Munni of all Trades

Award winning Lifestyle and Travel Blog by Khushboo Motihar

Beauty and Fashion

ITIS Plus Care: Dry eye care drops

Hi everybody

As somebody who is sitting in front of her laptop for a better part of the day and spending the remaining travelling to remote corners of Maharashtra, eye care is essential for me. I have been wearing spectacles with a high power from a very young age and have always been extra careful when it comes to taking care of my eyes. Dryness in the eyes and irritation are the two issues that I face and that is why; today I would like to talk to you about ITIS Plus Care, which is a herbal nutritional eye care drops.

About ITIS Plus Care

eye care drops
ITIS Plus Care by Ozone Ayurvedics

 

ITIS is a sterile, isotonic Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) 0.3% containing Poly-Herbal Formulation to be used as therapeutic Eye Lubricant. It is designed to protect against eyestrain and Tear Film loss by keeping eyes moist and nourished. The eye care drops are enriched with 11 organic herbal actives and extracts. This new eye drop is a unique blend of a Poly-Herbal formulation and the polymer, Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) used in artificial tears to achieve their prolonged residence time on the ocular surface.

Ingredients

The herbal ingredients of the eye care drops include Honey, Gulabjal, Haridra, Nimba, Vibhitaki, Amalaki, Rasount, Haritaki, Mamira, Tulsi Patra, Pudina, Kapoor, Chandan, Bhringraja to name a few.

Price: Rs. 94 for 10ml

My review of ITIS Plus Eye Care Drops

eye care drops
Key ingredients of ITIS Plus Care

Eye fatigue, dryness, irritation, itchiness, infection, swollen eyelid, burning sensation and grittiness are some of the many eye problems that I face living in a Metro.  I am trying to move away from chemical laden products and am always on the lookout for organic and herbal remedies to problems. They say, that the best remedy for itchiness and dryness of the eyes is water and it may be true most of the times. But, there are exceptions to this rule of course and during those times I use ITIS Plus Care. As a herbal nutritional eye lubricant, ITIS Plus Eye Care Drops is a powerful antibacterial, non-irritating sterile solution, protecting against Tear Film loss, while relieving dry, irritated eyes.

It comes in a small plastic bottle and you can easily slip it into your wallet for day to day use. What I generally prefer to do is wash my eyes with water first, dab it lightly with a towel and then use ITIS. For the next 20 minutes I stay away from my cell phone and laptop and allow my eyes to relax for a bit before I get to work. I love the fact that uses ingredients like Tulsi (Basil) and Gulabjal (Rosewater) which are traditionally considered to be very soothing.

It has worked well for me all these days and it is a must-carry-everyday-to-work product for me.

I hope you enjoyed reading the review. Do let me know if you have any further queries and I will be happy to answer them. J

Please note: I was provided this product as a PR sample; my review is honest as always.

Try@Home with Caratlane.com to buy beautiful jewellery in comfort

Simple, elegant and a bit eclectic is what I look for when I buy beautiful jewellery. Ornaments are an important investment for me and I don’t mean just financially. A beautiful piece of jewellery can tell your many story, it can convey what you hold dear and is an extension of your personal brand.

Back in college, whatever was friendly on the pocket was the criteria when I would go traverse through the streets of South Bombay to buy beautiful jewellery. You could wear it for a few days, either lose it or break it and then forget about it. With youth passed such immature tastes and today I see and seek for much more. I want to buy beautiful jewellery that is timeless and which will last forever. I have been looking to invest my savings to buy a pretty little bauble for myself but sadly my introverted self is not able to.

Jewellery and introversion? How is it connected?

Well, it gets awkward to go to a store and try on jewellery, and end up buying nothing or to keep asking the saleswoman to show you the different designs and collections that they have. Plus, I like a bit of privacy while I am trying on a piece and I also like to try my jewellery with several dresses to ensure that I can wear it on different occasions.

Does a physical store offer me that freedom?

No!

Can you and I get the freedom to try jewellery at home and make duck faces as we try it on? 

Yes!

Can I call my friends for a party and do a mini ramp walk in my fabulous jewels before I shortlist something?

Yes

Can I return the jewellery because I was not happy with it without feeling embarrassed?

Oh yes!

How?

buy beautiful jewellery
Munni of all Trades is Caratlane’s fan forever

Through Caratlane.com’s Try@Home feature where you have no obligation to buy the jewellery you try. Caratlane’s consultants will come to your house, your office or wherever else you please with the pieces you select and you can try it at your convenience.

I love the fact that they are offering a unique, stress-free option to shop in your comfort zone without feeling pressurized or guilty. What makes it better is that this service is offered free of cost. You can go through the selections that are available in their Try@Home section and make an appointment at any time that suits you.

This service is currently available in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Bangalore and you can try a maximum of 5 pieces at a time. If you like something, you can place an order with their consultant then and there or if you like some time to think, then you can do that, too. My tip for you is to try to click as many photographs as possible so that when you are making your decision, it is easier for you to understand which ones you absolutely loved.

