Keep it Natural with SwarnKrita Soaps

Hey everyone, what's up? Hope everything's going great at your end!

I have been procrastinating about publishing a soap review since a few months, but I finally managed to put this up today. In theory, soap is really simple. After all, it's been around since the concept of hygiene was formed. But when you're in the soap aisle, the sheer number of moisturising/energising/hypoallergenic/antibacterial combinations of options cannot even be processed by your brain, which is just commanding your hand to grab the nearest bar of soap and run.

But today, I am super excited to review the latest collection of handmade soaps from SWARNKRITA, because I’ve been using it in my shower for about 2 weeks now and I really feel you should try it too, but before that get to know what makes me love these soaps so much!

Shawn of god, this clean soap is exactly what it sounds like : Swarn (as in gold) and Krita (I assume to be 'creation'), so SwanKrita basically meaning the Gold Creation. I received two different types of SwarnKrita soaps, namely Lavender and Frankincense.

Lavender & Ylang Ylang : It is relaxing and stress relieving, anti-inflammatory and helps in a restful sleep. Also, balancing, restful and soothing; considered euphoric and an aphrodisiac.

Frankincense & Cinnamon : This soap strengthens the immune system and helps prevent infections and inflammation. It is highly energising and stimulating!

SwarnKrita has a number of soap variety and each one of them has wonderful scent to it, but no color, no extra nothing! It’s quite a unique idea these days, and I appreciate the simplicity of this bar. I'll quickly take you through all the USPs of soaps from this brand to give you a clear idea.

1. All the soaps are made using the traditional (& better) cold process method.

2. Everything is made from scratch. We see a lot of "pretty" soaps which are in fact made using off-the-shelf soap base or soap-noodles. They might look pretty but many times the soap mixer (not soap-maker) doesn't have a clue about the ingredients and ratios which give a balanced soap.

3. These soaps are cured for four weeks which makes them mild and give long lasting bars.

4. There are NO artificial colors, chemical fragrances, preservatives or other garbage added to these soaps.

5. Only containing pure edible oils like Castor, Coconut, Rice Bran, Olive and pure essential oils which make these soaps mild and best suited for getting a lovely skin. 

6. The essential oil mix gives benefits of a spa like feel right at home and instantly uplift your mood!

7. Free from chemicals/parabens/sulphates/fillers. These soaps are cruelty free. They are not tested on animals. Instead they are tested among family & friends. 

All in all, The packaging is simple and the box really fits well with the simple idea of good. Good labelling, good design, all around great! A rectangular bar that handles quite nicely and fits great in one hand. Coming to the lather on this soap, oh man. It’s big and fluffy and EVERYWHERE. First time I used it, I started turning it over in my hands and looked away. When I looked back, there was a giant pile of suds in my hands! This lather gets an A+. It also makes you just FEEL clean. 

It may not be the most moisturising soap I’ve ever used, but it’s still pretty good. When my eczema started flaring up, I reached right for this bar to help soothe my skin. It’s got all the essential oils in it, good to add some moisture and great for sensitive skin. Also, there’s pretty much nothing ELSE in it! So, I gave it a shot a few times and it works great!  

Scoring (out of 5)

Scent: 4

Moisturising: 4.5

Cleansing: 5

Lather: 5

Appearance: 4

Packaging: 5

So, for all those who don’t want any fuss and want something great for sensitive skin or something against allergies to regular soapy ingredients, SwarnKrita is your piece baby! Get it HERE.

~xoxo~

Fiama Di Wills Shower Gels : Crafted for Timeless Youthfulness

Hey guys, hope y'all are enjoying the summer breezes, with mild rains like a blessing! (phew)

So, its been a while since I told about having a received a hamper full of FIAMA DI WILLS shower gels that I'm simply in love with! For all of you who follow me Snapchat, already know how much I'm a FDW addict. I've been using their products since years and have always had the best of experience! Well, today I've got you an amazing review of my favorites from their range of luxury shower gels out of which one amazing gel is designed by none other than the eclectic and iconic fashion designer, MASABA GUPTA, who has infused in her gel creations some special ingredients for a special you; crafted for timeless youthfulness! I'm already going bonkers over the collection. Scroll down to take a look...

