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PAC Cosmetics Beauty Blender First Impressions, Demo, Buy Online

PAC Cosmetics Beauty Blender First Impressions, Demo, Buy Online

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PAC Cosmetics Beauty Blender First Impressions, Demo, Buy Online

Hi guys,

So I got a few products from PAC Cosmetics including this beauty blender. While I am trying out the other products and would review them soon, this beauty blender got me really intrigued and I did the first impressions/demo video with it.

Claims: The unique shape & exclusive material which is edgeless sponge a high definition cosmetics sponge applicator. This sponge will allow the product to sit on the top of the sponge rather then being absorbed. Allowing you to complete your make-up application with less products & less time. When beauty blender is wet it would double in size & become even softer. It would returned to its own size after its dries Top Tip: Use this unique sponge for your cream, liquid or powder foundation. It can also be used contouring, highlighting with cream or powder products.

MRP: Rs.485/- (Buy HERE)

It looks and feels exactly like the original beauty blender and PAC Cosmetics also has a set of two or three tiny beauty blenders for concealers,etc just like the original brand.

There are a lot of beauty blender dupes and brands having similar sponges like from Forever 21 and many, many others. Real Techniques also has a mustard colored Miracle Complexion Sponge which is flat from one end though. That also makes it easier to blend on cheeks or apply powder.

While I have two Sigma F80 brushes and always use the F80 only for blending, this is the first time I am using a sponge/beauty blender. If you see the video, I was subconsciously rubbing and buffing the product like with a brush :/ Err, yes I am that used to a brush. I saw Kandee Johnson’ video on how you have to ‘Push and Roll’ when you use a beauty blender which looks like bouncing when done quickly. I ended up buffing but still it was super easy to blend the foundation with it, I am surely trying to correct method again and it should show even better results.

But I am blown away by how super soft and squishy this is and makes blending foundation super easy, I blended it within 1 minute and some seconds, this was super quick and it does not go streaky or patchy at all. Also the tapered end is perfect for under eyes and the corners of the nose.

While the Real Techniques one is around the same price, from the few reviews I have read, the Real Techniques one is a little harder and not as soft as this one. For the price of Rs.485/- I am loving it and definitely recommend it, it will make your foundation/base routine change forever. You can use it daily with your BB creams/Tinted moisturizers and it will work just as well. Also saves your time in the morning.

I love it and recommend it, if you try it, do let me know how you find it.

PAC is a professional makeup line, often used by makeup artists and now since the products are easily available online, we all can take advantage of it and buy the professional makeup brushes which perform as good as the MAC ones at half the price. The brushes range from Rs.300 to Rs.800, I have one more brush from them which I will review soon.

Update: My beauty blender tore a bit from two sides in the first wash :/ Not really happy about that, and I didn’t even wash it vigorously. If you follow me on Snapchat (@bhumika_t), you would have seen the pics and video. I will try and update you guys after more uses.

Do let me know your thoughts on the PAC Cosmetics Beauty Blender.

Nature’s Essence Lacto Tan Clear Sun Tan Removal Review

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Nature’s Essence Lacto Tan Clear Sun Tan Removal Review

By Archana

Hi all,

Summers are slowly starting and its already becoming very hot here in Bangalore. No matter what sunscreens and lotions we use, at times we get tanned badly when we are out in the sun for a very long time. Recently, I had been travelling to my aunt’s place where I spent a lot of time outdoors and hence got a very bad tan. I usually follow home remedies of besan, cucumber and lime to get rid of sun tan. But this time I was very busy in office with a project release and hence couldn’t spare time for it. I had read good reviews of this ‘Nature’s Essence Lacto Tan Clear Sun Tan Removal’ and decided to give it a try. Read on to know whether it is effective in removing sun tan.

Products claims: Milk proteins & honey enriched special tan cream helps remove the epidermal sun tan, thereby restoring the natural fairness of the skin & also preventing pigmentation due to harmful sun. Its matte effect is ideal for hot climates and the cream also helps enhance after facial glow.

Key Ingredients: Milk, honey and geranium oil.

Directions to use: Apply layer on the face/skin and keep it on for 10-15 min & after soft massage remove with water. Advised to be used every day to restore natural color & glow of the skin.

Packaging:
It comes in a yellow squeezable tube packaging with a flip-open cap very similar to the sunscreen from the same brand. Earlier it used to come in a tub packaging. But now they have revamped and come with this new tube packaging. Its better and convenient to be carried around easily.

Texture and fragrance:
It is a white-colored cream with a slight artificial fragrance. The texture is very smooth and looks very much like the bleach creams we get.

