Category Archives: Skin care

Nature's Essence Nourishing Neem & Aloe Vera Moisturizing Lotion Review, Indian Skincare Reviews

Nature’s Essence Nourishing Neem & Aloe Vera Moisturizing Lotion Review

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Nature’s Essence Nourishing Neem & Aloe Vera Moisturizing Lotion Review

By Nidhal

One is a saviour for those with dry, patchy, lustreless and dull skin. Another is a potent weapon to fight acne, pimples and blackheads. Their blend is bound to be promising for one’s skin. The first ingredient is Aloe vera (called Ghritkumaari and at times, Kumaari in Hindi) and the second is Neem. Do I need to elaborate even a little on the bounties of these two skin saviours? There would be few who’d not have tried either on their skin. If you are one of those, go grab a few leaves of Aloe vera and a handful of Neem leaves. Mash and treat your skin to their virtues to leave it thanking you.

However, if you are an indolent soul who would choose to watch whatever is being on TV than move a bit to grab the remote and change the channel, then doing the above (preparing the mask ) would surely be the last thing on your mind, right? 😛

So, let’s slather something that is made from these two skin saviours instead? In line with that thought, I zeroed in on NATURE’S ESSENCE NOURISHING NEEM AND ALOE VERA MOISTURISING LOTION one fine evening. Let us prepare its report card today.

PRICE –Rs 85/- for 60 ml

DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Gently apply the moisturiser in right quantity on face and body and welcome your skin to a world of nourishment and optimum care.

KEY/ACTIVE INGREDIENTS- Neem, Aloe vera extracts and aroma oil.

WHAT IT CLAIMS- A handpicked blend of antiseptic neem and nourshing aloevera extracts. Added aroma oils soothe the mind & body and give a nourishing treat to your skin.

MY EXPERIENCE-

Packed in a simple plastic tube with a cap on top, the packaging of NATURE’S ESSENCE NOURISHING NEEM AND ALOE VERA MOISTURISING LOTION is fine. It is spillage-free since the cap is sturdy, hygienic and travel-friendly. I do not have any problem with respect to packaging. It is up to the mark for me.

The texture of the lotion is underwhelming for me. It is predominantly runny which when applied on skin makes it oily/greasy. My skin type is dry and after applying a pea-sized amount of it, my skin felt uncomfortably oily. I have applied oils beforehand on my skin to moisturise them such as- extra virgin olive oil, sweet almond oil, virgin sesame oil, etc. but none of them made me feel like a ‘pakora’ being drawn out from a ‘kadhaai’! I admit, I give ‘Desi’ examples to help people visualise things.

So, if a person with dry skin feels that it makes skin oily, there is little in fact no reason for people with oily/extremely oily skin to invest in it. The staying power too, is underwhelming. It stays for ½-1 hour at max at a stretch in summers. Naturally, during winters, when moisture levels will drop in the atmosphere and our skin’s thirst for hydration will augment by leaps and bounds, this lotion will turn out to be disappointing. The aroma is mild and temporary.

A major limitation is that its ingredients’ list hasn’t been furnished. Only key/active ingredients are mentioned which is highly irresponsible, evasive and negligent on part of Team Nature’s Essence. Rules and regulations regarding production and provision of information about herbal and natural products in our country are very lax. Companies milk this to their advantage by adding merely a few herbal ingredients/their extracts and marketing it as a ‘natural/herbal’ product. In this regard, I am sceptical of Nature’s essence too for it has also abstained from providing the complete list of ingredients.

Even if we keep this aspect aside for a minute, as a product it falls flat on nearly all parameters. Its texture, staying power and after-effects are nowhere commendable. Chuck it away! This one’s not worth your time and hard-earned money.

GOOD-

1. Fine packaging

2. Readily available

3. Available in different sizes

4. Price is budget-friendly

5. Aroma is mild hence, won’t irk those with a sensitive nose

BAD-

1. Complete list of ingredients has not been furnished

2. Runny texture. Lotions should have a thick/creamy texture. If not, at least specify which skin type should opt for it.

