Wednesday, December 30, 2015

#OwnThose5Days with New Whisper Ultra Clean: Product Review & Comparison

The Products has been sent by the brand for consideration. Views, Opinions and Conclusions are my own and derived after usage of 6 days. Compensation is received in exchange of the review.



Whisper India has launched a new revolutionary Sanitary napkin last week. You can read details about the event here. I received the product a week before the event though I knew Aunt Flo would not return this month before 24/25th, I waited for her arrival and in anticipation.

What the new Whisper Ultra Clean does?
Protects 5X Better

What has changed?Better Dryness
Longer Lasting Absorption
Better Comfort by softer Top sheet
Faster Absorption
Better Scent

The 5 Unique Features of the New Whisper Ultra Clean:

~ Revolutionary 1000 suction Holes that absorb up to 100% wetness.
~ Magic Gel Crystals that absorbs liquid and locks into gel
~ Odour Lock
~ Extra Long
~ 1 New Whisper Ultra Clean = 5 Regular/Ordinary Pads

Price for New Whisper Ultra Clean: 80 INR for 7 Sanitary Pads.

My first brush with the product was the fragrance; a mild floral scent that instantly takes effect. I have always been an Ultra Girl and Whisper was my saviour during school days when I actively participated in sports. And never in my life, had I faced leakage issues in public. No such Embarrassing moments for me!

And the worth mentioning part, I had NO rashes as the top sheet ensures comfort. And with the New Whisper Ultra Clean, I could carry myself with ease even during those 5 days.
And I am really pleased with them for changing the top sheet. This one is more comfortable and soft on the skin.

My Experience with the New Whisper Ultra Clean:

My first stark address would be about the Top Sheet. The new improved napkin is soft and more comfortable than ever. And the R&D expert was right about the 1000 suction holes since it reduces wetness up to 100%. And yes, I did sense dry/normal feeling with negligible wetness.
The New improved Whisper Ultra Clean is so for the lengthiest napkin, I have used from the Maxi Range. Wings just help the napkin secure itself, and so far it has been an integral part of using a Sanitary Napkin.
About the odour control, New Whisper Ultra Clean locks the odour and the floral fragrance is intact even after hours.

New Whisper Ultra Clean fulfils all the claims they made, discussed and explained us at the event.
To be outright, I never paid heed to minute details with respect to a Sanitary Napkin with slight or major difference until I had to review the New Whisper Ultra Clean. Because, I get rashes no matter what I use.
Though every woman needs something extra, these 5 mentions are basic ideas of a sanitary napkin that meets the basic requirements.
I would like to add, Changing Sanitary Napkin every 4-5 hours is mandatory. And keeping a Period tracker handy in your phone or journal is great way to audit your health.
You can claim your free sample HERE.


My Beauty Blog Resolutions for 2016!






Looking Back

2015 was a remarkable year. I tried filling in some order in my absolute boring blog, makeup and skincare routine. I started off with few and easy things such as organising my vanity every weekend, experimenting with hair, advanced into adhering to a makeup removal routine and, most importantly, buying all cruelty-free (except for Chanel and MAC, damn I want Guerlain #260 Jardin De Bagatelle too).
My cruelty-free pledge still stands steadfast and unshaken. And as I was determined, I flipped the 90% non-cruelty-free makeup to 90% cruelty-free. I see this as a minor achievement. Besides, I accomplished all my personal resolutions for 2015.

My makeup, beauty and blog resolutions for 2016:


Blog more

I have no planned posts as of yet. But in 2016, I am going to experiment with makeup more—my favourite literary characters, celebrity inspired or somethings on similar lines things. I am going to lay down my basic routines and techniques and try something else, and there is a special-themed post I am planning to post every month. I will try my best to pour in more creativity here in 2016. I am experimenting with photography again, still need to master a few things.

Beauty journals

Growing up, I made scrapbooks by reusing my old notebooks and diaries. I would jot down or stick in tips and inspiring articles from magazines and newspapers. Somehow, deep down I could connect both—scrapbooking and bloggingthese things. So, maintaining a hand-written diary to list down my blog posts, routines and changes in my skin is my way to channel my plans. I did maintain one for 2015 which had my huge wish list and my skincare routines from the first half of 2015. I lost the journal, and the posts never went live even though I had saved them as drafts.