My experience:
For starters, this is neither a face pack nor a regular bleach which contains ammonia. It is actually very similar to the Spinz Sun Tan Remover which became quite popular last year. The creamy consistency makes it very easy to spread and apply. I leave it on for 15 minutes as mentioned. It causes a slight tingling sensation. I then wash it off. Since its very creamy and tends to stick, you need to massage slowly to remove it completely. After washing, I could see some of the tan, mostly the fresh tan, had been removed. But not completely. I kept using this alternate days and after 6-7 uses, almost 80% of the tan (even old tan which I had for a long time) had been removed and also lightened pigmentation and dark spots. Though its mentioned it can be used everyday, I thought it might be harsher and so went with alternate days. Skin does feel dry and stretchy post usage. So its necessary to follow up with a good moisturiser.

The efficacy of the product is really good but still I doubt whether just the key ingredients milk, honey and geranium oil can give this result. There must be lot of other chemicals added to give this effect. I felt the same with Spinz Sun Tan Remover. Actually that was even more powerful than this. It just needs 5 minutes of application and removes almost 80% tan in just a single use. And also makes your face so dry, stretchy and ghost-like. The unnatural effects of these creams makes me doubt whether it is safe to be used regularly. I would recommend using them only in rare occasions like before a party or after returning from a beach holiday with heavy tanning. Also, there is another variant in this ‘Nature’s Essence Lacto Bleach Tan Removal Cream‘. Am not sure what is the difference between them. When I looked at the key ingredients list, it was the same milk and honey, but instead of geranium oil, this one had lavender oil. Let me know if you would like a review on this as well.

Pros:
* Removes tan and restores natural color of skin.
* Lightens pigmentation and dark spots.
* Can be used for hands, foot or anywhere on the body.
* Convenient, travel friendly packaging.
* Affordable.

Cons:
* Dries out skin.
* Complete ingredients list missing.

Price and quantity: Rs.85 for 40g.

Rating: 4/5

Verdict: Nature’s Essence Lacto Tan Clear Sun Tan Removal is a quick, easy way to get rid of sun tan. Although, it is laden with chemicals and I would recommend to use only in rare situations when nothing else helps or you need instant results. Once you have managed to remove the tan, I would suggest to switch to home remedies or herbal face packs for regular maintenance.

Editor’s Note: I have used this and it works so well! It was the only product then that removed tan so quickly. Now we even have the Spinz Sun Tan Remover which does the job well, but still if you want a more natural version, then Nature’s Essence on is your best bet. Well reviewed Archana.

How To Unclog Facial Pores Naturally

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How To Unclog Facial Pores Naturally

By Somreeta

If you wish to keep pimples, blackheads and acne at bay, it is important for you to clear the clogged pores in your skin. Deep cleansing and exfoliation at regular intervals help in doing away with the dead skin cells, oil, dirt and impurities that clog the pores. Keep reading for the best tips and tricks to unclog facial skin pores naturally.

How To Unclog Facial Pores Naturally: Top 3 Tips

1. STEAMING: Steaming is one of the cheapest yet most effective natural treatments that help remove the dirt and grease that have accumulated in the pores of the skin. Heat water in a pot and cover it with a lid. As soon as the water starts producing steam, remove it from the source of heat and lean over the pot of steaming water, while covering your head with a towel. Make sure that the steam touches your face. For added benefits, add a few drops of tea tree essential oil to the water. Steam your face for about 5 to 7 minutes. Whenever you feel that the steam is too hot for you to put up with, take a short break. After you are done with steaming your face, pat your skin dry and follow up with a toner and a mild non-comedogenic moisturizer. Steaming your face once a week is indeed a great practice.

2. EXFOLIATION: Exfoliate your skin to chuck out the impurities off the pores of your facial skin. Mix baking soda (2 tablespoons) with cinnamon powder (1 tablespoon) and honey (4 tablespoons). Add the juice of half-a-lemon to the mixture and apply the concoction on your face. Rinse with water after 5 minutes. Baking soda is an excellent exfoliating agent that is gentle on the skin and helps unplug clogged pores. If you are not comfortable using baking soda and lemon juice on skin, you can try out the honey-sugar scrub recipe. Mix 4 tablespoons of green tea with honey and sugar, a tablespoon each. Scrub your face with this homemade scrub and wash off with water. Follow up with a mild moisturizer.

3. APPLICATION OF CLAY MASKS: Clay masks are known to draw out the oil and grease from the skin pores efficiently. Mix bentonite clay, oatmeal powder and water, one tablespoon each. Apply this clay mask on your face. Once it dries up, rinse thoroughly with water. Follow up with a good quality moisturizer to prevent dryness.

A weekly skincare regimen, consisting of steaming, cleansing, scrubbing, toning and moisturizing could go a long way in preventing clogged pores. Unclog your facial pores naturally and keep your skin smooth and glowing, always!

