reviewed Fuschia's handmade lipbalm. And I'm sharing my first hand experience with one of the Fuschia handmade soaps in this post :)

             Fuschia currently is crafting handmade soaps in three wonderful ranges:
Classic Range, Designer Range and Herbal Range. Each category lists eco-friendly soaps to take care of our skin
         
                 I'll be talking about Fuschia's Orange Peel Handmade soap that is infused with many nutrients necessary for maintain youthful skin. This is one from the Herbal range of their soaps.

Fuschia Orange Peel Handmade Soap

 Fuschia Orange Peel Handmade Soap comes in an outer cardboard packing with an inner sealed transparent plastic sheet holding the soap bar. The color of outer paper-covering compliments the key ingredient so well.

The soap bar weights 100 gms that costs Rs. 225/- per piece.

 The soap bar is not bright orange in color, but a pretty one that actually has some thin particles peeping out.

             It is a gentle soap that doesn't leave the body skin dried out after usage. The texture of the soap is very creamy on your palm and it produces sufficient lather in contact with water. If  the soap bar is properly placed in the soapcase to get dried after use, it has no tendency to melt down at normal temperature. It spreads a sensuous fragrance on body for next few minutes after bath. The fragrance itself is absolutely identical to citric one that my nose recognizes instantly.

              It washes out easily and asks for no application of moisturizer, if you have oily to normal skin. But I feel uneasiness n stretchy on skin after bath in any season, so would suggest people with dry skin like mine that they should use a light body lotion afterwards.

           In only few regular uses, I noticed lightened complexion on exposed body parts. I believe the Vitamin C content of orange peel combats free radicals and helps adding a glow to your skin by fighting off wrinkles.

            My experience makes a noticeable point that Fuschia Orange Peel Handmade Soap can not only be used as cleansing sap bar, but can be used as a toner.


The Positives:
 1. 100% vegetarian n NO animal tested. (the green dot in the pic above indicates the same)
2. Orange peel treats acne very effectively.
3. Extracts dirt from deep inside the pores.
4. Smells really heavenly.
5. Doesn't melts so easily, so one bar will last quite longer.
6.Preservative free, so shelf life is longer than soaps offered by other brands.
7. Deflects harmful UV rays.
8. Renews worn out skin cells and prevents all unhealthy skin conditions.

100% Vegetarian (not for edible use)

The Negatives:
1. The ingredient list is missing from the packaging and I really wish that the key ingredients MUST be mentioned to convince users about the goodness of the product.
2. A bit pricy (but on the website, one can opt for buying combo packs of few soaps at good discounts) 
3. Not locally available at drugstores or supermarkets.

contain a wide variety of nutrients

contain a wide variety of nutrients

Conclusion:
If you are looking for a soap that can target those dark spots caused due to acne or some sunspots then please give this a try. This soap has actually relieved me from sparing time for making a homemade paste of dry orange peel n milk. I've developed a huge passion for this soap and will be repurchasing it in the next bunch :)

*PR Sample.