I first tried solid perfume a long time back, and truth be told, I loved the concept. Then somehow, I stopped using them (I wonder why). When I mentioned about natural deodorants, some said the use of solid deodorants in tin/tub, which made me wonder if they are easy to use.

While I was sulfate-free for years, I was using liquid shampoo. Meaning, in the end, I create a plastic bottle waste which just goes to landfill. Thankfully I was using The Body Shop shampoo and TBS recycles their bottles but the one I used was discontinued. Hence, I tried the Soap Works Coconut one. (Truth be told, I might never have tried it if TBS continued to retail their sulfate-free shampoo) It was one of the best thing that happened with my hair.

You use a shampoo bar. It gets over and there is no waste to throw away. Plus, the solid shampoo works better than any other shampoo I tried. What more can anyone ask?

My hair is at its best - the least frizzy in my entire life (even with the high humidity in Kolkata and insane air pollution in Delhi)

I was happy with the coconut one but went for the Murumuru Solid Shampoo bar for wavy and curly hair next.

I got to know about Bare Necessities when exploring products. I did not have any defined need in my mind but I wanted to explore their products. They have a limited range but all good products packed in glass or cloth packaging. The price point is not too high. Then I stumbled upon something that made me make my first purchase - straws made from fallen palm leaves - Leafy Straws which retails for Rs 200 for 50 pieces. This seems great for get-togethers at home coz how many steel straws can a girl own? :D

Today, Let's Talk Trash. 

On this day, five years back, 'Swatch Bharat Mission' was born. The littering stopped a lot because of that. Initially, when we used to tell people not to litter, they used to give looks like - "Why bother?" Now, there is something to encourage them to stop.

Today was supposed to be the start of Plastic Ban in India but the government did not bring out the plan. 😣

But, you at an individual level can always bring change. 💪

1. Carry a tote bag (say no to even paper bags!) and your own cutlery and you will be amazed how much garbage you stop from creating. 😳

2. Study your trash bin 😂 and see what you are throwing away. Was it used multiple times? Can you stop using it? My biggest trash was online food delivery boxes. I tried my best to zero that down (We still order at times. I have settled on the fact that I can't be 100% perfect). 😞

Just an update on bring-your-utensils (what is it called exactly?) I tried this first at a 'chaat' shop where I gave my box for packaging and denied the plastic box/bag. I have been doing the same and are some pointers and funny things to note:

1. I prefer cooking at home but when I want to eat outside, I eat at the restaurant. I guess I do deserve that time to enjoy my hot meal presented how it was supposed to be.

2. If I know that I might order more to bring back home, I carry steel tiffin boxes (lighter than glass) in a tote bag. This picture is at Soda Bottle Opener Wala where I packed the extra Berry Pulao ( soooo yum!!). The waiter was intrigued. I informed that I am trying to avoid my food get in touch with plastic* and he inquired, "So, you were aware that you will order extra?" If only he was aware of my mild social anxiety because of which I 'study' menus before even reaching restaurants.

3. Small shops are more welcoming to the idea. They do not question much and are happy to save their packaging material. Win-win.

If what you use to clean your face, irritate you even the slightest bit (Example you cannot keep your eyes open) then it is not for you.

If it tugs or needs to be used repeatedly, then do yourself a favor by stop using it and save yourself from wrinkles and dark circles.

So, in the end, I always prefer cleansing balm or oils.

I do not use base makeup, but I still use deep cleansers because the pollution surrounding us is dangerous. It can be damaging to sleep with all dirt - almost like sleeping with makeup on. Plus, I used Sugar Smudge me not lipsticks so, I need something substantial.

I found this bottle of Klairs in one of Nykaa's luxe store I think back in January (I do not remember clearly, but it was definitely during winter). I had heard about the brand. I wanted to try their blue serum, but it was not available. In the end, I decided to give this one a try because I do use cleansing oil. 

I spotted Dr. Organic at an Apollo Pharmacy. My cuticles were at its worst and I needed some TLC. I had heard of Manuka Honey earlier so, decided to give this a try. In fact, I got another product from the same brand because I had never tried this brand earlier.

It has cleaner ingredients - parabens, SLS, DEA, synthetic colors, silicones, phthalates, petrolatum, glycols, BHT, mineral oil, isothiazolinones.

Today, I am going to share you my favorite ingredient that is not only inexpensive but also easily available and works for skin, hair, and body. 

* drumrolls * 

Aloe Vera. 

Why Aloe Vera? 