Editor’s Note: Totally believe in all three, while steaming doesn’t happen always. Even a warm muslin cloth works at times. And clay masks are so amazing to pull out the dirt and perfect for oily skin to keep oil at bay.

Do you follow these tips regularly?

Image Source: 1,2,3

DIY Facial Serum for Night

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DIY Facial Serum for Night

By Sanchita

To begin with, I have extremely sensitive, acne prone, oily skin that is always on the verge of breakouts. Due to this reason, I avoid moisturizers (except for aloe vera gel) all my life. However, as I am approaching towards late 20s, I have been noticing that the texture of the skin looks very unhealthy and that natural glow is missing somewhere. Hence, I wanted something to rejuvenate and nourish the skin. After searching high and low for all the ingredients that works on acne prone skin without giving much trouble, I made this night serum for myself and to my surprise, I did work! I have been using it past a month and thankfully I observed some good changes in my skin. Firstly, it never broke me out and also nourished the skin. Secondly, it hydrates the skin throughout the night with getting oily or greasy. So, here goes the night elixir for acne prone skin.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Aloe Vera Gel – you can either take it directly from the plants and blend it smooth to have the gel consistency or simple buy one!
  • Jojoba Oil – Works wonder for oily acne prone skin. You can also substitute it for Avocado OR Almond Oil for preference.
  • Rose Water – either homemade or store-bought will work.
  • Vitamin E Capsule – easily available across the counter otherwise you can also opt for Vitamin E oil.
  • Sanitized Bowl – since it is a face product, it is better to have a sanitized place to start with and then transfer it to a dropper bottle or any container.

STEPS

Step 1
  • Add 1 tbsp. of rose water in the bowl.
Step 2
  • Next, add 2 tbsp. of aloe vera gel. Mix it thoroughly as both the ingredients have different consistencies and takes effort to blend well. You can also add 1 tbsp. if you want a runny consistency but I wanted sort of a slightly thicker one, so I added 2 tbsp.
Step 3
  • Add 2-3 drops of Jojoba Oil and again blend it in.
Step 4
  • Lastly, take out 1-2 Vitamin E Capsules and poke them to take out the oil. Add the mixture very comprehensively unless you see a uniform consistency without any lumps.
Final outcome
  • And Voila! You night serum is ready!

TIP: Do not make it in a large quantity because it is handmade and hence, the preservatives are missing. Make it enough for a week or two at the most.

FOR DRY SKIN – Since dry skin or mature skin needs more than just aloe vera gel, they can use shea butter or cocoa butter instead of aloe vera gel. They can also incorporate the essential oils like Almond, Rosehip, Grapeseed, etc. as per their own preference.

BENEFITS OF THE INGREDIENTS –

  • Vitamin E – Vitamin E is the main ingredient I would vouch for. It has excellent properties to revive and renew the skin cells at night. It treats the scars and marks on the skin due to ageing or acne. Being a great moisturizer, it nourishes the skin well without making it greasy or clog the pores when applied. It soothes and treats the sun burns and regular tanning of the skin. Most prominently, it make collagen that decreases the rate of aging signs like wrinkles, fine lines, etc.
  • Aloe Vera Gel – this is the HG for every oily skin. Seldom moisturizers suit us and we always find our way back to this. Aloe Vera, known as “plant of immortality”, it has numerous benefits for skin. It moisturizes the skin, heals the scars and soothes the skin from acne and nourishes without any greasy layer which gets absorbed in a jiffy. It also lightens skin pigmentation and slows down the ageing sign.
  • Jojoba Oil – it is known to fight wrinkles, stretch marks and cellulite. With high amount of ceramides which cover skin cells, it hydrates and nourishes the skin like no other. Oily skin doesn’t go well with other oils but this is an exception. It is so light weight and gets blended very easily. It also has anti-bacterial properties that treats acne and allergies.
  • Rose Water – the beauty of rose water in indefinite. From toner to face packs, makeup setting spray to hydration – it can do everything. It treats acne, soothes the skin from sun burns, refreshes and invigorates and has many anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties for sensitive skin.

Do let me know how you liked the DIY.

Editor’s Note: I swear by Vitamin E capsules, but they are so sticky and messy while applying. I guess the mix of rose water and aloe vera gel will make applying Vitamin E easier. Also I am all for essential oils, I love using them. Definitely trying this Sanchita.

Types of Anarkalis & Choosing Anarkali for your Body Type

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Types of Anarkalis & Choosing Anarkali for your Body Type

Hi guys,

When it comes to Indian wear, anarkalis have been back in fashion since the past 5-6 years and they are still in trend, I don’t think that trend is going anywhere. Simply because they are super comfortable and easy to wear for weddings, etc. too. Anarkali is the only outfit which is traditional Indian wear and yet very comfortable to wear and roam around in 😀 When you get best of both worlds, stick to it.

