Thursday, July 25, 2013

Snapdeal scores a Hat Trick in Consistently Horrible Service

This is a review of my horrible shopping experiences with Snapdeal.com since 2010. Snapdeal started as a deals website in 2010, when the concept was fairly new in India. Mydala.com had been there in 2009 but I got to know about these deals websites in 2010 when I wanted to get inked (tattooed). Currently Snapdeal has evolved into an online shopping mall and the deals are there as well. Anyways, this is the history of my shopping with Snapdeal.com.


SNAPDEAL.COM SHOPPING EXPERIENCE 1: MOHIT TATTOOS

Click the picture for an Enlarged View
A tattoo deal came by in Sept 2010 for some Mohit Tattoos based in Gautam Nagar, South Delhi. I was to pay Rs 99 to Snapdeal and Rs 300 to Mohit Tattoos for a 3 Square inch Tattoo, which came to a tiny winy 1.5x2" tattoo. Since I wanted something bigger, Mohit Tattoos told me they charge Rs 750/sq inch for tattoo coverage area beyond the 3 Square Inch deal.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Latest Offers and Discount Coupons from Medplusbeauty.com

NOTE: This post is outdated.

Medplusbeauty.com gives you access to some great brands from the comfort of your home. I have been shopping with them for almost 2 years now and all my personal care products come from this business. Besides the discounted prices, they also provide coupon codes from time to time on select brands and most times these coupons are for 'Additional Discount' over and above the existing discounts. I have bought some really high-send products at very high discounts during these offers.

There are currently 2 Offers going on:

MEDPLUSBEAUTY.COM OFFER 1

The latest offer is ADDITIONAL 15% DISCOUNT ON THESE PREMIUM HAIR, BEAUTY AND SKIN CARE BRANDS:

Thursday, July 18, 2013

How to Take Care of Leather Goods in Humid Rainy Weather

It is raining in many parts of India right now, and during this humid weather, sometimes you might have noticed a strange white or green dusty layer develop on your shoes, handbags, wallets etc. During my childhood, I have seen it a few times on my school shoes.

When you try to remove that dust, you find dirty white patches with discoloration. It is caused by the development of molds on the surface of leather goods, especially items lying unused in a dark and humid place in your house. Molds may also develop on a leather item, which might have gotten wet in the rain and you did not air it properly to let it dry, for example the wallet in your back pocket.

Mold on leather shoes

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Hair Care Tips for Colored Hair

Since I mostly receive emails from people regarding hair colors and hair problems, I am putting all the important tips right here to set some basics right, when it comes to colored hair care.


Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Organic Surge Color Protect Conditioner Review

This is a review of Organic Surge Color Protect Conditioner. I had switched to this brand around a year ago, when I was searching for an SLS-free shampoo for my color treated hair. At that time, all Organic Surge products were available at medplusbeauty.com at a promotional discount of 50% and later the prices were raised to only 20% discount. Still medplusbeauty.com gives the highest discount on this brand.

UPDATE Aug 27, 2013: This Color protect range has been discontinued and the new color protect shampoo and conditioner from Organic Surge will be restocked online soon. Organic Surge has reformulated its Moisture Boost range into a color protect range, but it is no longer sulphates free, though it may still be mild.

Organic Surge Color Protect Conditioner Review

I had used two Organic Surge Color Protect Shampoo bottles and even though I wanted to try out this conditioner, I never felt the need. The shampoo itself turned out to be quite good and kept my hair very well. While ordering my third shampoo bottle, I happened to accidentally order this Organic Surge Color Protect Conditioner.

Price: INR 625 (I got from medplusbeauty.com for INR 500 *Highest Discount)
Quantity: 200 ml
Made in the UK

Organic Surge Color Protect Conditioner Review
Organic Surge Color Protect Shampoo and conditioner bottles come in the same packing. The shampoo bottle is taller (250 ml).

PACKAGE DESCRIPTION

Organic Surge Color Protect Conditioner Review

ORGANIC SURGE COLOR PROTECT CONDITIONER INGREDIENTS

Organic Surge Color Protect Conditioner Ingredients

Organic Surge Colour protect conditioner is a blend of 98% naturally-derived and organic ingredients
Contains organic peach extract and almond essential oil.
Organic Surge is against animal testing.

Phenoxyethanol is used in products as an alternative to parabens and alone, it is unsafe for use near eyes, mouth, ear etc. But every product in the market contains either Parabens on Phenoxyethanol. Here, Phenoxyethanol / Benzyl Acohol / Potassium Sorbate combination gives it antimicrobial properties against Bacteria, Yeast and Moulds. These are added as preservatives.

I have never felt any itching on the scalp or irritation with this conditioner.

MY EXPERIENCE WITH ORGANIC SURGE COLOR PROTECT CONDITIONER

Smell:Smells deliciously sweet and fruity just like the shampoo
Color:White

It is a white colored thick liquid, but needs to be dispensed carefully as a lot may drip out if you just hold the tube upside down. While the cap opens two ways, as a screw as well as a flip-top, it is almost impossible to put back the product once it comes out.

