Category Archives: Skin care

Top 10 Products For Glowing and Whitening Skin in India, Prices, Buy Online

Top 10 Products For Glowing Skin, Prices, Buy Online

Top 10 Products For Glowing Skin, Prices, Buy Online

By Archana

Healthy, clear, radiant and glowing skin – this is what every girl wishes for. Some call it fairness, some call it whitening, some say tan removal, but the end result of what we all desire is same. Here are ten products which work effectively to help you get a glowing skin. I have very sensitive skin and all these products work well on them. I will categorize them into three sections – Save, Spend and Splurge. So that you can pick the one most suitable for you.

SAVE:

1. Lotus Herbals Whiteglow Range:

Hands down, my first personal recommendation. Whenever I end up with any skin problem, dull and tanned skin and nothing else works, this is my go to formula. The most effective ones are the Whiteglow night cream, Whiteglow scrub and Whiteglow serum. You can also try the Whiteglow facial kit which I found very useful for a Sunday evening pampering to go to office with a fresh, tan-free and glowing face on Monday. Though the name mentions “Whiteglow” which scares someone into thinking of whitish, artificial fairness, this is nothing like that.

Day and Night Kit, MRP: Rs.720, Facial Kit, MRP: Rs.531

Buy online HERE and HERE

2. Banjara’s 15 Minute Gold Face Pack:

You might be surprised to see Banjara’s in the list. I have not seen much results with their products. But their face packs work very well and they are very affordable. Their recent launch of Gold Face Pack took me by surprise as I got it without much expectations. My friend used it as part of her pre-bridal regimen and swears by it. It gives an exact parlour facial-like effect – clear, glowing skin and also the effect lasts for even 3-4 days which is the most important factor.

Price: Rs.95 for 50g.

Buy online HERE

3. Aroma Treasures Aloe Vera Gel:

You might be wondering why an aloe vera gel is listed in this. But this one from Aroma Treasures has worked really well for me compared to others. Additionally, it is enriched with essential oils of lavender, chamomile and vetiver. It is non-sticky and hydrates the skin well giving a translucent, healthy glow. Also excellent for making hair packs. 🙂

Price: Rs.96 for 125g and Rs.321 for 500g.

Buy online HERE

4. Himalaya Clear Complexion Whitening Day Cream:

Himalaya has been a trusted brand for years and they recently launched this new day cream. It contains liquorice and other ayurvedic key ingredients which help to lighten skin tone and give a clearer complexion. It is also paraben-free.

Price: Rs.250 for 50g.

Buy online HERE

5. Biotique Bio Milk Protein Whitening & Rejuvenating Face Pack:

Biotique offers organic, cruelty-free products and among their many face packs, this is packed with milk proteins and other interesting stuff which works from deep within to nourish your skin and give a baby soft, healthy, glowing skin.

Price: Rs.199 for 50g.

Buy online HERE for 179

SPEND:

6. Just Herbs Fair e Mulethi-Khus Skin Lightening Gel:

The best deal for oily-skin people. It contains a blend of many Indian herbs which help to detoxify the blood and boost circulation thereby giving a healthy natural glow from within. Just Herbs have a whole list of awesome products. Also try out their Petalsoft Anti-Tan Rose Face Pack and Instaglow Almond Complexion Pack. I love the brand and psst… if you haven’t checked out their website, do so now. You will love it and they also send samples when ordering from the site. 😉

Price: Rs.495 for 50g.

Buy online HERE

7. Fuschia Arabian Jasmine Anti-ageing Night Cream:

I won this in a contest. Fuschia is a new beauty startup offering natural, handmade, paraben-free products. Though this is mentioned as an anti-ageing cream, it has actually helped me to get a clear and healthy skin and lightened pigmentation. They are still improvising on their formulas I guess, as I now see them in different packaging and their body scrub which I got now feels different from the one I got before. Its good to see such new natural, toxic-free brands coming up in India. I also heard they are expanding on their products line bringing serums and stuff. Sounds exciting!

Price: Rs.475 for 50g.

Buy online HERE

SPLURGE:

8. Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi Miraculous Ayurvedic Night Serum: (More Kama Reviews HERE)

This has raving reviews online and works for all skin types though it is oil-based. Made from pure saffron this helps to fade spots, smoothens fine lines and gives a healthy glow from within. Though, Kama Ayurveda has been hiking the price recently, seeing the growing demand. I would go for their Nalpamaradi Thailam Skin Brightening Treatment which gives very similar results, but at a decent price.

Price: Rs.1890 for 12ml and Rs.595 for 100ml.

Buy online HERE

9. Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate: (Review HERE)

One of the most popular product with raving reviews in the beauty world. It is a potent 99.8% natural serum and paraben-free. Its like a magical elixir from the Harry Potter world which gives you your dream skin overnight ;). But the price…sigh. 🙁 Agree one bottle of it lasts pretty long, but still…

Price: Rs.3800 for 30ml.

Buy online HERE

10. L’Occitane Immortelle Brightening Essence:

And finally on the list – L’Occitane Immortelle, the closest to heaven you can get. I don’t have to say a word. My CEO uses them 😉 If you wish to try their products, you can visit their spa center too. Just pure luxury and indulgement. But I don’t know why they aren’t much active online in India. I have subscribed to their US and Indian mailing list on the website. Though I get many emails with attractive offers from the US site (which is of no use to me), there are no offers in the Indian site. 🙁

Price: Rs.4590 for 30ml.

