I received the March my envy box 2 weeks back. Sorry for the delayed post but life has been really busy. I had paid in February end but received the box mid March. I will not pay before the 15th of the month now.

This time it was a white box. I like the packaging... so much better than the cheap pouches of Fabbag.

This is what it included:

A Narciso Rodriguez perfume sample. There are 2 postcards with a sticker of the perfume. You have to peel off the sticker and rub it where ever the perfume needs to be applied. Weird!!! It took me time to figure out. I prefer a sample size of the perfume instead. This is too cheap.

Rene Furterer color enhancing conditioner. Feb box had a shampoo and this one has a conditioner. The card mentions shampoo though. This is a premium brand by Modi Revlon and sold in salons. The conditioner is pretty decent and the sample will last atleast 5-10 uses.

Eau Thermale Avene sunscreen with SPF50. A much needed product now that summer has started here. I haven't opened it yet but it has water like consistency which is quite good considering the high SPF.

Eminence Organics moisturizer. I have used this a few times, the consistency is very thick but it is recommended that it be emulsified with a little water to make it lighter in texture. There is a slight fragrance of cherry which is not over-powering. Feb box had a chocolate mask. I am liking this brand... I guess, for THAT price the products have to be good.

Innisfree pore clay mask. I came across Innisfree store at Khan Market and they have some good products. I wanted to try out their mask, pot rouge, nail paints (Rs 300) and maybe a shower gel but there was no time. Next time... I am glad Envy Box has sent samples of this. This product caught my eye at the store.

Except for the perfume, I am happy with other samples and will definitely purchase the April box.

After reading many reviews I subscribed for the 'Envy Box'. It is the same concept as Vellvette/Fabbag but at Rs 850 and the brands are more premium.

I received it in 2 days... awesome.

The products came in a nice box with a magnetic lid.

This is what I received:
- Givenchy Dahlia Noir perfume 1 ml (full size- Rs 4745 for 50 ml)
- Givenchy Gentlemen only perfume 1 ml (full size- Rs 4110 for 50 ml)
- Forest Essentials rose petal lip balm 5 gm (Rs 595)
- Thalgo collagen cream 2 bottles of 2 ml each (full size Rs 2400 for 50 ml)
- Rene Furterer shampoo 15 ml (full size- Rs 1320 for 150 ml)
- Eminence Organics chocolate mousse mask (full size- Rs 4393 for 60 ml)

Overall, I really like it... luxury brands... good sample sizes... well packed... a premium look and feel (which fab bag has clearly lost).
I am going to subscribe it every month.

I have been gone a long time but it has been busy... with my gym/jogging/dance sessions, work and family, I rarely get time. There are a few empties I have been saving up for reviews and finally I am going to blog about them.
I have stopped buying the Vellvette/Fab bag. Instead, I read reviews of the bags and then decide if I want to buy one.
Last month I received a mail from fab bag team with an offer- I could pick a shade of nail paint of LA Splash in the bag. There were some nice glitter shades and I decided to buy the bag. I ordered for sparkling rose which is a pink glitter shade. The bag arrived with another shade altogether... and I was pissed. The only reason I ordered the bag was the nail paint. On complaining the correct shade was sent but it took its own sweet time and the response from the team was not serious. I am surprised that IIM grads can screw so bad. The quality of service has definitely fallen.
Anyway, here is the bag and the products:

A lot of bloggers have liked this bag. I don't know why... the quality is bag. The previous bags were of a softer material while this one is very rough.

And this is what the bag contained. I received the glitter nail paint later ...

Kama Ayurveda Lavender hair conditioner: I have been using this for the last 2 weeks and I like it. It does its job... and smells quite nice.

Anna Andre nail polish remover: This was the bonus product in my bag. It is ok... nothing great. The Colorbar nail polish remover is so much better. Why is the team sending products worth Rs 79 is beyond me. They might as well send across Lakme nail polish remover.

LA Splash nail paint Blowfish Violet and Sparkling Rose: The nail paints are ok kinds. They take a lot of time to dry and chip within 2-3 days.

MUA lipstick and gloss: I have not yet opened this.

I am not too happy with the bag and its contents. I am not sure it is worth the 500 bucks I spent. 

I just received my Vellvette box and am very happy with their delivery timeline this month.

It is a navy blue bag this time which contains the following:
- Full size products of Vantiv lemon shower gel- MRP Rs 214 for 180 ml
- Full size Vantiv moisturising shampoo- MRP Rs 187 for 250 ml
- Florelle wet and dry blush - MRP Rs 750
- Origins make a difference rejuvenating treatment lotion - MRP Rs 2000 for 150 ml

I have mixed feelings about the bag. I like the navy blue bag which will come handy. The shampoo and body lotion are manufactured by some company in Dehradun. Isn't the bag supposed to contain only 'premium' products?
I could not find any reviews for the Florelle blush online.
Thankfully, for Origins I did find reviews but the it is just a sample size. Don't know how long it will last.

