Scribble your heart away…in Matrikas Stationery!

Voltaire famously said ‘Writing is the painting of the voice’. As much as we love blogging and keeping lists in our electronic devices there is something to be said about the solace derived from jotting down our thoughts and adventures on a sheet of paper. Personally I love to write, be it lists or random thoughts. 

Matrikas, a paper products company, has come up with a wide range of journals, diaries and notebooks to appease the Romantics and art nerds in us and they very kindly sent me four of their very best stationery items.

 As you can see, the spread is lavish and colourful. Let’s get on to the individual products…

MATRIKAS CUBE WORKS - RING BOOK (ruled pages)

Pages: 160
Price: Rs.110

Cube works is one of Matrikas flagship products and are available in all major stationery shops across India. The outer pink cover, engraved with intricate and a fun design, boasts of 160 pages and great paper quality. I’ve bought notebooks from their Cube Works range before and I’ve been going back to them ever since! :) This particular ring notebook I received has a sturdy spiral binding and flaunts one of my favourite colours, so I had to love it. These ring notebooks, with the signature cube works design cover, come in a variety of colours and sizes from what I’ve seen in different shops.

MATRIKAS 5 SUBJECT BOUND NOTEBOOK (ruled pages)

Pages: 400
Price: Rs.177

I instantly fell in love with the aesthetically pleasing traditional silver cover art on this 5-subject notebook. The paper quality is, as usual, very good. I wrote in it with a variety of ball point, gel and roller ball pens and sketch pens and they didn’t bleed or show up on the other side of the page. It has a basic black binding adding to its charm. There are coloured pages acting as dividers for different subjects. I love the fact that they are plain coloured pages because then it allows me to use them for writing or letting my own creativity shine through (read fun and colourful doodles :P )

MATRIKAS 6 SUBJECT BOUND NOTEBOOK (ruled pages)

Pages: 288

Price: Rs.277

Though similar to the 5 subject notebook in terms of look and feel, this one came in A4 size and is great for school purposes. It is a 6 subject notebook. There is a quirky print on the glossy cover which certainly catches the eye. The best part is there’s a mini game at the back of the notebook, so this one’s definitely coming to class with me! (Guess who is going flaunt a brand new notebook tomorrow? ;) )

MATRIKAS CUBE WORKS PRIVY DIARY (ruled pages)

Pages: 256
Price: Rs.450

I kept my favourite for the very end of the post. This one is ‘Privy’ diary/ournal from Matrika’s Cube Works Collection. It offers “complete solutions for office, academy and private” usage. Starting with a Personal Data page, it comprises of 4-5 index pages, pages for all your contacts and account summaries and ‘Action Plan’ pages. What’s more is that it has dedicated pages for all your To Do Lists :) 

The ruled pages for writing are of high quality and carry space for the date on the upper right corner. I believe these diaries come in various colours but I’m stoked about the colour I received, it is a very attractive moss green hue.
Now to the part that I love about this journal : Along with the black satin bookmark the Privy journal also has a elastic which holds the journal shut from prying eyes. The elastic is of good quality and robust. It also doubles up as a bookmark. 

PROS:
1. Stylish and trendy design
2. Good paper quality
3. Something for everyone
4. Moderately priced
5. Easy availability and shipping

CONS:
None!!

I’d be more than happy to ‘scribble my heart away’ in these beautiful notebooks and diary. I have an inherent love for stationery items and Matrikas has definitely quenched my thirst for pretty writing pads. All of you must get your hands on these amazing products, and trust me, there’s plenty to choose from!
So what are you waiting for? 

Till next time,
keep scribbling your heart away =)

Note: I was sent these 4 products by Matrikas in mail for reviewing as part of the "Scribble your heart away…." Campaign!. All opinions expressed are my own and are unbiased. I am in no way associated with the brand except as a consumer.

 If you need any clarification on any aspect of the products mentioned, feel free to ask in the comments section, and I’ll be sure to reply. Thank you.

Review: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Complete UV moisture SPF 50+ PA+++ With Helioplex

When it comes to the skin, the less product we use the better. That being said, a sunscreen is probably the most important part of our daily skin routine, whether you're slaving in the sun all day or have slight to moderate sun exposure on a said day. The hassle of using a moisturizer, waiting for that to dry, putting on a layer of sunscreen lotion and then waiting some more for that to be fully absorbed is pretty time consuming if you ask me. So when I saw the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Complete UV Moisturizer, I couldn't contain myself and bought it instantly. It's a two-in-one product as the name suggests, a moisturizer with SPF content. It's pretty much the IT thing for me, as I'm a college-goer and don't really put on make-up so I have to forego the make-up with SPF option. Also Neutrogena's products are aimed at sensitive skinned beauties so you can use it without the fear of ending up with itchy, flaky skin or acne. 