Today I am talking about different types of anarkalis and how to choose one according to your body type.

1. Cotton Anarkali

These are the most simple and basic kinds, which you can wear to work or a light function. Comfortable yet traditional and very light. There are many options of anarkali suits online by BIBA and on Myntra, Jabong, etc.

2. Silk Anarkali

Silk ones can be a little heavier or lighter depending on the embellishments on it, but certainly expensive. You can go for the lighter silk ones for a daytime function and the heavier ones for some big function or wedding.

3. Asymmetric Anarkali

Asymmetric Anarkalis are quite in trend and look chic too. These again can be in lighter cotton ones or heavier silk or bridal ones. I love how it is shorter in the front and slightly longer behind, this would work on short girls too. I know how it is difficult to find a anarkali when you are short. Been there :/

4. Layered Anarkali

Again just like the asymmetric ones, layered ones are also pretty IN and I absolutely love them. They give a jacket kind of look or 2-3 layers which are shorter and keep on increasing in length. Currently the mesh capes are quite in trend and would look good over an anarkali too.

5. Bridal Anarkali

Now this is something very heavy, Sikh brides usually wear a suit or anarkali during their Anand Karaj. They can opt for a super heavy embellished anarkali. Also if you want to wear one for your mehendi or sangeet, the bridal ones are perfect.

Choosing an Anarkali according to body type

Inverted Triangle- If you have an inverted triangle body type i.e top heavy with broad shoulders, avoid boat necks, high neck collars or bulky shoulder patterns as that will bring more attention towards the broad shoulders.

Hourglass- Well if you have an hourglass figure, all anarkalis will look fabulous on you. Just make sure it accentuates your waist well and the flare starts below the waist.

Apple shaped- If you are apple shapes, wear empire line silhouettes in anarkalis which means the flare starting just below your waist which will help you hide your core problem area.

Pear shaped- If you have a well defined waist, then you can go for anarkalis starting below the waist and the flare will hide your lower problem area or else again empire line will work the best.

Short, petite girls- If you are short or petite, go for shorter kurtas with less flare as you don’t want the anarkali to look like a gown and neither like you wearing a tent.

If you are tall, anarkalis are made for you! You can wear them anytime, anywhere 😀

I hope this helped, do let me know in the comments below. If you are a bride-to-be, keep these tips in mind and choose an anarkali according to your body type.

Do you like Anarkalis? Which is your favourite type?

Aloe Veda Distil Cold Pressed Hexane Free Castor Oil Review

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Aloe Veda Distil Cold Pressed Hexane Free Castor Oil Review

By Pallavi

Hello Beauties,

Here i am with yet another one of my cult products. I like products which you can use in multiple ways. And some time back the concepts of oils have been quite a hit. You can use them in numerous ways be it on your hairs, skin or anywhere. Castor oil is one such significant oil. Since time immemorial people have been raving about this oil.

Actually, this oil is very thick and extremely sticky. And i have absolutely thin fine hairs. So, i thought that this oil will further weigh my hair down and i will have completely flat hair. But after researching a lot i thought that if i use this oil properly then, i will definitely get immense benefits out of this.

So, my first experience with this oil began with Aloe Veda Cold Pressed Hexane Free castor oil. Read on to know how this fared on me and the multiple uses of this oil.

What the Company claims: Distil’s Castor Oil has many medicinal and curative uses. Contains ricinoleic acid that inhibits many viruses and bacteria, and as castor oil is able to penetrate skin tissue deeply, this makes it an effective treatment for acne. The anti-bacterial and anti-fungicidal properties of ricinoleic acid protects the scalp and hair from infections that can cause hair loss. The omega-9 fatty acids in castor oil nourish the hair and prevent the scalp from drying. Rubbing castor oil on your scalp and the roots of your hair will regenerate new hair growth and also thicken thinning hair within months. Rub in a small amount around your eyes and face before bed, washing it off the next morning. Castor Oil breaks up external and internal scar tissue and prevents new scars from forming. It softens rough or thickened skin, including calluses and corns and cures skin infections like athletes foot and ringworm. Rub a small amount of castor oil over your stomach and thighs daily to prevent stretchmarks during pregnancy or periods of weight gain.

Product description:

  • Effective Treatment for Acne
  • Promotes Hair Growth
  • Medicinal and Curative Uses
  • Penetrate Skin Tissue Deeply
  • Anti-bacterial and Anti-fungicidal
  • Prevents Hair Loss
  • Nourishes Hair
  • Prevent Scalp Dryness
  • Anti Scars
  • Anti Stretch Marks

Price: 225 INR for 200 ml.