I, too, tried on a few pieces of jewellery.  Have a look at some of my pretty photographs. I, of course, have kept the duck face ones for my private collection. I gotta look pretty on the blog 😉

buy beautiful jewellery buy beautiful jewellery

 

buy beautiful jewellery

buy beautiful jewellery

buy beautiful jewellery

Liked the collection? My favourite were the pretty earrings from their Lotus Collection.

Browse through Caratlane’s huge range of jewellery, pick out the ones you want and hold a private fashion soiree in the comfort of your home and enjoy this great way to buy beautiful jewellery while sitting at home. It can’t get better than this 🙂

Oriflame makes ‘A Beautiful Change’

Oriflame, A beautiful change
L-R Ms. Shikha Duggal, Mr Sergei Kanashin Head of south Asia & MD India Oriflame, Kalki Koechlin (New Brand Ambassador), Mr. Naveen Anand Sr Director Regional Marketing

Being a part of the development sector, I always appreciate it when brands take up the initiative to make a difference in the world. Sustainability and creating employment opportunities for people are something Oriflame has always been famous for. On their 50th Anniversary, Oriflame wanted to showcase their work and build awareness around their strong legacy and ambition for the future by roping in National Award-winning actress Kalki Koechlin as Oriflame’s brand ambassador to launch the much-awaited campaign, “A Beautiful Change”. Oriflame believes that everyone can make a beautiful change in this world.

Mumbai bloggers were invited to an exclusive meet to understand Oriflame’s initiative better and also to meet the lovely actress.

I am happy to report that from creating opportunities for people to improve their lives to giving back to local communities and nature, Oriflame has strengthened its position as an environment-friendly and sustainable company. Much of the brand’s vital philosophies are reflected via its many social and environmental policies. Oriflame aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2020. It has collaborated with the RFA to source 100% of its paper and packaging requirements from credible certified sources by 2020. Oriflame is also the first cosmetics company purchasing GreenPalm credits for 100% palm oil usage. All these initiatives push the brand closer to its goal of sustainability in bringing about a beautiful change in the world.

Kalki Koechlin (New Brand Ambassador) at Oriflame
Kalki Koechlin (New Brand Ambassador) at Oriflame

With its core beliefs of empowerment and sustainability, I say Kalki Koechlin is the perfect face for Oriflame India.

Mr. Sergei Kanashin, SVP and Head of South Asia & MD India at Oriflame said, “Being one of the fastest growing cosmetic companies in the world, we believe that beauty is beyond looks but it’s the way one acts. While our eviewoducts bring beauty and wellbeing into the lives of consumers, they are also manufactured in a way that they don’t harm nature and the environment. We welcome Kalki in the Oriflame family and we look forward to a fruitful association with her.”

About Oriflame

Founded in 1967, Oriflame is a beauty company selling direct in more than 60 countries. Its wide portfolio of Swedish, nature-inspired, innovative beauty products is marketed through approximately 3 million independent Oriflame Consultants. Respect for people and nature underlies Oriflame’s operating principles and is reflected in its social and environmental policies. Oriflame supports numerous charities worldwide and is a Co-founder of the World Childhood Foundation. Oriflame Cosmetics is listed on the Nasdaq OMX Nordic Exchange.

Let’s all raise a toast to Oriflame and I hope they continue impacting lives across the world.

1m Intimate Cream Wash Review

During my early morning bath today I began to ponder about something that I thought I must write about. It is about our intimate hygiene. A couple of months ago, I had a bad case of UTI i.e. Urinary Tract Infection. I ignored for a couple of days thinking it will go away since I used a good intimate hygiene wash, but it just got worse. I felt so ill that I had to skip work for a week.

I call myself a modern city girl. I have been born and brought up in Mumbai and surely intimate hygiene is something I should be able to talk openly about right? Yet, I was so ashamed that I chose to bear the pain instead of going to a gynecologist right away for treatment.

I think what made me feel that sense of shame was that I was doing nothing wrong. I was using a good intimate hygiene wash, I was changing my underclothes twice a day, I even used a toilet seat sanitizer. I mean there was no reason for me to contract UTI and I still did. Anyway, once I got better, I decided to explore some new products for intimate hygiene.

I have been using IM for some time now and I would like to share my experience.

intimate hygiene wash

About 1m Intimate Cream Wash

To maintain the natural balance of the intimate (vulvo-vaginal) area, you need a cleanser that has an ideal pH of 3.5*. 1m Intimate Cream Wash is enriched with Lactic Acid, Sea Buckthorn Oil and Tea Tree Oil to maintain the intimate area’s natural acidic balance. How regular usage helps you: Reduces dryness, itchiness, soreness, burning, unpleasant odour and symptoms of vaginal discharge. It also restores the beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus naturally found in the intimate area and significantly lowers your risk of vaginal infections. *pH level could vary from 3.5 to 4.8

Directions for use

Apply 1m Intimate Cream Wash on the dry or wet skin of your intimate area. Rinse lightly during bathing if needed. As this is a water soluble cream with natural ingredients, you can rinse it off or leave it on the skin. It is safe for everyday use.