Luxury speaks a language of indulgence and youthful radiance is the true mark of beautiful skin, and this is being the brand philosophy of ITC Fiama Di Wills has led to the making of a unique ingredient - the skin conditioning gel, that is mild on skin and preserves essential skin proteins, maintaining hydration and skin's PH balance! As FDW celebrates the modern, urban woman pursuing her passion, it got on board the electrifying Masaba Gupta to design a signature series of shower gels for them, for us to experience an amalgamation of avant-garde fashion and innovative skincare.

I recently got my hands on one of the shower gels from the precious gemstone bath collection, designed by Masaba (launched at the Wills India Fashion Week SS15) and the product name put me in excitement. As it read SHIMMERING DIAMOND, it automatically became my best friend (as they rightly say). A universally accepted symbol of love, diamonds have lightened up the eyes of many women, and this time this shower gel infused with real diamond dust and essential skin conditioners that help in exfoliation, have been formulated with exquisite ingredients for a supple, even-toned and youthful skin! Smelling like pure bliss, this shower gel is a luxurious piece in my skincare collection! *Oh, and the bottle signed by Masaba makes it a priceless possession*

Along with the gemstone infused gel, I also received one of the exotic variants of shower gel, namely BLACKCURRANT AND BEARBERRY. If you know me well, you know anything with black currants is like my favorite. The mildest shower gel I've ever used, this product just transforms your bathing experience into a blissful indulgence with the goodness of its ingredients. Providing anti-inflammatory and lightening benefits, Blackcurrant and Bearberry shower gel gives you a bouncy and radiant skin!

How to use : Pour 2-3 drops of the shower gel on your loofah, apply it on your body & scrub it all over, and wash it off with plain water. Residue from other soaps and gels may clog pores, but Fiama Di Wills shower gel acts like a moisturiser, leaving no residue and keeping the skin soft and youthful daily!

In the Timeless Youthfulness hamper, I also got a shower gel from Fiama Di Wills's mens range, which they said I could gift to anyone I want to, but my dear friend Mrinal got his hands on the bottle as soon as he saw it in the box during the shoot for his post so I chose to let him use it and share some feedbacks, and here's what he had to say : "I used Fiama shower gel for the first time and it surprisingly made me happy. Powered with micro gel conditioners, the ENERGIZING SCRUB  keeps my skin hydrated, energized and youthful for almost 24 hours. Activated with purifying beads that exfoliates my skin and gives it clarity, makes me use this gel daily for deep conditioning and instant rejuvenation! I would definitely recommend this product to all my male friends."

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ITC Fiama Di Wills is undoubtedly one of the best skincare brands producing bathing products since years. Creating soaps and shower gels with refreshing and enriching ingredients, it gives a youthful skin to all!

Hope you liked reading this quick review post. Tell me which of the three shower gels is your favorite, in the comments below and don't forget to follow me on instagram and facebook for some more product reviews like these!

~xoxo~

NIMAI in My Envy Box

Hey pretty ladies, hope you all are doing good! (let me know what you're upto these days in the comments below) Would love to hear from you :)

Well, today I'm sharing with you my first Jewelry Box from MY ENVY BOX. So, you already know that I receive the beauty boxes from MEB (a monthly subscription platform where you get a box full of luxurious beauty products from different brands) every month, which are like truly truly amazing and I review them on my social media. But, this being my first ever jewelry box from them, made me excited and I wanted to show y'all what did I get in it, here! Scroll down to take a look...

For the month of May, My Envy Box collaborated with NIMAI, a curated platform showcasing works of independent jewelry designers from across India. To be honest, as soon as I opened the packaging and read Nimai on the box, I got super excited because having shopped with them before, I kinda knew the jewelry inside my box just has to be really cool and luxurious. It took me a while to digest the fact that I now own my first, personal jewelry box from MEB curated by none other than Nimai.

Inside the box were some beautiful pieces from three different brands, namely HOUSE OF TUHINA, OLIO, SILVENSE BY VRINDA.