3. Makes skin oily/greasy on application. Thus, unsuitable for oily/extremely oily skin type.

4. Does nothing commendable. No glow. No softness. No lustre.

RATING-0.5/5

Editor’s Note: Oh God, what a dud! Never going near it, thanks for the review Nidhal

Have you tried Nature’s Essence Nourishing Neem & Aloe Vera Moisturizing Lotion? If not, don’t!

Home Remedies For Glowing Skin

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HOME REMEDIES FOR GLOWING SKIN

By Rashmi

Hello peeps,

I am back with another DIY solution for your skin. Glowing skin is what everybody desires. People spend so much money by going to parlours. Though the effect of parlour treatment is almost immediate,is it long lasting? I don’t think so. I prefer using ingredients from the kitchen which are readily available.These are absolutely natural ingredients and are safe. And these things give a glow to your face like no other parlour treatment can give. And guess what? The results are permanent. When at first my mother asked me to use homemade face masks instead of going to the parlour i laughed at that but now after using all these homemade masks I am sure I am not going to the parlour for facials.

And I am sure these home remedies for glowing skin are going to work for you guys as well.

Happy reading ☺

1. Honey and lemon juice –

In a bowl take 2tbsp honey and mix in it 1tbsp lemon. Mix it well. Apply it on your face and leave it for 20 minutes.Wash it off with cold water. Lemon works as a natural bleach and honey gives instant radiance. One could also try applying just honey on the face. Honey and Lemon is perfect for removing your tan too.

2. Banana face mask-

In a bowl take half a banana(ripe),mix 1tbsp yogurt to it along with 1tbsp honey. Mix it well until the banana is mashed completely. You could add 2-3 drops of rosewater too. Now apply this face mask and leave it for 20-25 minutes before washing it off with water.Banana is best for getting glowing skin.

3. Tomato juice –

Simply mix tomato juice along with lemon and apply it on your face. Let it sit for 20minutes and then wash it off with plain water.Follow up with a good oil free moisturiser.

4. Olive oil or coconut oil-

People have this misconception that if they apply oil on their face, they will get pimples .This isn’t true. In fact either olive oil or coconut oil should be applied on the face for at least 10minutes before taking a shower. This is a really effective method to get that glow that you have always longed for.I follow this routine daily and this has worked effectively for me.

5. Potato and lemon juice-

Take the juice of half potato and mix in it about 1tbsp lemon juice. Apply this on your face daily for a week and you will be able to notice a beautiful glow on your face. Rub this mixture on your elbows too to get rid of dark elbows. This mix when used continuously for a week, will help get rid of all that stubborn tan.

6. Papaya face mask-

In a bowl take papaya and mash it well. Mix in it about 1tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp turmeric (you don’t want to be left with a yellow face instead of a glowing one) and 1tsp honey. Mix all the ingredients well and apply this on your face for 20 minutes and then wash it off. Apply rosewater on your face after that.

7. Milk and lemon-

Mix milk and lemon together. The milk should be unboiled. Apply this and you would get a radiant skin within a week. Milk helps to moisturise your skin and lemon helps in bleaching the skin naturally thus causing no side effect.

Additional tips-

1. For people with dry skin mix glycerine and rosewater and apply it on your face daily.

2. For people with oily skin mix gram flour(besan) with rosewater and apply daily. Alternatively fuller’s earth could also be used.

3. Apply aloe vera on your face daily .

4. Exfoliate your skin at least twice a week to get rid off the dead skin cells.

5. Always keep your skin hydrated and moisturised.

6. Always remove your makeup before going to sleep and apply your night cream.

7. Rub an ice cube on your face for an instant glow.

See more skincare tips/DIY HERE

Editor’s Note: These are easy and perfect everyday tips Rashmi. Glycerine and Rose water, I swear by. Even Fuller’s Earth, especially for summers.