So these are my picks to get back your healthy, natural, glowing skin. Which are your favorite ones? Please share in the comments section below.

Editor’s Note: I personally absolutely love the Kumkumadi Oils and Kiehl’s MRC!

What product is your Holy Grail for glowing skin?

Fair & Lovely New Powder Cream Launch

Fair & Lovely New Powder Cream Launch

Hi guys,

Last to last week I attended a launch event by Fair & Lovely. It was at Bungalow 9 in Bandra.

The event started with introduction of Mr. Pratik Ved, Senior Brand Manager, Fair & Lovely. He introduced the new product at first and we even show a video of how the product works through the day in the life of a common girl. We even got to see the TVC which will be going live this week.

All of Us with our floral tiaras

We were a total of 14 bloggers and we were divided in two teams. The teams were on the basis of birth date i.e. even and odd and surprisingly, we had exact 7 girls in each team!

The lovely Freishia Bomanbehram was the host and the team had arranged for a set of fun games with each game having some points. We played about 5-6 games and it was so much fun! One team was ‘Powder’ and the other team was ‘Cream’. I was in team Cream with the girls born on even number date and we won!

Mr.Pratik giving us our prize

More than winning, the event was super fun coz it was all about team work, general knowledge, creativity and a little bit of luck. Each game was different but they made sure they balance each element overall.

There was a fun photo booth with placards and some props and we took some pictures.

We also tried the product at the start and then experienced it throughout the day, while we were there, for almost 5-6 hours.

I got a press kit which had this new Fair & Lovely Powder Cream and I have been using it since the past few days. I absolutely love the white and pink packaging and the lovely floral smell.

It feels very light and not at all greasy or heavy. It settles down to a matte finish and stays matte through the day. Surprisingly your skin doesn’t require touch ups with this, except after a long time, only on T zone for me. Best part is no whitish cast at all.

I have worn it for events, meetings and my whole day throughout. I absolutely love the matte yet moisturizing finish and it feels very comfortable even beneath your makeup as it also doubles up as a primer.

It does what it claims and gives a fresh, matte look through the day.

I love the fact that it has Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E) that have anti ageing benefits and help lighten acne scars, etc., Titanium Dioxide which is a physical sunscreen, Glycerin to help moisturize skin and some talc based ingredients to keep the skin matte and makeup in place.

It is priced at Rs.115/- for 40g and easily available anywhere. Price and availability wise, it definitely scores.

Overall, I would say, it was a fun day and launch and I am loving the new Fair & Lovely Powder Cream.

Also a contest is coming up soon around this on my Instagram or twitter, so a few of you can win some cool hampers, watch out for that.

Raw Rituals Ethereal Face Serum Review

Raw Rituals Ethereal Face Serum Review

By Nidhal

Living in a metro was never easy. Admittedly, one has better access to a number of amenities but with all this, some uninvited guests in the form of – dirt, dust, pollution, grunge, grime and what not keep visiting our skin 24*7 🙁

To battle them, our first weapon is those eye-pleasing chemical-laden products that look at us enticingly from the shelves of the stores we throng to rescue our skin. Thanks to the paucity of time at hand and the desperation to rid ourselves off those skin woes, we add those rubbish products to our shopping cart. Months pass by and the products do more harm than good. Disenchanted, we start thinking that now the clock cannot be turned back. THIS is where we falter.

We always have organic products at our service to ride us off our skin woes. I admit they take time and patience but the end results are worth waiting for 🙂  In line with that thought, I zeroed in on RAW RITUALS ETHEREAL FACE SERUM one fine day. Let us see if it did anything praiseworthy to my skin or not.

PRICE- Rs 400/- for 8ml, Rs.750/- for 15ml (Buy HERE)

DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Take 3-4 drops of the serum and massage onto your clean face and neck in circular motion till the oil is completely absorbed.

INGREDIENTS- Sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, carrot seed oil, rosehip oil, cucumber seed oil, lemongrass essential oil, bergamot essential oil, rosemary essential oil, grapefruit essential oil, vitamin E Oil and olibanum essential oil.

This is the complete list of ingredients. No cheap/artificial fillers. No chemicals 🙂

WHAT IT CLAIMS- Ageing is a fact of life, but this powerful serum can combat the enemies of your skin and halt the ageing process to keep your complexion looking younger for longer. Whatever your main concern – be it wrinkles, skin brightening or instant hydration, the carrot seed oil present in this serum will take care of it. It will nourish, tighten, revitalize, rejuvenate skin and will slow the progression of visible wrinkles. The sweet, warm, balsamic aroma of the Olibanum oil is stimulating and elevating to the mind. This beautifully scented Raw Rituals Ethereal Face Serum is perfect for improving skin tone, deep hydration, reducing early signs of aging by smoothing out the fine wrinkles and uneven skin.

MY EXPERIENCE-

Packed in a royal blue glass bottle with a dropper on top and a layer of plastic sheet wrapped around its cap to prevent leakage, the packaging of Raw Rituals Ethereal face serum is impeccable. Not only does it look eye-pleasing (which is something I do not pay heed to but if it’s good, one should praise) but also fulfils all the factors that are actually pivotal such as- sturdiness, hygiene and travel-friendliness (of course, handle with care for it is glass) In short, as far as packaging is concerned, it gets full points from me.