Experiments

I am basic, minimal, essential kind of person when it comes to clothing. I am setting up my wardrobe, experimenting with colours and... SATC back-to-back for inspirations, oh! How I love Carrie and Mr Big. 😏

No Makeup Purchase for 2016

I over spent by letting myself free a bit too much. I am $20 away from attaining my Sephora VIB status. I misplaced my Hourglass Ambient Powders. I want to try swapping my favourite non-cruelty-free makeup with cruelty-free makeup. Finding cruelty-free equivalents for my favourites, sounds like an adventure!

Finding my contouring/bronzing essential

I was in two minds whether to get Anastasia Beverly Hills Original Contour Palette, but I read Kat Von D is better and blends seamlessly. I didn't wanted NYX contour palette. So I gave up and didn't bother to purchase any. I will keep looking, for that perfect mid-tone brown with slightly greyish undertone, till then I will mix and create with what I already have.

100 posts in 365 days

I am setting up my bar high. I blogged exclusively for the days I would need an escape from reality. Through 2015 things were changing and I sought solace in blogging. I attended events and met some non-beauty/makeup bloggers. Things have changed, I am assuming I'll get cold feet, like always!

More skincare than makeup

I am going to invest more in skincare than makeup. Recently, I attended an event bare faced with almost just sunblock. It is a big thing, especially when I don't step out without makeup. I escaped my seasonal acne cycle, I am in love with my skin right now. I'm assuming I am going back to my no-foundation phase. I no longer feel the need to conceal my imperfections.

Another year, definitely I am ending something or beginning something.

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Wella Professionals Elements Range in India: Bloggers Event, Pictures & Product Details


I was taken with wonderment with a sight of a Peace lily pleasingly potted in a kettle. Check the image here.
A warm laud for the organisers for this thoughtful invite. The lily has comforted itself on the entrance table.



Wella Professionals Elements Range Launch Event was held at House of Tales, Kalaghoda. The Guest Panel had Dr.Kerstin Meyer - Lipp and Brand Ambassador, Nimrat Kaur.


Wella Professionals Elements Range is Free of Sulphates, Artificial Colorants and Parabens. And the fragrance has an impression of the green woods of Amazon forest.



Wella Professionals Elements Range includes:

Wella Elements Renewing Shampoo 250ml for 975 INR
Wella Elements Renewing Daily Conditioner
Wella Elements Renewing Mask 150ml for 1075 INR

Wella Elements Range is inspired by the Beauty and Strength of Trees. The Range claims to provide more vitality & strength against breakage. The Range is Sulphate free, artificial colourants free, and Paraben free. The exclusivity about this range is NuTREE Complex developed by the R & D experts at Wella. NuTREE Complex, a natural tree essence enriched with antioxidants which help in the reduction of free radical damage. It also acts as anti-irritant and helps balance the scalp. Panthenol or ProVitB5 penetrates into deeper shafts to reconstruct the Keratin structure and binds in moisture. Healthy, smooth and nourished hair are no longer a dream.

To further simplify, Wella Elements Range reconstructs and protects the Keratin from degeneration,  breaks the hair life cycle by prolonging or renewing your hair strands.

Apart from the fundamental details about the Elements Range, Dr Kerstin Lipp, conferred her glimpse on Sulphate & Paraben Free Products that it is a growing trend and more and more people are looking for natural products without or few chemicals.




With discussion, Actress & Wella Brand Ambassador, Nimrat Kaur turned vocal about her experience on using Organic or Sulphate free products. She mentioned she prefers Organic, Paraben free and Natural products with her lifestyle where she needs to travel to different places with different temperatures. And heat styling her hair often that leads to breakage and brittleness. She further specified that the Elements Range resulted in shiny, smooth and amazing smelling hair.

Availability:
Wella Elements Range can be purchased from Jean Claude Biguine, Affinity,  Bodycraft, Toni & Guy , Bodycraft, Strands, Tresslounge and Headturners.



