Sunday, November 08, 2015

The Nature's Co Nori Hair Cleanser: Review & On being Cruelty-Free and SLS Free Shampoo.

I picked this from their store in Palladium somewhere in 2014 when I embraced 'No shampoo' method. While I was checking their products, I took a brief whiff of this one and I bought it, thoughtless only later I did realise this is unlike shampoos I have used.


Initially, when I was using the Nori Hair Cleanser, the results were vague. My hair remained dull, lacklustre and dry mostly and they would tangle. I assumed that this variant is not suiting my hair. I decided to use this one for 10 more days and after a week; I started to notice a difference in my hair scalp and volume. My scalp would stay squeaky clean and non-oily up to three days, usually, my scalp turns oily within a day. And the lustre bloomed, wash after wash. After 30-45 days of continuous usage (every alternate day), I noticed my strands were silkier and appeared thicker and if I left them loose, there was noticeable volume. Except all this, I love the soothing fragrance in my bath. I find it refreshing and nerve soothing.
I did not use Hair conditioner with this shampoo; I would use two-three drops of Jojoba oil on my hair ends.
I sported bangs back then and would tie my hair back into a ponytail. My crown area lacks volume and my bangs would create havoc with being unruly. My strands were more defined and bouncy; I had less bad hair days.


I was dubious about the W/S base so I dropped an email regarding the same to The Nature's Co team and here is their reply.

Our shampoos don't contain any Parabens or chemical preservatives. We do use naturally derived surfactant from Coconut Oil as the main cleanser though a small amount of Sodium Laureth Sulphate is used in the product for compatibility with the viscosity modifier, as alone it is difficult to get good viscosity. Coconut oil based surfactant imparts cleaning efficacy since it is a mild surfactant and is considered safe to be used in the product.
Also, our Conditioners are free from Parabens or Silicones.
Apart from above we are not using any other synthetic chemicals or preservatives which are not considered safe to be used.
I used clarifying shampoo when I would oil my hair and Nori Hair Cleanser every alternate day, No conditioner and no silicone based serums.

Ingredient List for Nori Hair Cleanser:
Nori Extract 5%
Pro Vitamin b5 1%
Apple Cider Vinegar 0.5%
Aloe Vera Extract 1.5%
W/S Base, Aroma, Natural Preservatives and Food Grade Colors (FD & C) Q.S

I am still dubious with respect to ‘Coconut Oil based surfactants’ and this is a cross between Soulflower soaps & Tresseme Shampoo for me. You can google about the same but as per my research the surfactants are mild SLS based surfactants. I have tried Soaping and I am aware of the results. I do switch to Tresseme only on days I heat style my hair to avoid tangles and breakage. This does not easily adapt to the ingredient/product changes in my daily routine.
Though the price is steep, you can check out for discount or sales. I did get mine for 10% off.


Cruelty-Free Status:
Cruelty-Free [PETA Certified]
And most/all of The Nature’s Co products are Vegan as well.

Price: 795 INR for 250ml

Recommendations: I love the results but then the deceptive ingredient list withholds me from repurchasing. I emptied this in October and I have already switched to Soulflower shampoo bars for life. And the tedious routine is worth for lifeless and thinning hair like mine. I would repurchase only if they list down the exact INCI names.

Thursday, November 05, 2015

Cranberry Sauce: Matte Cranberry Smoky Eye Makeup with Nude Lips

 Matte Cranberry Smoky Eyemakeup with a Pop of Champange

When the November Prompt of TheMakeupMixup had my attention, I perceived an image of a luscious Cranberry Glossy Lips. Just as seraphic,glazed and piquant as it suggests. Seraphic and Cranberry wouldn't get along, but that goes right as rain in mine.

Matte Cranberry Smoky Eyemakeup with a Pop of Champange with Coastal Scents Revealed 2

I have a Cranberry Red Lip Liner by Maybelline assuming I don't have any Cranberry Shades. But when I opened my Coastal Scents Revealed Palette, I was delighted to find what I was looking.
I did a Matte Cranberry Smoky Eye makeup with a Pop of Champagne in the inner corner. I paired a soft Nude Glossy Lips with the look. Skipped the Blush, Contouring and everything rest. [I have been doing that a lot.]

