4/5
Mr. Owner, I don't know his name but he is a fast talker and perhaps on the verge of a swindler. He can easily talk you into purchasing something and will use his favorite phrase, " I have high quality, 100% guaranteed."
4 stars because if you want it in the healing and oil culture, it's probably here. Fragrance oils, essential oils, carrier oils, popular and lesser known butters, healing incense and other healthcare and beauty aids, from different continents as well as ingredients to d.i.y. your beauty products. If you are trying a new oil, butter, fragrance or product before you commit to bulk, then paying a higher price may offset to much unwanted product.
If you are committed to a product and a brand and it will likely be less expensive, plan ahead your mail order.
I traveled from San Diego because I needed several products within a day's time. Of course I was drawn to Indira based on the reviews. Also, I was shopping on Santee Alley.
I purchased sweet almond oil, Egyptian musk, lemongrass essential oil, argan oil, black liquid soap, morninga toothpaste and amla oil.
If you truly are from the oil culture, then you will know that the products here may not necessarily be of the high quality as advertised. Big ups that you can pre-smell the products and test the texture of the oils/fragrances before you buy.
Every oil store buys from a manufacturer that might or might not be an organic supplier. Thus, every business creates their own labels for their oils which could possibly be a disguise for authenticity.
The almond oil is not authentic in color or scent I believe it's refined and questionable to be organic. I purchased 16 oz for $15 whereas, I can purchase a high quality sweet almond oil for 32 oz for $10 through mail order but I needed something quick. On the upside Indira's oil absorbed very quickly, was very light not unscented. I can make good use of it. This is my first experience with amla oil so as a good faith effort I may accept it is high quality. On the other hand, the argan oil is comparable to other brands. Yet, I paid $20.00 for 4 oz. whereas mail order is 12.00 for 4 oz. Since the quality is the same, I won't be purchasing at overpriced Indira.
I did price the black seed oil which is considered expensive here as well. At my local Middle Eastern store they press the black seeds fresh before your eyes and I can purchase an 8 oz for $14.99. Moving along, the toothpaste is da bomb. Breath and teeth are squeaky clean. The deodorant- you can buy (3) for $12 online. Yet, I was trying trying something new and accepted the $7.00 upcharge for one item. If I commit to this brand, I'll buy my own.
I really like black soap yet I believe an ingredient is added because it leaves like a gummy film. It rinses and cleans well on the body. I usually purchase liquid black soap for my hair. I won't use this one for my because I'm sure it will leave some type of residue.
Lastly, the facial toner and facial nourishing moisturizer is solid. The toner has a soft and feminine fragrance and you can fill the skin tingling. The facial nourishing moisturizer is truly delicate and pleasing on the skin with no skin reaction. I added some of the questionable almond oil with some of the facial moisturizer and used it for my cuticles. Lovely. This item is kept a secret and only sold under their label. Doesn't mean it doesn't exist elsewhere, there is no reference company to refer to purchase independently.
Here are some good to know tips:
If you are new to the healing and oil culture explore prices before you come here because you can become overwhelmed with excitement and totally be overcharged.
Mr Owner can talk you into anything. Smile and stay on path.
I'm a nutshell, if you want to explore and try a product before committing, you can choose between 2 oz - 20 oz. Expect to pay up to 2-5 dollars more.
Parking is laughable.
Location easy to find.
Customer service is personable.
