Fragrance, Product Review

Zara Energetically New York EDP| Zara Olfactive| Zara Fragrance Review

Hey Everyone! As I mentioned in my previous post, I bought a bunch of Zara Perfumes and here is the second installment of the reviews that I planned to write. So, in this post I am reviewing the Zara Energetically New York EDP.

Just to give you the context( in case you didn’t read my previous post),I purchased a couple of Zara perfumes during the recent sale. Most of these perfumes are known to be pocket friendly yet good dupes for some very luxury and popular scents. Also, I was quite surprised to find out that Jo Malone collaborated with Zara and created several EDPs under the Zara Emotions and Zara Olfactive range. Since, I really like Jo Malone colognes in the past, I did not waste much time and picked up a few based on my testing at the store. Let’s find out if I like them or regret my purchase.

Price:

The original price for the 40 ml EDP version of the Energetically New York is Rs 1590 and the 75ml version retails for Rs 1990 in India. I got the 40 ml bottle at Rs 999 during sale. The UK version retails for 25.99 GBP. They also have it in a travel size(10 ml). In India I don’t see any other ecommerce websites selling Zara perfumes. You will have to get it either directly from the Zara website or from the store. Also, be mindful that if you are ordering it from the Zara website they charge a shipping charge of around Rs 290 unless you are purchasing full priced items and the total cost of your purchase exceeds Rs 2999.

Description:

As Jo Malone notes, “Ignited imaginations will change the world”. This is the motivation behind this creation. The fragrance reveals notes of cardamom, jasmine and sandalwood.

My Take on the Zara X Jo Loves Energetically New York EDP:

Packaging: The packaging is very minimalistic and classy, quite similar vibe that we get from Jo Malone’s original packaging. It has textured white outer packaging with a white simple box. Within the box, you will find a transparent glass bottle with a black cap. It reminds me of Jo Malone Cologne bottles but the packaging is understandably more minimalistic.

Ingredients: ALCOHOL DENAT. · AQUA · PARFUM · LIMONENE · BENZYL SALICYLATE · CITRONELLOL · LINALOOL · BHT · ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE · CITRAL · GERANIOL

It is made in Spain with a 5 years expiry date. For a 90 ml or even a 40ml bottle this will go a long way and quite a pocket friendly option.

Fragrance: Now coming to the most interesting part. So, before buying the Zara Energetically New York EDP I didn’t really read any reviews. I just sprayed it on at the store and the scent seemed very refreshing and actually gave that energetic vibe. I tried on other EDPs as well but this one stayed with me. While driving back home, I could still distinguish this particular EDPs note from the other ones that I tried.

Apart from the very refreshing opening, it is quite long lasting. It is a unisex perfume, not too overpowering but it will make your presence felt. It actually is a mood-booster, justifies the name. I felt the cardamom in it is stronger than jasmine and sandalwood. This gives it a woody and slightly edgy scent but jasmine and sandalwood somewhat tones it down and makes it a bit more aquatic and smooth. It is perfect for daily use and can be worn year-round. You can spray it on generously. I got some compliments when I wore this. What I didn’t like is the dry down. It felt a bit damp, earthy and masculine. My nose didn’t like the dry down part. It felt cheap. Perfumes obviously are very personal and what works for me may not work for anyone else.

Performance: Its staying power is surprisingly quite good. It stays on easily 4+ hours on my skin and days in my clothes.

Did I like it? Yes, it is quite an interesting and unusual type of scent from Jo Malone. Usually her colognes are very different than this one. It is definitely not a blind buy and people may have differing views about it because of the contrast between the opening and the dry down. It is not a common scent. Some may find the opening a bit feminine and the dry down a bit masculine. So, I would recommend to try it first at a store and then only purchase it. I think I am going to repurchase it and in future will try to find something to layer it on with. If I had to score it, I would give it a 3.5 out of 5.

Hope you found this review helpful 🙂 Let me know your views in the comments section.

You can read my reviews on some other perfumes –

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Favorites, Product Review, Skincare

The Inkey List Alpha Arbutin Serum | Remedy for Hyperpigmentation| Review

My battle with hyperpigmentation has been quite a struggle. Even though I am quite particular about using sunscreen and maintaining an effective skincare routine, I was not like this when I was in college. At that time, I absolutely hated applying anything on my skin. No skincare, no makeup. I also had severe acne issues, like most teenagers and young adults. Now that I am very much invested into my skincare regime and have a fair idea about what works for my skin, I have been doing a lot of research to find out what actually can help me to get rid of hyperpigmentation. I have tried a lot of natural, homemade remedies but they did not work as much as I expected. Finally, my relentless search led me to a great product to put up a good fight with hyperpigmentation and that product is the Inkey List Alpha Arbutin Serum which contains 2% Alpha Arbutin and 0.5% Squalene. I saw some great results and here is my review.

What is Alpha-Arbutin?

Alpha-Arbutin is a derivative of hydroquinone which has skin lightening properties. Now hydroquinone is banned in many countries due to its potential side effects but Alpha-Arbutin is not banned and it is safe to use everyday. Alpha Arbutin has depigmenting properties similar to hydroquinone. It works on age spots, acne spots and any sort of dark spot. We encounter dark spots in our skin from an enzyme called tyrosinase which is responsible for secreting melanin. The melanocytes cells in our get triggered when the skin encounters UV light for a longer period resulting in freckles and sunspots. Now, Alpha arbutin gets transformed into hydroquinone in our skin over time and it impedes tyrosinase and thus prevents creating any further dark spots and also improves the appearance of existing dark spots.