The oil has a non-greasy, non-oily and non-sticky texture which is a major plus point for I think everyone can use even though it is specifically targeted towards dry skin. As instructed, 3-4 drops were used by me twice every day for over a week (that is how, it lasted. I had the smaller bottle).

Two minutes of massage and it went into my skin without leaving any trace of oil/grease. It hydrated my skin without weighing it down besides imparting softness (which will be noticeable after 5-6 uses)and a subtle glow (again, do not expect miracles with a single use). At times, I did not even apply anything on my face and venture out with just a few drops of this serum massaged into my skin. This is efficacious this serum is 🙂 It is capable of compelling you to chuck makeup altogether!

The aroma is pleasant and would not irk those with a sensitive nose. It is, however, transient. It can be used every night as a part of one’s ‘beauty sleep’ and you’ll wake up with clearer. Since I am in my early 20s, I cannot comment on its effectiveness to combat wrinkles/aging, however, given its ORGANIC composition and performance so far, it deserves a thumbs up 🙂 Way to go, Team Raw Rituals. It is the first time I am using a serum and I’m going gaga over it. Go grab it!

GOOD-

1. Organic

2. No chemicals or preservatives added

3. Sturdy packaging

4. Available easily (on Amazon India)

5. Brightens complexion

6. Softens skin (not intensely but to a certain extent)

7. Can be used daily

8. Can be used by all skin types

9. No rubbish added

10. Uplifting aroma (which is not artificial but of essential oils)

11. Non-sticky/non- greasy/non-oily texture

12. Gets absorbed within the twinkling of an eye

BAD- None

RATING- 5/5

Editor’s Note: This sounds really good, I will definitely give this a try. I love serums and oils

Have you tried the Raw Rituals Ethereal Face Serum?

Top 10 Types of Essential Oils, Their Uses and Benefits, How to Use, Buy Online

Top 10 Types of Essential Oils, Their Uses and Benefits, How to Use, Buy Online

By Simran

An essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants.

An oil is ‘essential’ in the sense that it contains the ‘essence of’ the plant’s fragrance—the characteristic fragrance of the plant from which it is derived.

Interest in essential oils has revived in recent decades with the popularity of aromatherapy, a branch of alternative medicine that claims that essential oils and other aromatic compounds have curative effects.

In addition to these impressive qualities, they often also transfer very pleasurable sensory experiences within minutes because of their fragrances and restorative natures, making them impactful on our brain chemistry, emotional well-being, and spiritual wellness. This makes for a highly vast and diverse list of uses for essential oils.

Rosewood Essential Oil

1. Rosewood essential oil: (Buy HERE)

Rosewood is a decorative tree and used to make furniture, chopsticks, and show pieces; it is a versatile and durable tree that grows abundantly in Brazil. It is commonly called sheesham in India. But rosewood is more than just a raw material used in manufacturing.

Benefits/uses of rosewood essential oil:

  • Rosewood oil has tissue-regenerating properties that help prevent wrinkles and premature aging.
  • You can use it to reduce the onset of pimples and blackheads while controlling the amount of sebum secreted by your oil glands
  • It even has wound-healing actions, making it an ideal first-aid remedy for cuts and insect bites.
  • Aroma therapists use it to help treat depression, as it is said to impart feelings of happiness and strength.

How to Use: You can dilute the oil by using a carrier oil like coconut/olive oil and apply it on your face or use it as a massaging oil. Add a few drops to your bath to relax your body. You can even mix it in your unscented shower gel to achieve a sweet smelling shower gel which relaxes you.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

2. Tea Tree Essential Oil: (Buy HERE)

Tea tree oil is made from the leaves of the tea tree plant, a member of the myrtle tree family, which is native to Australia.

Benefits/Uses of Tea Tree essential oil:

  • Tea tree oil can be used to cure acne, fungal and bacterial infections.
  • It can even effectively be used to get rid of dandruff.
  • Tea tree essential oil can provide relief from muscular pain, aches, and sprains because its strong chemical properties can work as an anti-inflammatory and also encourages blood flow.

How to Use: Mix the oil in your moisturiser or Mix a drop or 2 with a smidge of coconut oil and use a cotton swab to apply on your face to effectively fight acne. Mix 10 drops of tea tree oil with 1 cup of water and dip your toothbrush in it once a week to get rid of bacteria on your toothbrush. Use the oil as your deodorant since it fights bacteria and helps you smell fresh.

Orange Essential Oil

3. Orange essential oil: (Buy HERE)

Orange essential oil is obtained from the peels of orange by cold compression. Although most of you know the common name of oranges, perhaps you don’t know the botanical name, Citrus Sinensis.

Benefits/Uses of orange essential oil:

  • Orange essential oil is known to relax muscular and nervous spasms.
  • Curing acne and constipation.
  • Improves complexion.
  • Inhibits growth of microbes in wounds and helps reduce inflammation.

How to Use: Use it with your moisturiser, since Vit. C helps in repairing skin and fighting wrinkles. Add a few drops of oil in water and use it as a kitchen cleanser. Diffuse Orange with Lime, Lemon, or Tangerine for a sunny warm-weather scent, or diffuse it with Cinnamon and a hint of Clove for a festive smell perfect for the holidays.

Lavender Essential Oil

4. Lavender essential oil: (Buy HERE)

Lavender oil is extracted mostly from the flowers of the lavender plant. The flowers of lavender are fragrant in nature and have been used for making potpourri for centuries. Traditionally, lavender essential oil has also been used in making perfumes.

