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Showing posts with label product reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label product reviews. Show all posts

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Product Review : Nutrus Green Coffee

Last week, I received a sample of Nutrus Green Coffee for a review. Needless to say, I was quite intrigued by the product which claims to be India's first Green Coffee with probiotics . Since 'probiotics' refers to live bacteria/yeast that are ingested for their beneficial properties, it can be described as some kind of a health drink. The product claims to help you lose weight but not over night. Sounds quite sensible, doesn't it ??
















Here is what I have to say about the product -

It has a nice flavor which is milder than the instant coffee I usually drink. Since we are not supposed to add sugar to it, it is definitely lower in calories. And it is refreshing too ! Most importantly, it tastes good and in fact, is much better than 'Green Tea' which inevitably has a bitter note.

Pros of the product - 

1. It is easy to prepare. Take a cup of hot water and stir in the contents of the sachet. Cant get any easier.

2. Taste is a definite plus unless you happen to be an Expresso addict.

3. Claims to help in reducing weight (have been taking it for 1 week only so cannot vouch for it)

4. Rich in antioxidants.

5. Modulates Glucose and Fat metabolism.

Cons of the product -

1. It is on the expensive side. Costs Rs 225 for 20 single-use sachets.

2. Availability is an issue as of now. Can buy online at an extra cost (delivery charges).
















Final verdict - I love the taste of this product and hence I don't mind giving up my regular tea/coffee for it. As for the weight loss claims, I would like to try it for a few more days before giving the final verdict. Since I already lead an active lifestyle with regular exercise and healthy meals, I will not be making any drastic changes in my routine apart from swapping by morning and evening tea with Nutrus Green Coffee . Will update this post after a month.

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Product Review: Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Outdoor Gloves

The resolution to minimize eating outside food inevitably means more toiling in the kitchen. And that guarantees a lot more exposure with water and cleaning agents. Which is not only painful but also leads to increased dryness in the hands during the cold winter months. Even when one is not cooking, most stay at home ladies keep doing random tasks like cleaning / dusting which leads to painful cracks on the hands and even inflammations at times.






























Hence the need to buy and use this wonder product from Scotch-Brite. Now quite a few of us would already be using their scrubbers to remove food particles that remain sticking to the cooking vessels. So, when I found this reasonably priced pair of gloves at a departmental store, I picked them up without second thoughts. Please note that I have already tried their 'Kitchen Glove' which is priced lower at Rs 75. And I can tell you that the 'Heavy Duty' version is by far the superior choice.

This is why you should buy the Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Outdoor Gloves -

1. They are smooth, flexible and come with a fresh lemon scent in an attractive pink colour.

2. They protect your hands from cold water and chemicals which tend to dry out the skin .

3. They come in two sizes and there is a useful size guide at the backside of the packet to help you choose the correct one.

















4. The 'Heavy Duty' version has a much better grip than the 'Kitchen one'. I can use it to wash by delicate crockery and even chop vegetables (though fine chopping is somewhat hindered).

5. No maintenance. Just wash the outside surface and line dry.

6. Fold and put it back in the cover if not using for a few days.
























The only cons -

1. They last just about 2 months with heavy use. And one has to be extra careful while cleaning sharp objects with it.

2. Th lemon scent might be irritating for some folks.

3. They stain easily .

Monday, July 27, 2015

Product Review : Saby' Barbee Benefit Chai Masala


















The monsoons are bearing down on us and I am forced to spend most of my time indoors. The absence of sunlight and the dampness that accompanies the rain also brings on a host of seasonal complaints like cold, cough and indigestion. Hence the desire to curl up with a good book and a cuppa of steaming hot chai. Mind it, I am not talking about the very austere English tea in bone china cups but the very aromatic brew steeped in Indian spices and served in those earthen kulhads.

And since I am very particular about my 'chai', I always end up making my own spice mix. Hence, when I received the samples of Saby's Barbee Benefit Chai masala, I was a bit skeptical about it. And it remained unopened on my kitchen shelf for a week. But one day I was down with a sore throat and feeling too ill to brew my own concoction. I picked up one of the samples and read the instructions. It seemed simple and I gave it a try. And loved it.

Ingredients -


  • mint
  • black pepper
  • cinnamon
  • ginger
  • nutmeg
  • mixed herbs


The brand claims the following benefits -


  • Weight loss
  • Relief from joint pains
  • Fortified with Calcium and Iron
  • Relief from cold and cough
  • Stress relief
  • Digestion

My opinion - It provides relief in case of cough, cold, stress related headache and aids digestion. I did not experience the weight loss benefits as I tried it for 2 weeks only.  However, the spices used have certified weight loss properties so I am sure that it would aid weight loss in the long run.