The fact that Alpha arbutin gets transformed into hydroquinone in our skin, it is less potent than the original hydroquinone and thus does not have much risk of side effects. It is also available without prescription as a topical cream/serum.

In this post, I am particularly going to review the Inkey List Alpha Arbutin Serum which contains 2% Alpha Arbutin.

Price:

This product is not available in India at the moment. I bought it from StyleDotty for Rs 1638 for the 30ml tube. You can get it from a lot of Instagram sellers who source products from UK/US/Canada. It’s original price in the Inkey List website is $12.99. One 30 ml tube should last you for 6-8 weeks as you just need a pea size amount everyday.

Product Description (From the Inkey List’s website):

A concentrated 2% Alpha Arbutin serum to help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots and keep skin at an optimal hydration level. Derived from the leaves of the bearberry plant, this non irritating serum helps to brighten the skin and improve overall skin tone. Added Squalane helps to increase skin hydration and smoothness.

Targets:

  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Scarring
  • Uneven Skin Tone
  • Redness

My take on the Inkey List Alpha Arbutin Serum:

The Brand: Inkey List is a UK brand which focuses on ingredient driven skincare. Their moto is kind of similar to the Ordinary. They focus on one or two ingredients for effectively targeting specific skin concerns. Their products are vegan and cruelty free.

Packaging: They have a minimal packaging but the serum comes in a tube which seemed very inconvenient to me. Almost every time I take out more product than I actually intended. I would have preferred it to come in a bottle with a dropper. Not sure if they had a scientific reason to package it in a tube. I also saw some leakage issue as I did not screw the cap tightly enough. Overall, I found this tube like packaging quite inconvenient.

Texture and smell: It is fragrance free which I absolutely loved. The consistency is actually watery and not like a gel. In their website the color of this serum was milky white but surprisingly when I received the product it was already oxidized and turned into chocolate brown color. I got to know that a lot of other people also experienced the same and the Inkey list also addressed the issue and clarified that it is totally okay to turn into brown as it contains natural ingredients. It does not impact its efficacy and rightly so, it worked on my skin totally and did not cause me any irritation.

Ingredients: The ingredient list looks solid. I did not spot any problematic ingredient. Water (aqua / eau), Butylene glycol, Propanediol, Glycerin, Alpha-arbutin, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Caprylyl glycol, Squalane, Phospholipids, Glycine soja (soybean) oil, Carbomer, Polysorbate 60, Sodium phytate, Glycolipids, Sorbitan isostearate, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Sodium hydroxide, Glycine soja (soybean) sterols, Hyaluronic acid, Tocopherol.

Performance: Now coming to the most important part, did it deliver? Yes, it did. I am writing this review after using it for 6 weeks as recommended and I can see some of my very stubborn dark spots have lightened up significantly. I don’t know if you can see it clearly in the photo, but some of the spots I had were quite prominent but now they have faded at least by 70%. I used to have some red spots around my nose, I can hardly spot them now. I am definitely going to continue to use it. It delivered!

It is very easy to spread on my skin because of its runny consistency. You can use it both at AM and PM. After cleansing, preferably use a hyaluronic acid based product and then after waiting for a minute or so apply the Inkey List Alpha Arbutin Serum. You can apply your moisturizer after this or use you sunscreen as well but just give it some time to fully absorb into your skin. You can skip the moisturizer too because it has squalene in it which also gives the skin the required moisture it needs.

Hope you found this review helpful :)Let me know what you use for hyperpigmentation, in the comments section.

** Disclaimer – This is not a sponsored post.

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Fragrance, Product Review

Zara Fleur d’Oranger EDP| Zara Emotions | Review

Hey Lovely People!! Hope you are enjoying a great summer 🙂

I recently purchased a couple of Zara perfumes during the recent sale. Most of these perfumes are known to be pocket friendly yet good dupes for some very luxury and popular scents. Also, I was quite surprised to find out that Jo Malone collaborated with Zara and created several EDPs under the Zara Emotions and Zara Olfactive range. I did not waste much time and picked up a few based on my testing at the store. Let’s find out if I like them or regret my purchase.

My first purchase was the Zara Fleur d’Oranger from the Zara Emotions range, a collection created by Jo Loves. So, actually Jo Malone, the original creator behind the famous fragrance brand ‘Jo Malone’, sold her company to Estee Lauder long back and after that she came up with a second one named as ‘Jo Loves’. If ‘Jo Malone’ is for more matured customers, ‘Jo Loves’ targets younger ones. I loved Jo Malone’s Wood sage and sea salt eau de cologne(EDC) and I simply knew that I have to buy a few from the Jo Loves X Zara collection for sure because the nose behind both of these brands are the same and I quite liked it.

Price:

The original price for the 90ml EDP version of the Fleur d’Oranger is Rs 1990 in India. I got it at a 50% discount. The UK version retails for 25.99 GBP. They also have it in a travel size(40 ml). While writing this review I could not find it available in the Zara India website but it was available in the store. In India I don’t see any other ecommerce websites selling Zara perfumes. You will have to get it either directly from the Zara website or from the store. Also, be mindful that if you are ordering it from the Zara website they charge a shipping charge of around Rs 290 unless you are purchasing full priced items and the total cost of your purchase exceeds Rs 2999.

