Wednesday, 18 November 2015

Winners of #VedantikaHarmlessDiwaliMoments Contest

Thanks to all the participants for sharing their festive moments with us. We actually loved reading how you enjoyed with your family and friends on Diwali :) 
A heartfelt note of thanks to Team Vedantika Herbals for sponsoring this giveaway with lovely goodies ;)  

Here are the winners for #VedantikaHarmlessDiwaliMoments contest:
1st Prize:  Sujata Bansod
(You will receive the Diwali Gift Box (Big) worth Rs 650/-)

2nd Prize:  Hema Thakur
(You will receive the Diwali Gift Box (Medium) worth Rs. 550/-)

3rd Prize: Aishwarya P Krishnammachary
(You will receive the Diwali Gift Box (Small) worth Rs 300/- )
The winners are requested to DM their complete postal details with contact number within 24 hours to claim their prize, else another deserving winner(s) will be selected.. 

(Please note that the prizes will be sent to the winners directly by the sponsors and I won't be held responsible for any damage in the transit.)

Those who didn't win this time, some lovey giveaways are lined up next week onwards. So don't lose hope and wait for something more exciting very soon :)


Tuesday, 17 November 2015

Anherb Instant Fairness Cream Review

Anherb has recently launched some new products, out of which one is an Instant Fairness Cream. The brand boasts of developing its formula in association with Swiss Partners and here I am to check on its effectiveness.
Product Info:
It is a unique active-fairness treatment that imparts instant fairness. 
Ingredients: The cream has so many vital vitamins in it other than Grapewine extract, Olive Leaf extract.
Vitamin A : Imparts more youthful and radiant appearance.
Vitamin E : Helps to lighten dark spots, acne scars and pigmentation. Imparts photoprotection.
Vitamin C : Helps to improve skin tone and protect the skin from sun damage and premature ageing.
Vitamin F : Skin nourishing. 
How to use: After cleaning, apply on face, neck, hands etc. at any time of the day.

Price: Rs 290 
Pack size: 150 gms 
Shelf Life: 3 years
Packaging:The new Anherb Instant Fairness Cream comes in a off white squeeze tube packaging with maroon color flip cap on it. The cap shuts tightly. The nozzle on the cap helps to dispense required quantity with total ease. 
My take on the product:
The first glimpse of the cream reminded me of Fair & Lovely cream due to its texture. The cream is in white color with light shine in it similar to Fair & Lovely. Thats why before I could start using the cream, I wished it doesn't leave that white cast on my skin post application.

The cream has lovely floral smell that stays for quite long and I liked it a lot. The cream is not heavy on skin and gets absorbed with light massage. It lives upto its claim of giving matte effect by not leaving a shiny cast behind. Even it controls shine on oily skin, so will be liked by oily skin people too. The only thing which lacks in the cream is moisturizing capacity for dry skin like mine. So I need to double it up with some lotion.
There is definitely an instant glow on the skin as you apply it on your face and neck which I consider just a timely fairness. Because I don't think any product can give you fairness in first application. The cream is a unique combination of multi-vitamins A, C, E, F etc and is a promising product for skin lightening. 

Upon a regular usage of around two weeks, this cream has also smoothened my skin's texture with its botanical ingredients like Grapewine extract, Olive Leaf extract. Some of minor patchy marks on the face have got dull. It caused me no breakouts. I was also expecting sweaty feel on skin on its usage, but thankfully it didn't happen so ;) At times, I have felt that it can retain my makeup intact for longer if I use it as base.
The good thing about this cream is that it contains SPF 20 in it, so helps to protects your skin from UV-A1, UV-A2 & UV-B. And I don't have to apply two different products for fairness and sun-protection. :) 

Pros:
Effective for all skin types
Bleach free.
Gives nice matte effect.
Has SPF 20 sunscreen.
Nourishes and rejuvenates the skin 
Triple Action Sunscreen.
Not too expensive.
Not tested on animals.

Cons:
Not very moisturizing for dry skin type.
The exact SPF content is mentioned on the website, but not on tube.

Anherb Instant Fairness Cream is good choice for everyday use to get naturally radiant skin without any bleaching agents. It works to reduce patchy skin and gives toned skin upon prolonged application. The non-greasy texture and SPF content make it a decent day cream for anyone.