I did my makeup and found my 70D battery wasn't charged so I re-embraced my old faithful Canon Ixus. And since it was cloudy, the pictures didn't turn out agreeable to my motif.

 Matte Cranberry Smoky Eyemakeup with a Pop of Champange  and Nude Lips: Minimal Base makeup for Cranberry Sauce The Makeup MixUp

Products Used:
 Matte Cranberry Smoky Eyemakeup with a Pop of Champange: Coastal Scents Revealed 2, Maybelline Dramagel Swirl eyeliner, Maybelline Lip polish in Glam7, Rimmel Stay Matte, Maybelline Hyper Curl Mascara

For Matte Cranberry Smoky Eye Makeup:
I applied Maybelline Gel Eyeliner as a Base and layered a Matte Cranberry Eyeshadow.
Blended the edges seamlessly and Use a Taupe shade as my transition shade.
Over the Transition shade, I blended a Matte Black Eyeshadow creating a soft 'C' on the outer edges.
I blended the harsh edges with the Transition shade again since the base was gel based, I had a hard time blending it out before it sets.[ Maybe I should've had used UDPP instead.]
I added a Champagne Colour highlight the inner corners. The shimmer metallic finish balanced the Matte eyeshadow from making it look drab.
I blended the Cranberry shade in the outer half of my Lower eye and lined them with Maybelline Drama Gel Eyeliner.
Finished off with Maybelline Hyper Curl Mascara.

For Nude Lips Lips:
I patted Maybelline Lip Polish/ Lip Elixir in Glam 7 with my ring finger.

That's it for Cranberry Sauce. I am stirred with the next prompt. I have an amazing, easy and a modest Tutorial to share. 

*I am linking this look up the #TheMakeupMixup with the wonderful hosts Jaelan & Miranda


Wednesday, November 04, 2015

Is Colorbar Cruelty-Free?



I had read in the past, one million times: Colorbar is cruelty-free. But I wasn't going to settle for that. So I dropped them an email, some long time back when I was considering purchasing cruelty-free, for the rest of my life. The girl gotta have options. ;-)


I never received a reply from them.
I copy and pasted the same email, again.
No reply.


This time I was raged with their insolent attitude towards an emptor. So I did what I should, I stated clearly that I would stop purchasing their products.

After 3 days, I got a reply from one of their representatives. I'm posting the reply here.


The Colorbar product line offers products which have been created with International experience, knowledge, passion, creativity and innovation. These facilities are spread across France, Greece, Germany and Italy. The products conform to all European Union and FDA Regulations and are benchmarked against the most prestigious brands available worldwide. Extensive R&D goes into bringing out a Colorbar product line, with new product categories and SKU’s within categories introduced month on month. Constant product innovations have ensured that Colorbar is a favorite with the modern working woman of today. We are socially responsible and do not test our products on animals. None of our vendors conducts animal testing.
No, we do not sell in China.Could you please specify what you mean by Vegan?


I explained her what exactly Vegan meant in terms of cosmetics/products. And I never received any reply from the representative again.
And I am compelled to disbelieve them on the grounds of the facts mentioned below.

1) Let us assume, Maybe the representative was a wrong choice or even unaware. I expected a confirmation from the brand, on either behalf.

2) Nowhere on their websites have mentions of the Brand or Company being against Animal Testing or Cruelty Free. Except for Few blogs, I came across claims Colorbar being Cruelty-Free without an in depth idea about the parent company.

3) Colorbar is manufactured in Thane. [That is exactly where I am located.]

4) Modi Enterprises is the Parent Company/Owner of Colorbar Cosmetics. Modi Enterprises is owned by K.K Modi of Modi Revlon while Colorbar Cosmetics is owned by Samir Modi [his youngest son]
Oriflame is also a part of their enterprise.
Revlon's animal testing policy is as and when required by regulatory authorities.

