Review of October's My Envy Box Anniversary Special Beauty Box

Holla! Haute Courtiers,

This month it is raining beauty and magic. We promised you to showcase the Anniversary special My Envy Box on the blog. I know we are delayed as the box came in quite late and then we got busy with our Diwali Preps and other things. 

We know "Better Late Than Never". So here's the HK review of My Envy Box, Anniversary Special. 

First of all, let's see what came in mail-

What: My Envy Box

For: October 2nd Anniversary Special

Price: Rs 850

When we saw the initial boxes of MEB, we were highly excited. The design, brand inclusions and the sizes surpassed all their previous editions. The box loved lovely and the products looked wonderful.  We could not help but ordered a box for us. Generally, the box is delivered within 3-5 days of ordering. This time, in spite of repeated requests, it came at the end of the month on COD mode. It came exactly on the day of fasting and I was happy to receive my parcel, thinking it is my Karwa Chauth gift.

Men, if only I have not opened the courier. The box looked lacklustre and was packed in a dull red box [from their old stock]. The Anniversary design, that was one of the enticing factors for us to buy the box, was conspicous by absence. A strict no-no for any theme box. However, team Envy had informed us earlier about the "out of stock" situation, we still expected the box to be little aesthetically enticing. After all design does matter especially to we lifestyle bloggers. Nevertheless, we understand that they ran short of supply and had a huge business demand to tackle, but would have been happier if they have sent the box a little earlier.

What's inside MEB Anniversary Special

The box contained-

1) Kerastase Elixir Ultime Shampoo 80 ml, MRP: Rs 750/

2) Kerastase Elixir K Ultime Beautifying Oil Masque 75ml, MRP Rs 1350

3) Loccitane Rose Bath & Shower Gel 75 ml

4) Catrice Liquid Metal Eyeshadow -full size

5) Honey by Marc Jacobs EDP ampule 1.2 ml

Haute Kutir Verdict- At Haute Kutir, we pick only select beauty boxes and select subscriptions. The reason we picked MEB was the overall value proposition that the box offered. Unfortunately for us, the stocking issues, logistics, delay and everything marred our experience. Product per se the rated excellent. Packaging per se, it was below expectation. 

The packaging took a big back seat this time. Irrespective of a timely order, the bag came late and shoddily packed. Kerastase hair mask was half opened with content spilled out from the bottle. Shower Gel was suspiciously opened, used and then tied with cello tape. The team was quick to respond and offer hair masque replacement though or take back the box and refund money. We loved their kind gesture but refused this offer. 

Another example of shoddy and careless packaging is shown below. We received two identical cards in the box with products illustrations. The card was about the content of the box. However, not all the products that were mentioned was part of the box.

Overall, the box given the product proposition was good. I am sure the team will fix their loopholes soon and bring back the MEB back to same new found appreciation that it garnered in last few months. If you have read our review of previous MEB box here and here, you would know that we always loved what we bought from them.Till then, we do not mind waiting.

Use My special Discount Code-EKTAHK to avail a discount of 15% on your purchases and subscriptions from MyEnvyBox
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My First MSM Box - Rose Edition

At Haute Kutir, we generally endeavor to bring you select and elite substance, items and administrations reviews. Our arrangement of working with select brands to bring you elite and exclusive content is getting seen and gathering us good feedback.

We are frequently on a prowl to showcase/convey a portion of the best items to your sneak peak and this additionally incorporates, the rising pattern in beauty magnificence box on Subscription. In the past, we have featured different bags, box, and interesting membership choices. Proceeding with the pattern, we have as of late attempted the MSM box and would love to share our experience here.

What: MSM [My Style Mile] Box

Theme: Rose Anniversary Box

Price: Rs 495/ month

It is their first birthday box and to make it extra special with an edge, they designed it with elegant and mesmerizing Rose theme.

Beauty Subscription in India

Off late, a lot of Indian beauty subscription services have germed up but a very few of them could manage to maintain quality and buyer's interest consistently. The service delivery needs a little more emphasis and that is what I liked about MSM Box. One query and the Customer Delight person didn't leave any gap till she closed it successfully. Good service and noteworthy customer communication.

Though I like the concept of getting assorted lifestyle and beauty products in a box. It helps you in discovering/ trying new products. Besides they make a good gifting option as well. However, very few box stands on the litmus test of maintaining quality with price and MSM Box is one.

