We love the signature fragrance of Nivea creme. The delightful, distinctive fragrance of the rich and creamy product has been an important part of our lives since childhood. No winter was complete without lathering up on some of that creme. And it gave our face, elbows, feet some much needed pampering after a long day out. Fortunately for us, the brand recently launched an all new range with the fragrance of NIVEA Creme. It includes a deodorant and roll-on, packed in the signature blue colour that the brand is known for. Read on to know our take on this range.

What? - The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil

What does it promise? - Infused with three precious seed oils and a blend of seven essential oils, we've created the Oils of Life™ Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil. The lightweight and quickly absorbing texture leaves a non-sticky finish, melting onto the skin, leaving it silky and soft. Instantly, skin appears smoother, more radiant, revived, revitalised and nourished. After 4 weeks, the signs of aging appear reduced, wrinkles appear minimised, and skin feels more elastic and firm. 

Price: Rs 3095  Quantity: 30ml

Main Ingredients: Black cumin oil from Egypt, Rosehip Oil from Chile and Camellia Oil from China 

How to use? - This dermatologically tested oil can be applied every morning and evening before applying a cream. Apply 1 to 2 drops maximum (2-3 for very dry skin) onto the face and neck and gently massage into the skin.

Packaging: The oil comes in a glass bottle, which of course, is not very travel friendly. But, since the bottle does not weigh too much, it's not too heavy to carry around. Plus, the cap (with dropper) fits well, so no chances of the product spilling out either. The product comes with a glass dropper, which is convenient. You can dispense the right amount of oil, without wasting even a small drop.

Texture: According to our volunteer, this is one of the most light weight facial oils that she has ever used (the volunteer has tried and regularly used two popular facial oils in the past). The texture of the oil is extremely smooth and feels as light as water. The product is dermatologically tested and suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin.

Fragrance: Nothing like the typical facial oils, that smell like umm.. Oil! The wonderful blend of multiple oils in this product (more than 10 - 15, to be precise) result in a unique, subtle fragrance, with light notes of rosemary, olive, lavender and more.

Experience: A good facial oil takes at least 4 weeks to show signs of recovery. Since our volunteer tried the product for a week, we mostly kept a tab on the texture, hydration and other elements. The product was used daily, twice, after thoroughly cleansing the face. After massaging a few drops of the oil, the volunteer used her daily moisturiser. The first thing we noticed was that the oil blends into the skin like a dream, leaving no signs of the oil at all. It does not feel heavy or sticky, and within seconds, leaves your skin like a blank canvas for the moisturiser, BB creams and make up to follow. The oil worked well on hydrating our volunteer's skin from within, even while she gave a presentation in a conference room with 18c temperature (and FYI, she has combination skin). Her skin did not feel stretchy or dull even after hours inside an air-conditioned office. Post office hours, her skin continued to feel fresh and hydrated while traveling. She continued with her night skincare routine, but added The Body Shop's oils of life facial oil as the first step post cleansing (followed by her moisturiser and under eye cream). The next day, our volunteer informed that her skin felt hydrated and supple. Her cheeks usually feel a little dry during this time of the year, but that wasn't the case now. Her skin felt tight, firm and extremely soft. She is looking forward to seeing how the product works overtime, but is definitely happy with the results so far.

Pros: Attractive packaging

Light weight, non-sticky formula

Hydrating

Keeps your skin extremely soft and supple

Perfect for all skin types

No harmful ingredients

Cons: Glass bottle makes it less travel friendly

Verdict: Our volunteer gives The Body Shop India's Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil two thumbs up and has already added it to her daily skincare routine. With almost everything going for it, and no harmful ingredients, this product is definitely a must have this season!

Have you tried the all new Oils of Life range by The Body Shop? If yes, join the conversation on Twitter at @priyaadivarekar and tweet us with the hashtag #NewLifeForYourSkin

Product name: The Body Shop Moisture White Shiso 2 in 1 Brightening Eye Cream

Price: Rs 2295

Quantity: 15ml

What the product promises: The dual action brightening eye cream promises to brighten the eye area, improve the darkened skin and reduce the appearance of the signs of fatigue. After regular application, the skin around eye area feels fresher and smoother.

Key ingredients: Shiso extract and community fair trade aloe

How to use: Take a small quantity of the cream on the micro-circulating massager and massage the product around the eye area.