Description:

As Jo Malone notes, “Royal and regal moments should always be celebrated with orange blossom.” This is the motivation behind this creation. The fragrance reveals notes of orange blossom, neroli and ylang-ylang.

My Take on the Zara X Jo Loves Fleur d’Oranger EDP:

Packaging: The packaging is very minimalistic and classy, quite similar vibe that we get from Jo Malone’s original packaging. It has textured white outer packaging with a white simple box. Within the box, you will find a transparent glass bottle with a black cap. It reminds me of Jo Malone Cologne bottles but the packaging is understandably more minimalistic.

Ingredients: ALCOHOL DENAT. · AQUA · PARFUM · LINALOOL · LIMONENE · HYDROXYCITRONELLAL · GERANIOL · CITRONELLOL · BHT · CITRAL · BENZYL ALCOHOL · BENZYL BENZOATE · FARNESOL

It is made in Spain with a 5 years expiry date. For a 90 ml bottle this will go a long way and quite a pocket friendly option.

Fragrance: Now coming to the most interesting part. So, before buying the Zara Fleur d’Oranger EDP I saw in some Youtube videos that this is quite similar to Jo Malone Orange Blossom which is quite popular among the British Royals. Now I haven’t tried the original Jo Malone Orange Blossom but given that the nose behind these two are the same, I believe they must at least have some similarity.

Leaving the comparison part, if I evaluate this fragrance on its own, I quite liked the opening. It’s bright, citrusy, floral and clean smelling. It is more neroli and less orange. There is not much mystery to it, very linear and perfect for wearing in summer. You can spray it on after bath or wear it in the gym because of its very fresh and clean smell. It is not overpowering at all. Nobody is going to be bothered in your presence after wearing this. The dry down is simply soapy. If you like soapy smell, you are good. If you don’t like it, then it may be headache inducing after a while. The first 30 minutes can feel too much but after that its intensity goes down sharply. Perfumes obviously are very personal and what works for me may not work for anyone else. So, that’s why I am trying to be as objective as possible.

Performance: Its staying power is slightly better than Jo Malone’s colognes which stays on for only 1-2 hours. This one I would say lasts for 3-4 hours on my skin. Surprisingly it stayed longer in my clothes. I could smell it till the next day.

Did I like it? I expected a bit more citrusy punch but I still liked the opening. However, I am not too fond of the soapy smell. The first time I sprayed it on it felt unbearable and I had to spray some other perfumes to overshadow it. Now, I am quite used to it and I have figured the right amount to spray so that it does not bother my nose to much. I don’t think I am going to repurchase it. If I had to score it, I would give it a 3 out of 5.

Hope you found this review helpful 🙂 Let me know your views in the comments section.

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Favorites, Makeup, Product Review

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder (Medium) – Review

I have never been a powder person. I am talking about any type of powder here like talcum powder or setting powder or loose powder. However, the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder has changed my view. It’s been a life-saver for an oily skin girl in a super humid weather. I have used the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Setting Spray previously and has been in love with it. The Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder didn’t disappoint either, in fact it surpassed my expectation.

Price

The 8 gm product retails for Rs 4300 on Nykaa website. I know it is too pricey. They also have a mini version which costs around Rs 2500. They have a refillable version too available on their brand website but I don’t think they have launched it in India yet.

Product Description

A super-finely milled powder that feels like cashmere on your skin, blurring the look of lines and imperfections for a soft focus-finish. Sweet almond oil and rose wax help to promote smoothness and moisture of the skin. Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder features nourishing ingredients to prevent excess shine and brighten the look of your complexion. It gives your skin a long-lasting, soft-focus airbrushed looking finish. You can use the powder on its own to mattify oily areas or on top of your concealer and foundation to set and perfect.

Supercharged Ingredients:- Rose Wax (Rosa multiflora flower wax): Extracted from the flowers of the Multiflora Rose, the wax helps to nourish and moisturise the skin.– Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil: A vegetable oil containing oleic acid, with softening and moisturising properties.– Light-reflecting Pearls: Pearlescent pigments diffuse light at it hits your face in such a way that it helps to luminate the complexion.

Ingredients

Talc, Mica, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Dimethicone, Silica, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Zinc Stearate, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pei-10, Propylene Glycol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Rosa Multiflora Flower Wax, Tetrasodium Edta, Water, Dimethiconol, Tilia Cordata Flower Extract (Tilia Cordata Extract), Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, [May Contain/Peut Contenir (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499)].

How to Use

Using the Powder & Sculpt Brush, apply Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder around the nose, T-zone and any other oily areas that need to be mattified. This can be used on top of any Concealer or any Foundations to set them.

My Take on the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Powder

Packaging – This powder comes in a beautiful rose gold metallic case with a mirror and the CT logo. It is very lightweight but the downside is that it does not contain any applicator/sponge. This felt really inconvenient to me. Often I forget to carry a separate brush for the setting powder while travelling. I think for a high-end product at this price point, this is a let down. Also, I noticed the outer side of the compact is very prone to attract finger prints which makes it look very messy sometimes.