Because I am yet to find anything that is equally gentle and effective with zero side effects that do not burn a hole in your pocket. You can use it on acne-prone skin to speed up recovery, use it after waxing to give relief to skin, use it after sun exposure to soothe skin, use it as night or day moisturizer for when its too hot and humid for regular moisturizers, as first aid on light burns, use it on your scalp to help regrowth (I prefer Japakusum that has Aloe and other ingredients to promote healthy hair growth). 

You are only limited by your imagination here. 

While aloe Vera juice and powders are also available, the gel formula is the most common one. So, here are few pointers on how to buy aloe vera gel and how you can add it in your life:

Tea tree is good but have you tried neem? Every part of the tree is celebrated in Ayurveda to several ailments thanks to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. If fact, neem oil is also used to a natural alternative to synthetic pesticides and even floor cleaners. 

With 15% organic neem leaves, presenting you Just Herbs Neem. 

Moreover, not only neem, but it also has other impressive ingredients. Since it comes in powder form, there are preservatives/parabens used. No added color or fragrance.

A spur of the moment purchase that I do not regret. (much)

On 1st January this year, when the novelty of the new year was at its peak, I went to Sephora to pick few gifts. I saw this tiny gift set with two chubby tubes of hand products and somehow gave in to the temptation.

I first tried 'peeling liquids' couple of years back in 2017. Then, I discovered chemical exfoliation (Glycolic Acid is bae!). And now I can confidently tell you that these are a better option than physical exfoliation (Especially if you have very sensitive skin). They work great for around the nose area (more effective than physical exfoliators and more gentle than nose strips). 

My first was The Body Shop Drop of Light Pure Resurfacing Liquid Peel and Drops of Youth Liquid Peel. Both are similar and works great. But, not very easy to work around with facial hair and peels up far quickly. 

Later, I tried Dr. Sheths Extra Gentle Peel and it was way too gentle and ineffective for me. 

When I found about The Face Shop one, the papaya gave me some hopes and I was not wrong. 

I did major skincare and makeup declutter less than a couple of months back. (I will request you to read that before you read this post.)

But, I had to do it again. I genuinely want to reduce what I have. Part of it means, I need to use what I have (not overuse products just to finish them up) and another part is to let of things that no longer serve any purpose in my life.

The first things that I picked up were the base makeup products. I cannot recall the last time I applied foundation or concealer or face powder. I mentioned in my previous declutter post how I am keeping the foundations but later realized that I am seriously never going to touch them. I am all in for skincare.

I am a body oil person. Been that a long time. (I do use lotions at times but usually stay away from them). While travelling, body oils are not a possibility and that is when I gravitate toward lotions sold in tube form aka hand creams. The Body Shop Almond Milk and Honey is a very soothing range. When I tried the scent for the first time, I was not amused. I found it too strong. Later when I got a chance to try their body butter, I started to love it. Hence, picked the hand cream during winter. (Along with Green Tea because these two are not very common)

Price: Rs 375 for 30ml (Other TBS hand creams are for Rs 345). I do not recall exactly, but I did received some discounts. I hardly buy anything from TBS without discounts.

Ingredients: A great mix of nice ingredients with a few of my top favorites but also contain perfume.

Aqua, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Mel, Sodium Polyacrylate, Cetyl Alcohol, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Glycine Soja Oil, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Myristamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Myristyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid.

Texture: Almost like the ones from K-beauty brands - less like lotion and more like creamy essence. Absorbs easily without leaving greasiness. A boon in winters and works well for dry office AC condition.

Overall: I do like this. It solves my purpose. It smells good but it is all because of the added fragrance. It is not must-buy product but if you are into hand creams then you can try it. 

Love,

Shayoni

For someone looking for vegan, cruelty-free makeup, The Body Shop is the place to be. 

They launched a waterproof mascara and brow pen - Lash Sport and Brow Sport. Brow Sport comes in two colors. 

Currently doing a #30DaysReduceWays series on Instagram Stories where I share about simple changes in your lifestyle that can bring a big positive change for the environment.

In addition, it was a shocker for most when I shared that sheet masks and face wipes are non- biodegradable. (Some sheet masks are 100% cotton hence, biodegradable but the percentage of those is low). They are almost like plastic bottles because they are also one use. Actually, they are worse. Around 10% plastic bottles are recycled. None of the wipes or sheet masks are. In fact, they swell up, builds up with other pollutants, and block drainage. Read more about them and if you are interested in knowing more about the little changes then follow me on Instagram.