Texture: The eye cream is very smooth and does not feel sticky. Just a little bit of the cream is required and hence, the product will go a long way.

Our experience: Products like eye creams don't work like magic wands. You need to give it sometime before you can actually see the result. Fortunately, The Body Shop Moisture White Shiso 2 in 1 Brightening Eye Cream starting doing its job on the first day itself. After massaging the product, the eye area felt hydrated and very relaxed. Well, that is exactly what you need after a long day of work. I noticed how the product began reducing the puffyness below my eyes after using it daily for a week. After a fortnight, my eyes looked less puffy and a small dry patch above my right eye had completely vanished. While I cannot comment on how this product works on dark circles, it definitely worked on healing the issues that I was dealing with. I have continued using this product and so far, I have been quite happy. The packaging is great and very travel friendly. The massager is perfect and much needed. I also love the creamy texture and mild fragrance of this product.

Pros: - Good packaging

- Love the inclusion of a massager

- Smooth texture and mild fragrance

- Delivers as per promise

- Shelf life of three years 

- Not tested on animals

Cons: None

Verdict: For a product that delivers according to what it has promised, I will definitely vouch for this eye cream. It provides the perfect hydration and care that a good eye cream needs. The massager deserves bonus points, since just a few seconds of massage leaves my eye area feeling relaxed. The texture is not very heavy and is perfect for all skin types (and all seasons too). Since most eye creams are in a higher price bracket, this product is well priced. The  Body Shop Moisture White Shiso 2 in 1 Brightening Eye Cream is worth every penny and is highly recommended by us.

Have you tried this Eye Cream by The Body Shop? If yes, do let us know your experience on Twitter - @priyaadivarekar - or leave a comment below.

Love,

The Dancebee

By Ree Shik for Team Dancebee

Most of us have got a skincare regime for both day and night. We take good care of our face and neck area. In addition, we make sure that key areas like eyes and lips are well moisturized with the use of an eye cream or lip balm. But, have you ever wondered which is the most ignored part of our face? We do flutter these beauties with pride and even give them a 3D or high definition effect with all kinds of Mascaras. Yes! We are talking about - Eyelashes. While we do have castor oil as an option that can nourish our lashes, but it leaves your eyelashes feeling all sticky and that is not something that you would not want before sleeping. So, we came across an interesting product by Inglot, an eyelash serum, that promises to take care of your lashes.

What it promises: Inglot Eyelash Serum is an innovative formula for conditioning the lashes. With regular use you will not only greatly improve the general condition of your lashes, but also visibly see an increase in eyelash length. Peptides provide the intense care, lengthening and thickening the eyelashes. 

Application: Apply directly to the roots of your lashes each evening.

Texture: Smooth, transparent serum. The applicator is handy, making the product easy to use.

Price: Rs 1100

Our Experience:

We tested this product for a week and the experience so far has been quite good. Since I am obsessed with all kinds of eye make up products, I knew that the regular application of different Mascaras are doing enough damage to my lashes. Thankfully, after using this the Inglot serum for a week, my lashes feel nourished and soft. To witness the eyelash growth, we will have to wait for 3 to 4 weeks (even the product says so). The best part about the Inglot Eyelash Serum is that it does not give you any sticky or irritating feeling. You can also apply this product as a transparent mascara or brow gel. It works quite well.

What works: We love how it works as a multitasking product, as it can also double up as a transparent mascara or brow gel.

What doesn't: The product is flawless, but we wish it was a little easy on the pocket.

Verdict: This is definitely a must try! For those looking at taking good care of their lashes and helping them grow, we guess this product will work wonders. Though it costs Rs 1100, we think its not that bad an investment. This product has now become an essential part of my everyday beauty regime, the most important after my lip balm, of course.

For more information, join the conversation on Priya Adivarekar's official Twitter page at - @priyaadivarekar - and tell us if you have tried this product!