Texture – The texture of the powder is silky smooth. It is definitely very fine milled as claimed by Charlotte herself. It spreads like a dream on the face and honestly I never really feel that I applied powder on my face. It gives a matt finish but does not make the skin look dry at all. Since I have oily skin, I have noticed that after an hour or so my face looks dewy with a subtle glow and I absolutely love that. It gives my skin that healthy natural glow and also keeps my makeup underneath it totally as it is.

Does it do the job? yes and it is amazing at it. Here are the Pros of Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder

  • The powder blends like a dream. It is finely milled and the texture feels silky smooth.
  • It sets the makeup instantly and keeps it that way for 5-6 hours.
  • Although it mattifies the skin at the beginning but after a while it leaves a beautiful radiant glow to the face once it blends with the natural oil of our face. However, it does not look greasy or oily at all. More like a soft dewy finish with a healthy glow.
  • Hides the pores around my nose. Does not crease. Does not make my makeup appear cakey.

Are their any Cons? Unfortunately yes but still I will give this product a 8.5 out of 10 and I am definitely going to repurchase it.

  • It is quite expensive.
  • It does not have any applicator. Disappointed 😦
  • They have only 4 shades – Fair/Medium/Tan/Deep. I think for average Indian skin tone, the fair one is too fair. I purchased the medium and it is somewhat a neutral shade. I think they can introduce a few more other shades like their other product ranges.
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Favorites, Product Review, Skincare

The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10% – Botox in a Bottle?

I came across the Ordinary Argireline Solution 10% on an Youtube shorts almost a year ago. The video claimed this product to be ‘botox in a bottle’. I immediately got intrigued and started digging a bit more. I watched a couple of more videos from the skincare experts whom I have started trusting over the years and also did a bit of independent research to understand this ingredient well. According to various articles that I have gone through, Argireline is a synthetic peptide that has several different potential wrinkle-fighting and anti-aging effects. It is claimed that, similar to Botox, Argireline prevents the muscle movement that leads to wrinkle formation. So, it can be effective for areas where we usually see repetitive muscle movements such as the forehead and around the eyes. Since Argireline also boosts the function of collagen, it helps to fight fine lines and improve overall moisture levels in the skin.

Product Description

It is supposed to be the part 2 of the skincare regime as suggested by the brand itself. It is formulated to treat dynamic lines, signs of ageing, crow’s feet.

Argireline Solution 10% offers an advanced formula targeting dynamic forehead, “eleven eye”, and smile lines in an effective, “non-injective” way. By incorporating a high concentration of Argireline™ , this lightweight serum improves the appearance of facial areas prone to deep-set lines, resulting in smoother, more relaxed skin.

Use the solution, daily, on the forehead and around the eyes, before moisturisers, in AM and PM routine.  

Patch Testing is highly recommended. Discontinue using, if any sensitisation or irritation persists and approach a Dermatologist. It is free from Alcohol, Animal Testing process, Esters, Oils, Gluten, Nuts and Silicone.

Ingredients List

Aqua (Water), Propanediol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Gellan Gum, Sodium Chloride, Isoceteth-20, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.

Key Ingredient – Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Where to buy it in India

I couldn’t find it available on the Nykaa website which usually retails all the Ordinary products in India. So, I ordered it from Styledotty.com. They basically sell a lot of beauty products from UK/US/Canada to Indian customers. That’s why the price is in a higher range compared to other Ordinary products available in India. This 30 ml bottle costs Rs 1650 on their website. It came with a ‘use before 12 months’ tag. The shipping is free for first time customers and you can look out for some offers they give from time to time. In the official Ordinary website it retails for EUR 10.10.

My Take on The Ordinary 10% Argireline Serum:

What is it ? This serum has a lightweight watery consistency with Argireline™ Peptide complex which is known to be a proprietary solution of Acetyl hexapeptide-8. Peptides are amino acids which are known to be the building blocks of essential proteins for our skin like collagen and elastin. I have come across a lot of multi-peptide serums offered by the prominent skincare brands but Argireline solution provides more targeted solution for dynamic lines/wrinkles among all other peptides. It mimics the impact of botox by limiting the movement of facial muscles around eyes or laugh lines. However, what I have understood from my research and after using this product that we should not expect a very significant impact similar to botox because it is after all a non-injectable solution and there is no solid proof that it penetrates the deepest levels of our skin like what botox does. Hence, it may not have a very long lasting impact too.

Who is it for? If you are someone into preventive skincare and not yet sure about doing botox or any other cosmetic procedure then you can give this serum a try for overall smoothing effect on your soft wrinkles. Also, I personally felt that this serum boosts the moisture level of the skincare other than its wrinkle smoothing properties. So, if you have dry skin, this will give you a plumper skin.

Did it work on me? So, let me say first that both me and my mother used it. My mother is in her late 50s and me in my early 30s. The impact was different for both of us. I thankfully still don’t have crow’s feet or prominent lines on my forehead yet. Also, from all the reviews that I read and from the brand’s own description, I understood that this serum should be used only on the targeted areas and not on full face. So, I applied it only on my forehead, around my eyes and on the laugh lines. I used it for 6 months and I am still using it. I cannot claim that I saw any conspicuous effect of limitation of muscle contraction around the areas I used it. I deliberately tried to frown a couple of times 😀 after I used this serum and I actually could do it :p. However, this is also true that I did not see any new wrinkle/fine lines appearing on my skin in the last six months and the area around my eye look super tight. Due to working long hours in front of screens, I was noticing that my under-eye area was looking very dull and dehydrated. After using the Argireline solution, it looks so much better now. So, from a preventive skincare point of view, I am going to continue to use it.