**PR Sample

Saturday, 14 November 2015

Holiness of Character is the key to be #MadeofGreat

Personality analysis is a complex subject to understand. Nopes! I'm not encompassing the professional psychologists who are trained to evaluate our behavioural patterns at varied instances. I am just talking about those unheard names n unknown faces who can challenge us to perform the way to make life become a lush productive experience and can exaggerate one's capabilities to potential growth.

Usually parents and teachers have such great influence on us and they help us have a better grasp on reality of life. Yes, I also do acknowledge whatever I gained under their guidance. But today I am taking time to make a reference to one of my neighbour, Sushila Aunty, who nurtured my immature inferences into wise decisions to act smartly in many ways. Since my early childhood days, my sweet but spineless behaviour always put me down as I had a false sense of imperfection for myself. 

This lady, who had come to stay in adjoining building to my house with her family, became a caring companion in my wholesome actions in very few interactions. Can't decide clearly whether I had something in me to attract her or it was some unapparent aura in her that held us together.
With an intelligent brain, I could go great lengths to live up to someone's expectations. But I never knew that I had that encapsulated courage in me. Sushila aunty led me by example and channelized my potential in the direction to make me understand how I could participate in life's unplanned events. She gave me the courage not to fear from mistakes or feel inferior, rather bounce back quickly with a lesson learnt. Her constant boost helped me believe in myself without feeling sorry on my little mistakes. My confidence definitely rose up, but of course, not to the other side of the scale that leads to destructive over-confidence. Even my family could not ignore noticing a positive change in their timid child. God had been kind to bless me with her company for many years to come...

I still recall the days I was preparing for my MCA entrance and used to have scary nightmares of not getting selected in a college of good repute. It was again aunty's motivational words "Nothing in life to be feared, but conquered" that I still imbibe. She made me realize that I needed not to be an expert in a subject necessarily, but just need to be passionately involved in fulfilling my dreams. I know this has been one of the most cliché advice since eternity, but resulted really miraculous for me. Because I always believed that we all are connected to each other in one or the other ways and one of the most influential way is 'our thoughts'. To me, Sushila Aunty's words seem spoken in harmony with God's wish, so had that hypnosis kind of effect on my conscious thoughts which mysteriously heightening my personality with a positive difference. She actually built a better world for me making me master of my thoughts, without which I could have shattered due to my "I am of no value" thoughts. 

Now, as I've narrated my Aunty's saga with so much of passion, I better acclaim that she is #madeofGreat admirable traits of captivating brilliance.. You would be surprised to know that the lady who changed my perspective for life with her considerate behaviour never had any formal education; but is the most learned and clear-headed person. Just few days back during my visit to my hometown on Diwali, I met her for some time and my lowering spirits soared high once again seeing her in same zeal for life at the age of 75+. She has ultimate art to help people heal and in turn repair their future. Her thoughts articulate so intense deep inside my soul that from a weaker & unrealistic personality, I graduated into a personal with firm will and holiness of thoughts.
She may be an un-noticed face to the world, but is an ideal for me. She deserves my regard no less than any famous personality.
Hey! a famous personality who is the talk of the town these days is Lionel Messi, who has fascinated the nation by accepting his first association with an Indian brand Tata Motors. *Lionel Messi the is talent galore with conviction and is an icon for today’s youth. He is a winner who is trustworthy, reliable, pioneering, simple and driven by self-belief, which is what is at the core of as well. Thus, proving to be an ideal fit for the role of Global Brand Ambassador. 
I am super happy to know this thrilling news and would love to know your thoughts on this association. So tell me by commenting below this post --
"What do you think of Tata Motor's association with Lionel Messi?" 
The most interesting answer stands a chance to win an Amazon Voucher worth Rs. 750 from Tata Motors. The contest closes on 24 Nov, midnight and the winning entry will be announced on or before 26th Nov.
**************

Update (25 Nov):
The winner of Amazon Voucher is Ms. Poonam Khanduja.

The winner is requested to DM me the email id to claim the voucher. The voucher will directly be sent by team Tata Motors in due time.

Friday, 13 November 2015

Moha Anti Dandruff Oil Review

Hello Everyone

Lately I have been writing about Moha's products and seriously am fallen in love with each of them. They have not only formulated products for all our needs, but have kept the prices so affordable that you may buy any product without thinking much. Today I'll talk about an hair oil that is must-have for most of us to control and cure dandruff specially in winter season.