MEB's May Jewelry Box included :

1. Pearl Caged Earrings with Gold Polish & Grey Pearl by Silvense (worth 2800/-)

2. Classic Minimal Neckpiece in Silver by Olio (worth 2100/-)

3. Statement Electric Boho Bracelet by House of Tuhina (worth 2000/-)

Silvense is one brand that manifests in its designs the power and freedom and individuality, keeping its jewelry unique, pragmatic, clean and contemporary. Where as Olio is one of my favorites due to its crafting of handmade pieces, celebrating natural imperfections and keeping its designs minimalistic and sleek. House of Tuhina is another exclusive brand that I just can't get over. Each and every product purely handmade with love, drawing inspiration from everything beautiful that Indian design has to offer. It was indeed a box full of amazing surprises that I got with semi precious and fashion jewelry from all the above mentioned brands!

If you haven't got your hands on My Envy Box yet, what are you waiting for? Go grab some luxurious jewelry pieces at half rates of the original price, exclusively at www.myenvybox.com and experience a wonderful amalgamation of beauty, purity and luxury! ----- Surprise Surprise : I have a coupon code for y'all that you can use to get 20% off on your purchase. Use : jbnew20 (valid on 1 month jewelry box subscription only).

Don't forget to follow me on roposo, instagram and facebook for the monthly reviews of My Envy Box (and other fun stuff :p)!!!

Photographed by : Mrinal Khatnani

~xoxo~

Stay Kiss Ready with Island Kiss

Hey everyone, hope y'all are enjoying summers and its special treats like anti-oxidant foods (seasonal fruits and salads) because they keep you active and do taste yum!

Today, I've got something yummier for you, and for your lips! Its quite a dilemma when you have a habit of licking your lips and nothing tastes good, especially in summers (you know what I mean)! Well, if I may say so, being your 'god mother', I felt it was my duty to introduce you to a range of tasteful lip balms from ISLAND KISS. Like, even the brand name has a kiss in there, so you know how appetizing it sounds already!

I am a total lip balm person, so much so that even my friends joke around when I make up stories about something, they say, "Yeah, we'll believe that the day you give up your lip balm." Like usual, I gasp, "Never. Without it my lips feel naked and alone." So yeah they know it too!

No matter what season it is, one beauty product I keep applying multiple times every day is a lip balm and I'm sure you too do it and have stacks of it in your hand bags (correct me if not)! I recently came across some lips balms from Island Kiss, an Indian brand that has some of the most organic flavors of all times!

These lip balms come in a fun packaging, all decked up in a 70s theme! I love how cute the tubes look too, and the colors are just so summery and vibrant. Each pack has a fun insert that can be used as a bookmark that carries all details of each product too! Coming to what attracted me most were the amazing fragrance of each of the lip balm that could be smelt even if the tube was closed! Wow that!

There are three variants available in the Island Kiss Lip Balms. Besides having different fragrances, each of these lip balms have different tints too. I've described each piece separately below, so let's take a look : 

PUERTO BERRY BLUSH - This is the Belle of the Ball, the lip balm you can reach out for when you want a tint of red color on your lips along with intense hydration. I used to apply little quantity of this product on my lips, fearing a stain like you get after eating a raspberry ice-cream, but eventually I realized it wasn't the quantity that mattered, the color actually is quite intense. True to its name, 'Berry Cheeky Tint' it can be used on the cheeks for a natural looking blush! ---- Price : 499/- 

ALMA VANILLA & INGES LAVENDER - I love the soft fragrance of this lip balm. The tint in this one is 'Birth Suit Nude' as by the name suggests, its a purplish tint but looks almost clear on the lips! Since I have a dusky complexion, the clear tint suits me well especially when I don't want to color my lips but still make it look glossy! This is my favorite of the three variants and I regularly wear this from morning to night, and always before taking selfies :P ---- Price : 399/-

CHERRY BLOSSOM FLORES - This one has a lovely, mild cherry blossom fragrance, very similar to the L'Occitane one! The shade 'Bunny Pink Tint' has a pale milky pink tint that looks just plain on anyone with medium skin tone. It appears natural and quite cool for the summer months. For winters I assume it wouldn't look as good because of its too cool pigmentation! For fairer skin tone, its the best piece. ---- Price : 399/-

All lip balms from Island Kiss have special ingredients, namely Tropical Komkum and Avacado Butter, Organic Beeswax, Stevia, Organic Carrot Seed oil, Pure Castor Oil, Rich Vitamin E Oil, Organic Macademia Nut Oil, Citrus Oil, Raspberry Seed Oil and Natural Organic Color. That makes the Island Kiss products 100% natural and wholesome!