Ingredients of  1m Intimate hygiene Wash

intimate hygiene wash

Aqua, Cetosteryl Alcohol, Light Liquid Paraffin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lactic Acid, Cetyltrimethyl Ammonium Bromide, Glycerine IP, Dimethecone, Parfum, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil.

Product Claims 

Reduces dryness, itchiness, soreness, burning, unpleasant odour and symptoms of vaginal discharge. It also restores the beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus naturally found in the intimate area and significantly lowers your risk of vaginal infection.

Price: Rs. 138

My Review of 1m Intimate Cream Wash

Firstly, 1m Intimate Wash is not like the usual intimate hygiene products that are available. It is a cream based product instead of the gel like variants that I have always used. You might take some time to get used to its texture, but when you do, I assure you that you will be very pleased with it.

I love its ingredient list especially the fact that it contains Tea Tree leaf oil. One interesting aspect of this product is that you need not rinse it off everytime you use. I find that this is very useful especially when one is on the road for long with limited access to water and clean toilets.

intimate hygiene wash

It has a pleasant fragrance, too, though personally, I prefer that my intimate hygiene products are perfume free. It has solved the problem of dryness and itchiness for me though I cannot comment on how effective it is in reducing vaginal infections since I have not been using it for very long.

However, what I can tell you is that it is a good quality intimate hygiene wash which is surprisingly affordable. It is one that I intend to continue using.

If you have any questions on intimate hygiene or about 1m don’t hesitate to reach out to me over email and I will be happy to respond. Also, don’t be stupid like and always consult a gynecologist if you ever face any intimate health issues. Take care 🙂

Richfeel Sunshield SPF 30: My sunscreen protection review

sunscreen protection
Review of Richfeel Sunshield SPF 30

I love taking my sunscreens out for a spin because according to me, outdoors is the best place to judge the true effectiveness of sunscreen protection. So for the last couple of weeks I have used it while travelling from home to work in the local trains, at my weekend getaway to a camping farm and on a road trip on a lazy Sunday afternoon. All these 3 experiences have given me enough experience to review Richfeel SunShield with SPF 30.

About Richfeel SunShield with SPF 30

Your skin needs extra attention for spending long hours out of home. Our lightweight, easy-to-apply Sun Shield provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection for all skin types. Its non-greasy formula intensely hydrates by quickly getting absorbed into your skin and minimizes the drying effects of the sun. It also has a unique triple-action fairness formula that’s clinically proven to lighten skin tone and reduce dark spots while its SPF 30 effectively isolates the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays and prevents premature aging of your skin.

Special Features of Richfeel SunShield sunscreen protection

  • UVA/UVB protection for all skin types.
  • Non greasy formula.
  • Unique triple-action: lightens skin tone, reduces marks and protects from sun.

Ingredients

Purified Water, Octyl Methyl Cinnamate, Octyl Salycilate,Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Myristate, Propyl Paraben , Glycerin, Allantoin,Actiwhite LS 9808,Polysorbate 80.

sunscreen protection
A closer look at the ingredients of Richfeel Sunshield SPF 30

How to use product?

Fifteen minutes prior to stepping outdoors, apply your Sun Shield evenly and generously over face and other areas of skin that might be exposed to the sun. Reapply as needed (every 3 to 4 hours) for your carefree and active lifestyle.

Price

Rs. 299 for 100gms

My Experience of using Richfeel SunShield with SPF 30

sunscreen protection
My selfie in the sun, but only after applying Richfeel Sunshield SPF 30

My skin is very different from what it used to be when I first started this blog. Back then, my skin used to be the Sahara desert, dry and patchy and I would prefer heavier products that would not only protect me from the sunrays but also nourish my skin. These days, my T zone has started getting oily while the rest of my face continues to be dry. That is why; my preferences have changed and these days I opt for lighter sunscreens. The sunscreen comes in a flip top tube packaging which is convenient to carry around.

It is a little too heavy for my liking and on hot, sunny days, it starts to run off your face if you don’t give it enough time to settle. On the days when the weather is pleasant, slightly nippy or cold, this sunscreen is perfect for me.

It will last you for one and a half hour when you are outdoors but I recommend that you try and reapply it every hour if you are out in intense heat. If you are mostly indoors, you can leave this on for three hours and then reapply it. It definitely fulfills its promise of protecting you from the sun but it does not have lightening effect nor does it reduce your marks as it claims.

On the whole, I think people with combination skin should to use this during the winters and avoid it in during the summers. If you have dry skin, this product is the ideal sunscreen protection for you.

Do you change your sunscreen according to weather? Let me know in the comments below 🙂