Do you use these quick home remedies for that glowing skin? If not, do so now.

P.S: Images from Google.

Jac Olivol Body oil with Italian Olive oil Review

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Jac Olivol Body oil with Italian Olive oil Review

By Pallavi

Hii Girlies,

For dry skinned girls like me you can’t leave without body oils in winters. And especially during the February and summer months when the winters gets reduced but the air turns dry. That is the time when i felt my skin feeling much more dryer. And that is when i realised that only body lotions are not going to soften my skin. i need something stronger. Let’s go for body oils. Now, can you imagine whole winter i didn’t used any body oils but when the winter was on the verge of ending i needed a body oil. And that is when i landed with Jac Olivol Body oil with Italian Olive oil.

Price : Rs. 54 for 100 ml.

Ingredients:

Company claims : For a soft, smooth, glowing and healthy skin, reach out for Jac Olivol, which is enhanced with Italian olive oil. It has a light texture with sandalwood aroma and nourishes your skin with ayurvedic elements.

   Absorbed by skin easily

   Makes skin soft, smooth and radiant

   Effective herbal body oil

   Golden liquid of 200 ml ensures healthy skin

My experience with Jac Olivol Body oil with Italian Olive oil

The packaging of this olive oil impressed me. With oils I always have a fear that they will spill out and damage my clothes and all. But this one comes in medium sized yellow bottle which has product details inscribed on it. The bottle has the cap at the top which when tightly secured ensures that the oil will not spill out.

Now coming to the texture of this oil it is really free flowing and light. It spreads easily on your skin and since it is light it does not feel sticky. You need a very little amount per usage. so, a single bottle can survive you easily for one winter. With regular usage you can see that the oil is taking care of your dry patches. Also, it brings a healthy glow to the skin.

Good about Jac Olivol Body oil with Italian Olive oil

1. Natural brand

2. Little product required per usage

3. Inexpensive

4. Spreads easily on skin

5. Soothes dry patches on skin

6. Healthy glow to the skin

Bad about Jac Olivol Body oil with Italian Olive oil

1. Not meant for oily skinned beauties anytime of the year

Rating – 5/5

Editor’s Note: This sounds really good Pallavi, I have combination skin and definitely need a rich oil like this for winters. I would surely give this a try.

Have you tried the Jac Olivol Olive Body Oil yet?

Himalaya Herbals Fairness Cream Review

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Himalaya Herbals Fairness Cream Review

By Lovleen

Hello everyone,

I’m back with another interesting review from herbal skincare brand Himalaya; let’s see what it has in store for us.
The harsh summer is finally here, and this is the time when I’m all charged up with my skincare routine. Perfect face wash, body wash, body oils and lotions are always on the top of my list. However, there is one thing that tends to give me nightmares and i.e. moisturizing creams. Those with oily feel, heavy texture leave my skin prone to acne and the rest is done by the hot weather.

With those thoughts in mind, few weeks ago when I was shopping at Lifestyle mall , I discovered this product at the Himalaya Counter, the word fairness enlightened my mind at once. The SA told me about its moisturizing properties and I was convinced to make the purchase.

What happened next? Read on to find out.

Product Description: Based on the miraculous properties of herbal ingredients like Aloe Vera, Naranga, Akschota and Satapatrika, Himalaya brings to you its revolutionary fairness cream that guarantees clear, even tone and fairer skin in just 4 weeks.
Direction for use: Dot the cream around your face & neck and gently blend it with the help of your finger tips; use twice a day on cleaned face for optimal results.

Product Quantity and Price: MRP Rs: 65/- for 50g

Shelf Life: 2 years!

Key Ingredients: It is packed with inactive ingredients like Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Bronopol, Aloe Vera 50mg, Akschota (Juglans regia) 20mg, Satapatrika (Rosa centifolia) 20mg and Naranga (Citrus reticulate) 20mg.

Packaging: It comes in a simple tube package which is quite easy to handle and avoids spillage too.