Benefits/Uses of Lavender essential oil:

  • Lavender essential oil is known to Reduces anxiety and emotional stress
  • Heal burns and wounds.
  • It helps in Improving sleep
  • Restores skin complexion and reduces acne.
  • It Slows aging with powerful antioxidants.

How to Use: Put a drop or two in your bath water to instantly relax your body after a long day. If you have trouble sleeping, put 2-3 drops on your pillow case to help you fall asleep faster. Mix several drops of Lavender oil with a nut or vegetable mixing oil (coconut, sesame, etc) and use topically on acne.

Cedarwood Essential Oil

5. Cedarwood essential oil: (Buy HERE)

Cedarwood essential oil is extracted from wood pieces of the cedar wood tree. Cedarwood contributes a great deal to its health benefits.

Benefits/uses of Cedarwood essential oil:

  • Cedarwood oil promotes hair growth
  • has anti-inflammatory agents
  • cures toothaches
  • strengthens gums
  • It clears out toxins and helps cure acne and fungal infections.
  • Reduces skin irritations
  • regulates menstruation
  • stimulates metabolism
  • tightens muscles

How to Use: Just add a few drops of Cedarwood oil to your shampoo or massage it directly into the scalp to promote hair growth. Simply add a few drops of cedarwood oil to your skin cream and rub it into the affected acne areas or you can add 4 or 5 drops to your bathwater to help soothe the skin. You could also add cedarwood oil to coconut oil and some oatmeal to make your own facial scrub. If you are feeling in any way tense, stressed or depressed try inhaling cedarwood essential oil from the bottle or put a few drops on a handkerchief and breathe it in whenever you feel the need.

Chamomile Essential Oil

6. Chamomile essential oil: (Buy HERE)

Chamomile oil is extracted from the flowers of the Chamomile plant, which is very popular as a flowering plant. There are two types of Chamomile; The Roman Chamomile and the German Chamomile.

Benefits/uses of Chamomile essential oil:

  • Chamomile oil is best known throughout the ages for its sedative and soothing qualities.
  • Endowed with an overall calming effect for the stressed mind and tense body
  • Chamomile essential oil can also be used to ease feelings of grief, anger, discontent or over-sensitivity.
  • It helps in fading scars and spots on your skin and treats sunburn.

How to Use: Rub a few drops of Chamomile essential oil on your pulse points like behind the ear or neck; it will help you fall asleep better. Add 1–2 drops to your favourite moisturizer, shampoo, or conditioner to promote youthful looking skin and hair. Add 1–2 drops to herbal teas or hot drinks to soothe the body and mind.

Cinnamon Essential Oil

7. Cinnamon essential oil: (Buy HERE)

Cinnamon originated in tropical Asia, and was particularly widely used in Sri Lanka and India. Now, the shrub is grown in almost every tropical region of the world. The spice, owing to its vast medicinal uses, has found a prominent position in traditional medicines, especially in Ayurveda, which is the traditional Indian medicinal system.

Benefits/uses of Cinnamon essential oil:

  • It increases circulation and fights viruses.
  • The oil possesses anti inflammation properties and hence cures acne effectively.
  • Helps alleviate sore muscles and joints

How to Use: Place 1 drop Cinnamon essential oil in hot water or tea and drink slowly to soothe your throat. Dilute the oil with a carrier oil like coconut or mineral oil and apply on your face for glowing skin and decreasing acne. Place one drop on your toothbrush then add toothpaste for healthier gums.

Sweet Basil/Tulsi Essential Oil

8. Sweet Basil essential oil:

Sweet basil oil comes from basil, a plant with a thick foliage and small white flowers. Fresh basil leaves taste sweet and pungent, and exudes a fresh and floral aroma, while the dried ones have a spicy and earthy scent. Basil was widely used in ancient times and still used in India for various medicinal purposes.

Benefits/uses of Sweet Basil essential oil:

  • Sweet Basil essential oil Soothes sore muscles and joints.
  • It enhances the lustre of dull-looking skin and hair.
  • It helps cure acne and improves circulation.
  • Apply to minor skin irritations
  • For sensitive skin, dilute with fractionated coconut oil.
  • It is anti bacterial

How to Use: Mix it in your shampoo or moisturiser for lush hair and glowing skin. Use basil essential oils topically on the feet or by diffusing them aromatically to fight fatigue.

Peppermint Essential Oil

9. Peppermint essential oil: (Buy HERE)

While the aroma of peppermint essential oil may be synonymous in some minds with the candy, it’s a lot more than flavouring. The essential oil of peppermint has been used for centuries for digestive problems, sinus and respiration and more. The aroma of the oil can be very sweet, and obviously minty, in nature.

Benefits/uses of Peppermint essential oil:

  • It nourishes skin and improves texture of oily skin
  • Promotes hair growth
  • Improves mental focus and relieves headaches.

How to Use: Add 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil to your regular morning shampoo and conditioner to stimulate the scalp and energize your mind. Use a drop or two on your temples to help enhance mental clarity. Inhaling peppermint essential oil can stave off the munchies and can help you feel full faster.

Lemongrass Essential Oil

10: Lemongrass essential oil: (Buy HERE)

Lemongrass is an herb that belongs to the grass family of Poaceae. Lemongrass oil has a light and fresh lemony smell with earthy undertones. It is stimulating, relaxing, soothing, and balancing.