Product Info:
Get soft, shiny, healthy hair with Moha non- sticky Anti Dandruff Oil. A delightful infusion of Neem, Hibiscus and Rusmari Oils, it effectively fights dandruff while nourishing hair naturally strengthening the roots and preventing split ends.
Ingredients:
Tea tree (Melaleuca leucadendron) oil prevents dandruff and scalp dryness.
Rusmari (Rosmarinus officinalis) oil nourishes hair roots and promotes hair health.
Neem (Melia azadirachta) oil controls scalp itching.
Water Lily (Nymphea stellata) oil makes hair soft & manageable with its conditioning effect.
Hibiscus (Hibiscus-rosa sinensis) oil powerful time-test hair tonic and promotes hair shine.
How to use:
Apply oil gently on the scalp. Massage in circular motion to absorb oil in the scalp. Use it regularly and allow it to work for half an hour for effective dandruff control and hair nourishment.

Price: Rs 105 for a 100 ml pack.
Shelf Life: 2 years
Packaging:
The packaging of the anti-dandruff hair oil is similar to Moha's body lotion with a different print on the bottle. I find it quite comfortable to take out the oil from spritz bottle. The outer cap on the bottle is very tight and makes the bottle travel-friendly. The bottle is packed in a cardboard carton.
My take on the product:
My scalp remains clear all the year long except the winter months as I have to take head bath in warm water. I can't dare to use fresh water for washing my hair as I easily get caught by cough n cold, so lukewarm water is my only choice and then it causes dandruff. So its the appropriate time that I started using Moha's anti-dandruff oil.
The oil seems a clear liquid though shows some light green color at times when you pour it on your palm. You guys can look at the pic above n decide the actual color ;)

The oil has a good fragrance that we expect from a nice infusion of herbs in an oil and I liked it. It may not be liked by people who avoid herbal aromas. The texture of the oil is light enough to make my scalp moist and not over-greasy. I genuinely felt relieved from itchy scalp after I used this oil that was troubling me for last few weeks.

Whenever I apply any hair oil, I try to leave it on my hair and scalp overnight. So my preferred day to oil my hair is Saturday. And I follow my custom with this oil as well. Post head bath, it leaves the hair quite manageable and easy to detangle. The flaky scalp becomes considerably healthy after few uses.
The oil also claims to cure fungal infection on the scalp for which I am unable to comment as I haven't faced any such issue ever.
But since this pretty affordable oil comes fortified from herbal oils like tea tree oil, hibiscus oil, neem oil etc that are meant for controlling dandruff, it is much needed to providing nutrition to the scalp. I ensure regular weekly massage before shampooing my hair to strengthen the roots of my hair.

Pros:
Very Economical.
Controls flaky dandruff.
Relieves scalp itching and dryness.
Adds shine and lustre to hair.
Quite aromatic.
Light and Non-greasy.
Travel friendly packaging.

Cons:
None.

**PR Sample

How To Keep Your Baby's Soft Skin Safe?

Hi

Last month I wrote about some of my personal experiences about Baby Skin Care Basics and I had an urge to write more on the same topic. Because mommies have definitely loads of ideas to exchange...

For a first-timer new mom, keeping your baby's delicate skin nourished and free from all sorts of problem is one of your topmost concerns. I bet you ensure a very careful approach to handle the sensitivity of your baby's skin with tender care. In my case, I didn't go by television commercials that suggest you bagful of products to be used to keep baby's skin softer. Instead, I chose to be extra gentle in abidance to the generations old rituals of my family :) Some everyday tips and tricks that I followed worked really well and here I share with you today..

The babies tend to get dirty while being fed many a times, but the parents need to keep in mind that unlike traditional bathing customs for elders, the babies do not need to bathe every single day. Just a nice wipe and sponge bath works well to keep their skin clean and its texture will remain healthy. Also avoid giving a baby tub bath because being in contact with water for excess time will harm the immature skin of a baby.

Sometimes the baby's head, back and other parts of the body have visible hair grown at the time of birth itself. Do not go for any harsh scrubbers on baby's soft skin. There can be many home remedies that can be massaged very gently on baby's skin to let those hair fall off. And its quite possible that any of the remedies do not suit the baby and his skin may show up redness or rashes. Make sure you do not repeat that practice and cause irritation to baby's skin.

If your baby develops some kind of infections or allergies on his skin, do not blindly follow the instructions by so-called 'experienced people'. Listen to everyone's advice but do consult the doctor to discuss if the age-old practices agree or contradict to doctor's recommendation. There have been instances that the problem may get incurable due to such inadequate knowledge.