Also, as you can see in the pictures above, these lip balms have a pretty sassy packaging. I always prefer tube packs for lip balms to pots and these tubes have an angled applicator making it easier to follow the shape of the lips!

The Island Kiss lip balms cold-pressed and made in artiste batches using essential oils and vegetable butters. These are truly emollient and hence instantly soften the lips. They work beautifully to keep your lips moisturised even when you're wearing the driest lipsticks! I mostly apply the lip balm when I start doing my makeup so by the time I am done with everything else, and only left to put lipstick, my lips are nicely hydrated and that ways the lipsticks too glide on smoothly, making my lips always kiss ready! ;)

Also, these lip balms work wonders for all those who have extremely chapped lips and need a solution to it. Girls, go for it! PS : If you're one of those who tends to eat lipstick and lip balms applied on your lips often, then this product is meant just for you! 

My rating : 4.5/5

Would I recommend it : Obviously YES!

Would I buy it : Yes. Every 3 months ( My lip balms don't last more than that)

Island Kiss products are exclusively available on myislandkiss.com, Nykaa and Flipkart. You can follow them on Facebook & Instagram for more info.

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If you liked this quick review, do tell me in the comments below. Also, don't forget to share this post with your friends and family members, so that they too get to know of it! You can subscribe to the blog for new post updates by entering your email in the subscribe section on the right side bar on this blog! :) Until next time, lots of love.

~xoxo~

Stay Fresh with Neesh Perfumes

Hey guys, how are you all doing? I'm sure many of you are planning for vacations, and for those who are staying back, let's catch up sometime in town, say wha'?

Well, if you're hopping out somewhere, don't forget to carry some fragrance with you to stay fresh throughout your trip! Come on, you must have already got an idea of today's post by now, its all about fragrances from a leading perfume brand called NEESH. To be true, I'd never heard of it until they dropped me an email requesting to collaborate. I went through their collection and found it super interesting because of the creative names of their different perfumes and its patented and fit into the pocket style packaging, to be true! I agreed upon reviewing some samples, and here I am, writing this for you.

Neesh, as appears to me is an unique company that sells pocket perfumes (now that's something brilliant), with a luxurious international packaging. Its products are extensively used in the cosmetic industry since they believe their products are life enhancing and incomparable, that offers their customers a delightful aromatic experience!

Now, scroll down to read my favorite picks (and you might just want to read the post till the end since there's a cool surprise for you all)!

AMOUR DE OUD : My first pick was this one, firstly because of the catchy yellow color of the pack and secondly because of its clean and profoundly smoky smell that has a striking balance of timeless musk and dark amber aromatic notes that liberates the senses in the very first spray. My every-day partner at college, offering a singular statement of determination and keeping me fresh and rejuvenated all day!

ROSE - E - MOHABBAT : As in the name, its genuinely made with love. Pure aroma of fresh rose in every spray that leaves you completely mesmerized! It has an innate ability to always keep you confident and sexy. One of the most enticing fragrances from the Neesh range, because of its luxurious components such as rose, honey and lavender!

EAU DE MEHFIL : If you're a party animal, this fragrance is just for you! It has an intoxicating base of agarwood and castroeum with a powerful balance of Arabian bakhroor, black rose and Patchouly. Its a must have for all those who want to become the center of attention since it is bold and distinctive by nature!

OUD - E - KHASS : This is the 'red carpet' of the Neesh range, having a modern interpretation of luxury. Undoubtedly, its special and the best choice for that special someone in your life! It has a lingering note of Musk and agarwood which transforms into a sharp sweet wood with Indian saffron and has the desired lavishness, eccentricity and glamorous spirits. My favorite pick that I use just before going to bed because hey, sweet dreams - my thing!

BELLA D OUD : My most favorite fragrance from the entire range of Neesh perfumes without second thoughts! This tantalizing scent offers a modern composition that combines power of musk and dark amber, delicacy of honey & berries, expressing luminous floral facets and sensual, magnetic resonance. I might sound kiddish, but this striking fragrance makes you feel like you're a free soul in a fairy land!

