Random Shopping Haul (Innisfree, Muji, FabIndia, and Other)

Random Shopping Haul (Innisfree, Muji, FabIndia, Aroma Magic, and Other)

Has it ever happened to you that you went out to just shop but end up getting nothing? But, when you thought just to do some window shopping, you discover the best of things? This weekend, I had faced the later. I had zero intention to shop because the shops are overflowing with people buying gifts for their family and friends. I was bored so, stepped out. I discovered some beautiful things that I wanted to show you. The urge is so much that I am writing this on my train journey.

Kama Ayurveda Kannauj Rose Limited Edition Box

Kama Ayurveda Kannauj Rose Limited Edition Box

Do you remember Orkut? Everybody had an account in Orkut. I actually signed up to Gmail for an Orkut account. Things were simple. You made friends with people you know. 'Angel Priya' was out of the question. It was fun with the scraps and all. It was easier to know people because everybody would 'Like' pages which you could view. You can check that get to know people. You know what one of the pages I liked back in 2007 was 'I Hate Roses'. There were just 74 people who liked it, but you get my point here. I could never tolerate the fragrance. Then, I slowly started including natural skincare in my life and rose water walked in. But, I was still not in love with them because they all smell artificial. I was not religious with rose waters. 

Three years back, I discovered Kama Ayurveda and their steam-distilled Kannauj Rose Water. It made a massive change in my life and I still now use rose water every day. The fragrance is real and absolutely beautiful. So, I have requested the store manager at various stores that they must retail the rose fragrance. It will be a hit. But, they only smiled.

Maybe one of them listened, or for some other reason, they did launch the rose diffuser oil. But, in a limited edition gift box worth Rs 3000. Luckily, they were offering it complimentary with purchase. I took this as a sign and stock up on my favorites and needs. (Haul post)

Himalaya Herbals #4FabulousHair

Himalaya Herbals Anti-Hair Fall Range #4FabulousHair

You know that I have been sulfate-free for years. But, they cost a bomb and are not available easily. Last year, when I was in a town with no access to malls, I discovered that Himalaya Herbals is the only brand which retails shampoos with no SLS. Some variants are entirely free of sulfates, but some have ALS (which is a better than SLS). They are a good choice if you wish to go SLS free without burning a hole in your pocket. I even mentioned Himalaya Herbals Damage Repair Protein Shampoo in my Favorites of the Year 2016. 

Couple of weeks, back Himalaya Herbals kindly send me a box with four of their haircare products for complete care #4FabulousHair. Get it? 4 products....4 Fabulous Hair?

Kama Ayurveda Festive Gift Boxes Haul

Kama Ayurveda is one brand that never has sales/offers. So, when I found that they are offering special gift boxes as a gift, I had to stock up my favorites and try something. 

For Diwali and this festive season, Kama Ayurveda is retailing three special boxes. As far as I can remember, the only time they offered a gift box on purchase back in 2014. But, this time the boxes are grand. I must salute the person who worked on this because of its a collection of limited editions products in a beautiful gift box. 

Here is what I purchased - Let's start with the exciting boxes:

I wanted two of the three boxes - Subh Box and Kannuj Box. I skipped the Madurai Box.

Kama Ayurveda Shubh with Four Limited Edition Soaps - Hladi, Chandan, Tulsi, and Nariyal

• Subh Box which has four limited edition soaps - Haldi Brightening Soap, Chandan Ayurvedic Soap, Tulsi Natural Soap, and my favorite Nariyal! (JustHerbs also launched Coconut Soap which smells great.) But, the star of the box is the beautiful soap case. I loved it to the core. (Review of the box will be up in a week). The box is for Rs 1500. You can get it for free if you purchase Rs 4000.

Just Herbs ROSE WATER [100% Natural, No Alcohol, No Artificial Fragrance]

Just Herbs Rose Water [100% Natural, Alcohol-Free, No Artificial Fragrance] Review

Were you aware of the fact that Just Herbs retailed rose water? I wasn't until they did a pop-up store in Delhi last month. (They should do that more often and at more cities). I was excited about this because I love their rose petal face mask (Petalsoft), as well as the fragrance of the new Just Herbs, rose soap. (The coconut soap is divine). I started using it right away.

Rose water is great for oily acne prone skin. They are antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory effects so, acts as natural astringent. It instantly hydrates skin and also helps in oil control.