Nappy's customs are definitely a point of keen observance. In olden times, mommies believed that muslin cloth is one of the best absorbent to be used a baby diaper. Since there were not many known options, the parents were left with no choice. But these days, there are great diapering choices available that give baby’s skin complete protection against unwanted wetness, rashes, allergies etc.
Pampers Premium Care Pants are the latest buzzword with an aim  #SoftestForBabySkin. It lets the baby sleep comfortably and contributes in his growth. And every mom knows how calm, relaxed and happy a baby feels after enjoying a good sleep.

Lastly, do not forget to build a bond with your baby with a self-massage session. You may choose to appoint a professional for the same, but as a mom or granny touches the baby while giving a massage it stimulates baby's emotional well-being too.

Hope these tips will help new mommies to keep their baby's skin softer and problem-free :)

Happy Parenting !

Pampers brings you the softest ever Pampers Premium Care Pants. Its cotton-like softness is #SoftestForBabySkin and allows it to breathe, thus keeping baby’s skin soft and healthy, and your baby happy.

Sunday, 8 November 2015

Vegetal Fairness Cream Review

Hi

I had reviewed Vegetal Fairness Face Pack last month and it gave quite satisfactory result. But the I decided to boost the performance by using Vegetal Fairness Cream followed by the face pack. Because if the skin remains dull & uneven, only the face pack cannot offer the glowing skin. And today I'm ready to speak about the same.
Product Info:
Vegetal Fairness Cream enhances the complexion, evens out skin tone, imparts a natural glow and reduces the appearance of blemishes due to Citrus, Rose, Aloe Vera. It’s easy application and absorption helps to nourish skin more effectively.
Key Ingredients: 
  • Juglans regia (Walnut) extract: Gives nourishment, 
  • Citrus reticulata (Orange) extract: Helps to rejuvenate the skin while also refining its texture and brightens skin tone, 
  • Rosa centifolia (Persian Rose) extract: Lightens the skin colour, 
  • Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera) extract: Moisturizes, soothes and softens your skin. 
  • Camellia sinensis (Tea) extract: has potent antioxidant
Packaging: 
Vegetal Fairness Cream comes in a tub packing following the color theme of white n green like many other products in their range. The tub container is placed in a cardboard carton. There is a protective seal under the screw cap which carefully seals the product inside. The ingredients list is printed on the tub as well as outer carton.
MRP: INR 268 for 50 gm.
Direction for use: Clean the face and neck with a cleanser. Apply Vegetal Fairness Cream all over the face and neck in upward circular motions, use twice or more than that a day. Suitable for all skin types. 
My experience with the product:
To begin with my opinion about the product, let me first declare that I celebrate the skin tone n complexion I am born with and have no intention to look milky white ;) I believe fair skin is no way a token of real beauty. But still there are factors that affect everybody's skin in adverse way and we all need to protect it from getting damaged. Just for this reason, I started using Vegetal Fairness Cream that is made of bio-actives of Rose and Orange. 

It is a white color cream with similar consistency like the usual creams. Its fragrance resembles a lot like a baby lotion but I don't mind if I smell so ;) The fragrance lasts for quite some time and then fades away.
The cream boasts of no chemicals and bleaching agents in it, that turns out to be one of its positive. The texture of the cream is such that it easily blends and disappears as you massage it on your skin. I like the instant whitening of the skin that can make you look fairer if getting ready to go out. But the cream dries out my already dry skin, so I need to base it first with a light moisturizer. I believe it will be much admired by normal and oily skin people.

I have been using this cream for last few weeks now and can say that it worked on imparting a glow to my skin. I use it as a day cream and apply it while leaving for office everyday. The dullness of my skin has reduced to certain extent and I am still continuing to gain long lasting even-toned skin in coming time.

Pros:
1. Contains bio-active extract of Orange & Rose.
2. Effective lightening formula.
3. Gives visibly fairer skin.
4. No bleaching agents & No harmful chemicals
5. 100% safe & natural.
6. Suits normal to oily skin
7. Provides instant whitening.

Cons:
Not ideal for dry skin (atleast happened in my case)
May seem expensive, but a little quantity is effective per usage.