The best part I like about Neesh perfumes is their packaging. So easy to carry anywhere! Unlike those big bottles that eat up half of the bag space, these pick-packs are pocket sized, tiny spray bottles that can fit in any regular size clothing pockets and wallets. Put it in your jeans or that tiny clutch that you carry during a wedding, with these travel friendly pocket perfumes you can make sure to carry freshness anywhere and all day long!

Along with some spray bottles, I also got a pack of scented strip testers in different fragrances that you can use by rubbing on any of your body parts to stay fresh without having to carry any spray bottle along! I love the Attar - e - Ishq fragrance more because of its warm, sexy, crisp and clean aroma that is just irresistible. 

No one can deny the problem of body odor and a very normal fragrance cannot fight it. And that’s why Neesh came up with the idea of creating distinct oriental and floral fragrances that are extremely portable and flexible. Now, let me quickly introduce you to its four USPs :

1. Very high quality fragrance.

2. Lasts upto 12 hours (wooaaah!!)

3. Each pick pack of pocket sized bottle (of 20 ml) contains 400 sprays costing less than Rs. 1/-

4. Quite affordable and fits in every pocket.

Being the first Attar based perfume brand of India, Neesh caters their services both online and offline. Unique packaging, attractive fragrances and loads of varieties, they are committed to create distribution networks in India via popular online platforms like AMAZON, FLIPKART, SNAPDEAL and EBAY. You must check it out and order some of the pieces for yourselves. I'm sure you'll love every bit of it! 

Coming to the much awaited surprise part, I'm GIVING AWAY two of my favorite pocket perfumes to 2 lucky winners (each one gets one bottle). All the rules are up on my instagram - click HERE to participate! Make sure to follow all the rules because if you miss out even one, then you're disqualified!

Photographed by : Saumya Kumar

~xoxo~

Tassel Party with ZOTIQQ

Hi guys, hope y'all are doing good! I've been greeting you all for past 2 years the same way, and hats off to all of you for you never get bored. I love you people :*

Well, coming straight to point (and apologies for the delay from last month), this post is all about a fashion & lifestyle subscription brand called ZOTIQQ. Its an online platform where you can subscribe for a box of statement jewelry for a period of 3, 6 or 12 months depending upon your choice! 

I recently received my first box from Zotiqq in the month of April, and the brand sent me 5 tassel pieces that looked amazing. 

Take a look at what all I got in my surprise box, below :

1. Pearl and Gold Tassel Necklace - This is a versatile piece, that can we worn over solid color tops, evening gowns, or with indo-western clothing. I really like the blend of gold tassels with white pearl to tone down the shimmer!

2. Black Stone Pendant with Tassels and Long Chain - This is my favorite one in the box, because I can wear it all day long over t-shirts and tops, and it looks really casual and classy! 

3. Tassel bracelet - I really like the inter locking system of this bracelet, it gives such an exclusive appearance. Also, its made of braided thread in pastel colors and the tassels pop out instinctively. Best as a summer add-on I must say!

4. Set of Finger Rings - I opened up the box and saw a beautiful set of rings that included one bold piece and 2 midi rings that looked sleek and chic. I love the little, red tassel on the bigger ring, that's more of a unique design!

5. Earrings - These are the lightest pair of earrings I've ever worn in my ears that dangle down. It looks super pretty and the turquoise color being one of my favorites attracted me more, so yeah this is my second favorite piece in the box!

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So, these were the five exquisite jewelry pieces that I received in my Zotiqq box, and surely enjoyed my tassel party. If you too want a monthly dose of stunning baubles at your doorstep, SUBSCRIBE TO YOUR ZOTIQQ BOX now, and don't forget to take a look at their gift vouchers for you and your friends!

Photographed by : Exposure Imageries

~xoxo~

Bluntly Reviewing PAC Cosmetics

Hello, gorgeous ladies! Doing great?

I know I'm being lazy these days and not being able to deliver posts often, but I promise to be in full force from now. Working on some stupendous surprises for you all as well, so stay tuned for that.

As of today, I've got you a full review of some of my favorite make up products from PAC COSMETICS. Or wait, let me first introduce this brand to you, for once and all (in case you haven't heard of it already). So, PAC (Professional Artist Cosmetics) is a brand that was initiated by an Indian trio in Germany. Their only vision was to start a brand that could include several make up products from all over the world, and focus on delivering quality products to service professionals and consumers right across the cosmetic world.