When I got to know that The Body Shop was bringing in a new sunscreen, I was excited. 

A. It was from Skin Defence range which has one of the best sunscreens in the market – The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi Protection Essence SPF 50 P++++. 

B. I have never used sunscreen in spray form, so that is going to be fun. 

... or so I thought.

Hello!

Give me a pat on the back since I managed to do empties posts back to back! I am happy that I used each of them effectively and did not overuse them just to get rid of them. I did use some of them for purposed other than they were intended for as they were quite old. But, I am happy. 

For several reasons, there are brands whose products I no longer buy. It saves money and the feeling of intense regret. I will share the list with you if you are interested. But, today I felt that I have to share one particular brand - Enn's Closet.

Why now? I do not want you to wonder when you see each one these colorful products in my upcoming declutter post (that will go up on this weekend).

I discovered Enn's Closet on social media. I love colorful masks so, I was tempted. 

I felt confident when I started using SoapWorks shampoo that shampoo bars are working for me. So, I ordered another coconut shampoo bar from Unfactory - Earthy Sapo Nuts Over Coconuts. It is for bath as well as for hair.

This is not a detailed review but a first impressions post as I have used it for thrice so far. But, I wanted to post it with SoapWorks Coconut Oil Shampoo as a lot of points are similar like how I use it and why ACV rinse is needed, etc. It will be great if you read that review before reading this post. 

Price: Rs 185. Who said good products are expensive! Nevertheless, I had to try it to believe it. 

I have been using sulfate-free shampoo for years now. My favorite is The Body Shop Rainforest shampoo and I have said that a million times here. But, I heard the news that it might be discontinued. I still have a bottle and half left but I was aware that I need to make a switch.

Over the years, I have tried random shampoos - anything that cost less than TBS and is sulfate-free. However, none of them made a mark. I returned to TBS every time.

Luckily, awareness for sulfate-free is growing so, there are more options now. In fact, I get to try a plastic-free option - SoapWorks 100% Virgin Coconut Shampoo Bar.

Plus, it is super easy to carry. (Pop it in a tin box)

What are your first thoughts when you see this pic?

If you are not from India then you probably thought - Wow! Sustainable kitchen swaps. Less plastic. Nice

If you are from India - Hey! My mom/grandmom used to use them

(Some of you might still be using them instead of dishwashing sponge and I am proud of you)

And this my dear is my biggest learning. Our moms/grandmoms are living a low waste lifestyle. We for the sake of ease, use more plastic and create more waste. In fact, because there is a lack of demand these options are not even easily available in markets here. For example, I am trying to hunt a good steel tiffin box and yet have not found anything useable or 100% without plastic.

Therefore, I got them when I discovered them at Unfactory.in - a great place to discover small brands that do not have their own store online. 

I felt like a kid at a candy store when I discovered the website. I placed my order. They charge additional shipping but I was ready to pay because I wanted to try them. Then, I started to receive my orders and here are a few thoughts I want to share with you:

1. The stores ship to you directly. So, if you order two things but from different stores then they arrive separately. You can see the store name right under the product name. This is the reason why shipping was high for me. I ordered from various stores and they each added their own shipping cost.

2. Each store has their set of philosophy. The packaging style was completely different for each of the brands.

And now, here are the things I purchased

A round of applause of all the brands that are trying. Trying to provide products with better ingredients, trying to find packing without plastic, trying not to use bubble wraps and cello tapes, trying to recycle, and trying to deliver better. We see what you people are doing and we stand with you.

More and more brands are not walking on this path in India and it makes me happy that now we have more sustainable choices in skincare.

One of India's cruelty-free, cosmos-organic, vegan, decided to change their packaging. Remember the plastic packaging of their deo sticks? They have changed it to cardboard!

In April, I have reviewed Juicy Chemistry charcoal variant of deodorant stick. I had the grapefruit one in my wishlist. I will use this and let you know how it works for me or if it is any different from earlier.

This is my first time trying skincare in cardboard packaging. 💗

Rosehip seed oil. 

I am madly in love with rosehip seed oil since 2016. Thanks to Nishu for introducing this to me. 

It is 2019 and I am still in love. I can tell you that most love stories run shorter than this. There is no three-year glitch or itch in sight with my love for rosehip seed oil. 