* I have already switched to no-shampoo method, and it has been more than two years now. A research into the depth of ingredients, foaming agents and results will follow soon.
I am excited to try these products as soon as I empty my current products.


Whisper Out Loud Bloggers Hangout #OwnThose5Days



Recently, I was invited to attend a plausible event; progressive and ultra in its nethermost core. I wonder why ‘Whisper’ is named whisper.  Unquestionable, since we never say menstruation out loud. Do we?

But most ultraist bloggers were called to be a part of something revolutionary. Get a glimpse of the affair on my twitter & instagram. And here’s an episode for the readers.

The event had two aims to consider, launching the new Whisper Ultra Clean and breaking the taboos and traditions associated with menstruation.  The event was held around 11.15 am at St. Regis in Lower Parel. There was transparency of the guests so there was no surprise there. The Guest panel had the well known Bollywood Actress- Kalki Koechlin, Stand-up comedian and writer- Aditi Mittal, Gynaecologist- Nandita Palshetkar and Whisper R&D expert- Chetan Kotyalkar.
 The event began around 12.30 with Aditi Mittal making an appearance on stage with her energetic joyfulness. Her account of Menstruation euphemisms, Period rescue incidents, Airport episodes of women bonding in need of sanitary napkins had everyone rolling in the aisles. After a wave of comic drama, the audience was stroked with mocking remarks of how periods are generally looked upon in India.



After ebb of applause, Kalki Koechlin made her appearance on stage. Aditi Mittal & Kalki Koechlin also made aware of the previous campaigns Whisper served with an aim of blasting the myths and Period taboos. Women, even today practice a handful of irrelevant practices like avoiding white, refraining from shampooing during periods, staying indoors during the periods and most important, not exercising during periods. Later with other Whisper Campaigns like #Touchthepickle.
The Period conversation was succeeded with Aditi & Kalki sharing their personal experiences and opinions.  The conversation concluded with an undisputed idea of needing a superior Sanitary Napkin for the lifestyle in contemporary age.



Nandita Palshetkar advocated working out or exercising during periods and providing us bloggers with some tips to overcome the cramps.
1) To avoid Caffeine.
2) To follow a wholesome & healthy diet.
3) To hydrate well and exercise.
She further explained Caffeine aggravates the cramps during periods. She maintained a statement throughout to check with your gynaecologist if periods are late or missed for more than 40 days.

The Whisper R&D Expert highlighted the unique features of the New Whisper Ultra Clean. This revolutionary Sanitary Napkin has over 1000 suction holes and three different layers to stop leakage and contains some whimsical magic gel crystals that transform liquid into gel. The distinct feature about the New Whisper is it has light floral fragrance which controls odour.
Here are 5 unique features of the New Whisper Ultra Clean:
Offers 5 times more protection than ordinary pads
1000 suction holes for

1) More absorption for long hours

2) Better dryness for clean feeling

3) Faster absorption for sudden heavy flows

4) Better comfort with soft top sheet

5)  Odour lock



During the tryout session, Mr Kotyalkar gave us a demonstration on how this research was what exactly a woman needs during those 5 days.



The conversation concluded into pledging in spirit of being Unstoppable even during those 5 days with #OwnThose5Days. Aditi & Kalki started the challenge and everybody took their chance to overcome their hurdles during their periods. On personal note, I would like to Thanks Whisper for making me a part of revolution that is changing the frame of mind of not just us women bloggers rather every other woman in India.
You can try the New Whisper Ultra Clean Sample here

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Cruelty-Free Luxury Brand ~ Forest Essentials Haul

After an event, I walked into Mango at Palladium looking for sweaters. A soft peach chunky knit had me enchanted, but even the small size turned out 5x larger on me.
With a shift of running out of my Cetaphil bar, I entered Forest Essentials store. I cross my heart, I only wanted to purchase a moisturizer and a Cleanser.

Cruelty-Free Luxury Ayurvedic Brand in India, Luxury Skincare

The first thing, I tried was Soundarya Radiance Cream with 24K Gold. The texture I found was a bit heavy but the resplendence post application had me transported to some cosmic realm.
In search of something light day wear, I settled for Indian Rose & Marigold Light Day Lotion. For all the products I chose, I let my olfactory senses expert me.
The Manager at the Palladium was cordial but not much in granting samples to try.

