Beauty Review : Chumbak’s Skincare Range

Chumbak as a brand is all about joie de vivre. Their stores are so vibrant and eclectic that every visit fills you with zest and delight. I love their motto of #makehappy 😊. Recently, the brand came up with their skincare range, something very different from their usual categories. The packaging is aesthetically pleasing and the nomenclature is quite artistic. The products are devoid of any parabens and carcinogenic substances. And the best part, they are all hand processed and Chumbak is against animal testing.

Here we are reviewing the shower gel, hand sanitiser and lip balm :

Good Things Shower Gel :

– priced at 395 rupees/250 ml.

– very mild with a subtle floral fragrance. The fragrance reminds me of a soap i used as a kid though I can’t recall the name.

– not very effective for cleansing and doesn’t lather much.

I am a big fan of shower gels from The Body Shop, there are so many to choose from different skincare ranges and each has a special purpose. I hope Chumbak comes up with more and better options in this category.

Good Things Hand Sanitiser :

– priced at 195 rupees/50 ml.

– floral fragrance similar to the shower gel.

– gets absorbed quickly.

Sanitiser has become an essential thing given the number of germs and viruses in the environment, but I always dread the smell of these. This is a great product from Chumbak , you get clean hands without that pungent smell.

Tangerine Tales Lipbalm :

– priced at 195 rupees/8 ml.

– light texture and quite moisturising.

– can be a perfect base for matte lipsticks.

– tantalising aroma of tangerine.

This is my favourite out of the three. I do not prefer glossy balms as they ruin the matte effect. This one is not heavy and yet very hydrating for the lips.

So the sanitiser and the lipbalm surely won my heart. I will definitely be reviewing other products from their skincare range soon.

Wedding & Lifestyle Exhibition : Jhalak

“Jhalak” : A Hindi word which means ‘glimpse’, and a glimpse into lifestyle and societal trends is what I get at these expos. This one was held in the plush banquet of hotel Holiday Inn, Jaipur. With the festive season coming up, it was the perfect place to shop for ethnic outfits, jewellery, accessories, shoes and a lot more.

These exhibitions with their colourful textiles, beautiful ornaments and quirky accessories give you a chance to witness the real India that comes alive in her streets. There were shoes with Ajrakh and Kalamkari prints, Meenakari done on fabric jewellery, Phulkari embroidered bags and so many traditional crafts conceived in a contemporary manner.

Exploring India is incomplete without food and this is where these expos should work on. Jaipur has so many traditional delicacies to offer, adding them would make it an amazing experience.

Here are the pictures :

 

Wedding & Lifestyle Exhibition : Urge

Another expo in the pink city, but with a very elaborate and eclectic decor. Shopping is such a great experience amidst such vibrant spaces and with so many unique things to choose from. It was an amalgamation of apparel ranging from gotta patti to block prints, embellished footwear and quirky juttis, handbags and ornamented clutches, mobile covers, semiprecious jewellery and even some organic cosmetics.

Enjoy the pictures :

We have a separate category for all the expos that happen in Jaipur, here’s the link . Do follow us on Facebook and on Instagram.

Beauty Review : It’s Skin Mask Sheets

When it comes to giving much needed nutrition to the skin, nothing beats sheet masks. Dearpacker sheet masks are my absolute favourite, Sephora ones didn’t impress me much and now it is time to review sheet masks from another Korean brand called It’s Skin. The masks are priced at rupees hundred each, there was an offer going on so I got one mask free on purchase of two. These are available on Nykaa and also on Amazon.

Here’s my experience with the three masks :

1. Aloe : Moisture & Calming

Aloe Vera is the epitome of all things salubrious, so I decided to try this one first. It is intended to provide moisture and to soothe the skin. It did have a smoothing effect on my skin. Though it didn’t have a cooling effect, which all aloe infused products have generally. So I would say it is moisturising but not calming.

2. Pomegranate : Clean & Vitality

This was a disappointment as I didn’t notice any discernible changes in my skin. I expected it would remove impurities and will make skin more clear, but it failed. The only good part was its fragrance.

3. Olive : Nutrition & Firming

This was better than the pomegranate one, it was moisturising and also imparted a bit of glow on the skin.

Overall, I will rate these masks as moderate. I like them more than the Sephora ones owing to their affordable pricing, but Dearpacker still has all my heart.

Hope you found this review helpful. Do follow us on Facebook and on Instagram , it means a lot 😍.

Wedding & Lifestyle Exhibition : Lagan Mandap 2nd Edition

It is very gratifying to cover the new edition of an expo, which you have covered before. It’s like a journey that you have completed as an experience collector and nothing can be more rewarding. As the name suggests, Lagan Mandap is all about the glitz and glamour of wedding shopping. Here’s the link to the previous edition of this blogpost . This time the exhibition was held on a much larger scale with lots of participating stores and beautiful fresh flowers based decor.

One could find everything needed in a wedding under one roof. There were a plethora of semi-precious jewellery stalls, embellished clutches, sarees, Indo-western gowns, lehengas, footwear and a lot more. Also they had some very eclectic gift wrapping and packing stuff, which is a very important part of wedding preparations.

Enjoy the pictures :

Beauty Review : L’Oréal’s Infallible Gel Nail Paint

I was drawn to the chic packaging of L’Oréal’s new infallible gel nail paints. These nail paints are comprised of two liquids – a colour base coat to resist dulling and a gel based top coat to magnify colour and shine. They are intended to provide a salon like finish to nails and a 14 day chip free wear without the need for UV lamps.