And here is what Revlon made an official Facebook status in June 2014:
Please be assured, Revlon does not test on animals and has not done so since 1989. We sympathize with your concerns, but, as a global brand, we must comply with the local rules and regulations of each market in which we sell our products. In a very limited number of countries, including China, these registration requirements may include the government conducting animal testing prior to approving registration. We support the advancement of non-animal testing alternatives globally, including in China, and we continue to work with other organizations to encourage the advancement of these cruelty-free alternatives.

But...
There are a handful of brands that DO NOT Test on animals but the Parent Company does. Even if we assume Colorbar being Cruelty-Free, they don't stand strong or are vocal about being Cruelty-Free.

The Indian Beauty and wellness market would double to Rs 80,370 crore by 2018. Do you see the influence of Makeup?
And just a handful of people are perceptive about Animal Testing & Cruelty.
It scares me, one more brand I perceived as Cruelty-Free turned out deceptive. I am unwilling to sit tight with their claims.
When I got a reply from them, I set out with joy to get their newly launched Lip Tints. But I am appalled at their ignorance of I wouldn't be serious about my homework.

Tuesday, November 03, 2015

Great Gift Ideas for Men this Holiday Season

As Holiday Season approaches; I am compiling a list of unique ideas. For someone who could be clueless when it comes to Gifts for men. Be it gifting your father, brother or the special man in your life, these ideas come handy while looking for the perfect gifts for perfect occasions.


Credit: Liveinstyle.com

Gadgets are still cool.
Men and Gadgets have a connection. The first gift that crossed my mind was nothing but a Gadget.
Be it an Ipad, Xbox or Bass boosting headphones. They’re going to love it!

Sports Merchandise.
If your Man is into Football or F1, you have a great way to his heart. You can personalise his favourites or even look out for unique gifts preferring their liking.

Gifts for him: A DSLR & a Book would make a perfect gift.
If your Man is an Artist or with an artist vision, A camera would be a perfect option to channel his creativity. And if by any means he loves reading, Coffee table books or Influential Autobiographies are great options.

Perfumes.
I wonder how unique this idea would be but as long as I know, many of them like receiving them.
But there is one thing about gifting perfumes, you should be in depth-aware of their aromatic liking.
I wouldn’t gift a woody base note to a Man who loves his an aqua. Never.
And it is always advisable to choose something to go with their personalities.


Credit: Liveinstyle.com
Scotch as a Gift.

This is the most unique gifting idea among the list mentioned here. Women love having their ‘me’ times pampering themselves at spas. But Men would love some equivalent pampering too.
For Men, this would be the best gesture to convey warmth & love this Holiday Season.

Coming from the pickiest, I hope there is something for every personality in this list. So what will you be gifting this holiday season?


Disclaimer: This article is intended for an audience above 25 years.
 

Monday, October 26, 2015

Freedom Makeup London Pro 12 Romance And Jewels Eyeshadow Palette Review, Swatches, Photos and EOTD

I picked Freedom Romance And Jewels Eyeshadow Palette from all the available versions. The Palette consists of a vibrant and chromatic combination of eyeshadows. When I placed an order, I had second thoughts and I was about to cancel the order but I shook the thought since it is inexpensive.

Freedom Makeup London Pro 12 Romance And Jewels Eyeshadow Palette Review, Swatches, Photos and EOTD

Freedom Makeup London Pro 12 Romance And Jewels Eyeshadow Palette is a union of both pale and dark hues. The Colours are co-ordinated Cool and Warm tones with either contrasting finish.
Most Colours have a creamy texture while some are powdery. There is quite a fall out with the powdery textured eyeshadows in comparison to the creamy finishes.

