Forest Essentials update – a cautionary tale of going around in squares

1) Why is this not the end of the Forest Essential (FE) updates?!?

At about week 6, (and there is no easy way to write this), I burnt parts of my face. Thankfully, it was nothing serious – I like to think that I am one of those super-smart clumsy Einstein’s that frequently walk into furniture and lamp-posts. Naturally, I was disabused of this notion, when I used a hair removal cream on my arms, I (inadvertently) managed to get the “I can dissolve anything” cream on my face….In the 30 odd seconds, it took to wash my face, the damage was already done.

The patchy and irregular peeling nature of this toy’s exterior (minus the smile) so accurately captures my skin texture for the next fortnight….I couldn’t use the FE products in that period.

I could stop at week 6, but that’s not me. I promised an 8 week update and that’s what you’ll get. Besides, I am 35 years+ AND as the top layer of skin regenerates every 28 days, I want 2 full cycles before I tell you if FE is worth your time or dime…

I am paying out of my own pocket …and yes, this is a very expensive regime to follow….SO naturally I am supremely annoyed that FE’s recently ran a promotion and they were just giving away their sheet masks to select members. Hello??? Strategy AND Marketing 101 – don’t give away great products….the sheet masks are AMAZING and DON’T HAVE that distinct, headache inducing STENCH that other FE products have.

The next two months mean more incessant complaining/being shouted at by family/friends/colleagues alike about soiled diaper like smell of the Soundarya cream. Much like this disastrous job interview (presumably being conducted by this lady’s future mother-in-law)…

2) Introducing Dr Ayurveda (I presume)

My new regime is based on the advice of Dr Ayurveda (not his/her real name), employed at the FE store in Greater Kailash Part 1, New Delhi.

In round ONE, I found her/his responses deeply unsatisfactory and on the pretext of buying more soap (that I don’t need), I revisited the store. In round TWO, I asked the good doctor specifically about the Soundarya range and how long it would take for it to impact my hyper-pigmentation / age spots. This is what she/he said,

“you can use it continuously all the time.”

and his/her answer remained unchanged after further prodding. Given I am not immortal, this is a borderline pathetic and useless answer.

He/She ADDED the following products: Soundarya facial ubtan as my night cleanser and Tejasvi Emulsion once a week (but not more, given the inevitability of summer)

I will update you in a month’s time using this regime.

4) New regime

• AM: Facial cleanser, Rasa activating serum, Tejal balancing water, Soundarya cream and my own sun protection.
• PM: Soundarya ubtan facial cleanser, Rasa activating serum, Tejal balancing water, Soundarya serum, Date & Litchi cream.
• WEEKLY: every alternate day use a sheet mask and twice a week, massage using the Tejasvi Emulsion. Face mask: twice a week

See also Forest essentials skincare: worth my time or dime?

5) What are my expectations?

• Reduce the intensity and colour of brown spots under my eye.  If the skin regime is able to achieve this, then this is a big deal – like Virat Kohli becoming our next Prime Minister – completely unexpected and  blows your mind.  If there is no change in appearance, then this is generally what I expect. 
• Hydrate my skin, so that it is visibly more supple and younger looking. I want people to say, “Einstein your skin looks like Alia Bhatt’s.”
• Reduce or leave pore sizes the same.
• No additional damage to my skin, so essentially no pimples or breakouts. 
• Products should not cause my skin to dry out or become darker.
• Facial hair should not darken or increase.  (Creams and serum contain a ton of almond oil)

6) List of products

1. Delicate Facial Cleanser – Mashobra Honey, Lemon & Rosewater  (₹1,175, Batch No B18024)
2. Rasa Activating Serum (₹2,750, Batch No B18010)
3. Tejal Balancing Water (₹1,875, Batch No B18007)
4. Soundarya Advanced Serum with 24K gold (₹3,795, Batch No B18014)
5. Eternal Youth Formula – Date & Litchi (₹3,895, Batch No: B18006)
6. Soundarya Radiance Cream with 24K gold & SPF 25 (₹4, 600, Batch No B18011)
7. Sundari Deep Hydration Ayurvedic Sheet Mask,  Tejasvi Brightening & Lightening Ayurvedic Sheet Mask and Ojas Age Arresting Ayurvedic Sheet Mask ( All are ₹995, Imported, Registration Certificate No RC/COS-000557)
8. Soundarya facial ubtan (₹ 1,075, Batch No 01323DG)
9. Tejasvi Emulsion (₹ 1,825, Batch No 00813DG)