Benefits/uses of Lemon grass essential oil:

  • It relieves head and stomach aches
  • Helps reduce acne and oiliness of the skin
  • Helps in reducing fatigue or insomnia, even menstrual cramps.

How to Use: Diffuse or apply Lemongrass essential oil to bottoms of feet at bedtime for a restful night’s sleep. Drink two cups of lemongrass tea a day to relieve pain associated with your period. To help clear up acne, add one drop to a carrier oil and dab on to affected areas once or twice a day.

These essential oils are also available in a set of 6 (HERE) and set of 12 (HERE), different combinations.

Image Sources: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Editor’s Note: This is a fabulous post Simran. I absolutely love Lavender essential oil and of course tea tree.

Do you use essential oils? Your favourite essential oil?

The Body Shop Drops of Light Range Review

The Body Shop Drops of Light Range Review

Hi guys,

I have been using this Body Shop Drops Of Light Range since more than a month now and here are my thoughts on it.

Drops of Light Brightening Cleansing Foam

What the Company claims: The A rich and creamy foam cleanser to clarify and purify the skin.

– A rich and creamy lather
– Deeply purifies and cleanses the skin, without over-drying or stripping the skin of precious moisture

MRP: Rs. 1525 for 125ml

Ingredients:

Drops Of Light Brightening Serum

What the Company claims: A very lightweight serum that absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it velvety soft and shine free. Clinically proven to reduce the number and intensity of dark spots.

– Lightweight texture, that quickly absorbs into the skin
– Leaves skin plumped with moisture
– Instantly skin looks brighter and more luminous
– With regular use, skin appears smoother, more healthy and translucent, with

MRP: Rs. 2450 for 30ml

Ingredients:

Drops of Light  Brightening Day Cream

What the Company claims: A lightweight, yet nourishing day cream clinically proven to significantly reduce the number, size and intensity of dark spots.

– Provides hydration, for softer, smoother skin
– Instantly, skin texture feels smoother, softer and re-plumped with moisture
– After 4 weeks, skin appears brighter, healthier and skin tone is even and clarified

MRP: Rs.2050 for 50ml

Ingredients:

The facial foam is a rich, creamy face wash. I do not generally prefer foam based face washes as they do tend to dry out my skin. But since I use this range in conjunction and follow it up with the serum and day cream, the face wash seems fine. It does cleanses thoroughly though, ideal for oily skin.

The serum comes in a white tinted bottle with a dropper and is water like in texture. It is very light weight and gets absorbed easily, you just need 2-3 drops of it. This bottle will last quite a few months.

The day cream is gel like in texture and water based. It is very hydrating and moisturizing. It does feel a bit sticky though and takes time to settle down.

L-R: Cream, Serum, Face Wash

Entire range has red algae, Vitamin C and glycerine. It is very good for pigmented and uneven skin. Vitamin C takes time to show result but with regular use twice a day, it will fade all your acne scars and even out your skin tone to a great extent.

Since the cream has glycerine and is a bit sticky on application, I would not suggest it for very oily skin as they may not like the texture of it. Also this makes it ideal as a primer and it keeps makeup in place all day long. You can skip a primer when you are using this cream.

Overall, this range will work great on uneven or pigmented skin or for people who have acne scars, etc. If you have to pick only one product from this range, I would definitely suggest the serum. At this price, there are not many Vitamin C serums available in the market and this does the job quite well.

Have you tried The Body Shop Drops Of Light Range?

P.S: PR Samples. Honest Review

Vanity Planet Spin For Perfect Skin | 70% Off | Clarisonic Dupe

Vanity Planet Spin For Perfect Skin | 70% Off | Clarisonic Dupe

Hi guys,

Today I am reviewing a cleansing brush, the most affordable one in the market.

It is a great option and definitely worth investing in, coz Clarisonic, Foreo Luna, Clinique are all very expensive, this is the most economical option, especially if you are just starting to use cleansing brushes.

Cleansing brushes are a game changer in your skincare routine and once you start using them, you will not go back to using only your hands.

If you wear makeup 3-4 times a week or everyday, this will remove all the makeup and dirt from your pores. And if you don’t wear much makeup, but you are not a kind of person to get regular clean ups and facials done, you should invest in  cleansing brush for sure!

I am using this since a month now and I have noticed a huge difference in my skin! I haven’t broken out since, it removes every bit of dirt and makeup from my pores.

Even after using the best Micellar water, every single time this cleansing brush removes so much makeup from the pores, that it surprises me! After using this regularly, I realize deep cleansing and pores cleaning is so important.

Just removing makeup from the upper layer is not enough, coz all the makeup settled in the pores will not come off with that.

Spin for Perfect Skin comes with 4 attachments and the main spinning tool. One is a cleansing brush which is perfect for everyday use and is very soft and gentle. This is the one I use the most!

Second is the exfoliating brush which can be used once a week for exfoliating the dead skin cells. It is slightly harsher, avoid using this if you have sensitive skin.

Third is the body exfoliating brush which is huge and perfect in size to exfoliate the skin quickly. The skin on body is not as thin as the face, so this brush is perfect for the body.

And last is the pumice stone attachment which would work great for your heels and feet.

So one device takes care of your face, body and feet!

Here is the detailed review and demo..