Texture: The texture of the product is a bit on the creamy side that does take time to blend with the skin.

My Thoughts on Himalaya Herbals Fairness Cream

It’s been over two weeks (15 days) that I’m using this cream and till today I haven’t witnessed any dramatic results. It is a decent moisturizing cream that works just like any usual cream would, but fairness- well that hasn’t happened till date. Even though I was happy about having a herbal cream in my summer skincare list, but all my hopes were shattered when I saw Parabens in its list of ingredients. Despite of being a nature based product it contains parabens that can be extremely harmful for those who are allergic towards it.

Therefore, my thoughts on it are pretty clear and loud- “Though it’s a subtle moisturizer but there is nothing unique that will make you fall in love with it”.

Pros:

It is quite affordable
It does not lead to breakouts or any sort of side-effects
Best for moisturizing oily skin beauties during winter, as it does not leave a greasy touch

Cons:

Long list of chemicals that includes, parabens, parabens, & parabens
No SPF (Sun Protection Factor)

Rating: 2/5

Do I recommend Himalaya Herbals Fairness Cream for you? So, parabens and no results have made it a big no for me.

Editor’s Note: Oh God, such a dud! I anyway hate fairness product, Himalaya Herbals is one brand which I really like, so didn’t expect this :/

What do you think about the Himalaya Herbals Fairness Cream or Fairness Creams in General?

Everyuth Naturals Neem Face Wash Review

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EVERYUTH NATURALS NEEM FACE WASH REVIEW

By Nidhal

It is said that chewing a few leaves of this plant daily would help you kick acne, pimples and blemishes forever. The taste, however, cannot be vouched for. Able to guess which plant it is? Let me spill the beans. It is none other than ‘Neem’ and it has benefits in abundance for your skin. Not only does it clear acne, pimples, dark circles but also delays signs of ageing. So, why not incorporate this wonder ingredient to let our skin enjoy its bounties? In keeping with this thought, I grabbed Everyuth Naturals Neem Face Wash one day. Having used it a couple of times by now, let me give you a sneak-peek into its performance.

PRICE- Rs 40/- for 60 g+12 g (free)

DIRECTIONS FOR USE– Squeeze out a small quantity onto your palm. Work up lather and gently massage on face. Rinse with water and pat your skin dry. Use 2 or 3 times a day.

INGREDIENTS-

WHAT IT CLAIMS– Regular exposure to dust, pollution and heat leaves your skin excessively oily. This causes acne, pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. Everyuth Naturals neem face wash is enriched with Neem, tea tree oil and Chamomile. It gently deep cleanses your skin, removes pimple-causing bacteria and controls excessive oil secretion.

MY EXPERIENCE-

Packed in a tube with a flip-open cap at its end, the packaging of Everyuth Naturals Neem Face Wash is quite handy, hygienic and travel-friendly. The cap is sturdy which averts leakage/spillage. Hence, scores well on account of packaging.

The product has a slimy consistency. Now, don’t picture is completely as a hideous paste that looks like algae. The texture is predominantly slimy. It borders on the liquid side. The aroma is mild but refreshing. It isn’t long-lasting however. When mixed with a little water, a fine lather is created effortlessly which when worked up on one’s skin, sadly gives a feeling of sucking up skin’s moisture. After rinsing it off, the first thing I noted was that my skin looked unnaturally white. In fact it was so white that I pictured myself hitting my face on a plate having flour! Oh yes, you guessed it right this time. It sucked moisture and how! I had to immediately apply a moisturiser for it was highly discomfiting.

The only silver lining was that it cleansed my skin but nothing apart from that cheered me up. A look at its ingredients’ list and you’ll hit your head on the wall for investing in something that contains hordes of chemicals ranging from SLES to PEG, cocamidopropyl to parabens and so on and so forth. This one doesn’t work on pimples. How can it? Pimples are not determined by only one factor which can be taken care of by use of just one product. Even if you follow the procedure of applying mashed Neem leaves religiously, you need to watch over your diet and overall skin care regimen, right? So, relying on a product exclusively to combat so many skin woes would be naïve and far-fetched. This product is a debacle in a nutshell. It falls flat on its claims.