One thing I have learnt over time is to always start with a new product with a very small quantity and add more as per requirement. For first use, I took out a very small amount of this conditioner and diluted it. It spread like magic on my very long hair and I did not need more conditioner.

Organic Surge Color Protect Conditioner Review Swatch

I keep it for 1-2 minutes and rinse. It rinses out very easily as compared to normal conditioners. But I do see some hair strands coming out just like other conditioners, though, not many. It is still a mystery to me why we see hair fall on using hair conditioners when we don't even apply it on our scalp, or are these already broken hair strands stuck in the hair length?

Anyways, if I use this conditioner once a week, it dries out my hair ends like SLS based products and sometimes tangles them too. If I use it once in 3 weeks, it does condition and soften my hair. With that frequency and very little quantity each time, I have been able to use only a very small amount since March. I won't be able to finish up this conditioner soon.

Till now I was regretting buying it but I recently tried it on my fresh Henna treated hair and it gave gorgeous results. Moreover, this time I diluted a little more quantity, which could also be the reason for better hair coverage. You can read the review of the shampoo HERE. I really wish this brand slashes the price in India and offers smaller bottle for the conditioner so people don't have to shell out so much money just to test out a product.

For regular use, I still can't use it frequently as it is a little drying for my hair ends. If ever this conditioner starts giving me better results in the future for regular use, just like the shampoo did after the 'adaptation/adjustment' period, I will update this review.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Entice presents Taraash- A Kundan Polki collection

Entice introduces Taraash- A Kundan Polki collection
In store exhibition from 15th July to 14th August 2013

Entice Taraash Kundan Polki Long Necklace with Rubies
Entice Taraash- 5 Row Kundan Polki Long Necklace with Rubies
Entice, the fine jewellery brand by the century old KGK group, introduces Taraash-a Kundan Polki jewellery collection. Sculpted out of the most eternal materials on this planet- gold, diamonds & coloured gemstones, Entice’s new collection ‘Taraash revives the flavor of true Indian craftsmanship. Taraash comprises of a magnificent selection of kundan polki jewels created by the experienced hands of the craftsmen at Entice manufacturing units. To celebrate the introduction of Kundan Polki jewellery, Entice is hosting an in store exhibition in its Delhi boutique from 15th July to 14th August 2013.
Entice Taraash Kundan Polki Necklace Pear-shaped Drop
Entice Taraash- Full Kundan Polki Necklace with a Pear-shaped Drop
Entice Taraash Kundan Polki Pear-shaped Drop Earring Enameled Back
Entice Taraash- Full Kundan Polki Pear-shaped Drop Earring with Enamelled Back
Because you deserve the best, Entice’s Taraash- Kundan Polki collection has been handcrafted using 22 karat gold fused with the best quality Polki (uncut diamonds), highest quality brilliant cut diamonds, pearls, carved emeralds & rubies. The collection embraces the age old craft of kundan polki jewellery, and styles it to suit the modern lifestyles with neckpieces in various forms like classic three row single line, long multi row big necklaces, chokers, single line polki, y shaped necklaces. Other products include a huge range of long earrings, ear studs, polki rings, flexible bracelets, bangles and cuffs. With each piece in the collection flaunting intricate meena (enamel) work on the backside, a piece from Taraash is a must have in the jewellery collection.
Entice Taraash- Kundan Polki Choker with Carved Emerald and Pearl Drop
Entice Taraash- Kundan Polki Choker with Carved Emerald and Pearl Drop

Entice Taraash- Kundan Polki Earrings Carved Emeralds Pearl Drops
Entice Taraash- Kundan Polki Earrings with Carved Emeralds & Pearl Drops

Available at Entice Boutiques-

NEW DELHI: M-39, M Block Market, GK-1, Tel: 011-29234455/56

Entice Taraash- Set of Four Single-Line Kundan Polki Bangles
Entice Taraash- Set of Four Single Line Kundan Polki Bangles
Entice Taraash- Kundan Polki Cuff with Emerald, Rubies Enamelled back
Entice Taraash- Kundan Polki Cuff with Emerald, Rubies & Enamelled back
ABOUT ENTICE JEWELLERY:

Taking the rich Indian jewellery heritage and enhancing it with a contemporary twist, Entice Jewellery offers a classical yet contemporary style; boasting an elegant rich look. 'Entice' was launched by KGK group at the turn of millennium in 2004 in Hong Kong. Following a huge success with boutiques in Hong Kong & China and with an impression that India is now modern by design, KGK launched its first boutique of ‘Entice’ in Jaipur in 2009. Latest additions are the two new exclusive boutiques of Entice in New Delhi and Mumbai, launched in 2012. Entice today has 16 standalone boutiques in countries including Hong Kong, China, UAEand India (Jaipur, Mumbai & New Delhi).