What's inside my MSM Rose Box
Who doesn't love Roses? Well, it is one of my anytime favorite flavors, especially for beauty products. And that was the governing factor that made me pick this box wherein I barely use products from the boxes that I order. So, here's what came inside my first MSM box- Rose Edition

Here's the lovely looking Box with Vintage Rose design, making it one of the best gifting option this season. The artwork, the packing, and everything are just the best from the rest. Our rating- 5/5

Here's I have opened the well-sealed box and the first thing that fragranced my heart was the awesome Rose fragrance. It's sweet and overwhelming. You will keep opening the box to have a whiff of the same. The products are well sealed and supported with tons of soft thermal pads that made them look fresh and brand new. There was ZERO spillage or damage inside and all the products were brand new, fresh of the inventory. Our Rating- 5/5

Let's see the products closely-

1. Saante Rose and Sandalwood Candle
It is a full-size deluxe product. Handcrafted beeswax candle with pure essential oils of Rose and Sandalwood. MRP Rs 245.

The aroma is pleasant and makes a good bath accessory. You can use this for your bedroom as well or while meditating.

2. Orange Essential Oil
Another handcrafted with Fresh and natural ingredients from the house of Saante. It came in 10ml bottle size with MRP of Rs 300.

Add a few drops to your scrub or exfoliator to brighten dull skin.

3. Saante Luxurious Rose Lip Balm
A prettily tinted handcrafted lip balm made with all natural Rose essential oil blended with almond and apricot oils. MRP Rs 250

4. Innisfree "It's real Squeeze Rose Mask Sheet"
It is a facial, triple layered mask sheet with fragrant rose extracts & Jeju green Complex. MRP Rs 100

5. Rose and Almond Bathing Bar
Finally a good sized soap in a beauty box. It is an aromatic cleanser made with fresh rose petals soaked in shea butter and oils of coconut, olive, sweet almond and rose. I am looking forward to try this product that smells like heaven.
MRP: Rs 175.

Bonus Product
It was my first MSM box and as per their policy, I would be entitled to a free bonus product. So when MSM said Bonus product, they did not mean a retail selling nail paint but something delightful as H2O Face Oasis Cleanser.

The cleanser came in a 30 ml bottle which is perfect for travel.

HK Rating- 5/5

Haute Kutir Verdict: MSM Rose box was one of the best Value for Money beauty subscription box that we found in last 2-3 years of Beauty subscription boxes in India, At Rs 495, the box is not just very cost effective but classy and leagues apart. From the box design to packaging to quality and sizes of products and, customer-friendly service, the box tops the chart.

The good news is that you can still buy it from here. If you ask in one word- Its a "Must buy" box that you can buy for self or for gifting.

Overall Rating: 5/5

Haute Kutir Recommends MSM Rose Edition Box.

 Go for it

"She did not need anyone's love when she had roses...."

Maybelline White Super Fresh Compact Powder Review

When it comes to looking good with everyday makeup, trust Maybelline to bring you chic, non-fussy daily makeup products at best.

Maybelline is a brand that always moves at par with the market and will rarely disappoint you. The best part is they are good quality at super affordable prices. So who would not love them? We at Haute Kutir indeed like some of their products that we use including the color show nail enamels.

It has been long since I have tried their new launches. I had used their compact in past and when I caught the wind about the new range of compact, I could not contain myself from trying it out. And guess what, here's a review on the same.

Maybelline White Fresh  Compact Powder

Price Rs 150 for 8 gms [ did I not tell super affordable pricing?]

Shades Available: Pearl, Coral, and Shell

To know more about the product visit- Maybelline White Super Fresh Compact Powder

Haute Kutir Experience: Given my wheatish to fair skin tone, I have tried the shade pearl. The Packaging for me was quite simple and resembled with the one from Lakme. However, it is sturdy, simple and travel-friendly. It comes with a flat white puff and inbuilt mirror in the compact.

Regarding the texture, the powder is finely milled and works smoothly on the skin. The Coverage is sheer and brightening. I have used the shade pearl which is appropriate for generally lighter skin tones and comes with a slight pink undertone. If you have an oily to combination skin, this product makes a good proposition for you and requires minimal touch-ups.

What I liked about it-

1) Good coverage for daily wear

2) Super Affordable Price

3) Works well for oily to combination skin

4) easy to carry

5) Fine milled and smooth texture

Haute Kutir Verdict- Maybelline White Super Fresh compact is indeed a worthy product to buy. It looks good, is priced well and delivers what it promises to you. It works far superior on oily skin provided you select a right tone matching your facial complexion.  On a flip side, it may turn a bit chalky at times but that can be managed by keeping your skin well hydrated otherwise.

Haute Kutir Rating:- 3/5

Quality: 2.5/5

Value for Money: 4/5 

Packaging- 4/5

Recommend buying? Yes

Would we use again: I have replaced it with my existing compact. Need I say more?