Vanity Planet Spin for Perfect Skin is priced at $100 but I have a special coupon code for you guys which will give you $70 off i.e. 70% off! You get it for $30 , they have three different shipping options with the cheapest being post at $20 for India. They had free shipping worldwide earlier, it does get a little expensive with the shipping, you can compare the price with the Oriflame one and go with either.

You can either go to www.vanityplanet.com and use the coupon code ‘Bhumika’ or directly go to this link vpwow.com/bhumika to get this device for $30

Overall I would say, if not this, you can go for any brand, but a cleansing brush is absolutely great for your skin and will change your skincare game forever! Highly recommend!

Have you tried any cleansing brush before? Which is your favourite?

P.S: Device sent by brand but it has not affected my review.

July 2016 My Envy Box Review & Unboxing

July My Envy Box Review & Unboxing

Hi guys,

I just got the My Envy Box for the month of July. The theme is ‘Band, Baajaa Beauty’ and it’s curated by WedMeGood. The box itself is very pretty, it is neon pink with gold intricate work on it.

I had seen a sneak peek in the email and knew there were two full sized products from SkinYoga and Gulnare in this month’ box.

MRP: Rs.850/- (Available HERE)

Let’s see what I got in this month’s box:

  • SkinYoga Marigold Foot Soak- Full Size (Rs. 695/-)
  • Gulnare Glow Girl Shimmering Dry Oil – Full size (Rs.1250/-)
  • Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi Brightening Scrub -5g sample
  • Kama Ayurveda Hand Cream- 5g sample
  • Kerastase Chronologiste Oil- 3ml sample

In total there are 5 products in this month’s box, but except the 2 full sized products, rest of the samples are very tiny. I do prefer deluxe sized samples which have 30g or 30ml product, I do not like the 5g and 5ml tiny samples which hardly serve the purpose.

The foot soak and shimmering body oil do look interesting, but I would have liked body scrub or Gulnare moisturiser/hand cream.

Overall the value of the two full sized products do make up for the cost of the box, but I would suggest go for this month’s box only if you use/interested in trying out the foot soak or shimmering body oil. Or else, can skip this month’ box.

What did you get in your July My Envy Box?

Biotique Anti-Ageing Skin Care Routine

Biotique Anti-Ageing Skin Care Routine

By Archana

Hi everyone,

Today I will be sharing an anti-ageing skin care routine with the brand Biotique. It is important to start with an anti-ageing regimen after you cross 25 as its the time when the first signs of ageing starts appearing. Fine lines on forehead, crow’s feet, wrinkles on hands are all the starting symptoms of ageing. Recently, Biotique had sent me some of their products and I have started using them. If you are looking to start with a simple and affordable anti-ageing regimen, then Biotique is your best bet as its organic, preservative- free and cruelty-free. The regimen includes a serum, day cream, night cream and sunscreen lotion. I will be reviewing each of the products separately in forthcoming posts after using them for 20 days, but today let’s see Biotique’s 4-step anti-ageing skin care regimen.

Biotique Bio Dandelion Ageless Lightening Serum:

Dandelion is a rejuvenating herbaceous plant known for its ageless properties. This lightening serum is a rare combination of pure dandelion, rich in Vitamin E and minerals, blended with nutmeg oil. Used regularly, it helps brighten skin, fade dark spots and ease away wrinkles for a flawless complexion.

Price: Rs.230 for 40ml (Buy HERE)

Biotique Bio Saffron Dew Youthful Nourishing Day Cream:

Saffron is one of the world’s most beloved and precious spices, a natural source of vitamins, minerals and nutrients with rejuvenating properies. This light-feeling moisturizer is blended with pure saffron, almond and pistachio oils, as well as turmeric and wild turmeric extracts, to replenish and help sustain skin's dewy fullness of youth. Dry lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced with regular use.

Price: Rs.230 for 50g (Buy HERE)

Biotique Bio Wheat Germ Youthful Nourishing Night Cream:

Wheat Germ Oil is one of the most sensitive oils in the botanical world, a natural antioxidant with more Vitamin E than any other natural oil. This rich-feeling, firming cream is blended with pure wheat germ, sunflower and almond oils, vitamins A, B, C, D, E and extracts of carrot and galangal to moisturize and strengthen skin for a more vital, resilient, younger appearance.

Price: Rs.230 for 50g (Buy HERE)

Biotique Bio Morning Nectar 30+ SPF UVA/UVB Sunscreen Ultra Soothing Face Lotion:

Nectar is the sweet fluid that flowering plants produce each day, used to sustain ageless beauty from the beginning of time. This nourishing and brightening lotion is blended with pure honey, wheatgerm and seaweed. Replaces natural oils and replenishes lost moisture. Softens and brightens skin for a noticebly fairer complexion. Protects skin with SPF 30 UVA / UVB sunscreen.

Price: Rs.199 for 120ml (Buy HERE)

So these are the set of products in the anti-ageing regimen by Biotique. Stay tuned for detailed reviews of each of them.

Editor’s Note: I absolutely love Morning Nectar and it’s one of my favourites! I want to know how Saffron Dew fares coz it sounds interesting.

Have you tried any of these Biotique products?

Medimix Essential Herbs Ayurvedic Face Wash Review

Medimix Essential Herbs Ayurvedic Face Wash Review

What the Company claims: Medimix ayurvedic face wash gives your skin all day natural care and protection. The unique blend of turmeric, aloe vera and neem gently cleanses and rejuvenates skin. The divine herb lodhra reduces skin inflammation and improves complexion, kushtha and manjishtha helps in enhancing skin texture. The birth of Medimix dates back to a time when the cholayil family used viprathi oil as a cure to ailments of the skin.