GOOD-

  • Readily available
  • Economical price
  • Mild and refreshing aroma
  • Imparts a clean look
  • Packed well

BAD-

  • Contains SLES, Cocamidopropyl, PEG, Fragrance (under the garb of which a number of chemicals are added), EDTA and parabens. Woah! That’s way too many chemicals. All of them are toxic.
  • Too drying for dry/extremely dry skin. Hence, not suitable for this skin type at all. Sucks moisture out of your skin.
  • Does not work on pimples and acne. Such problems aren’t combatted by mere use of one or two products. A lot of things including one’s diet and skin care regimen need to be watched out.
  • Does not impart radiance. What we get to see after washing it off is merely a clean face which is the case with every ABC face pack. Nothing to boost about.

RATING- 0/5

Editor’s Note: Sounds horrible! Have you tried the Himalaya Neem Face Wash? That actually works, and I love how mild, gentle yet refreshing it is. My Holy Grail since years!

Have you tried the Everyuth Neem Face Wash? If no, then don’t!

Top 10 Face Washes For Men in India, Prices, Buy Online

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Top 10 Face Washes For Men in India, Prices, Buy Online

By Sanchita

For a woman, it is very easy to choose a face wash from plethora of brands available in Indian market but for men, things are slightly difficult. Firstly, not every possible brand comes up with a face wash for men and their skin’s texture is also a bit different than us. My brother always used to finish off my Ponds Oil Control face wash as he had this super oily skin with acne issues. Well, he isn’t alone – most of them has somewhat similar skin texture that requires a good cleansing that would swipe off all the greasy layers along with the prevention of acne. The scenario is changing and various brand shave come up with face washes for men now. Hence, I have combined a list of the best ten face washes for men available in the Indian market along with their prices. Scroll down for more.

1. Himalaya Herbals Men Intense Oil Clear Lemon Face Wash – INR 140 for 100ml, INR 75 for 50ml (BUY HERE)

This face wash is formulated with Indian Willow (Salix Tetrasperma) bark extract is rich in polyphenols which are known to exert skin conditioning and protectant activity. The plant possesses antimicrobial and astringent properties as it is rich in tannins. Indian Willow has been traditionally used to quicken wound healing and treat skin diseases. Further the face wash is a soap-free, herbal formulation that gently cleanses your face yet lathers generously removing every layer of oil from the surface of the skin.

2. Nivea Men Advanced Whitening Oil Control Face Wash – INR 180 for 100ml (BUY HERE)

Nivea is one of the popular brands in men’s skin care and they also have quite an extensive range of grooming products for men. One of them is the Advanced Whitening Oil Control Face Wash. It lathers very well and removes the excess oil from the skin giving a shine-free matte look. The face wash also controls acne causing bacteria up to 99% for clear skin. Further, it tightens the pores and makes the skin brighter with its advance vita complex molecules.

3. L’Oréal Paris Men Expert Hydra Energetic Skin Awakening Icy Cleansing Gel – INR 500 for 100ml (BUY HERE)

Who said L’Oréal is just for women? This Hydra Energetic Skin Awakening Icy Cleansing Gel is perfect for those men who has normal to dry skin. It is enriched with cryo-tonic which is a soap free pH neutral formula and it deeply cleanses and purifies skin without drying it out. Further, the active defense system helps strengthen skin’s natural resistance against daily aggression. Cleanses, purifies and wakes up the look of the skin within few minutes.