Haute Kutir Tips: If you have a dry skin, use a good moisturizer on your face and allow it to settle for 2-5 minutes before applying a compact. It will help conceal visible dryness on your face occurred especially post touch up during the day.

Kindly note: At Haute Kutir we do not endorse fair skin over the not so fair skin. The product reviewed here is not about the whitening impact but is taken as purely a "touch-up"/ makeup product. The shades discussed are pure to suit different skin tone.

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5 Shaving Tips Men can use

5 Shaving Tips Men can use

Women love teddy bears for they are soft and flurry but not the grizzly bears that are rough, hairy and course. That is why we prefer our men to be clean shaved, with hair looking good only on their head and not on the face. After all, we also go through a lot of tweezing pain to look prettier. So why can’t a man? Besides, if you are a man who believes in personal grooming, shaving is imperative and not an option.

From Clean Shaved to Smooth Shaved

Let's get it right. Clean shaved and smooth shaved may necessarily not be same always. However, they are complementary to each other. Now everyone can pick a shaver, a little foam and cut the facial crop. However, achieving a smooth look takes a little more than that.

In October, we have written about Male Grooming that got 5X times sharper with the launch of the New Gillette Fusion Flexball Shaver. The post got quite popular with our male readers especially the ones in corporate who need to shave on a routine basis. Now we all know that shaving as routine tends to get monotonous. Besides, daily shaving can make skin coarse and dry too.

Like Make-up and Fashion, shaving too has its own set of Dos and Don'ts. In better words, here are five tips that you can follow for achieving not just a good but a great shave-

5 Shaving Tips that Every Man should Use

1.     Razor is where Hair is- Like waxing wherein hair growth direction is important to determine the right pull, it is equally important to see the growth direction of your facial hair too. Even if you are using Salon services, be mindful of your hair direction and always go in growth direction i.e. going with the grain.

2.     Use a right shaving Cream or Gel- As the rule goes, Cream adds to moisture and hence good for dry skin. Wherein gel has drying effects and is mostly good for oily skin. So do not chase labels but choose your shaving gel/ cream wisely.

3.  Brush up- Do not use your finger to lather up. Instead, use a good quality round brush and apply the cream in a circular motion, ending up in an upward stroke, lifting the beard hair up and away from your face. It is a vintage trick that many salons across the world use successfully.

4.     Go hot, go Cold- You would have noticed many people shaving post a hot shower. Hot water helps to moist and smoothen your facial hair, making it easier to shave with greater results. So if you cannot use hot water, get a hot towel to prep up your skin. Post the shave; do use cold water to rinse your face as cold water reduces inflammation.

5.     Invest in a Good Quality Razor- Your razor is most significant for your shaving experience. Ensure that you use a good quality razor and do change the blades on regular basis. The bad news is- a bad razor or old blades can temper your shaving experience, causing unwanted cuts. Good news is there are good ranges of shavers available in the market that has not just one or two blades but comes equipped with 5 blades as well. One such Razor is new- Gillette Fusion Flexball that comes with 5 blades. It also has a gliding handle that takes the contour of the face, ensuring a wide reach even to the in-growth hair. You can read more about it here- on Haute Kutir Blog.

The flexball had been tried and tested by our team which has given quite a good verdict on the same.

So if you have thick hair or coarse hair, do try our tips. We will keep bringing interesting brands and tips to your fingertips and would love to hear your feedback.

Remember, As you Reap, so shall it be sow :) 

Launch of Volini 360 with Sania Mirza & Sunil Chhetri

This November, Volini, India's No. 1 specialist suggested torment reliever, declared its relationship with world tennis champion - Sania Mirza and commander of Indian football group Sunil Chhetri as its image diplomats to further upgrade the relationship of the brand with games and elite. 

The two prominent identities divulged the most recent offering by Volini - Volini Shower with 360-degree innovation. Advancing its ethos of advancement, Volini now offers a 360-degree shower which claims to empowers the can to deliver uniform splash design for an ideal scope. It empowers buyers to connect with difficult to achieve ranges without outer help at each point, and provides effective relief.

Volini invited us for their launch meet and greet at ITC Parel for an afternoon session with its new brand Ambassadors.

About Volini:

Volini is a modern day pain reliever, scientifically formulated for effective pain relief that is available in two formats: Gel & Spray. Volini Gel’s quick absorb, no massage nanogel formula penetrates deep into the pain area to give quick and long lasting relief from pain. It can be used for joint, back, neck & shoulder, sprains & strains. Volini Spray’s convenient and on the go format provides instant relief from pain anytime, anywhere! The brand believes in the philosophy that pain should not act as a hindrance in living life’s moments to the fullest. With Volini, pain doesn’t stand a chance! [ Source Brand release]

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