Shelf life: 24 months from the date of packaging

My experience with Aloe Veda Cold Pressed Hexane Free castor oil

Castor oil is one of the most famous oils available in market at present times. But people say that the best version of castor oil is cold pressed castor oil. This is believed to be the purest form of castor oil. Castor oil is thick in nature. So, actually you should buy it in the smallest bottle size, but i mistakenly bought the biggest one and it is lasting me since ages.

Anyways coming to this bottle it comes in thick plastic bottle which doesn’t breaks or spills oil even if thrown accidentally from a good height. The bottle has a little hole at the between which ensures little oil dispersion only. I use it on my hair. But i advise strongly not to use it directly, as it will make your hair too sticky and you will not be able to wash it off. So, i use these oils by blending it with other oils. This makes a very powerful connotation. This oil is believed to be hair growth stimulator. So, i have used it regularly on my eyebrow and you won’t believe i gained average amount of hair within a month or two. Many people use castor oil in their eyebrows every night.

Coming to the economy of this bottle single bottle will last you long enough. So, invest in the smaller one.

Good about Aloe Veda Cold Pressed Hexane Free castor oil

  • Natural brand
  • Cold pressed form
  • Huge quantity
  • Affordable price
  • Multipurpose use
  • Doesn’t smell bad

Bad about Aloe Veda Cold Pressed Hexane Free castor oil

  • None for me

Rating:

Availability : 4/5
Performance : 5/5

Overall rating : 4.5/5

Editor’s Note: Yes, many use castor oil every night on eyebrows and eye lashes, definitely recommend trying this you are looking to grow your eyebrows or want thicker eye lashes. Also as mentioned by you, mixing it with other oils for your hair. And the mix also works well on stretch marks. Nice review Pallavi 🙂 Also would like to mention I love some of the Aloe Veda products, their French Lavender Body Wash is my all time favourite!

Do you use castor oil? How do you use it and which one?

How to Make your Hair Stronger & Thicker Naturally

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How to Make your Hair Stronger & Thicker Naturally

Do you want a stronger, thicker mane? Well, who doesn’t. One of the main causes for weak hair is thinning, which makes it more prone to hair fall, and inversely overall thinner density and fine hair. Many of you have always asked for my hair care routine, now I don’t follow particular brands all the time, but these tips are something I follow in general always.

This is my natural hair which is curled..no extensions
Straight Hair

Read on to know how you can get stronger & thicker hair naturally.

1. Washing hair on alternate days

If you are washing hair every day, then you are washing off the natural oils from the scalp, which keep the scalp healthy. On the contrary, if you are washing it just once a week, you are letting dirt and dandruff settle on your scalp making it more prone to hair fall. The frequency of washing hair should be moderate, preferably once every two-three days.

2. Never brush wet hair

Never ever do that. This is a strict NO-NO. Wet hair is prone to breakage. It may come off from the roots or even split in parts. Invest in a wide tooth comb, preferably made of wood, to comb through wet hair with a very gentle hand. Take a firm grip of your hair in small bunches, while combing through the roots, so that the roots are not succumbed to unnecessary pulls.

3. Well Balanced Diet

Your hair may be thin because the roots are unable to get the nutrients it needs, from your diet. Proteins and Vitamins are an absolute necessity for your hair. Include fish, daal, pulses, and soybeans (for proteins) And nuts, fruits and veggies (for Vitamin B, Biotin and Omega 3 Fatty Acids). Flax seeds, Avocado deserve special mention as a rich source of Vitamins. Also, Vitamin C helps promote hair growth, so a lot of citrus based fruits and Amla must also be included. As a last resort, you can also take supplements which usually contain biotin, fish oil, protein, multi-vitamins, etc. Also, drink lots of water as mentioned always.

4. Massage your scalp

Massage your scalp daily with your fingertips with a gentle hand for better blood circulation of the head and scalp. You can also go for an overnight oil treatment or a one hour massage just before you shampoo, with warm coconut or olive oil or a mix of both. I also add Evian Vitamin E capsule oil at times.

5. Avoid hot tools

Use hot tools only during special occasions (read once in a blue moon). Avoid it as much as you can. Air dry your hair instead of a blow dryer and use frizz-fighting products. If you still have to use hot tools, always use a heat protectant.

6. Protect your hair

Protect your hair from direct sunlight by using hats, scarves, etc. Go for regular trimming to get rid of split ends and breakage.

7. Do not color your hair

I know if someone has grey hair and wants to cover that, coloring is necessary but if want to color your hair just for the fun of it, you are going to damage your hair, especially if you go for lighter colors like a blonde which requires bleaching of the hair. It thins your hair to 1/4th of the original size! I have pictures and would find them and add them maybe. I had just gone for highlights on a few strands a year ago and that too a darker color but I literally saw the size difference in the colored strand of hair and my normal strand of hair! I am never coloring my hair again, unless I have way too many greys. Also would prefer using something natural first like henna or sesame oil if that can help. But of course if you want to color anyway, always take good care of your hair by regular oiling, deep conditioning, etc. coz color does thin and dry out your hair!