Why Rosehip seed oil? Well, I want to ask you - why not? An effective moisturizer that is non-sticky, never feels greasy and yet deeply moisturizing. Can be used with makeup if you want to and easy to layer with sunscreen as well. I want everyone to try this miracle skincare product that has replaced my need for any anti-aging products because pure rosehip seed oil contains natural Retinol Acid (Vitamin A). I do not even need eye creams thanks to Rosehip seed oil. 

The brand that I use is LifeFlo (around Rs 400 for 30ml). However, it is available only via iHerbs.com and the customs are insane when shopping from them. I have tried Juicy Chemistry as well. 

Therefore, when I was shopping from Cult Beauty, I decided to add another brand of Rosehip seed oil in my 'I-have-tried-list'.

It is interesting how shopping for me has evolved. I say no to a lot of things. I never compromise on the quality of ingredients. That does not mean that I won't try new things. But, spending more on them makes no sense. Hence, my favorite choice - The Ordinary.

They helped me understand what an excellent ingredient Vitamin C is for my skin. At the same time, taught me that maybe Niacinamide is not for me.

When I decided to update from 23% Vitamin C serum to 100% L-Ascorbic Acid powder, I decided to buy few more things from The Ordinary. Buying just one item while shopping from International website does not sound logical.

Little things that give me loads of happiness.

And no, it is not the ice cream.

Kausani. 

It was almost in my destiny to be there. 

Last year, when my niece was born and we were thinking of a name that starts with K, Kausani came up. I googled it and said, "Sounds nice. It is a small village in Uttarakhand. So, maybe we can skip." And I forgot about it. 

This spring when we went to Mussoorie and I was not at all happy with the state of traffic, our driver suggested - "Visit Kausani. It has the best view in Uttrakhand." I did not let my mind register this because obviously, he was trying to oversell to get another booking from us. 

Then, when the rains were about to hit the mountains, my friend (was my colleague in my previous organization) and I decided to go on a trip. Where? Mukhteshwar. I found a lovely property far from the main area - The Birdcage. Unfortunately, booking was not available for our dates. 

So, I started searching for another place to stay only to see this written about Mukhteshwar - The view is as good as Kausani. 

Ok. Excuse me. As good as? Then, why don't I just visit Kausani?

I have decided to start doing empties again. For those who are not aware - I used to share monthly empties earlier. Then, things went out of my hand and I rather forgot to do them. I was keeping some of my empties in a hope that I might post them and reused some of the other bottles. The last one was done in 2017!

However, it is better to be late than never.

Before I show you the more than 50 items here is something I need to share:

1. Most of them were almost over. I kept enough for probably one use because I need them to compare for a future post.  I am throwing them now to clear up space and declutter my home. Also, now The Body Shop is now accepting empty bottles for recycling.

2. Some of them were used less because I thought I would take pictures for reviews etc. Later I found nothing special about them so, neither used them much nor took their pictures for review.

3. A lot of them, I was not using like the mascaras but I kept them and forgot about them. 

4. I kept some products hoping that I will do an empties post but never did. There is a reason you see two bottles of The Body Shop Rainforest shampoo. (In fact, one product was already in my previous empties post (the one in 2017!). I kept the bottle and as I did not check anything, it reappeared here)

5. A very few skincare here have some left but it has been long since I have them so, decluttering them as I won't use them anyways.

Now, you know the whole story.

Here are the products:

(There are more than 50)

This winter I converted to an almond fan and preferred it to other ingredients in my skincare. Therefore, when facemask with almond milk launched just around wintertime, it seemed like the perfect thing. However, The Body Shop marketed it as a gentle exfoliator. Unfortunately, it is not the case for me. I also do not have extra dry skin. 

However, I do have a skin concern that only product so far was able to tackle. In summers, my skin feels too hot especially after being exposed to the sun. Aloe gives me relief but does not add the needed moisture. Moisturizers just add stickiness. Face oils do not penetrate deep or give any instant relief. I need something that is soothing and moisturizing. Curd helps. 

(The only product that has helped so far is the Simple Deep Cleaning Face Mask. Simple is here in India but they decided not to launch this mask.) 

Therefore, I waited for the summers to try this almond milk face pack. I am glad that I did because I love every bit about it.

I am borderline ashamed of sharing this. 

Actually, chuck that. I am deeply embarrassed to share this. 

But, every failure can be a learning experience and that is how I would like to take it ahead. 

I started blogging around December 2011. I used to buy a lot of makeup and skin care inspired by the new launches and by other blogger Add to that the PR samples. In the summer of 2013, I realized that I might have a hoarding nature and posted my first ever Empties Post. 