**PR Sample

Product Review: Soultree Apricot Oil & Honey Moisturizer With Kokum Butter

Hi

I am so glad to receive a product from one of my much-appreciated brand Soultree few days ago. I could not resist using the product the moment it got delivered and here is my review on the same :)

Brand Info:
Soul Tree is India’s only range of certified natural personal care products. Made from Organic herbs and natural origin ingredients, it carries the assurance of BDIH seal, the German hall mark for natural beauty products. It is meant exclusively for the conscious consumer who is not willing to compromise. All its products are environment friendly. The raw material sourcing follows environment friendly practices like organic farming & water conservation. The products themselves are non-toxic.

Product Description
This fragrant, non-greasy skin care lotion is a blend of vitamin-rich oil cold pressed from ripe Himalayan Apricots, organically cultivated ayurvedic herbs, and wild honey from the Sirumalai forests of South India. It is further infused with Kokum butter, known for its hydrating and regenerating properties to keep your skin naturally moisturised, supple and smooth. 

Ingredients:
Aqua, Aloe barbadensis*, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Prunus armeniaca (Apricot) oil, Helianthus annus* oil, Glycerin, Glyceryl stearate SE, Garcinia indica (Kokum) butter, Cetearyl alcohol, Mel* (Honey), Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate, Rubia cordifolia*, Tocopherol, Parfum**, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Xanthan gum, Lactic acid, Limonene**, Linalool**, Geraniol**

* indicates from Certified Organic Farms
** indicates from Essential Oils
How to use:
Apply daily after a shower all over your body and face. Use firm, upward strokes, particularly around the neck and jawline. If you have oily facial skin, refrain from using it on your face.

Price: Rs 350 for 200 ml. Can be purchased here
Shelf Life: 30 months
Packaging:
The moisturizer comes in a cylindrical plastic bottle with black cap. The flip-open cap has small hole pierced into it to take out enough quantity. 

My experience with the product:
The Apricot Oil & Honey Moisturizer With Kokum Butter which I received is from Soultree's Amrita - Soul to Skin range. I loved the concept that they have given meaningful hindi themes to every category of the products (y)

The moisturizer is pale brown/beige in color. It has deep nutty fragrance that seems originating from real apricot oil. The fragrance settles down to a lighter tone after some time. It will not bother those who dislike stronger scents. 
I liked the consistency of the moisturizer which is slightly thicker, but it doesn't make the product tougher to penetrate the skin. It spreads easily on the skin and shows no undesired sheen on skin post application. The apricot oil is very finely absorbed by the skin & works on the deeper layers, leaving a non-greasy feel. 

The brilliant emollient formulated with apricot oil, kokum butter and honey keeps the skin hydrated for good long time and increases the re-application intervals. It relieves me a lot when I need not use it every now n then.

The brand recommends the moisturizer to be suitable for body as well as face. I have used very small quantity on my face and it caused me no issues. But oily skin won't be able to handle it. Not only does the moisturizer performs its main job of keeping the skin soft n supple, but also prevents skin damage due to its anti-oxidant and anti-ageing properties.

Not to forget, a little quantity is enough per usage. My son (who seems to be a budding junior reviewer in my team now) says "itna sa lagaya hai, to bhi lagta hai jaise bahot zayada lagaya ho" So I am expecting my bottle to last till the end of winter months, else no worries... coz I will buy another one for sure ;)

Pros:
Contains no Parabens or Silicons
Certified Organic Ayurvedic Herbs
Made from organically cultivated ayurvedic herbs
Free of Synthetic Preservatives, Colours or Fragrances
Recyclable Packaging
No Animal Testing
Nice fragrance.
Intense moisturization.

Cons:
Slightly expensive for some, but I don't mind paying some extra bucks for the excellent product.

Soultree Apricot Oil & Honey Moisturizer With Kokum Butter is a product to keep your dry skin healthy specially during cold weather. Its made with organically grown ingredients so won't have any side effects on your skin.

**PR Sample


Saturday, 7 November 2015

Winners for Skin 18 Giveaway

Hello Friends

I have been missing posting for last few days, coz just like you all I am also occupied with festive arrangements. So without any delay, here are the winners for Skin 18 Giveaway :

 Nishat Anjum
 Sonali S
Swati Mittal

These lucky ladies will receive a hamper of exclusive face mask sheets and ampoules each from Skin 18. Congratulation dearies!!
The winners are requested to DM me their complete address with Postal Code and Phone no. by tomorrow so that I may forward it to the sponsor team.

For everyone else, there is Diwali giveaway running on the blog for a chance to win cool Diwali hampers :) Do give it your best shot !!

Good night!!