4. OXY Deep Face Wash with Activated Charcoal – INR 120 for 50g (BUY HERE)

OXY is a brand which is completely dedicated to men’s products. This Activated Charcoal face wash from the brand is an excellent choice for the men who has extremely oily skin prone to accumulation of dirt in the pores and breakout issues. It is powered with Icy- menthol that energizes the skin and delivers the ultimate cooling sensation. The formulation is done with the Stearic acid that exfoliates dead skin intensively by permitting water to combine with oil and dirt and washing them away, therefore purifying pores to reveal clearer skin for longer duration.

5. Fiama Di Wills Men Clear Skin Gel Face Wash – INR 180 for 100ml (BUY HERE)

A gentle face wash for normal to combination skin that balances the pH level of the skin yet removes excess oil from the skin. it has the combination of the goodness of micro gel conditioners and Tea Tree Bio-Actives that softens skin and help reduce skin imperfections by preventing and clearing out the acne and pimples. Its deep action unclogs pores and removes excess oil revealing a brighter, youthful looking face. The price is also very reasonable for a daily face wash.

6. VLCC Men Active Light Fairness Face Wash – INR 155 for 100g (BUY HERE)

This face wash from VLCC is enriched with the goodness of mulberry and mint leaves. Mulberry has antioxidants, vitamins and minerals while mint leaves has skin lightening properties and it can remove toxins and purify skin as well. This refreshing face wash that not only wipes of dirt and grime but also energizes your skin and helps remove tan. Further is unclogs the pores, removes excess sebum and maintains the hydration of the skin as well.

7. Pond’s Men Energy Charge Face Wash – INR 89 for 50g, INR 170 for 100g (BUY HERE)

One of the best budget friendly face wash for men that works extremely good for oily skin. This energy charge face wash is an effective way to remove grime and impurities off your face. It has been specially designed for the men because their skin texture is a bit different than women. With its menthol infusion which gives a refreshed feeling while its coffee bean extracts gently exfoliate your skin, improving the skin’s texture. It brightens the skin and takes away the dullness.

8. Park Avenue Coffee Power Face Wash – INR 95

Park Avenue is another well-known brand for men and their products are really impressive. It suits mostly the oily skin. The face wash effectively cleanse the skin by removing every layer of dirt and excess oil from the surface of your skin. It contains the coffee bean extracts that deep cleanse the pores along with cool, fresh and attractive coffee fragrance. The price is also within the budget friendly range for a daily face wash.

9. Garnier Men Acno Fight 6 in 1 Anti Pimple Face Wash – INR 170 for 100g (BUY HERE)

The face wash has been specially designed for the acne prone oil skin that has been formulated with natural ingredients, to give you a healthy glow with each use. It has micro-beads that scrubs away dead skin cells, remove blackheads and unclog pores. It also controls oil secretion, regenerate and repair your skin to give you a healthy look. It contains Salicylic acid which is known for its cleansing properties and neutralizing bacteria.

10. The Body Shop for Men Maca Root Face Wash – INR 695

TBS is already a well-known skin care brand for women and it also has certain products for men which are equally good. This face wash is a paraben-free & vegan facial cleanser infused with maca root to cleanse, soften, & refresh skin. It efficiently removes the oil from the skin yet balances the pH level of the skin. Further, it leaves skin feeling soft and invigorated.

Editor’s Note: That’s a fabulous compilation Sanchita, I get this question asked a lot, now I know what to tell them to read 😀 I would like to suggest the Himalaya Neem Face Wash, if you have acne prone skin, it is not specifically made for men, but is unisex.

All you men out there, which is your favourite? And ladies, what do men in your life use?

How To Get Rid of Acne Naturally

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How To Get Rid of Acne Naturally

By Rashmi

Hello girlies,

This is my first article in this space and i do hope that you all llike it . This being my first article I wanted to write about something that has troubled myself for years.Happy reading ☺

The most irritating thing about growing up is probably pimples.This had troubled me for years until i found a natural and permanent solution to cure it. Though natural remedies have a slower effect but they are permanent cures.I have been using these natural remedies for years and have a clear skin since then. So i thought of sharing these remedies with you all.