I am wondering if the bag is worth the 500 bucks I am paying.

I don't understand how other bloggers can rave and appreciate these products. It has become a fad without actually evaluating anything.

Where have the Clarins, Clinique, Dior products gone? 

I don't use any Lush products loyally... I just buy them to add some zing to my daily routine. I think the products are too expensive to be part of my regular regime.
I purchased the beer shampoo few months back. Right now, beer is the new trend. I think it was sparked by Park Avenue's beer shampoo.
Anyway, I bought the beer shampoo. It costs Rs 530 for 100 gm.

Picture taken from the internet.

The shampoo is light brown in color and smells of beer (???). I have not smelled beer in a long time so I am not sure. It has a weird smell which stays on the hair all day. I don't mind it so much but everyone may not like it. A little shampoo makes my hair squeaky clean and moisturised. I still need a conditioner but I can skip it once in a while. The best part is it adds shine to my hair. 

I will not re-purchase it 'coz of the price. It is like a regular shampoo.... nothing extra ordinary. 

I got my Vellvette box today... or should I call it bag?
This is my favourite box. Absolute favourite. The products fit me to a 'T'.

The products are packed in a fuchsia pink pouch. I love the funky pouch and will be carrying my daily make up in it.

Unveiling the products:
- LA Splash eye liner. It is black with small blue glitter
- Toni and Guy curl smoothing shampoo: I have permed my hair recently and this product is much appreciated for my curly hair
- Just Herbs Acne treatment kit: There is a face wash and 2 different face packs. My skin is going through major trauma due to the rains and I face a new pimple everyday... mostly, in the most obvious places.

Love this one. 

I was at My My store in A'bad yesterday and ended up buying some products (apart from Lingerie).

Left to Right:

• Victoria's Secret Coconut Passion body Lotion: MRP Rs 680 for 250 ml. It is pricey but I have used it earlier. It was part of my Vellvette box in Oct'12. Link here. I loved the body lotion then and decided to buy it.
• Victoria's Secret Coconut Passion body mist: What I liked about the lotion was that the fragrance lasted so long... that is what made me buy the body mist. Rs 620 for 250 ml.
• Olay Regenerist eye lifting serum: I have been on the lookout for a good eye care product. I hate the lines and darkness under my eyes. Hope this works. Rs 899
• TRESemme curl hydration shampoo: I have been looking for a shampoo for curly/permed hair. Kerastase is too expensive and I cannot afford to buy it since I prefer to wash my hair everyday. I picked up this product. MRP is Rs 1400 for 946 ml. This is not available in India. It is through the grey market. I wish I had picked up the conditioner too. 

I was disappointed with the April Vellvette box and did not post the details here. Everytime they send me a lipstick it is this odd colour. I love bright colours and here they were, sending me boring silver (who wears silver?)... shimmery pink ... etc.

I love May'13 box... it is my favourite.

This month's theme is "organic".
The products:
- Clinique foundation
- Flormar lipstick
- Brocato shampoo
-Brocato treatment

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Foundation
It has 4 sachets of the foundation which is awesome. I will be able to use it 4 times atleast. I have received shade 3 which should match well.
The foundation has SPF 15, fights sun damage and repairs it from within.
I am going to try this tomorrow itself.

Flormar lipstick:
This is a full size product priced at Rs 700. I am so happy with the colour. Finally... something bright. It is very moisturizing and glossy. It feels like butter... and is softer than the Revlon lip butter. I may need to store it in the fridge.

Brocato Shampoo and treatment:
The shampoo and treatment are priced at Rs 375 (sample size) each.
They are sulphates and parabens free.
I am looking forward to trying this tomorrow itself.

Also, I have received a coupon for 15% discount at Nature's Co and and a complimentary spa. I am going to redeem it over the weekend.

I bought this serum few months back and have been using it since.

It is priced at Rs 570 for 75 ml. It is described as- moisturizing, smoothing serum with grapeseed oil. Dull/Frizzy Hair.

My hair ends are frizzy and I picked this up from the store. It has lasted me 3-4 months which is a long time. The first time I applied it I shared the pic with a few school acquaintances who I hadn't met in a few years. They all commented on how shiny my hair looked. This serum does give a shine to the hair but it does not control the frizz. My hair are as frizzy as ever. I have been waiting to finish this so I can use something else.

Thumbs down.

Will I re-purchase? No.

I have so many empty bottles lying around for the past 1 month. Today I have decided to review them and throw away the empties.

Forest Essentials is a brand I have been reading a lot about on beauty blogs. Its not a brand I would have gravitated towards normally since it is expensive and available at exclusive outlets. But the reviews pulled me towards it. The brand has Ayurveda products priced at Rs 500 and above.

I normally try a  face wash or body wash or face mask of a new brand... since my skin is sensitive and I don't like changing my moisturizer.