If you guys know me well, you must know I've never been keen on using any make up products as such. But, PAC sent me a few beautiful products that I couldn't resist using. And, now read my review for these, below...

1. Beauty Blender : The ultimate make up sponge applicator, Beauty Blender has been created to leave you with a professional finish and a flawless complexion. Since I've used this, I've forgotten to use my fingers or sharp-edged triangular sponges, because those application methods wasted make up and left visible streaks. PAC's Beauty Blender’s patent-pending elliptical shape makes application foolproof by allowing you to access hard-to-reach areas with stunning ease. Its suede texture is sensual to the touch and its unique curves fit the contours of your face, leaving your make up dazzling and undetectable. 

How To use - Just bounce Beauty Blender against your face when applying make up. Use Beauty Blender’s pointed side for hard-to-reach spots like around the nose and mouth, and under the eyes. Use the round base for foundation and blush on the larger areas of your face such as your forehead, cheeks and chin.

* Beauty blender is latex free, non-allergenic and odor free! 

2. Pro Lip Pots : I now own two lip pots from PAC, and it is a lot of fun to scoop out some luscious lip color from a pot and smear it on. I'm so keen to try the two flavors now, so take a look at some of the best drool worthy lip color pots below :

a.) Fiction - This hot red color on your lips looks just amazing. Very different red from the usual. It has slight coral tones to it! If you don’t like true stark reds then this can be a good starter color for you. Will suit fair to medium Indian skin tones nicely, and its texture is as creamy as other lip colors from PAC and this highly pigmented shade lasts on your lips almost all day, so that's a gain again!

b.) Grown Up - A gorgeous shade of bright pink, that looks sexy AF. This is a very feminine kinda color and it can perk up fair complexions! I think its more of a party shade when worn full on and otherwise best suited as a stain only. The texture of the lipstick is really creamy, and what bowled me over was the pigmentation and the color! There's a brush you can apply the color with on your lips and it thus stays for long!

3. Liquid Liner Pen : Mastering the liquid eye liner look has just become easier, and all thanks to PAC's Liquid Liner Pen. This liner pen is very easy to apply and dries as matte black. It is known for long-lasting, smudge-proof durability. Unlike other liquid eye-liners, this one creates a quick-dry formula that stays rich in color. 

4. Highshine Liquid Liner : This Eye-liner can create precise lines. The liner features an elastic soft applicator that allows a thin line as well as a thick line. The thin brush applicator offers ease of application for both bold and precise lines! Also it’s waterproof and doesn’t smudge so you can be sure it’ll last from day to night. If you like your eye-liners having high sheen, creating magical winged eyes, this product is just meant for you!

5. Longlasting Kohl Pencil : The pencil comes in a dark black color. The texture is really smooth and creamy, it glides beautifully on the eyes without tugging or pulling. The pigmentation is great and I like the rich matte black color. Its not the darkest black I’ve come across but its not a weak black either! It sets into a smudge-proof, water proof finish quickly after application but you do get some time to smoke it out if you want a smudgy, smoky look with the back sponge brush that's attached to it. The wear time on the waterline as kohl is spectacular. I get about 5 hours or so after which it starts to fade off but it doesn't disappear completely even after 8-9 hours, and that's pretty magnificent.

6. Intense Auto Kohl : This retractable pencil which is an intense auto kohl kajal pencil, comes with a one way rotator. A pencil that will take your worries of sharpening the pencil again & again of your mind. The intense colour & neat texture of the pencil will add definition & drama to your eyes. It has a waterproof property & does not gets transferred. On the upper lash line as liner, it wears really well and stays put until you take it off. And, just because the pencil is intense & jet black, it can be used as an eye liner as well. Now, isn't that too cool?!

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PAC has an extensive range of make up products for the face and body, as well as some brushes and other make up accessories (as of course you saw in the pictures above). So, no matter what, PAC has the answer!

PS : If you liked this post, do drop in a comment below telling me which is your favorite product out of all the ones I reviewed. And if you'd like, I'll do more product reviews in the coming time. Until then, stay pretty & gorgeous!

~xoxo~