Presently, these are launched in four shades – Painty Pink, Mon-Drian Red, Blue Pallet and Mixy Violet. I purchased the red and the blue shade. Here’s the review-

Pros-

• very smart packaging, ideal for gifting.
• can be easily removed with nail polish remover.
• the top coat adds a luminous glow to the nails.
• lasts longer as compared to normal nail paints.
• quite cheaper than getting a gel based manicure from salons.

Cons-

• priced at 495 rupees for 10 ml.
• doesn’t fulfil the 14 days chipping free promise, last for about 5 to 6 days without getting chipped.
• only four colour variants available.

Overall Rating – 7 on 10

Shopping Tip- I purchased my infallible nail paints from Shoppers Stop, you can get them on a 25% discount from Myntra / Jabong.

My beauty haul at Sephora

So during my stay in Delhi, I visited the Sephora store at the Ambience Mall, Gurgaon. I wish Jaipur had a Sephora store too, it is very convenient to have all the makeup / skincare brands under one roof plus you can get detailed information about any product from their beauticians. I was looking for a face mist and some face-sheet masks from a long time, at Sephora I got a chance to try my hands on various kinds of brands , which sell these products.

Here’s a look at what all I purchased –

1. MAC lipstick- shade – Mehr

I loved my first MAC purchase- the Ruby Woo lipstick, it is perfect for outings/festivals and the texture is impeccable. So it was time for another sumptuous buy from the same range, I bought the Mehr matte lipstick which is a beautiful rose taupe shade and is perfect for everyday use. I will be reviewing it soon in the beauty review section.

2. MAC lip pencil- shade- Hip-‘N’-Happy

Though I wasn’t planning to buy a lip pencil, a beauty expert suggested this particular shade and said that it can go with a lot of peach/pink undertones. I prefer thin/ well-sculpted lips instead of the bee sting ones, and after using this product I have realised that a lip pencil can prevent your lipstick from getting messy and slipping off your lips. It also reduces the amount of lipstick required per application.

3. Forest Essentials– Facial Tonic Mist- Bela

I had been searching for a face mist that can be used to hydrate the face at any given time of the day and which can be applied onto makeup too. There are a lot of brands selling toners but they are meant to cleanse the skin and their frequent use can lead to dryness. On the other hand, a mist is used to refresh the face especially when we do not have the privilege of washing it. I was looking for a rose based fragrance but that wasn’t available so I bought the Bela flower one. I have been using it almost 3-4 times a day and it really helps in rejuvenating the senses. A blogpost soon on my love for mists ❤️

4. Sephora – Pearl Face Mask

During the journey 😂

Sheet masks are a great invention- easy to apply and no need to rinse them off. They hardly require 10-15 minutes of your time and can help in making the skin of your face healthier and more beautiful. I used this mask during a long journey through the mountains, it did help in moisturising my face and reducing the dryness caused by the harsh winds. But the result was a little less than what I was expecting as Sephora sheet masks are priced at 400-500 rupees each, which is four to five times the price of other sheet masks. I didn’t experience any cooling/brightening effect, which could have helped in reducing the fatigue. Therefore, I won’t be buying this particular mask again.

5. Sephora – Rose Face Mask

This one is intended to give a plumping and brightening effect, will be reviewing it after use.

6. Sephora – Peony Fizzing Cube

The cube dissolves in bath water, making it milky and scented. It seemed like a perfect thing for some in-house pampering. Review soon.

Hope you liked my beauty haul, we would love to know your experience at Sephora. Also, if you have used any of the above products, do share your feedback 😍

Beauty Review : The Body Shop’s LipScuff

A girl can never have too many lipsticks, a vibrant lip colour can suddenly transform the look from work-appropriate to party ready. But the excess use of cosmetics combined with the vagaries of the weather can leave the lips flaky and chapped. The Body Shop has launched a unique product called lipscuff, which is basically a scrub to buff dry lips, leaving them soft and supple. It is shaped exactly like a lipstick and is to be applied in the same manner, leave it on for 1-2 minutes and then wipe the residue with a tissue.

Pros –

• completely organic and cruelty free.
• exfoliates and moisturises lips, leaving them smooth.
• easy to carry and easy to use.
• soothing minty fragrance.

Cons –

• None absolutely 😍

Overall Rating- 9 on 10

If you have ever used this lipscuff or plan to use it, Do share your experience with us ❤️

Beauty Review : Revlon’s Scented Nail Enamel

When it comes to fragrances, I prefer subtle ones which keep you fresh and at the same time prevent the person sitting next from getting a headache 😂. That’s the primary reason I mostly choose mists over perfumes for everyday use, fragrance that feels as if it is organically emanating from the body gives a much better impression and delights the senses too.

So how about having a nail paint that gives a vibrant shade to your nails and also emits a soothing fragrance, this is what these scented nail enamels from Revlon are meant to do. The aromas range from Bordeaux to fresh linen, here we are reviewing the African Tea Rose –

Pros –

• gives a smooth-matte finish.
• light, enticing fragrance that lasts for about 4-5 hours after drying.
• cute packaging, combining the look of nail-paint cum scents. Easy to carry.

Cons –

• starts getting chipped after 1-2 days, can’t be compared with the lasting power of a gel nail paint.

Overall Rating – 9 on 10

Loved the concept, and would definitely recommend it as a product to be used for special occasions.

I bought this scented nail enamel from Jabong for 389 rupees. Hope you have an amazing day ahead ❤️