It has been almost three months since I last reviewed anything from Forest Essentials, (arguably) the world’s most luxurious Ayurvedic brand.
Alas, Forest Essentials recent furore into colour cosmetics has, let’s say, produced some awful products (In expressing my opinion, please understand that I am choosing to be polite as possible).
Disclaimer
At the outset, I also want to clarify that I don’t buy this product because it’s a formidably excellent moisturiser that you must use after every shower.
It is not.
I use Forest Essentials body lotions because they are light, blend in quickly and are not soapy. These factors are especially important when the temperature is 40 C+ humidity.
Be in no doubt, the principally reason why I use Forest Essential body lotions is the fragrance.
Trip down memory lane
The first time I encountered Forest Essentials’ Parijat fragrance was pre-COVID in their Khan Market, New Delhi store: you know the one I mean (terrible customer service and full-on sales mode).
Anywho, I vividly remember a young lady (under 30), in her oversized green Anarkali, who pounced in and demanded to know why the Parijat solid fragrance was not on sale in her perfect North Indian Hindi.
The bemused salesperson explained that the perfume was yet to launch.
Her unbridled enthusiasm and evident devotion to Forest Essentials persuaded me to place an advance order.
The solid perfume is pricey at Rs 3,800, but pre-COVID, it was my constant travel companion.
The Purple Parijat collection
Recently, and without any fanfare, Forest Essentials’ released the Parijat collection (body lotion, soap, body oil, body butter and body mist).
Parijat (or Nyctanthes arbor-tristis), is also known as the Night-flowering jasmine and is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia. The flowers are extremely fragrant with an orange centre and blossom for few months in the year.
If you are Indian, than the Parijat fragrance needs no introduction.
Would I buy this again?
I have been using the body lotion non-stop since it arrived because I love the smell. It is a soft, beautiful, and subtle jasmine scent that you won’t notice unless we are not intimate.
If you prefer the heaviness of Forest Essentials’ Nargis range or the cleaner smell of Mashobra Honey & Vanilla, this is not for you.
However, if you love soft floral fragrances, please give at least the travel sizes a shot. The 50ml travel bottles start at INR 325 for the body wash
I have just ordered the body mist, and I’ll shortly update you.
Available for sale at Forest Essentials