Now, coming to its impact on my mother’s skin, it actually did not do much as we hoped for. She obviously has deeper permanent lines around her eyes and on forehead and neither she nor me saw any improvement whatsoever in terms of smoothening those lines. However, she has dry skin and she felt that this serum gives her skin a glowing, hydrated and youthful effect. She uses it on her entire face.

We did not experience any allergic reaction, still I would recommend everyone to do a patch test before using it. I used it after I cleansed my skin with the Neutrogena hydro boost cleanser and sealed it with the Neutrogena Hydro Boost water gel moisturizer. The Ordinary Argireline 10% serum works well with other peptide serums like The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA (I did not try this combination though).

Hope you found this review useful. Let me know in the comments section, if you have used the Ordinary Argireline 10% serum.

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Product Review, Skincare

Sadhev Aloe vera and Saffron Gel Review

My recent inclination towards Natural or Ayurvedic beauty products made me discover an Indian luxury Ayurvedic brand from the majestic land of Kerala. Sadhev was launched in 2019. In their own words, all their products are “infused with precious insights from traditional Ayurveda, delicately blended with pure ingredients, sourced responsibly and carefully from Sadhev’s own 80-acre sustainably grown organic sanctuary- Sadhevana in South India.”

Sadhev offers an exciting range of Face care, Hair care and body care products. The most amazing part is that all their products are “natural, vegan, cruelty-free, plant-based, free from petrochemicals, parabens, phthalates, sulphates, synthetic colours, artificial fragrances, additives and other synthetic substances.” They source most of their natural ingredients either from their own 100% organic firm or in a sustainable way from other exotic locations. Their packaging is made in a way to preserve the bio potency of the ingredients.

In this post, I will review Sadhev’s Aloe Vera and Saffron Gel with Kumkumadi Tailam.

Price

Sadhev Aloe Vera and Saffron gel with Kumkumadi Tailam comes in 3 sizes. The 15 gm tub costs Rs 375, the 50gm tub costs Rs 1100 and the 100 gm one costs Rs 1950. I bought the trial version of 15gm at first. The pricing of course put the product in a luxury brand category for the Indian market but if you really want great quality chemical-free products for your skin, then this price makes sense. Also, they are sometimes on a 5-10% discount on the Nykaa website. So, you can buy it from there as well. Another option is to buy a refill pack of 100gm which costs Rs 1650. This is again a thoughtful attempt towards sustainability.

Description

I got to know from Sadhev’s website that they came up with the aloe vera and saffron gel after getting inspired by Mughal empress Nur Jahan’s secret rich beauty ingredients like Saffron and the Green Aloe Vera that grew in her royal gardens.

My Take on the Sadhev Aloe Vera and Saffron Gel

Ingredients

I love using aloe vera gel all year round. One of my favourite Aloe Vera gel is from Tony Moly. Primarily in summer I sometimes use only aloe vera gel as a moisturizer and don’t put anything else on my face. It contains vitamins C and E and is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It works for all skin types. Sadhev’s product has added a nice twist to the otherwise popular aloe gel by adding saffron sourced from the valley of Kashmir. Saffron contains an active compound known as Crocin which has antioxidant properties. It protects against UVA rays and fights inflammation/redness of the skin. The most amazing thing is that I could actually see the saffron strings in this product.

They have added ‘Kumkumadi Tailam’ which is basically saffron oil. It used to be this miraculous elixir in the Indian mythological scripts describing the skincare routines of the queens. This is known for healing wounds. However, as per recent studies, for oily/combination/sensitive skin people, this oil may cause acne. They use 50mg of Kumkumadi Tailam in each 10 gm of their product. In my personal experience, I did not find this product to be greasy at all and it did not cause me any breakout.

This product use preservatives like undecylenoyl glycine, capryloyl glycine and benzoic acid. It also contains perfum and natural oil in their base.

Texture

It has a light and airy formulation. You can compare the texture to widely popular gel-based moisturizers like Clinique Moisture Surge or Neutrogena Hydroboost Water Gel. I can easily use it in hot and humid weather. It does not make my skin oily but I don’t go all out as I do for my other aloe vera gels. I treat it like a face moisturizer and just put 4 dots around my face, partly because it is quite expensive and partly because it contains saffron oil.

Did I notice any benefits?

Yes I did. The texture of my skin became super smooth and soft after using this. Also, it gave my skin a very radiant glow which I usually notice only when I use Niacinamide based serums. I do not have any acne at the moment. So I can’t comment anything on its acne healing properties but it definitely did not cause me any breakout. So far I have only used it in summer and it kept my skin hydrated throughout the day. I usually spray the Kama Ayurveda Rose toner on top of it and it keeps the moisture locked.