The year 1969 proved pivotal in the family’s legacy as Dr. Sidhan combined a timeless tradition with a sharp acumen for business to develop a green bar of soap that could nourish and protect the skin. Medimix, over time, grew synonymous with skin care, the natural way. Strongly rooted in ayurveda, this amalgamation of 18 herbs has been on a constant endeavor to spread the happiness that comes from having young and healthy skin.

For generations, women and indeed entire families have placed their trust on Medimix and this is testimony to the magical properties that it holds. Currently available in 3 variants of soaps and a face wash, Medimix is all set to expand its range and further its vision of ayurvedic happiness for all.

Ingredients & Directions:

MRP: Rs.60 for 50ml (Buy HERE), Rs.100 for 100ml (Buy HERE)

It comes in this small, easy to carry, convenient flip cap tube packaging. This 50ml tube is perfect for your handbag and travels too.

I love gel based face wash as they do not foam much and do not dry out my skin. I always prefer gel based face washes over foam based ones, especially the ones with neem.

It is gel like in texture but not very runny, has a strong herbal smell, you can smell the herbs immediately. This face wash not only has neem which is my favourite ingredient, but a blend of other 5 very good herbs. Let me tell you the benefits of each..

Nimba i.e. Neem is anti bacterial and widely used for skin disorders

Haridra i.e. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and antiallergic. It also enhances the complexion and skintone.

Kumari i.e. Aloe Vera calms and soothes the skin and is the only herb that can penetrate deep into your skin.

Lodhra is cooling and helps with acne as it is a mild astringent

Kushtha is antiseptic and known as a complexion enhancer. It is also widely used in treating many skin diseases.

Manjistha is known to soothe the skin and treat acne. Again a complexion enhancer too

All these herbs are widely used in skincare, to heal, soothe and treat many skin diseases and for improving the skin’s texture.

I love the fact that Medimix refrains from using unnecessary, extra ingredients or harmful chemicals in their products. Also it is free from animal fat. It is SLS and paraben free!

My skin feels soft and smooth, and not dry and stretchy after every use, I do not reach for the moisturizer immediately. I haven’t got any new breakouts since the time I am using this, even during that time of the month when I usually get 1-2 always!

Neem and turmeric are helping control the acne by killing the bacterial germs. Aloe vera is soothing and hydrating the skin while Lodhra, Kushtha and Manjistha are improving the skin’s texture.

I definitely recommend this face wash, it is my current Holy Grail and I am sure you will love it too, especially if you have oily to combination, acne prone skin. This will work for sensitive skin too, as it soothes and calms the skin and does not irritate it as there are no harmful chemicals.

Medimix also has a Anti-Tan variant i.e Medimix Ayurvedic Anti Tan Face Wash with Tanaka. I would be trying that too, soon.

Have you tried the #MedimixAyurvedicFaceWash yet?

Cheryl’s Cosmeceuticals Facial Experiential & Home Care Kit Review

Cheryl’s Cosmeceuticals Facial Experiential & Home Care Kit Review

Hi guys,

So on the 10th of June, I went for a skin analysis and facial experiential of Cheryl’s Cosmecueticals at L’Oreal India office.

Let me tell you a little more about Cheryl’s Cosmeceuticals first.

Gunjan Jain, National Education Manager, who has been working with Cheryl’s Cosmecueticals for more than 9 years attended to me. She started by giving me a background about the brand and skin diagnosis with various advanced technologies introduced by Cheryl’s. They have a special Skin Scan App for salon experts that helps them understand the client’s skin and suggests a treatment accordingly. Not only that, the Skin Scan App also stores the client’s data. She did my skin scan test where I was asked a few basic questions about my skin type and concern, age, etc. and I had to register with my name, number and email id and if I did like to book an appointment now or later. This is the exact same app which Cheryl’s has at all salons where they provide Cheryl’s services. We went through it like they do with the clients at the salon.

Then they also had a magnifying glass with a light which has both 5x and 7x magnification to see those deep rooted, pesky blackheads which are not visible to the naked eye.

Cheryl’s Hydrameter

The most interesting tool was the Hydrameter which is used to test the moisture and oil levels. It shows the exact moisture and oil present in your skin and if it is below the required 35 to 50%, then it denotes that the skin is dehydrated.

So all these gadgets help scan the skin and zero down on which facial or treatment is needed by the client. There are normal facials and there are specific treatments for particular skin concerns.

I just had dryness and a little redness due to sensitivity, so we went ahead with the Sensiglow Facial. Now each facial kit comes with pre-measured sachets used at different steps.

About Sensiglow: Cheryl’s SensiGlow is a harmonizing facial to address sensitive skin concerns ,

Main Actives in the facial:

1. Sodium PCA, a key water soluble natural ingredient in the epidermis that keeps the skin well hydrated and radiant and

2. Sea Buckthorn Oil, a natural plant ingredient that plays a vital restorative and revitalizing action on the skin. It is very useful in combating and reducing redness on the skin as it is an effective anti-inflammatory agent that reduces the inflammation of blood capillaries.

Cheryl’s SensiGlow is an instant glow treatment that makes the skin lighter and radiant by eliminating dead skin cells. It also contains active herbal ingredients that uncover lighter glowing skin and is suitable for all skin types that are sensitive. It is specially formulated for calming and soothing sensitive skin. Itchiness and sensitivity are drastically reduced and the skin becomes less irritable.