Instructions for use - In your tea, with or without milk . Or even with plain hot water.


How I like to have it ? I add 1/2 tsp to my regular tea ( skim milk and no sugar ) towards the end.  Let it boil for a minute before decanting. Stir in 1/2 tsp of honey. Sip with pleasure.


















Disclaimer - Samples provided by Saby's Barbee Mania and Food Bloggers Association Bangalore. However the opinions are the author's own.

You can buy it on Paytm .

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Biotique Bio Berry Plumping Lip Balm

Lip plumpers are products that are supposed to give a bee-stung effect to your lips so that they appear fuller and smoother. Now which woman does not aspire for Angelina Jolie's famous pout ?? But what kept me from trying out plumpers are that they are expensive products and give a mild burning /stinging sensation when applied. So, when I saw the Biotique Bio Berry Plumping Lip Balm in a shop near my home, I grabbed it with both hands. It is priced at just Rs 99/- and is free from chemicals (as per the brand's claims).

Read on to find out how it fared on my scale -






















Pros -

1. Priced economically (Rs 99/- for 4.1 g)
2. Free from chemicals ( therapeutic product as per claims )
3. Hygienic bullet application ( certainly better than the earlier tub )
4. Smooths out the fine lines on my lips
5. Gives a mild plumping effect
6. Provides moisture to lips for 3-4 hours.
7. Tasteless and very mild smelling. But gives a light tingling effect.
8. Looking at the older reviews on beauty blogs, they seem to have relaunched the product with a new look and improved formula.


Cons -

1. It is very mildly tinted. Does not show up on pigmented lips.
2. Works best when applied under a lipstick/lip polish.
3. The bullet is too long and sticks out of the tube. The cap was already soiled with some of the product when I purchased it.
4. The formula is a little stiff/hard so one needs to rub it 2-3 times on the lips (but the good thing is that it will last longer).


Rating - 4.25/5 . I find it quite useful as it is transparent and takes care of my lip lines. I regularly apply it under any other lip color I am using. Will repurchase for sure.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Lakme Lip Love Lip Care Cherry Review

I love winters as it allows me to indulge in loads and loads of lip balms. But since I have pigmented lips just like the majority of Indian women, I prefer those with a hint of color. And the Nivea Lip balm in the shade 'Pomegranate' is by far the best thing that I have tried. However when Lakme launched these 'Lip Love Lip Care' beauties, I could not resist from trying them out. Got them from Amazon during the GOSF. But did they live up to the hype. Read on to find out more -





Lakme Lip Love Lip Care in the shade Cherry

The product promises -


  • Luxurious creamy core that moisturizes your lips
  • Swirl of color for a hint of tint
  • SPF 15* helps protect from sun damage
It comes in 4 flavours - Cherry, Peach, Strawberry and Vanilla. Priced at Rs 200 for 3.8 gms.

My take on the product - 




















I picked up the most pigmented variant which is the shade Cherry. The balm leaves behind a light red stain on the lips which will not really show up on very pigmented lips. The moisturization part is ok though not the best. If looks unflattering if you apply it directly on chapped lips. Apply it after a bit of exfoliation for best results. I personally wear it layered under and over the Lotus Pure Color lipsticks which are quite hydrating during the winters. And I do need to reapply it every 3 hours.

Though it looks different in the swatches, I find it to be similar to the Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm "Cherry Kiss" when worn on the lips. 


Bottom one - Cherry(Lakme) : Top - Cherry Kiss(Maybelline)















Bottom one - Cherry : Top one - Cherry Kiss 


































Pro's of the product -

1. Has SPF 15
2. Looks quite attractive
3. Nice bubblegum flavor
4. Quite moisturizing if one does not mind frequent re-application
5. Tube packaging makes it hygienic.


Con's of the product -

1. Does not really show up on very pigmented lips. 
2. Pricier than the Maybelline Baby Lips Color Balms which delivers similar results.




Rating - 3/5. If you are specifically looking for tinted lip balms during the winter months, buy Nivea or Maybelline Baby Lips. They are not only better but also lighter on the pocket.