I continued doing empties post and I had a very systematic method of decluttering as well. I used to give away things that I think I will not use anymore. 

For example, I buy a night cream. I used it for a month to review it. I already have another night cream lined after that. Therefore, I give away the half tub of night cream to someone in my extended family or I use it up as body moisturizer and feature it on empties post. 

Things were going smooth. 

Then, I moved to Noida in 2017. There were a million things on my shoulders. I was working from home but my work hours were pathetic. The light condition in my home was terrible. The images clicked by my camera were sub-par. I tried. God knows I have tried but I could not do much. 

In addition, my skin was not great (which later turned out to be because of stress arising from the points mentioned above) but I felt it was not right to share skincare reviews. My confidence level plummeted. I was actually not even taking proper care of my skin because nothing seemed to work as the issue was not even tropical. 

Anyways, when the issue of stress was resolved, I tried to bring my life back on track. I lost a lot of readership but I am equally thankful to all who still comes to visit me here. (A million kisses for you.) 

The Body Shop Sale season is on. I was about to suggest what to buy and what not do when I realized that the review of a few products was not up. I do remember updating the review. Are they lost in the drafts folder? Anyways, here is the review of the Spa of the World Firming range. This review is after one year of use. 

Niacinamide. 

Big Name. 

Fret not, it is just Vitamin B3. 

It comes with 1% zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. 

The Ordinary claims that it reduces the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion which keeping sebum activity in balance. 

In simpler terms, prevents oil overproduction and reduce blemishes. 

(The Ordinary Haul)

Why Vitamin C for skin? 

What is special about the Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension? 

I recently reviewed the first products I got from Bath and Body Works - Aromatherapy Stress Relief. They were just three. There is always a Buy-3-Get-1-Free offer going on at Bath and Body Works India shops. So, I like to believe this is my free one - Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Focus Body Scrub. Which BTW is not true because the free one is the least priced one and this is not. 😊

Today, I am excited to share this with you - Limited Edition The Body Shop Cactus Blossom Hand Wash. 

Because: 

1. I have been following The Body Shop for almost 10 years. In all these years, I have never seen a hand wash from TBS. In fact, this is the first time, I am reviewing any hand wash on Sweet And Bitter Blog.

2. Cactus Blossom! How interesting does it sound? I have never tried anything with Cactus Blossom. I do not even know what Cactus Blossom smells like in real! (But I am eyeing the Bath and Body Works Cactus Blossom candle.)

3. Limited edition. Will go away from the market soon. 

In 2012, I planned a trip to Andaman. On day 1, our driver informed that we might be able to get entry to Jolly Buoy. I had not done much research, and I was not aware of what I was about to witness. Without a doubt, what I saw was the best things that my eyes have ever seen believe - coral in a myriad of colors. Beautiful creatures that I could not believe are on the same planet we live in. In the next 15 days of our trip, I saw more corals. Scuba dived at Havelock Island and witnessed lovely fishes. However, I also learned how plastics are damaging them. How the change in water temperature is harming them! I want them to survive. I want them to live. I want my future generations to see what I have seen. 

I was always against the use of plastics. I hated how stray animals will eat food in them and the plastics later developing issues. I do not want to dig deep. Please google this. Even writing about it gives me chills. 

But, after I returned, I realized that something needs to be done. It was a slow change but the biggest change started to come around last year. I am still far from perfect. Here are just some little things I do to do my part: 

1. Refuse: I refuse a plastic bag altogether. I never buy groceries from malls because they need to tag everything and even a small item needs to be inside a plastics bag. Luckily, I have a farmers market outside my society every Friday where I get my weekly vegetables. Even at Malls, I say no to paper bags. I always carry a tote with me in which I shove in everything I buy. There have been days when I have a cart full of things but because I forgot my tote and the shore had no option of the cloth bag, I have dropped everything and returned without buying anything. 

Imagine this: You are at the airport when you realize that though you are headed for Goa, you have not packed proper sunscreen. (Though it is February, you can never have too much sunscreen in Goa. Can you?) 

I made a beeline to the pharmacy to find something nice and lo and behold - a sunscreen with zinc - Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF50+ and PA+++. Zinc oxide soothes skin and can be found in diaper rash creams. This is the sensitive skin variant for the very famous Neutrogena Dry Touch sunscreen. 

In this trip, I was out in the sun for lesser than usual but zero sunburns and very less tanning thanks for this. Is this sunscreen apt for you? Read on.