Cheryl’s SensiGlow is a 6 step process which involves cleansing, deep cleansing, toning, massaging, packing and refreshing. The products used in this treatment are enriched with power-packed ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile oil, lactic acid, shiso extract that are specifically formulated to avoid irritations and provide instant glow that makes the skin lighter and radiant by eliminating dead skin cells.

Steps:

1. Cleansing: It’s like a basic cleansing milk, massaged on the skin for a minute and wiped with a cotton ball.

2. Double Cleansing: There is another cleansing step where the cream is massaged on the skin for 2-3 minutes. It is followed by steam. Now since only my nose had a few blackheads/whiteheads, Gunjan covered the rest of the face with tissue while giving steam so that the other parts of the skin don’t get irritated. It is followed by extraction of blackheads, which again were just a few on the nose. And lastly she cleanses again, so that any residue left after the steam and opening of pores is cleansed.

3. Toner: A toner is dabbed with a cotton ball all over the face to close the pores.

4. Massage: It is followed by a massage cream and Gunjan thoroughly massaged the face and neck for a good 10 minutes. It was very relaxing and I could feel the blood circulation.

5. Face Pack: Later a face pack is applied with a brush which is kept for about 10 minutes, until it dries.

6. Refresher with Anti-oxidants: A moisturizing lotion, little thicker than a toner, is applied after the face pack. Again dabbed with a cotton ball, similar to the toner.

7. Last but not the least, sun block is applied to the skin. They have two sun blocks, one for normal to dry skin i.e. cream form and one for oily skin i.e. spray form. She used the cream one for me.

Price: Rs.1200/- on an average, though varies from salon to salon

Duration: 1 hour + 10-15 minutes for skin scan

Want to know how it felt on my skin?

Before – After

I absolutely loved the results. My skin felt hydrated and fresh. The redness was reduced a lot and the skin was glowing. I noticed even more difference the next day. Since the facial was SensiGlow, it takes care of the redness of sensitive skin and gives a nice glow to the face. It did both of these things for me.

I also got three products as a part of my home care kit and I have been using them since the next day of the facial.

Cheryl’s Dermalite Facewash: A clinically proven gentle and effective cleanser that cleanses and lightens skin. Cheryl’s Dermalite is a powerpacked product with ingredients that exfoliate, hydrate, moisturize resulting in cleansed, brightened and lightened skin.

Price: Rs. 275/-

It comes in a tube form and is light blue in color with gel like texture, you just need one pea sized amount in every wash, so you need very little product. It doesn’t foam too much and that is what I like about it. It doesn’t dry out the skin and yet cleanses it really well. I use it on my cleansing brush for deep cleansing at times and my skin is super soft, smooth and completely cleansed.

I love the minty and cooling smell and effect, skin is definitely cleansed, brighter and smoother with this.

O2C2 Radiance Lotion: Inspired by gene science and stem cells research, a product that is specially formulated with ingredients like:

Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate that is a potent anti-ageing agent
Actinidia Polygama Fruit Extract that improves the transparency of the skin
Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract which is known to enhance the radiance and luminosity of the skin. This is formulated to draw out and enhance the natural radiance and shine of the skin that is more associated with young, youthful and glowing skin.

Price: Rs. 1050/-

So Gunjan told me that O2C2 is her favourite product, but the product specifically mentions not for sensitive and acne prone skin and since she saw a little redness and sensitivity on my face, she told me to try this for 1-2 days and use it only if no redness or irritation.

I was a little apprehensive but I went ahead and tried it and I absolutely love it. Since the face wash exfoliates the skin a bit, using this post cleansing, does feel a little tingly at certain areas, but it subsides in a minute. It is a thick and rich lotion, but quite runny and not like a cream. It does feel hydrating and rich on the skin, and a little sticky, I believe it has glycerine.

It does not sweat the skin or make it greasy though, the stickiness settles in some time. I mostly use it at night and wake up to super soft, smooth and bright skin! I love my skin every morning, post using this.

DermaShade SPF 30 spray Cheryl’s Dermashade Sunblock:  Cheryl’s DermaShade Sunblock is formulated to offer complete sun protection, backed by the latest sun care technology and SPF boosters. It provides the highest protection against UV, lock in moisture so that the skin doesn’t dry out and also provides complete protection against sun damage.

Price: Rs. 600/-

Cheryl’s has two sunblocks, one in a cream format for normal to dry skin and one is in a spray format for oily skin. It is super light and easy to blend on the face. It does not leave the face with a greasy or a whitish cast. Since the lotion is quite runny, I like to pat in on the face. I use about 3 sprays for the face and neck. It is the most light weight facial sunscreen I have used. I have used lighter spray ones for the body, but none for the face yet.

L-R: O2C2, Sunblock,Face Wash

It’s been about 12-13 days post the facial and using the home care kit, and my skin is back to normal! I had a few breakouts in between, and if you follow me on Snapchat, you know about the pimples on the lips too. My skin is soft, smooth and much more even since the time I began using this range.

I absolutely recommend trying out Cheryl’s facials and treatments plus their home care kits! I love the blend of natural and scientific ingredients they have, to get that perfect product.

Have you ever tried Cheryl’s Cosmeceuticals? If not, you can avail these customised treatments at a Cheryl’s salon near you!