All you need to have is a bit of patience. I hope all these remedies works for you all as well. ☺

1. Fuller’s earth- In a bowl take about 4 tbsp of fuller’s earth. Mix 2tbsp of sandalwood powder and mix 1tbsp of turmeric powder into it. Add some rosewater and mix well. Apply this on the face and wash after half an hour. Continue using this face pack for 2 weeks to notice a difference.

2. Coriander leaves- Make a paste of coriander leaves and apply it on the effected area and leave it for 20-25minutes and then wash it off.Coriander leaves works effectively in curing acne.

3. Lemon- Mix lemon with honey and apply it on your face and leave it for half an hour and rinse off with cold water to get a clear skin.Lemon works great as a skin lightener too and is most effective in curing acne.

4. Garlic juice – Garlic juice is probably the most effective natural ingredient to cure acne, the only problem being that it stings really bad. Apply it for 15 mins and then rinse off with cold water and apply rosewater.

5. Black pepper – Mix crushed black pepper with rosewater. Apply on face and leave overnight. Wash it with lukewarm water in the morning.

6. Neem – Mix 2tbsp of neem powder, 1tbsp sandalwood powder and add a few drops of rosewater. Mix it well and apply it on your face. Let it dry and then wash it off.

7. Camphor – Camphor is known to cure acne.It reduces redness and itching. Mix 1–2 cubes of camphor (depending upon the size) and rose water and spray it on your face.This works as a great toner. This is the elixir for people with oily skin. Spray it on your face daily to get rid of acne.

Editor’s Note: I absolutely loved the tips Rashmi, never tried black pepper and camphor. Will surely give them a try

Have you tried these tips? What do you do to keep acne at bay?

P.S: Images from Google

DIY – Makeup Setting Spray

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DIY – Makeup Setting Spray

By Sanchita

Makeup setting spray plays a very important role in the application and setting of base. In fact, this is the reason the makeup looks so flawless and does not budge for a long time even during scorching heat. You have often seen the matte or dewy look on various celebrities and how impeccable it looks! It also helps in removing the cakey or any patchy look in case you applied the powder or foundation in excess. Sadly, not many Indian brands manufacture makeup setting sprays and therefore the other brands are quite expensive. One day, I was having a casual chat regarding makeup setting with my friend who is a makeup artist and she told me how she sets the makeup on her clients. She uses a concoction liquid of certain ingredients which are readily available in the market and I was so determined to make it. In fact, you can also make two different setting spray – one for dewy and the other for matte. So, scroll down to see how to make your own makeup setting spray.

INGREDIENTS

  • Rose water – act as a toner, moisturizer and skin enhancer.
  • Aloe Vera Gel – helps in setting the look without getting patchy or cakey.
  • Glycerin – moisturizes the skin and evens out the makeup. Acts as a sticky base to keep the makeup adhered to
  • Distilled Water
  • Empty Spray Bottle

PROCEDURE

  • Take an empty spray bottle and make sure it is completely cleansed, sterilized and dried. Fill 1/3rd of the bottle with distilled water.

  • Add 2/3rd rose water to the bottle.

  • Add 1 tbsp. of Aloe Vera Gel.

  • Now, add 1/2 tbsp. of glycerin or any other essential oil of your choice.

  • Shake the bottle very well so that the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

  • Voila! Your makeup setting spray is ready!

Note: If you want to make the spray for matte finish, use the distilled water and rose water in a 50:50 ratio and add only little bit of glycerin. However, if you want to make the spray for dewy finish, use the distilled water and rose water in a 20:80 ratio and add 1tbsp. of glycerin. Also, you can add Jojoba Oil or any other essential oil to increase the hydration factor during winter.

Caution: If you’re allergic to any of the above mentioned ingredients, please do not incorporate them in the concoction.

This can also be used a toner and refresher in this scorching heat. Simply spray the liquid from a slight distance, closing the eyes and let is dry on its own. Also, do not spray too much as it will take a long time to dry up. It is free from chemicals and preservatives and hence it is best to use it up within 1-2 months of making.