Friday, October 17, 2014

Tulsi Tea & Ginger lemon Tea : Reviews

A dreary long afternoon without power. Though cocooned from nature's fury by virtue of its geographic location, the aftermath of Hudhud is being felt in a very different form in the IT city(refer news). While the power shortages have disrupted our set schedules, it has also opened up new avenues of entertainment. No telivision/no laptop equals to more books/going to the park/chatting up with neighbours. On one such afternoon as I was engrossed in a Paulo Coelho, the doorbell rang. As I was expecting a package from Borosil, I ran excitedly to open the door. 'Ah at last', I exclaimed when I saw the courier guy with a package. I signed and took the package in my hands. It felt different.  I took a proper look at the consignment details. That is when I saw the words 'Paper Boat' along with their logo embossed on the package. Had missed it in my excitement. They have launched two new variants of their drinks and had sent it for review. (PS- I loved the tiny note you guys sent with it!!!)























This is the third time I am reviewing their products which are all natural ready-to-serve 'Indian' beverages. Have previously reviewed all the exising flavours and I think these two variants are a nice addition to their repetoire. Both the flavours 'Tulsi Tea' and 'Ginger Lemon Tea' are much loved and widely consumed especially during winters. Touted to be the sure cure for all sore throats, they are essentially hot beverages. But the twist is that these RTS beverages need to be 'served chilled'. So how did they fave on my gusto-meter ??

The samples came in a jute bag (this time it is brown) enclosed within a cardboard box (brownie points for the eco-friendly packaging). There were two samples of each flavour. Though it was mentioned to 'serve chilled', I could hardly wait to try them. So, I tried them at room temperature first. Both turned out to be quite refreshing but tasted somewhat similar ( both have those lemony notes ). The Tulsi variant is a litle too subtly flavoured and maybe they can upp the flavour by a notch or two. I liked the Ginger-Lemon variant among the two. It has that right balance of flavours ( and that ginger smell which I really dig ). It think it is really nice. Reminded me of the CCD iced tea that was a favorite at one time.

[The remaining samples were duly kept in the fridge and tried later. Yes, they do taste better when chilled. Stock them in your fridge for those hot ( and also not-so-hot ) days.]






















Yaay's -
1. Low on sugar ( just 6 g/100ml)
2. Traditional Indian flavours
3. Low on calories ( 27.4 Kcal/100 ml for Ginger Lemon and 24 Kcal/100ml for Tulsi )
4. No preservatives
5. No added colors
6. All natural ingredients (as listed on package) - water, sugar, black tea leaves, lemon juice concentrate, ginger, lemongrass, tulsi leaves.
7. Nice taste (when slightly chilled)
8. Priced at Rupees 30/250 ml.

Naay's -

1. I expected the Tulsi version to have a stronger flavour.



Rating - Since Paper Boat Drinks are in a league of their own, it will not be favourable to comapare them with other beverages. However, i would rate it a 4.25/5 based on taste/calorie content/pricing and health perspective.

[ Though product samples sent by the company, my opinion is unbiased and strictly personal.]

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Tresemme Split Remedy Shampoo and Conditioner Review

I received the Tresemme Split Remedy Hamper a few weeks back for a free trial (Thanks Indiblogger). But since I was trying out the Sunsilk Natural Recharge range at that time, I decided to put it on hold. After the less than encouraging results of the Sunsilk version, I was hesitant to try this out. And if one takes a look at most of the beauty blogs, this shampoo is quite a let-down. Anyways I tried it as I had to do the review.

Have used it for just 3 washes till date and I quite like this product. As per the product claims it is supposed to reduce and repair upto 96 percent of the split ends in just 3 washes for a salon like smoothness. One has to use it along with the conditioner for best results. Though I did not have any split ends (thanks to a trimming a few weeks back), it worked nicely to reduce the dryness in my hair. My hair left a lot smoother and straighter as it takes care of the fizz and fly-away as well.




Product Claims 

















Read further for more details -


















Shampoo

Conditioner














































Advantages -
1. Economical price and good quantity ( Rs 80/- for 90 ml each ).
2. Nice fragrance which lingers on almost for the day.
3. The cap design is sturdy and it offers good control over the quantity being poured out.
4. Reduces dryness and fizz. Hair looks shiny and healthy.
5. Made my hair more manageable and effect lasted 3 days. Even after 3 days, no adverse effects noticed (though i admit to have used a serum...it is just my regular habit).
6. Shampoo creates a good lather and cleans hair in just a single wash.
7. Conditioner does not weigh down my hair.