Do i need to go higher on the SPF content while choosing my sunscreen?

"Sun reaches the earth in the form of UVB and UVA rays.  UVB radiation plays a key role in skin cancer, and SPF refers mainly to the amount of UVB protection a sunscreen offers.  Thus, higher SPFs can help: An SPF 15 sunscreen blocks 93 percent of UVB radiation, while an SPF 30 sunscreen blocks nearly 97 percent.  Furthermore, higher SPF values offer some safety margin, since consumers generally do not apply enough sunscreen.  To evaluate SPFs, testers apply two milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin.  But in everyday life, most people apply from only 0.5 to one milligram per square centimeter of skin.  Consequently, the actual SPF they achieve is approximately 1/3 of the labeled value.

Despite these advantages, there are potential downsides to using products with very high SPFs.  First, above SPF 50 (which blocks an estimated 98 percent of UVB rays), the increase in UVB protection is minimal.  Second, although UVA protection is also important (UVA not only accelerates skin aging, but contributes to and may even initiate skin cancers), SPFs mainly measure UVB protection.  Individuals applying high-SPF sunscreens may not burn (UVB is the chief cause of sunburn), but without UVA-screening ingredients they can still receive large amounts of skin-damaging radiation. To avoid such a scenario, regulatory bodies in Europe and Australia have adopted UVA testing guidelines and measurement standards, and capped the SPF of sunscreens at 50+." - taken from skincancer.org/SPF

*My advice is go no lower than SPF 30 and no higher than SPF 50 for optimal protection from the sun's harmful rays.

Here's my experience with Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Complete UV moisture SPF 50+ PA+++ With Helioplex

What Neutrogena claims about their Ultra Sheer Complete UV Moisturizer:

Provides complete and long lasting protection against UVA/UVB rays and environmental aggressors. Stabilized with patented Helioplex™ that works like an invisible shield to give you superior protection from skin darkening and signs of premature aging. In a moisturizing formula that protects against dehydration, yet is oil-free and non-greasy. With Dry Touch Technology, it spreads on smoothly to a clean and non-shiny finish.
Dermatologist tested. PABA-free, oil-free, does not clog pores.

Ingredients:

Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 4%, Benzophenone-3 5%, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 10%.

Water, Homosalate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Alcohol Denat, Cetyl Dimethicone, Octocrylene, Silica, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Dimethicone, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer,  Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer,  Steareth-100,  Cyclopentasiloxane,  Trisiloxane,  Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Steareth-2, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Benzyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Neopentyl Glycol Bisabolol, Propylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Fragrance, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Mannan, Xanthan Gum, BHT, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pantothenic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate.

Price: INR 399/ P460
Quantity: 30 ml
Shelf Life: 2 years

Recommended usage: Apply liberally to face and neck 15-30 minutes before sun exposure. For added protection re-apply after swimming, excessive perspiration, towel drying or extended sun exposure.
Use as the end step of daily skincare routine.

product swatched on hand - after(left), before(right) 

What I love about this moisturizing sunscreen :

• True to its word, it fares well in the moisturizing department. My skin is dry and this doesn't make it drier (although it contains alcohol) but makes my skin soft and supple.
• Best thing about this sunscreen is that it's non-greasy! Finally something that doesn't produce icky grease on face.
• It gives a matte finisha nd keeps oils at bay for most part of the day. 
• Doesn't leave a whitish cast like most sunscreen lotions
• Contains Avobenzone and Oxybenzone and thus offering a broad spectrum coverage.
• Mildly scented (it's not an offensive smell; bearable.) 
• Non-comedogenic; doesn't clog pores.

What I don't like about it:

• I sweat a lot and have to reapply it every 4 hours but that's really not a con.
• Might seem a tad pricey.

I couldn't help but compare it to the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock with SPF 50+ PA+++ with Helioplex.

Although both of them offer the same amount of SPF, I found the Complete UV moisturizer to be better for my dry, sensitive skin. The dry-touch sunblock does make skin greasy in summers and leaves a mild whitish cast on skin. But the complete UV moisturizer doesn't suffer from any of those problems.

Would I suggest it?

I have come to love this product and with summer approaching fast I would definitely suggest it. I've found my HG sunscreen. Have you? I would love to know what products you use to stay safe from the sun! 