All the above tips when followed religiously would help reduce hair loss and promote new hair growth which will help your hair become stronger and thicker.

I follow all of these and try to follow the diet one as much as a I can. I rarely use a blow dryer or straighter, I prefer natural, air dried hair and let my hair be. I always use a conditioner post shampoo and also a leave-in serum or cream, I like MoroccanOil and Kerastase for that.

Read another similar hair concerns post HERE and more hair care posts HERE.

I have gone shorter this year coz I wanted a change but I am sure my hair will grow back again quickly 🙂

Do you follow these tips? What do you do for stronger, thicker hair?

Acne Scars – Causes, Prevention Measures and Home Remedies

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Acne Scars – Causes, Prevention Measures and Home Remedies

By Archana

Hi all,

After many product reviews, I am back with an informative post today. Acne is one common skin condition that many people suffer from. Though it mostly occurs in teenagers, many adults too face it. In today’s post, I will explain the common causes for acne, prevention measures and some home remedies to cure acne scars.

What causes acne?

The four main reasons for acne are:

* Excessive oil production
* Dead skin cells
* Clogged pores
* Bacteria

When our body secretes excess sebum/oil, they build up in the hair follicles and form a soft plug, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive in. This bacterial infection causes inflammation eventually leading to pimples. Whiteheads and blackheads too are actually clogged pores with bacteria and oil.

Some factors like hormonal imbalance, certain foods, stress, etc can trigger or aggravate the acne conditions.

How to prevent the occurrence of acne?

It’s always better to prevent the occurrence of acne in the first place with some good skin care routine.

* Keep your face clean by washing your face atleast twice a day to remove impurities, dead skin cells and extra oil.
* Use a separate towel for your face.
* Change your pillow covers and bedsheets weekly.
* Avoid or limit the intake of deep-fried foods, dairy products, sugar, salty snacks and junk food.
* Avoid using oils, gels and fragrances on your hair.
* Wash your hair often as oily hair can add to the oil on your face.

Home remedies for acne scars:

When a pimple occurs, it can leave behind marks and scars. Though there are many pigmentation creams and anti-acne gels available in the market, home remedies are always more effective and with no side effects. Only thing, they need to be followed diligently for atleast two weeks to see improvement. Here is a list of easy remedies at home to cure acne scars:

Lemon mask for acne scars:

* Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
* Honey – 1tbsp
* Milk – 2 tbsp
* Rose water – 1 tbsp

Mix all the above together and using a cotton wool apply on the acne scars. Leave on for 15 minutes and wash off. Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent which helps lighten the scars. The rose water helps to soothe the tingling sensation caused due to lemon.

Aloe vera gel for acne scars:

Extract fresh aloe vera gel from the plant and apply on face. You can leave it overnight. Do it regularly for two weeks for the acne scars to fade. Aloe vera not only soothes inflammation but also helps in regenerating damaged tissues and speeds up the healing process.

Cucumber and gram flour face pack for acne scars:

* Half a cucumber
* Gram flour – 2 tbsp
* Turmeric powder – 1 tbsp

Blend the cucumber into a smooth paste. Add the gram flour and turmeric powder and apply as a face pack. Leave for 20-25 minutes and then wash off. This treatment is good for sensitive skin also to get rid of acne scars.

Potato and tomato mask for acne scars:

* Half a potato
* Half a tomato
* Honey – 1 tbsp

Grate the potato and extract the juice from it. Blend the tomato into a fine paste. Add the potato juice and a teaspoon of honey. Apply this mix all over your face and wash off after 15 minutes. Tomatoes contain the enzyme lycopene which help to lighten pimple marks. Potatoes also have skin lightening and bleaching properties.

Cinnamon and honey mask for acne scars:

Add half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to one teaspoon of honey and apply on your acne scars. Leave it for an hour and then wash off. This mixture has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which is effective in treating the acne.

Tea tree oil for acne scars:

This is a proven remedy for reducing acne scars. Tea tree oil is an excellent antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral essential oil. Just dilute some tea tree essential oil in water and apply this solution on your acne scars everyday. Leave it overnight. Follow it regularly to see visible reduction in scars and blemishes.

Apple cider vinegar for acne scars:

ACV is a natural astringent and balances the pH level of your skin. It is effective in the treatment of acne too. Mix 1 part of apple cider vinegar with 1 part of water and 1 teaspoon of honey. Dip a cotton ball in the mixture and apply on scars. Leave it for 15 minutes and wash off. Do this once daily.