What I did not Like

One thing that bothered me was that they use perfum/fragrance. Saffron already has a very distinctive smell, so, I don’t understand the need for using additional fragrance even if it is natural fragrance derived from essential oils. The perfum did bother my sensitive nose. This is why I don’t use it before bed because strong scent troubles my sleep. Also, both artificial and natural fragrance can be drying for skin and may cause irritation in the long run.

Overall I liked the Sadhev Aloe Vera and Saffron Gel for its efficacy but I did not like the fact that they use ‘perfum’ in their natural base.

Hope you found this review helpful. If you have used this product, please let me know what you liked or disliked in the comments section.

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Fragrance, Product Review

Elizabeth Arden White Tea Mandarin Blossom EDT Spray- Review

Hello! Thanks for dropping by.

Today I want to share my review on the Elizabeth Arden White Tea Mandarin Blossom EDT Spray. The Elizabeth Arden White Tea EDT was actually my first fragrance purchase after I got my first job. So, this is going to be always special. Also, I think when we reminisce, we tend to associate specific scents to particular phases of our lives. Whenever I spray this EDT it reminds me of my initial days of figuring out my life away from my family in an unknown city. At that time I could only afford the 30ml of the Classic White Tea version and I used it quite sparingly. Recently, I purchased the White Tea Mandarin Blossom EDT and this review will talk about that only.

Price :

This EDT is available in Shoppers Stop, Sephora and across various online stores like Tata Cliq, Nykaa or Myntra. The 100 ml version of the White Tea Mandarin Blossom retails for Rs 4800 which is quite affordable if you compare it to other luxury brands. One thing I should mention that they have their original classic White Tea EDT spray along with White Tea Mandarin Blossom, White Tea Ginger Lily etc. There is some difference in pricing for different ranges but not a lot. They have 30ml, 50 ml and 100 ml bottles but I found the 30 ml and 50 ml versions out of stock.

Description:

White Tea Mandarin Blossom evokes an air of festivity. The sparkling pleasure of an ocean mist on warm skin. The tangy sweetness of budding orange poised against the sharp crispiness of the Mediterranean Sea. Warm elegance with an airy freshness. A vibrant floral fragrance with a burst of radiant orange that evokes an air of festivity.

The top notes (the first impression of the fragrance) are mandarin, bergamot, lemon and exotic fruits. The heart notes (the main signature of the fragrance) are orange flowers, jasmine, neroli and white tea. Finally the base notes (longest lasting note) are cedarwood, luminous musks, Osmanthus and Ambrox.

It has a 60 months expiry date from the date of manufacturing.

A little background on the types of perfumes available on Market:

I think a lot of us actually do not know much about the differences between EDT and EDP or what is a cologne vs perfume.

The strength of a fragrance is dependent on the amount of perfume oil that is used. The more oil in in, the stronger the scent and the longer it will last. Understanding the difference between these strengths can help us to choose the right perfume or aftershave.

Eau De Cologne (EDC) uses only around 2-4% of essential perfume oil. So their staying power is 2-3 hours maximum. They have a very light yet fresh fragrance, perfect for summer or if you are going to a gym. Generally EDCs are unisex. The Eau de toilette (EDT) is more concentrated, containing around 5-15% essential perfume oil. Fragrances labelled as EDT will usually last around 3-6 hours but of course it depends on the quantity of perfume sprayed. On the other hand, Eau De Parfum(EDP) usually has around 10-20% perfume oil and so they can last up to 8 hours. EDPs are perfect for office wear. Finally, the ‘perfume’ is the most powerful amongst all with highest level of concentration and usually they are the most expensive ones. These are suitable for the most precious moments.

My Take on the Elizabeth Arden White Tea Mandarin Blossom EDT Spray:

Elizabeth Arden is an American Brand and popular for its makeup and fragrance line. The packaging of the EDT spray is very minimalistic yet elegant. the outer packaging comes in a white textured paper box with mandarin orange blossoms illustrations. The bottle is a simple white glass spray bottle with a square white lid.

Coming to the fragrance profile, as I mentioned earlier I purchased their original White Tea EDT spray and it had a very clean, feminine and subtle floral fragrance. However, on the first spray of the White Tea Mandarin Blossoms, I could identify a strong citrusy smell. It has this zingy vibe to it owing to mandarin orange blossoms that awakens my senses. It is definitely not too overpowering but not so subtle either. If I have to classify the fragrance category, I would say it is a mix of fruity and floral, perfect for an evening wear. It is definitely feminine, fun and fresh. As it dies down, it leaves a warm musky scent with a hint of fruity freshness. One good thing is that it has pretty decent lasting power of 5-6 hours.

Overall, I loved this EDT spray for its value for money and its fun, fresh notes accompanied with good lasting power. If you have tried the Elizabeth Arden White Tea EDT Spray, please share your experience in the comments section.

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Fragrance, Product Review

YSL Libre Intense Eau De Parfum – Review

Hello! Thank you for dropping by.

Recently, I received the Yves Saint Laurent Libre Intense Eau De Parfum as a gift. Since the time I received the shipping notification, I was waiting with so much excitement to get my hands on it. I have heard so much good things about it. Now, I also need to mention that the YSL libre range actually comes in three variants – the YSL Libre (EDP), the YSL Libre Intense (EDP) and the YSL Libre Le Parfum. The one that I got as a gift was the YSL Libre Intense EDP. So, here is my quick review on the YSL Libre Intense Eau De Parfum.