Stay beautiful, stay protected! :)

Review: Votre Moisture Magnet Cream

 About The Company: "Votre is a premium skin care brand. All Votre skin care products are hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic. They are dermatologically and clinically tested for safety and efficiency." It says on the tub that it's an Ayurvedic product marketed by Trumount Cosmoceuticals (you can get further information at www.trumount.com)Price: INR 340.00 for 200gmShelf Life: 2 and a half years
What It Claims: Votre Moisture Magnet Cream is a unique formula to give pigmented and dry skin it's water supplement. Herbs like Crocus sativus along with almond oil moisturizes and works on melanin targeted areas for clear skin. (To be followed after scrubbing with Votre Dermabrade Scrub) Key Ingredients: Crocus sativus - or saffron (kesar) gives radiant and fairer skin and is widely popular even today as a key ingredient in many ayurvedic concoctions apart from various fairness creams. The little known antifungal property of saffron makes it effective for treatment of blemishes, acne scars, dry and dull skin, and imparts bright luminous complexion.Almond Oil - We all know how almond oil is a great massaging option if you want to opt for a non-greasy oil and it moisturises the skin effectively. But little did we know that almond oil is an excellent emollient (it gets absorbed easily into skin thus preserving tthe moisture content of skin) with anti-inflammatory properties and also helps in lightening pigmented skin. What's more, it also contains vitamins that help it delay the appearance of wrinkles. Talk about win-win!Aloe Vera Juice - Aloe vera is a wonder product, you'll be hard put to find a single disadvantage of using aloe vera gel/juice in your daily health regime be it for your skin or for your stomach ;-)
It is high in vitamins, fatty acids and contains all 8 of the essential amino acids so basically you cannot go wrong with it! Aloe vera moisturizes, hydrates, rejuvinates, de-pigments, soothes irritated skin. When applied topically it helps soothe burns, wounds and even insect bites!


Directions For Use: Take approximately 10 gm of the cream and massage thoroughly all over the scrubbed area. My Skin Type: Combination dry skinMy Take On The Product : With winter approaching fast my skin has already started shedding (yep you read that right, it becomes so dry during these balmy months that it literally sheds! and I'm in my 20's too...whoever said tween skin is to die for surely didn't have to combat extreme dryness)
and so in a bid to save and salve my skin I resorted to this moisture magnet massage cream. Frankly, I got lured by the phrase "moisture magnet", for someone with my skin's disposition its a boon to find a cream that hydrates effectively. And wholla! this cream did its job and how! :D
Usually Nivea is my go-to winter cream but it tends to make the skin greasy after a while and that attracts more dirt, but the Votre Moisture Magnet skin cream goes on lightly and gets fully absorbed without making the skin oily. Its a moderately light cream,white in color with a lovely floral smell which tends to linger (its nothing overpowering though). The texture is watery yet its thick enough to hold its shape in the tub. It lives upto it's claim of hydrating the skin for upto 5-6 hours, then you'd have to re-apply. I use it as a massaging cream after scrubbing at night and it certainly did soften the skin with regular use. You can even wear it during the day beneath your makeup (infact it serves as a good moisturizing base).
Now for the not-so-good part, it comes in a tub packaging with a plastic lid that doesn't fully close and you need to pressurize it into its place (I don't know if only I have this issue with it). Personally I don't like tubs as you have to dip your hands into the contents and risk contaminating it, so I keep a clean dipping spoon handy to scoop out the cream. I cannot comment on the de-pigmenting property as I don't really have pigmented skin (as yet!). As for fairness, I don't believe any cream can possibly make you fairer but this cream certainly brightens the skin. The plus point, I have sensitive skin and it didn't break me out, so all you dry skinned beauties can give it a go.

 

Pros:
1. Light weight cream goes on smoothly

2. Gets absorbed quickly

3. Softens and brightens the skin

4. Does live up to its claims of hydrating and softening the skin

5. It has a lovely flowery smell which tends to linger but it's nothing overpowering

6. Provides good quantity for the price as a little amount goes a long way

7. The outer packaging is pretty professional looking with a sturdy tub pack material
Cons:

1. The tub packaging with a faulty plastic lid is unhygienic

2. Availability (Although it is available on all leading online shopping sites)

Do I Recommend It: Yep! All in all it's a very good massaging cream and you can definitely give it a try during the winter months as it suits all skin types. Complete with natural active ingredients I think its a good buy!
My Rating: 4/5