Entice designs meet the mounting demand for an internationally aesthetic look, lending a unique artistic blend to their pieces. Associated by the strength of KGK, Entice aims to create an unparalleled position of credible leadership by providing unmatched customer delight and exceeding customer expectations at every opportunity with its precious gems and jewellery.
Entice Taraash- Kundan Polki Necklace with Ruby, Pearls & Enamel
Entice Taraash- Kundan Polki Necklace with Ruby, Pearls & Enamel
Entice Taraash- Kundan Polki Earrings with Enamelled Back
Entice Taraash- Kundan Polki Earrings with Enamelled Back
About Parent Group KGK:

The KGK group, established in 1905 by Kothari family of Jaipur, is a global corporation with fully integrated operations in the Gems & Jewellery industry, with presence across 12 countries. A pioneer in the world of precious stones, KGK Group has been sourcing, manufacturing and distributing diamonds, colored stones and jewellery for decades. Being a DTC sightholder provides it an easy access to diamonds at most reasonable prices.

For more information on the brand and group:

Friday, July 5, 2013

Esprit Timewear Monsoon Special Watches


Are the grey, rainy clouds dampening your mood? Here is your chance to beat the monsoon blues with cool and exciting timepieces from Esprit Timewear. The soothing hues of these wrist wears will charm you into embracing the blues with aplomb. Esprit has unveiled its new range of watches in various shades of blue, purple and grey- a perfect time keeper, this monsoon.

Up your style quotient and step out in vogue wearing these uber cool designs to create a chic impression. With colours and designs that are perfectly in sync with the weather, this collection packs in the right amount of glamour and elegance. Whether it is silicon straps, PU straps, embellished dials, or multi-function features, you can choose your pick from this wide range of selection.

Available in various styles and prices for both men and women.

ABOUT ESPRIT

With attitude being its clear fashion statement, Esprit Timewear has become an institution within the fashion landscape since the time of its entry into the Indian Market. Esprit Timewear is known for its stylish, contemporary yet classic product range.It is the No.1 International Fashion Timewear Brand in the world & in India.

Operational for the last 12 years in India, across 450 points of sale, Esprit Timewear globally works with its international Motto: QUALITY FIRST. Its core differentiation being its exceptional quality at value for money, price & high quality standards with elaborate workmanship, valuable materials and innovative designs. Watches from Esprit have always been stylish.

Esprit combines a wide assortment of materials and designs from the various lines of the Esprit Core Collection to create the perfect timepiece for every taste. Esprit watches exude Style, Elegance & Freshness. Esprit is for the male and female, who are young at heart and live & dress in style. Esprit is for those who aspire to set trends in fashion & hence we say Esprit is not an age but an attitude.

ESPRIT TIMEWEAR MONSOON COLLECTION: WOMEN

Esprit Women Marin 68 Petrol Blue Watch Price India




1.1 MARIN 68 PETROL BLUE

The ever loved, Colours of California inspired Marin 68 watches this time around have a special offering in Blue Petrol & Aubergine, the perfect colours for this monsoon!

MRP: Rs 6295


Esprit Women Marin 68 Aubergine Watch Price India






1.2 MARIN 68 AUBERGINE

The Silicon strap & crystal stones on the dial make these watches an uber cool adornment for everyone out there!

MRP: Rs 6295


Esprit Loft Purple Women Watches Price India




2. LOFT PURPLE

A Watch like never before, Loft Purple is a Multi-Function Timepiece, with a 40 mm Dial. It's for those who like it BIG !

To perfectly complement the features and style of this watch is the PU strap, the interesting usage of the metal links and of course the perfect colour of the season - Purple. Get ready for all the attention.

MRP: Rs 7995/-


Esprit Starlite Women Watches Price India




3. STARLITE

Glamorously fashionable, seasonally trendy!

Starlite range of watches come in exciting colours, the season’s best being Purple. This one's again a multi-function watch with PU strap and glittering with crystal stones - A perfect wear for everyday or for a nightout!


MRP: Rs. 8795/-



ESPRIT TIMEWEAR MONSOON COLLECTION: MEN


Esprit Clash Back Men Watches Price India




1. CLASH BACK

Clash Back – a sporty multi-function watch with stainless steel case measuring 45 mm, is waterproof up to 10 ATM. 

The finely detailed, softly rubberised surface creates a very distinctive bezel. And, the ultra-soft PU strap is in perfect colour harmony with the two accentuated eyes on the dial, blending well with the colours of the season.

MRP Rs. 8795/-


Esprit MODESTO CHRONO BLUE Mens Watches Price India



2. MODESTO CHRONO BLUE

Pure elegance combined with a distinctive touch – meet the Modesto Models.


The round case with a 44 mm diameter and the chiselled collars for the strap add up to a strong character. The matt dial with fine hour markings and sunken elements shows pure love to detail. And thanks to the perfect Blue – from classic or sporty to trendy – every man will find his personal masterpiece in this model.


MRP Rs. 6495/-


Esprit CERRITOS CHRONO BLUE Mens Watches Price India





3. CERRITOS CHRONO BLUE

Elegant yet masculine, Cerritos Chrono Blue is a perfect wear for all those who like to flaunt it. The perfectly laid soft blue leather strap completes the look for this monsoon.

MRP: 9495/-

Get geared for a fashionable monsoon!!