Price

YSL is a luxury french brand known for its exquisite fragrance line. The YSL Libre Intense EDP comes in two sizes. The 50 ml bottle costs INR 7900 and the 100 ml bottle costs INR 9900 on the Nykaa website. On the other hand, the YSL Libre EDP comes in 4 variants with a slightly less expensive price range and the YSL Libre Le Parfum comes in 3 variants with the highest price range.

Description

This is how YSL describes their Libre intense EDP, “A fragrance like a shout of freedom, the freedom to live everything with excess“. This fragrance is a twist to the their original Libre EDP in a more sensual and magnetic way. It contains signature notes of lavender essence from France and Moroccan orange blossom combined with glowing orchid and warm vanilla to push this perfume to the extreme. YSL’s vanilla is sustainably sourced from Madagascar.

My Take on the YSL Libre Intense EDP

First of all, I was blown away with the packaging. It feels like you are holding a work of exquisite art in your hand. The glass bottle has a sharp silhouette with embellished YSL logo in golden metallic design. The fiery gold color of the fragrance compliments the packaging of the bottle and takes it to a next level. It is one of those bottles which I am going to find really hard to discard once I finish this.

It is well known that French fragrances are a class apart. This YSL EDP is not an exception. If somebody asks me to describe the fragrance profile of this EDP, I would use three words Bold, Sensual and Magnetic. When I first sprayed it on me, I was actually quite disappointed. It seemed too strong and overpowering for my taste. The dual impact of the orange blossom and bergamot were very hard-hitting to my nose. However, after half an hour or so I met a friend and her exact words were ‘Wow, you smell amazing!’ and instantly I smelt my pulse points again and I was awestruck. The magic was in its drying down. It smelt like sensuous warm vanilla with a captivating floral punch to it owing to the dried up orange blossom, lavender and orchid accord. It is super addictive. For the entire evening my mind was captured by this scent. Also, kudos to its longevity. I could literally smell it the next morning as well.

It has become one of my favourite scents of all time. I am not sure if it is a unisex fragrance. It is somewhere in between earthy masculine and bold feminine. I find it is more suitable for an evening wear or for Winter. In Indian Summer, I will recommend to stay away from it as it may seem a bit too strong. I am usually inclined to more subtle and airy fragrance. However, Liber Intense EDP definitely stretched my boundary. It offers a powerful mix of confidence, luxury and magnetism. It will make your presence felt. It has a more matured vibe compared to airy, fresh feminine scents.

If you are planning to buy the YSL Libre Intense EDP, I will say go for it. You are not going to regret it. Just keep in mind that that less is more and wait for it till it dries down.

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Fragrance, Product Review

Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne -Review

Based on a friend’s rave recommendation I recently purchased the Wood Sage and Sea Salt cologne from Jo Malone and I must say I couldn’t agree more with her. This cologne has become my absolute favourite and I also gifted one to my mom on Mother’s Day. In India, I found Jo Malone only on Nykaa. So, let’s get into my honest opinion on this cologne.

Price and Quantity:

The Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne comes in 4 sizes, 9 ml, 30 ml, 50 ml and 100 ml. They cost Rs 1750, Rs 5500, Rs 6600 and Rs 10800 respectively. I bought it from Nykaa. I did not find it on any other website or offline stores. Nykaa has a good policy for first-time buyers of this cologne so that you can try the mini version first and then go for the full-size version at a discount. I purchased the 9 ml bottle for Rs 1750 and when I bought the 100 ml bottle I got the Rs 1750 discount along with a few free sample-size vials of their other colognes.

Description:

Escape the everyday along the windswept shore. Waves breaking white, the air fresh with sea salt and spray. Alive with the mineral scent of the rugged cliffs. Mingling with the woody earthiness of sage. Lively, spirited and totally joyful.

Top Note of this cologne is Ambrette Seeds. Their textural quality wraps the fragrance with an aura of sophistication. Heart Note is Sea Salt. The crunchy nature of sea salt brings both texture and a sense of freshness. Base Note is Sage. Woody with earthy, aromatic tones that bring a natural depth.

A little background on the types of perfumes available on Market:

I think a lot of us actually do not know much about the differences between EDT and EDP or what is a cologne vs perfume.

The strength of a fragrance is dependent on the amount of perfume oil that is used. The more oil in in, the stronger the scent and the longer it will last. Understanding the difference between these strengths can help us to choose the right perfume or aftershave.

Eau De Cologne (EDC) uses only around 2-4% of essential perfume oil. So their staying power is 2-3 hours maximum. They have a very light yet fresh fragrance, perfect for summer or if you are going to a gym. Generally EDCs are unisex. The Eau de toilette (EDT) is more concentrated, containing around 5-15% essential perfume oil. Fragrances labelled as EDT will usually last around 3-6 hours but of course it depends on the quantity of perfume sprayed. On the other hand, Eau De Parfum(EDP) usually has around 10-20% perfume oil and so they can last up to 8 hours. EDPs are perfect for office wear. Finally, the ‘perfume’ is the most powerful amongst all with highest level of concentration and usually they are the most expensive ones. These are suitable for the most precious moments.