Kashmiri Saffron & Neem Delicate Facial Cleanser, Coldpressed Virgin Coconut Oil, Forest Essentials Marigold & Indian rose Light Day Lotion, Forest Essentials Products in India

I almost zeroed on full sized Mashobra Honey, Lemon & Rosewater Delicate Facial Cleanser & Pure Rosewater Facial Toner but then I spot a gift box which had Travel/Sample sized bottles of both. so I cancelled them and picked the gift box instead. And singled out on Kashmiri Saffron & Neem Delicate Facial Cleanser.
I am using Bio oil as post shower oil and I like how it gets absorbed instantly with a zero residue.  I tried Moisture Replenishing Bath & Shower Oil Indian Rose Absolute and ...
I skipped it till I finish Bio oil and I singled out on Cold Pressed  Organic Virgin Coconut Oil. 

Forest Essentials Gift Boxes and Prices, Luxury Skincare in India, Cruelty-Free Paraben Free Skincare


The Gift box is versatile with travel/sample sizes of incomparable products priced for 1675 INR. Here are the contents:

Delicate Facial Cleanser Mashobra Honey, Lemon & Rosewater
~ 50ml/ 1.69 Fl.oz
Facial Toner Pure Rosewater ~ 50ml/ 1.69 FL.oz
Sunscreen Lotion Aloe vera & Sandalwood ( SPF isn't mentioned) ~
50ml/ 1.69 FL.oz
Facial Scrub Walnut Gel ~ 15 g
Facial Cream Sandalwood & Saffron ~ 15 g
Sugared Rose Petal Lip balm ~ 5 g/ 0.176 oz


Forest Essentials Gift boxes and Haul, Cruelty-Free Skincare products in India

I subsumed Mashobra Honey, Lemon & Rosewater Delicate Facial Cleanser and Facial Cream Sandalwood & Saffron as my daily cleanser and night cream. I tried the lip balm, nothing riveting me from my regular. *I am assuming I found MY cleanser.*


Forest Essentials Saffron & Sandalwood cream, Sugared Rose Petal Lip Balm, Forest Essentials Walnut Scrub Gel, Forest Essentials Haul

The products I am purchasing on my next visit:

Nargis Body Mist

Soundarya Radiance Cream with 24K Gold 

Moisture Replenishing Bath & Shower Oil Indian Rose Absolute


The Frosting on the cake?
Cruelty-Free
SLS Free
Paraben Free
Mineral oil & Petroleum Free
Silicone Free

*as per their website, but I need my fact-finding here too! stay tuned*

To be outright, after spending 5k, getting the membership and asking for samples. I was only provided with Narangi & Nagkesar Ubtan 8g sample jar and I was told they were out of sample jars. Hmmph!
I am hopping to the Phoenix store next time for an Olfactory treat & Cosmic transportation to Lah Lah smelling Land! :D

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Project Pan 2015: Volume One


I never did monthly empties posts because I never had the patience to save the empty jars and bottles to photograph them. Once I finished something I discard it immediately to keep the clutter off. And once I forget, it stays there forever!
So I embarked on this journey of using Cruelty-Free products. Since I already had switched to Cruelty-Free skincare, I have started discarding Non-Cruelty-Free Makeup. I decided to compile them into Project Pan List and listing down as how I am replacing Non-Cruelty-Free Products with Cruelty-Free ones.
So here is the list of Products I emptied from October 1st to October 25th. I am also discarding stuff I have barely used or disliked.


The Nature’s Co Nori Hair Cleanser
I have reviewed this here. And I have liked it too except that my hair takes a lot of time to adapt to it.
That makes me difficult to heat style my Hair. I bought two Soulflower bars that would last me entire 2016.
I may repurchase this. But I have shampoo bars and SLS Free Shampoos that will last me long.
The Nature's Co is Cruelty-Free. Check the full review here.