Forest Essentials has gift packs as well. I decided to pick up one which has 6 bottles of tiny sizes.



Each bottle is 50 ml and priced around 225 bucks. The box cost me 1300 bucks. The last bottle is missing 'coz I threw it away once it was over. It makes for a good gift. You can pick and choose which products you want in the box.

I picked the below:

- Hair conditioner- Rose

- Shower wash- Honey and Vanilla

- Shower wash- Indian Rose

- Shower wash- Jasmine and Mogra

- Facial cleanser- Lemon and Rosemary

- Bath and Shower Oil- Indian Rose

Hair Conditioner- Rose: I don't like floral smells. None of my perfumes have a floral fragrance. I prefer a fruity fragrance. But Ayurveda products are mostly floral based. This conditioner has a strong Rose smell which I liked (surprisingly).



The conditioner is white in color. I applied it after shampoo and..... it made my hair rough. There was no smoothening effect instead they became more entangled.



I was surprised. It is the worse conditioner I have ever used. I checked the reviews online... they were few but all of them positive. The next time I visited the mall I complained to the store. In the evening the SA called me and asked me to pick up something else for free. According to her there was probably some issue in the product. I had already thrown away the bottle by then but did appreciate the gesture.

Shower Gel: Honey and Vanilla. MRP Rs 195. It smells of honey and vanilla. A very strong smell which I like. What I don't like is how mild it is. I need to use more quantity and since it is pricey... it ends up being very expensive. Also, the bottle is not travel friendly.



Shower gel: Indian Rose. MRP 195. It has a strong Rose smell which is very pleasing (I don't generally like the Rose fragrance). It is also very mild.



Shower Gel: Jasmine and Mogra. MRP Rs 195. It has a strong Jasmine fragrance but it is also very mild as a shower gel.





Facial cleanser- Honey, Lemon and Rosewater. MRP Rs 250. It has a Rose fragrance. I like a face cleanser which gives me a squeaky clean feeling.... after washing, my face should feel squeaky clean. This face wash fails to give that. It is also mild and I need to use more quantity to get a clean feeling.



Bath and Shower Oil- Indian Rose. MRP is Rs 340. It can either be added water while bathing or as a moisturizer after bath. I have not tried the latter since my skin is oily. I add it to my bath. A few drops are enough to make the bathroom smell like roses. I love this. It is expensive but will last me quite sometime... maybe a few months since a little is enough.



What I don't like is the packaging. It has a cap which has to be either be removed with nails (it damages my nail paint) or the cap can be discarded or a hole can be made in the plastic, transparent cap. The last 2 options makes it a bad travel pack. The face wash always leaks out when I carry it in my bag.



Pros of Forest Essentials products:

- Ayurvedic... most ingredients are natural

- Paraban free

- No animal testing (I am not very finicky about this... even medicines are animal tested.. it is unavoidable)

- Very strong floral fragrance

- Mild - making it suitable for sensitive skin and people who do not like too many chemicals

Cons

- Expensive

- Mild (I do not like  mild products) making it expensive

- Fragrance may be a problem for those who do not like floral smells

- Conditioner is bad (but don't take my word for it... maybe I got a bad batch or something)

Will I re-purchase?

I may buy the bath and shower oil once it is over but definitely not the others. I will try out the ubtan and other products from the store next time.

And now I can throw away the empties.

Hi. I am back after a loooooonnnnngggg break.

I have been noticing the big hoardings and banners everywhere for Dove hair oil. I wanted to see and buy the product. I wasn't sure about the price and looked for it in the hypermarket. It was nowhere to be seen. I had to ask the promoter to help me find it. Why will a company have visibility outside the store but not at the point of sale? The purchase happens inside the store. This is what the box looks like.



And this is what the bottle looks like. I fell in love. At Rs 185, it did not seem pricey. The hair oil comes in a glass bottle with pump. The best part are the hibiscus petals in the oil. Yep... real petals inside the bottle. How cool is that?





The hair oil has Argan oil and hibiscus. It is non oily/ non sticky. It can be used in 2 ways- apply 30 mins before washing your hair or apply it after washing your hair.

I tried is both ways.

When applied before washing the hair, it makes the hair shiny like regular hair oil without making it sticky. It smells divine- rose with some fruity fragrance. I love the fragrance. While washing I need to use the shampoo only twice to remove it completely. With regular hair oil I have to shampoo 3-4 times. I don't know what kind of benefit it gives... I usually oil my hair once a week to make them less rough.

When applied after washing it makes the hair soft and silky. I love the smell. But, it makes the hair weighed down. I get the oily feeling... like I have applied something. It does not feel as light as a serum. By the end of the day my hair become oily.

I have decided to apply it overnight.

Will I re-purchase? Maybe... after I finish off with Parachute hair oil, Ultra Doux hair oil, Lancome Elixir... but it is not a requirement... it is more of a fad... a want. I don't NEED this product. It does not fulfill any latent need.