My take on the Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne:

Jo Malone is a luxury British brand known for their colognes, candles and bath and body products. Interestingly all their fragrances are actually colognes. They do not sell EDTs or EDPS. I read that although their products are all Eau de Colognes, the percentage of perfume oil is somewhere in between EDT and EDPs. However, after using it I beg to disagree with this information. More on this later. I got a some sample vials of their other EDCs too and I felt their fragrance profile is very unique and delicate. Something which is very fresh and airy and uplifts your mood instantly. They have the potential to be your signature scent. They have body-creams, body and handwashes based on each of their fragrance profiles so that we can layer them up to have a long lasting impact.

Their packaging is very classy and minimalistic. All the EDCs have silver metallic cap with a transparent glass body. Only the ‘intense’ variation of their colognes come in a black or dark chocolate bottles. The outer packaging has their signature cream and black box, tied with a black luxurious ribbon.

Now coming to the Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne, the fragrance will instantly make you feel that you have entered a five-star hotel or a luxurious spa. It is probably the most unique, distinctively refreshing and airy cologne among all other colognes by Jo Malone. It is sexy yet not overpowering, delicate yet not too floral. If you find musky scents too masculine and floral scents to be too feminine, then this Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne has got the perfect balance. This makes it a perfect unisex cologne. I can wear it anywhere both at the daytime or at night. It is perfect for office wear as well as for a date night.

Now coming to the main problem with this cologne is that it does not stay for more than an hour or two. That’s really embarrassing. Before buying the 100 ml version, I bought the mini version and I was so mesmerized with the scent, I totally ignored its absolutely ridiculous staying power. After spending almost 10K(INR) on it, I definitely felt I didn’t get bang for my buck. So, basically I need to reapply it when I am out. One advice I got that if I layer the cologne with shower gel or moisturizer from similar fragrance profile, it will hold the scent longer. Now, Jo Malone’s body wash and body creams again are very pricey. So, I try to use sea salt based moisturizer from other pocket friendly brands.

Still, I would say I really loved this scent. This subtle marine vibe to the scent totally frees my spirit and instantly gives me a mood boost. I would be absolutely thrilled if Jo Malone comes up with EDTs or EDPs with better staying power.

If you have tried this cologne, please let me know your views.

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Product Review, Skincare

Kama Ayurveda Pure Rose Water – Review

When it comes to ‘Made in India’ pure Ayurvedic skincare products, Kama Ayurveda definitely tops the chart. Their products are all about authentic Ayurvedic formulations without harmful chemicals. Their brand prioritises long-term efficacy and wellness over short-term temporary results that can harm the skin.

I am in that phase of trying out many balanced natural skincare products without any harmful chemicals. Many Indian semi-luxury brands are doing a great job at creating this perfect solution for customers like us. On that note, I recently reviewed the Pahadi Local Rose Oil which I think is a hidden gem. If you haven’t already, please check that review. While looking for face mists to tackle the Indian summer, I picked up the Kama Ayurveda Rose water and here is my quick review of that.

Price and Quantity: The Kama Ayurveda Rose water comes in two variants – 50 ml and 200 ml. Price of the 50 ml bottle is Rs 495 and the 200 ml bottle comes for Rs 1445. I know it isn’t exactly pocket-friendly but sometimes good things come at a price 😀

Product Description (As per the brand website): “Our natural Rose water is made from the roses of Kannauj – a region in North India rich in white soil conducive to roses’ growth. The Kannauj Rose is considered special due to its similarity to the Bulgarian Rose. Its aroma is rich, floral, and emotionally uplifting. The steam distillation process used to create this Rose water toner ensures a high level of hygiene and unmatched purity.”

Kama Ayurveda Rose Water Review

Packaging: The rose water comes in a dark brown plastic spray bottle with a transparent plastic cap. It is very easy to carry while I am travelling or going to the office. Interestingly, this bottle does not come with any outer paper/cardboard packaging. I would say that is quite an environment-friendly choice.

My take on the Kama Ayurveda Rose water:

  • First of all, rose water itself is a versatile product. We can use it as a toner/face-mist/cleanser/make-up remover etc. Even sometimes when I am making some DIY face masks I use rose water instead of plain water. Now this Kama Ayurveda rose water does not have any overpowering smell which I noticed in the other rose-water brands available in the market. It has a very calming yet refreshing effect on my skin. I simply spray it 3-4 times from slightly at a distance and let it get absorbed on its own or sometimes I put gentle and quick pressure with my fingertips.
  • In India, this product is a perfect solution when the heat touches the roof, for a quick rejuvenation. When I wake up in the morning, after cleaning my face, I spray this rose water and then simply put the sunscreen in the summer. This Rose water acts as a natural astringent. It balances the skin’s pH and moisture level and helps to reduce any sort of inflammation. Even when I am going out for the office I just use this rose water as a primer and do some quick touch-ups. This product claims to effectively tighten pores. I haven’t noticed any big difference in my pores. However, since it is an alcohol-free toner, it works great for oily or acne-prone skin.
  • This product did not give me any sort of irritation. It stayed true to its promise of pure Ayurvedic formula. It makes my skin look hydrated and glowing with just a few spritzes.

Overall, I really liked this rose water cum toner from Kama Ayurveda. I know it is a bit pricey but it is top quality. Let me know in the comments section if you have found any good natural rose water brand which can give tough competition to this.

Have a nice day 🙂

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