Sandalwood and orange face pack for acne scars:

* Sandalwood powder – 2 tbsp
* Orange peel powder – 2 tbsp
* Rose water – 2 tbsp

Mix all the above into a fine paste and apply as a face pack. Leave it for 30 minutes and wash off. According to Ayurveda, sandalwood is a effective soothing and cooling agent to treat skin inflammations. Orange peel powder helps to lighten the marks.

So these are some of the home remedies you can follow to cure acne scars, pimple marks and blemishes.

Editor’s Note: This was a really well written post Archana and the remedies are fab. I think I always stick to Aloe Vera Gel and the fuller’s earth, sandalwood mix. I will surely try the other home remedies mentioned by you.

Which ones have you tried? Share your experiences below.

P.S: Pics from Google

Decoding Makeup Hacks Of Kylie Jenner to Get the No-Filter Look

How To, Makeup, Makeup Breakdown, Tips, Tips and Tricks, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Decoding Makeup Hacks Of Kylie Jenner to Get the No-Filter Look

By Sanchita

The beauty world has been blown away with the makeup looks of Kylie Jenner. Kylie is a sensation in the makeup world, from the pretty eye lashes to the sensuous pout – we adore her makeup techniques like anything. The Time Magazine has names her one of the “30 Most Influential Teens of 2015” and we know why! She has every flair to make any nude makeup look glamorous. We couldn’t be pleased when she revealed her makeup secrets and launched her own app named “Kylie” where she shares her life, makeup tutorials, etc. and revealing her endless passion for beauty and makeup. Very recently when she shared her makeup tutorial and the various tips and tricks, I was amazed how easy and fabulous they were! No wonder her skin looks flawless and refined in every flash photograph, photoshoot or even a simple selfie. I tried most of the tips and tricks she shared and I thought of penning down for my readers as well. Scroll down to know how Kylie does her makeup to look that extraordinary!

New Way to Apply Moisturizer

How do you use a moisturizer before makeup? Applying it with fingers and blending onto the skin, right? No! Kylie does it the other way. She applies the moisturizer with a brush (preferably, a duo fiber or stippling one) and blends in. she doesn’t let a single patch of area, no matter how small or insignificant, gets away without moisturizer. In this way, you can ensure that the skin is thoroughly moisturized and there is no room for dry patches when we would apply the foundation. It is also easier to blend and set well on skin.

Eye Makeup before Base

Okay, so we have been doing this all wrong. Every time I try to get all decked up, I finish off the base and move to eye makeup. Well, Kylie and her makeup artist explains why the eye makeup has to be done first. This is because there is a lot of things that can go wrong while doing eye makeup. For example, fall out issues, too much product on the lower lash line, smeared gel liner, mascara smudging, etc. hence, when the eye makeup is done, we can easily move forward with the base, concealing or correcting anything that went wrong. Also, never apply foundation underneath the eye area. It is sensitive to creasing and when loaded with corrector, concealer, foundation and powder, it is more likely to crease. Simply use a concealer (or corrector, if need be) and set with a translucent powder or bake.

Eye Cream is a Must

Although she is extremely young and has very nice eye skin underneath, she swears by using an eye cream to hydrate the area. She has stated in numerous videos, write-ups and interviews that the beauty behind her makeup is moisturization. She believes that using an eye cream will prevent dark circles (sometimes caused by pigmentation from dryness), puffy bags, fine lines and wrinkles. Her favorite eye cream is Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado which works great for under eyes.

Contour Powder for Eyeshadow

Wow! That’s really a multi-purpose tip! I mean, imagine yourself splurging on a very expensive contour and also brown eye shadow for crease. Both the colors would be same and thus, we can easily to contour powder for eyes as well. We love her neutral soft brown eye makeup and soft brown cut crease eye makeup and no wonder, they look impeccable! I believe The Balm Bahama Mama Bronzer and NARS Laguna Bronzing Powder would be perfect for Indian skin tones.

Use a Scotch Tape

Yeah, you might think this is a beginner’s trick but when I saw that Kylie’s Makeup artist also uses this, I couldn’t believe! After applying the scotch tape (linking the end of lower lash and end point of brow), she used a brown contour powder for the crease and deepen it slightly with layering. Next, she applied a matte black eye shadow on the inner corner in the “V” shape a smudged it pretty well. After then, she took out the tape and voila! The edgy smoky eye is ready! This also creates a line for the winged eye liner to apply with ease.

Clumpy Lower Lash with Mascara

While we always hunt for mascaras that are least clumpy and use separate spoolie or cotton buds to prevent clumps, Kylie Jenner’s makeup artist explains that clumping on the lower lashes is good. It gives a natural smoky illusion to the lower lash by providing the little shadow underneath. Thus, you won’t have go again and again with the pencil brush or smudger to gives the smoky look which can be easily achieved through the mascara.