Freedom Makeup London Pro 12 Romance And Jewels Eyeshadow Palette Review, Swatches, Photos and EOTD

Price: £4 on website, 840 INR on Jabong (look for discounts; you may get it much cheaper.)
Cruelty-Free Status: Cruelty-Free
Quantity:  12X1g/12X0.03oz

Freedom Makeup London Pro 12 Romance And Jewels Eyeshadow Palette Review, Swatches, Photos and EOTD

Freedom Makeup London Pro 12 Romance And Jewels Eyeshadows are not named. I am depicting and categorising them in terms of texture, blendability and pigmentation below. The staying power though is average but can be prolonged with a better base underneath. These stays on my eyelids for 4 hours without creasing with Urban Decay Primer Potion. And it does start creasing and transferring on the upper lids post 4-5 hours.

Freedom Makeup London Pro 12 Romance And Jewels Eyeshadow Palette Review, Swatches

1st is a Warm Pale Peach Colour in Pan.
The swatch appears White with soft Gold and Silver frosted/metallic finish.
Texture: Creamy
Blendability: Easy
Pigmentation: Average

2nd is a Rose Gold Colour in Pan.
The swatch appears Pale Peach with Gold, Silver and Pink reflects.
Texture: Creamy
Blendability: Difficult
Pigmentation: Poor

3rd is a Rich Copper Clour in Pan.
The swatch appears exact as in the pan, a metallic Golden Copper.
Texture: Creamy (probably the creamiest of all)
Blendability: Easy
Pigmentation: Excellent

4th is a Copper Brown in Pan.
The swatch appears Copper Brown with flecks of Gold and Copper sheen.
Texture: Creamy
Blendability: Easy
Pigmentation: Excellent

5th is a Peachy Pink in Pan.
The swatch appears exactly as in pan, A Peachy Pink with Golden metallic finish.
Texture: Creamy (hardened a little)
Blendability: Easy
Pigmentation: Good
 
6th is a Pewter Gold in Pan.
The swatch appears Gold Pewter, a shimmering Gold and Silver. (My Favourite of them all.)
Texture: Creamy
Blendability: Easy
Pigmentation: Average

Freedom Makeup London Pro 12 Romance And Jewels Eyeshadow Palette Review, Swatches

7th is a Silver Grey in Pan.
The swatch appears Grey with Silver metallic finish to it.
Texture: Creamy
Blendability: Easy
Pigmentation: Average

8th is a Burgundy Brown in Pan.
The swatch appears a Rich Burgundy brown colour with Red and copper metallic finish.
Texture: Powdery
Blendability: Easy with fallout
Pigmentation: Good

9th is Bronze Gold in Pan.
The swatch appears exact as in pan, A Mixture of Bronze and Gold with dark brown and copper metallic reflect.
Texture: Creamy
Blendability: Easy
Pigmentation: Excellent

10th is a Bronze Brown in Pan.
The swatch appears Burgundy Brown with Copper reflects. The Colour is very similar to 8th Eyeshadow.
Texture: Creamy
Blendability: Easy
Pigmentation: Excellent

11th is a Navy Blue in Pan.
The swatch appears Navy Blue with flecks of Silver. The finish is matte barring the flecks.
Texture: Powdery
Blendability: Easy with minimal fallout
Pigmentation: Average

12th is an Onyx Black in Pan.
The swatch appears darker than in the pan, a black with silver flecks.
Texture: Powdery
Blendability: Average with fallout
Pigmentation: Excellent

Urban Naked Dupe in Freedom Makeup Jewels and Romance Palette
 Naked 2 YDK is similar to the 9th Eyeshadow in the Pan

Freedom Makeup London Pro 12 Romance And Jewels Eyeshadow Palette is unique with the combination of metallics, chromatic and reflects. I would select this exclusively for Holiday Season with the finishes. This palette has terrific shades of Copper and Bronzes, either in base or reflects.
I have used this palette here.

Freedom Makeup London Pro 12 Romance And Jewels Eyeshadow Palette Eyemakeup &  EOTD

Recommendations: For the price, I think this would be a great purchase if you don’t prefer or have started out with metallic or mentioned finishes. Definitely Inexpensive.

I see myself making use of this palette in plenitude this holiday season.