Kerastase is well known for their pampering hair rituals, that not just leave you feeling a lot lighter and relaxed, but also works magic on your tresses. They understand that every woman is unique, and that every type of hair and scalp has specific problems and need. Hence, Discipline is perfect for those who have a tough time managing their hair. Kerastase invited me to exclusively try out the Morpho-Keratin Discipline VIP ritual, a 90 minute session, that promised to leave me stress-free, while ensuring that I have bouncy, super smooth hair that shall last even after 5 shampoos. Here's decoding the ritual for you:

Step 1 - Consultation and hair analysis

After a detailed introduction and understanding of the Discipline range, the in-house expert analysed my scalp and hair, in order to understand its condition. She recommended a few products that will suit my hair type and showed me the pictures (captured using their state-of-the-art hair analysis machine) that were proof of all the damage that winter and my crazy schedule has done to my hair. She further explained the entire process of the Discipline ritual.

Step 2: Shampoo

The first hair wash began and the first product from the Discipline range was introduced. The Kerastase Bain Fluidealiste Sulfate Free shampoo was used, which gently cleansed my hair, leaving a strong fragrance that I loved. Just a little amount was enough and post emulsification, it was massaged on my scalp for a few minutes and then, washed off. No conditioner was used after the shampoo.

Step 3: The Massage
Be prepared to let your hair feel light as a feather as the expert then moves on to massaging your hair with the Kerastase Maskeratine. After towel drying your hair and leaving it damp, the product (packed with Morpho-Kertaine) is gently massaged on your hair for 5-6 minutes. This was definitely my favorite part, as for a few minutes, the lights were dimmed and the gentle strokes of the massage made me forget how packed rest of the day actually was. I closed my eyes and went into an almost meditative mode. After the massage, my tresses were sectioned and a hair iron was used, in order to ensure that the properties of the product were locked in.


Step 4 - Wash
After the massage, my hair was thoroughly washed and towel dried. It was then time to move on to the last and most important step - styling.


Step 5 - Leave in care
Post wash, my hair was towel dried and the super smooth (yet non-greasy) Kerastase Fluidissime anti-frizz leave-in care was sprayed on each section with great case. The leave-in promises to add a glossy finish to the hair, while protecting it from heat and facilitating faster, long-lasting blow dries. After spraying the product and ensuring each section is well protected, my hair was blow dried.




The Overall Experience
If there was one word to describe this ritual, it would be luxurious. The Kerastase Discipline ritual is all you need to pamper your hair in the best possible way. The 5 step treatment added some excellent volume and shine to my hair, that lasted a good fortnight. It left my hair feeling a lot lighter. True to its tagline, this really is a smooth in motion hair care, that gets rid of rigidity and leaves your hair super soft and fluid. For those who suffer from unmanageable hair and extreme frizz, I would definitely recommend this miracle ritual, that will do wonders to your hair. Plus, the fragrance of these products are fantastic. So much, that it continues to linger even after days.

Pricing
Kerastase rituals spell luxury and they are always priced at the higher end. While the Discipline Express Ritual is priced at Rs 2000 (30 minutes), the Discipline VIP ritual is available for Rs 3200 (90 minutes). But trust me, this ritual is worth every penny. Your tresses are your baby. If you don't invest in your hair, who will?

Verdict
My honest and heartfelt opinion - A must try!


PS: The Discipline range is also available as a three step hair management home care regime. It consists of - The Bain Fluididealiste Sulfate free (Rs 2000 for 250ml), Maskeratine smooth-in motion masque (Rs 2750 for 200ml) and Fluidissime (Rs 2000 for 150ml). The products are available at all Kerastase affiliated salons. For more information, like the Kerastase Facebook Page.

Have you tried any Kerastase ritual? Do let me know your feedback on Twitter - @priyaadivarekar

Love,
The Dancebee

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Keep those responses coming in and if you want us to review any specific product during the ongoing Beauty Month on Diary of a Dancebee, do let me know! I am always open to feedback on any of our social media pages.

Good luck,
The Dancebee

At Diary of a Dancebee, we are constantly bringing out new initiatives and fun posts to keep our readers happy, be it in the fashion, beauty or film sphere. To kick off the brand new year in style, we are excited and pleased to celebrate 'Beauty Month on Diary of a Dancebee' starting today, going all the way up to February 9 2015. Expect fun product reviews, beauty query chats on Twitter and Facebook, features with important beauty tips and yes, awesome contests as well. So folks, don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram, Like us on Facebook and Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube for everyday Beauty Love. 

We are starting this fun celebration with a review of the new Za Two Way Foundation, which comes with a gorgeous limited edition customized case (available at Shopper's Stop outlets across the country). Watch the video to find out what I think about this newbie on the block.