Just Herbs Rose Water is 100% natural steam distilled face mist of Rosa Centifolia (Indian Cabbage Rose/Shatapatri). It is alcohol-free and has no artificial fragrance. Just Herbs products are not tested on animals.

Hidesign Midnight Blue Ellie Mini Bag

Hidesign Midnight Blue Ellie Mini Bag

Don't you just love it when things you own come with a back story? No, I am not going to tell you a long boring tale. I just want to show you my lovely mini bag - Hidesign Elle in Midnight Blue.

OK.

You guessed it right. I am going to tell you a story...but, it will be a short one. 😊

August Empties 2017 + Mini Reviews

Empties and Mini Reviews

This post was supposed to be up on 1st September. But, I guess it is better late than never. Some products are my favorites, some I won't recommend you to buy, and some I cannot buy again.

Kama Ayurveda ROSE JASMINE Bath and Body Oil

Kama Ayurveda ROSE JASMINE Bath and Body Oil Review

Now, Kama Ayurveda is not a fragrance company. Their products smell good because of its ingredients and not the added scents. But, there is one product fragrance that I love - Rose Jasmine Face Cleanser. - So fresh and refreshing. So, when I discovered the body oil, I was tempted. After killing the urge for years, I got it this March.

The bath oil didn't have the same fragrance in the bottle as the rose jasmine cleanser - maybe it will warm up and smell same?

Eley Kishimoto X The Body Shop Vitamin E (Limited Edition)

The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream Limited Edition by Cream Eley Kishimoto

The world is a small place, and life is a circle.

If you have followed my blog for a long time (or have dug deep and read all those old posts. Thank you!) then, you might be aware of the story I am going to tell you.

History: The Body Shop was one of the brands that I lusted for when I was studying. There was no way I could afford them. Even after I started working, I could not dare to enter their stores. But, after a year, all hell broke loose, and I made my first purchase there in 2010. It was at Great India Place, Noida. I shopped for over Rs 6000 which was a big deal for me back then. (Hell! it still is) I was introduced to everything that The Body Shop sold that will suit my skin by the lovely SA at the sore - Razia. For my dry, flaky skin (thanks to the dry winter and full-on AC at my office), I was recommended VItamin E range. For my skin, she suggested African Ximenia Scrub. She introduced me to the Christmas specials and recommended the Spice Vanilla. She is the one who introduced me to Satsuman and Moringa. She even stopped me from buying things that I wanted because they won't suit me and I would end up regretting my purchase.

Present Day: I used Vitamin E cream the entire time I was in Delhi and even for any dry spots in Kolkata. I still use The Body Shop African Ximenia Scrub, and it is in my top favorites. Every year after that, I look forward to Christmas specials and I might or might not have cried when I got to know that The Body Shop discontinued my favorite Spiced Vanilla. I compensate with the Vanilla Body Mist. I love the Satsuma range, and after repurchasing their shower gel bottles, I am thinking of buying that jumbo bottle. Those products that she suggested me not to buy? Discontinued by The Body Shop. Yes, Razia is a darling. (Not that I love the ones at the Kolkata store any less)

A couple of weeks back, I went to the store in Mall of India. Guess who was there? Razia. I stared at her for full five minutes as she was helping other customers. It took me some courage to ask her - "How long have you been working with The Body Shop?" (What a stupid way to ask! I slapped myself in my mind)

Maybe she felt that I am about to complain so, she seemed a little shook but replied, "Yes."

I got all excited and blurted, "Where you in GIP?"

"Yes"

"OMG. I am so happy to see you. You were my first SA who suggested me products that I still use. Thanks, for....."(Well, I just went all fan-girl on her!)

Next time, you need to shop, and you are in Noida, ask for Razia in The Body Shop store at Mall of India, Noida. Because, I know it is important to have a non-pushy helping SA in your life. I am trying to find them for other brands as well. Let me know if you have found any great person or you stick to online shopping.

My Envy Box August 2017

My Envy Box August 2017

My Envy Box is here! Again, it went to Kolkata and my mom forwarded it to Noida. But, she also sent few other things I needed so, all is well.

Plus, that soothing lilac detailing is oh-so-soothing. This box is a majorly a skin care box with 4 skincare products. It also has a lip color. I am happy that there is no sachets or vials. Thanks, My Envy Box.