The Body Shop Moringa Shower Gel
I finished this in the first week of October and I switched to Grace Cole Indulgent Foam. The Body Shop Moringa Shower Gel was my Cruelty-Free replacement for my all time summer fave Dove Green Tea and Cucumber Bodywash/soap. But did I like it more than Dove? No.
I will not repurchase this. I will switch to Lotus Licorice Bar till the end of 2015.
Featured here.

Kama Ayurveda Rose Jasmine Face Cleanser
I used this up in 19 days! I opened this up on the first of October and on 19th, I was sad. I used this twice a day and this foamed very well. After looking at the Ingredient list, I was taken back with the second ingredient: Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, assuming it same as SLS. But an in-depth reading makes me conclude that Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is the mildest form of foam booster. There are Nitrosamine contamination concerns with Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, is carcinogenic as well.
To refer, The Handbook of Green Chemicals by Michael Ash has listed Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate as Green chemical.
I may repurchase this or other variants from Kama Ayurveda once I finish Cetaphil Cleansing Bar, Melawash and Himalaya Aloe vera Facewash.

The Body Shop Vitamin Cool BB cream
I disliked this from the very first use. It just didn’t work for my Normal-Combination skin. I tried this in every season hoping it might just work. I did use this instead of moisturiser when I ran out of my regular moisturiser, couple of times. It made me look 3 times dark, I assume it is due to either undertone or skin type. It does work well with my neck but refuses to look good on my face. I gave up, there is 80% of the product left and has dissipated too.
Never Repurchase. I dislike BB, CC or ZZ creams altogether.

GlamGlow Powermud Dual Cleanse Treatment
I don’t like samples for the reason I can never make up my mind with a single use. I’m too fickle and there are very few products that work amazingly from the first use. This did deep clean with no breakouts post usage. The texture is unique with clay based mask with little granules. The mask is required to keep on for 20 minutes. You can see it transform into oil after massaging on dampened face. This hydrates well and it did bring a glow. This lasted me two uses but Glamglow is not Cruelty-Free.

Rimmel Stay Matte Dual Action Concealer in 040 Soft Beige

I bought this on impulse for covering Acne and blemishes. This never blended well, it either balled up or smudged and transferred on my phone. And yes, it did accentuate my flaking blemishes during the healing period. In all, total waste of my money though it is cheap.
Rimmel is not Cruelty-Free.

Chapstick in Green Apple
Carmex were the only Lip moisturizers I went through quickly. I love Carmex and Chapstick too. I finished this up in 6 months alternating with EOS sweet mint. I have either Cherry or Strawberry left.
I use Chapstick before applying my Matte lipsticks and it hydrates well without drying.
I may not repurchase Chapstick but I am stocking up on Carmex.

Dermalogica Daily Microexfoliant
At first, I was unsure if this would work great for me. I do not use granular scrubs since it aggravates pigmentation. It has been over a year, I haven’t used one. Yes, I Love this and I will be repurchasing this later in 2016.

Rose water and Soulflower Jojoba Oil are an essential part of my skincare routine.

Apart from these, I finished up all the Skincare samples from Sephora. There are few more products lined up that I will be discarding. I am so spaced out right now!

I know I am too late, (it's December) I've been caught with whirlwinds of deadlines with zero peace of mind. :-l

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Oh Christmas Tree! Makeup Look


When I thought about Christmas Tree, Green Gold Smokey Eyes paired with Red lips. I had to atone for the idea, since I couldn't think any better. I missed posting for the last prompt I was excited for, I cannot believe 2016 is less than 3 weeks away.
My favourite grey :D


Products Used:
Kryolan Supracolor in the shadeFS28
Kryolan Supracolor in the shade FS27 for Contouring
Sleek Blush in Flamingo

 Eyes:
Coastal Scents Hotpot in S25 (foiled it on the lids)
NYX ES102 in Hawaiian Coffee in to the crease
Black Matte Eyeshadow in the outer V, to darken the Brown
Foiled a Golden Eyeshadow from Freedom Jewels and Romance Palette in the inner corner & on the Green eyeshadow
Maybelline Hypercurl Mascara
Lotus Colorkick Eyeliner in Black

Lips:
Essence XXL Matte in Silky Red
*I am linking this look up the #TheMakeupMixup with the wonderful hosts Jaelan & Miranda