Forest Essentials is quite the luxury brand when it comes to Ayurvedic products and it’s been on my radar for a very long time. The only reason why it has taken me this long to try their products is because they are expensive, and I wanted to be sure of what I’m buying before spending that kind of money. I recently received their pack of assorted products as a present from a friend, and I’m so happy to finally have used some of their products. Here’s a quick review of my experience:
1. Forest Essentials Indian Rose Absolute Ultra Rich Body Lotion: I used a pea-sized amount on my hands and it left them feeling soft and sufficiently moisturized. It’s just the right consistency, perfect for summers, and keeps your hands nourished for a long time without making them greasy. I love that the fragrance is very natural; it actually does smell like you’ve dipped your hands in fresh rose water. (Splurge Score: 4/5)
2. Forest Essentials Indian Rose Absolute Cologne: It smells of fresh rose petals, so it’s definitely not for those who prefer musky, spicier scents. I like to layer this cologne on top of the lotion mentioned above; they are both from the Indian Rose Absolute collection, except that the cologne smells a little sweeter (perhaps a little too sweet for my taste) and stronger; just one spray on all the pulse points is enough and it’s long-lasting. I think it’s a good choice if you’re a girly girl and/or going on a romantic date night. For some reason this cologne isn’t available online; but you can buy the body mist here. (Splurge Score: 4/5)
3. Forest Essentials Sugared Rose Petal Lip Balm: It looks pink in the tub but is colorless when applied on the lips. While I like the rose fragrance in other Forest Essentials products, for some reason this lip balm seems a little too perfumed and leaves an artificial flavor in the mouth. I also didn’t find it to be moisturizing enough, so it’s definitely not right for dry, chapped lips. The lips feel soft when you first apply it, but the product disappears rather fast and needs to be applied quite frequently. I really wanted to like this lip balm because look how pretty the new packaging is, but sadly, I just don’t see myself buying this ever again. (Splurge Score: 2/5)
4. Forest Essentials Cane Sugar Lip Scrub: Now this, I like! It kind of makes me nostalgic because it reminds me of those sugar candies we used to overdose on as children. I was wondering why it smelled of citrus and then looked at the ingredients and noticed that it also contains sweet orange peel oil. The cane sugar granules are very fine and absorb easily, gently exfoliating the lips and making them soft and supple. I found this product to be much more moisturizing than the lip balm; the fruit oils really help in replenishing your lips. I recommend using this before applying matte lipsticks; it’s quick and hassle free and you will notice the difference immediately. (Splurge Score: 5/5)
5. Forest Essentials Indian Rose Absolute Silkening Shower Wash: It’s gentle and doesn’t strip the skin off of its moisture. It doesn’t lather that well though, so you have to use a lot of product. I prefer cool, fruity smells that are instantly refreshing for mornings, especially in the summer, so it’s not something that I reach out to very often. The rose fragrance has more of a calming affect on me, so it’s better suited for when I’m looking to unwind. (Rating: 3/5)
6. Forest Essentials Kashmiri Saffron & Neem Delicate Facial Cleanser: I was apprehensive about using this, even though it’s all natural, because I only use dermatologist-prescribed products on my face, but I decided to brave it out. I used this in the morning, while I continued using my regular face wash for the night. Since it had neem, I already knew that it would compliment my acne-prone skin. As expected, it didn’t cause any breakouts, but my skin didn’t feel as clean as it does when I use my regular acne wash. My face felt a little oily after a while. It’s quite a mild cleanser and good for sensitive skin, but I don’t think it’s the right choice for someone with extremely oily skin. Its moisturizing quality would work better for someone with normal skin. (Splurge Score: 3/5)
7. Forest Essentials Indian Rose Absolute Bath & Shower Oil: I love this! I add a few drops in my bath or apply it on wet skin when I’m showering and it just smells wonderful and leaves my skin feeling silky and smooth without feeling too greasy. The smell of roses (though doesn’t stay with you beyond the shower) feels like you are bathing in luxury and I couldn’t help but think that this is probably the kind of thing our ancient Indian royalty used to indulge in. It’s perfect for an aromatherapy bath and leaves you feeling extremely relaxed and pampered. (Splurge Score: 5/5)