Disadvantages -

1. Contains silicones which are detrimental to hair in the long run.
2. Not sure if it repairs split ends as I had a trim recently.
3. Also contains SLS.
4. The cap might get pressed accidentally when kept in a bag during travelling and hence it is a no-no for travels.
5. Does not control hairfall.



















Definitely worth a try at the given price. Overall, I would rate it 3.75/5. ( I wish to go back to Patanjali Hair Cleanser (yellow bottle with orange cap) but sadly I am unable to find it. Any idea if they have discontinued it ??? )



Monday, March 31, 2014

Danone Misti Doi - Everyone loves it!!!!

It is everything that I want my misti doi to be. Ever since I saw the commercials being aired on TV, I was a bit skeptical about trying it out. One factor could be that I stay near to a Banchharam's and hence can get it anytime from there. Hence I made the mistake of buying only two units. And they did not last even for an hour after exiting the mall.

Its thick. Creamy. Not overwhelmingly sweet. Just the right bit of tang. Even the top fatty layer that you find in most traditional clay pot misti doi's is also present. Can't wait to replenish my stock hence planning to get some online from Bigbasket (here) or Zopnow (here).































My verdict: 4.75/5 .

Taste & texture - Just the way it should be.Can't give anything less than a 5
Price - I think it a little more than the average price for the given quantity. So, 4.5.
Packaging - Neat and compact. Small portion size is a boon for weight watchers. Check the below pic for Nutritional values -


















No chances of spilling and can be easily carried in a handbag to office. Deserves a 5. (But I would love it if they add a little scoop/spoon in the packaging so that i do not need to carry one.)

Got for it!!!!

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Quaker Oats New Flavour : Classic Elaichi & Raisins (Product review)

This is the latest flavour of Quaker Oats to hit the shelves. With its rich cardamom flavour, it is quite reminiscent of the traditional Kheer prepared by my mom.
















Quaker has a interesting range of flavoured quick oats which come at a pocket friendly price & packaging. Priced at Rupees 10 a pouch, these are designed for one time use thus doing away the need of storage.

Available in both sweet & savory versions, the savory flavours are more inclined towards an older audience. I have no reason to complain as my kiddie laps us the sweet ones ( I have recommended the same to my neighbours and got wonderful feedback from them). It is the easiest way to get some milk into my little ones' tummy who otherwise puts up quite a fight (no amount of drinking chocolate, horlicks, bournvita, or Boost succeeded in masking the smell of milk).

This is one product that I would rate at 5/5 (overall).
Packaging - 4.5/5 ( I find the quantity a little less and have to add a fruit/boiled egg to supplement my breakfast. But quantity is good enough for kids. )
Price - 5/5
Taste - 5/5
















Note: This is a product that has added sugar. Diabetics please watch out. 

Saturday, August 24, 2013

A Product Review : Mala's Strawberry Crush

A few days ago I was looking for strawberries at the supermarket. But could not find any, not even frozen ones. It was then my neighbor suggested this awesome Strawberry Crush. It the closest to natural strawberries , she claimed.
Feeling a little skeptical but with a glimmer of hope, i trudged on to find it. And I did find it at my nearest Total Superstore ( you will get the entire range at Nilgiri's ). It turned out to be even better than i had expected.




I used it in my lemonade, lassi, milkshake and sherbats. The added tang and color was too good. Made strawberry muffins and they too turned out yummy ( review coming out next week ). I have been using it almost everyday at a topping for museli or even as a bread spread. Priced at Rs 125 for 700 ml, it is a steal deal.


Saturday, July 23, 2011

Prestige Smart Kitchen Review















I am not a social reformer nor am i trying to make a name for myself by defaming others. But i believe that every voice counts and i need to make myself heard. Will be posting regular feedbacks on the products being launched in the market and my experiences with them.

These days Prestige is heavily promoting their 'Smart Kitchen' line. The company has also launched 'Exchange Offers' to boost the sales of its new products. The products are supposed to make one's life much better and easier.

I decided to buy their Induction Cook-Top as it is supposed to make cooking faster and also produces no heat thereby making the kitchen a much cooler place.

The dealer was all sugar and spice when making the sale. However our troubles started soon after when the unit developed an electrical problem within 3 months of use. It started sparking heavily and even blew out the fuse for the entire house.

We took the unit to the dealer and he said it would take 4-5 days as the company service person was not available on the same day. Ever since we have been following up with the dealer with no positive results.

Not only me but others in my office and in my friends circle have faced quality issues with Prestige products.

A word of caution for all : Please be careful when buying products from Prestige dealers.

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