Illuminator before Foundation

Why haven’t anyone thought of that before! We love the dewy natural glow and that is the only reason we use the highlighter. Now, applying highlighter (powder or liquid) and blending it on the skin with the foundation on can be slightly tricky. It might also mess up the foundation and high chances are that, you would look like a disco ball if the strobing is done in excess. So, to get the natural (yet made up) dewy glow, apply the highlighter on bare skin and blend well. Now, apply the foundation and see the natural glow from within.

Contour with Darker Stick Foundation

We have seen that sometimes blending the contour power or cream is the toughest job on earth. Too much blending leads to a muddy look and messes up the base makeup as well. Therefore, instead of contour power or stick, use a foundation stick which is two shades darker than your skin and blend it in. In this way, the darker foundation will blend easily with the already blended foundation on the skin. There won’t be any patchy and uneven look and you won’t have to try too much as well.

Use an Orange Blush for Blush-Base

Have you ever heard that even your blush needs a base? Well, Kylie say so. Her MUA uses an orange blush before she applies a soft pink blush on her cheeks. Results? Warm and gorgeous! The orange color gives a basic warmth to the pink which will surely work like a wonder for Indian skin as well. It will help the blush to stay longer and smoother as well.

Always Use a Lip Liner

Her lips are as gorgeous as it can be. It is rumored that she spends around 40minutes to do her lip makeup and we can surely see what difference it makes. She suggests making the lip liner a Holy Grail for every lip makeup. Whether you are using a glossy, velvet matte, matte or liquid lipstick – never ever forget to line the lips first either with a neutral color or the similar color of the lipstick. Also, line the lips slightly above the natural lip line (don’t overboard it at all) and this will give an illusion of fuller lips. You can also add a dab of concealer of pale highlighter on the centre of the lip for the illusion.

Editor’s Note: Oo..that was a fabulous and much needed post Sanchita. I knew and followed 1-2 things but never knew all these tips, super helpful! Thanks a lot 🙂

So, let us know – which is your favorite Kylie Jenner makeup look?

P.S: Images from Google, Pinterest and Instagram

The Body Shop Black Musk EDP Review & Valentine’s Day Makeup Tutorial

EDP, How To, Makeup, Makeup Breakdown, Makeup Tutorials, New Launches, Perfumes, Reviews, The Body Shop, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Body Shop Black Musk EDP Review & Valentine’s Day Makeup Tutorial

Hi guys,

So The Body Shop recently launched their Black Musk Range and the theme for that is #NaughtyAndNice. It’s a combination of strong musk with the sweet vanilla and licorice notes, hence naughty and nice.

While the naughty side would be more of a smokey eye, this is the softer ‘Nice’ shade. And this soft pink makeup tutorial is also perfect for the Valentine’s Day, win win! All the Body Shop products I use in this video are mentioned at all Body Shop stores in the ‘Nice’ makeup look face chart. Similarly, if you prefer a smokey look, you can check out the ‘Naughty’ Face chart. Here is the face chart for reference or to buy the products online.

So here is the my ‘Nice’ version and this soft pink Valentine’s makeup look..

Talking about the Body Shop Black Musk Range, they have a EDP, EDT and the Perfume Oil. I have been using the EDP since the past few days and getting lots of compliments on it.

I am more of a woody, musky smell lover and I don’t like over sweet perfumes, the Black Musk is a perfect balance of the two coz the sweet vanilla and licorice notes are balanced with the more woody musk smell. At the initial sniff, you will find it very sweet but soon as it settles, you will love the mid and base notes of this.

Notes are sweet pear infused with pink pepper and bergamot on top. Intense aroma of heliotrope, which varies between marzipan and almond, is interspersed with ylang-ylang and aphrodisiac notes of licorice, in the middle. Hot black vanilla,black musk ,earthy patchouli, vetiver and chocolate at the end.

Few people have mentioned that it did not stay that long on them, fortunately on me this EDP lasted really long, also the EDP is the strongest of the three and if you wish to buy any one, I would definitely suggest getting the EDP.

Both the EDP and EDT contain Community Fair Trade Organic Alcohol crafted from sugarcane that is harvested by co-operatives in South America.

It is priced at Rs.3295/- for 50ml which is pretty decent for a 50ml bottle. I quite like the black and pink packaging too, only thing is I cannot see the exact qty through the bottle.

Overall, I would say, definitely take a whiff of this Black Musk EDP the next time you are at The Body Shop store, coz I am sure you will love it 🙂

Earrings are from Accessorize India.

Did you like the Valentine’s Day Makeup Look? Have you tried The Body Shop Black Musk Perfume yet?