Editor’s Note: This sounds amazing Sanchita, definitely worth trying. I am surely going to.

Will you try this DIY Makeup Setting Spray?

Almendrop 100% Pure Almond Oil Review

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ALMENDROP 100% PURE ALMOND OIL REVIEW

By Nidhal Sinha

Almond oil has benefits galore for your skin and crowning glory. Don’t believe? Enriched with Vitamins A, E and B, almond oil is food for your skin. Not only does it quench your skin’s thirst for moisturisation but also halt the signs of aging. Sounds good? Wait, there’s good news for your mane too. Almond oil is a great emollient and also cleanses skin and removes dead cells. This quality helps fight dandruff and keep the scalp clean. It is light in texture and that makes it a great substitute for shine enhancers or leave-in conditioners. Almond oil has amazing moisturizing properties due to the essential fatty acids and the vitamin E it contains. Lusciously gorgeous mane, did I hear you say that?

Oh, wait, the benefits don’t end here. There’s good news for your lips too. How? Almond oil comes to your rescue when you want those soft, pink lips to die for. Almond oil’s rich vitamin content and the fact that is a great moisturizer works wonders in softening lips and imparting a winsome natural pink colour. Since it is storehouse of beauty hacks, why not grab a bottle of almond oil and put a full stop to all our beauty woes? Sure, but markets are inundated with hordes of almond oil brands. Which one should be relied upon? Well, the answer is subjective but today, I will bring a brand of almond oil to your notice that will hopefully leave you with the answer to the above poser.

So, let’s begin with the review of ALMENDROP 100% PURE ALMOND OIL on that note.

PRICE- Rs 225/- for 175 ml (BUY HERE)

DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Apply on skin, hair or lips by massaging it gently.

INGREDIENTS- Refined almond oil (edible grade)

WHAT IT CLAIMS- Beneficial for hair, skin and health.

MY EXPERIENCE-

Packed in a simply but sturdy plastic bottle with cap on top and a layer of plastic covering shielding the oil from contamination inset, the packaging of ALMENDROP 100% PURE ALMOND OIL is leakage-free and hygienic. That said, I doubt if it is travel-friendly or not. The cap, I think may loosen its grip with use. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the packaging to make it travel-friendly. Just the cap needs to be revamped. All else is fine.

The oil isn’t lightweight but it isn’t as heavy as coconut oil is. If applied on one’s skin and hair, one will get a feeling that something is applied. But again it won’t be so heavy that you will feel uneasy in keeping it for long duration. The oil has no fragrance which is a plus point for me. I detest artificial fragrances.

When used on skin overnight (of course, I won’t recommend oily-skinned ladies to do so), you wake up with a dewy and moisturised skin. The key is to be regular. Miracles don’t happen overnight unless it is a Bollywood movie 😛 As far as its use on lips is concerned, a better idea would be to add ghee to it since the oil gets soaked immediately when slathered on lips. Finally when it comes to one’s crowning glory, if used as a hot oil treatment overtime (around 2 months), you’ll get shiny and softened locks. This depends of your hair’s condition and frequency of usage too so, do not picture shiny tresses instantaneously on reading my experience

All in all, it a good investment. The results aren’t noted within a week or two of use. Be patient and persistent. It’s a natural treatment but the results will spellbind you for sure.

GOOD-
Economical price
Hydrated lips if not deeply then in combination with other natural ingredients such as-ghee.
Imparts shine to your crowning glory. Again, the results won’t be seen immediately. Religious use overtime throws such results.
Moisturises skin well.
Sturdy bottle.
Pure. It is an edible grade oil which validates its purity.
No artificial aroma

BAD-
Limited availability. I found it a supermarket in New Delhi. It is an imported oil so, it may take time to reach the remotest corners of India.
Cap’s packaging needs to be modified to make it travel-friendly

RATING- 4.5/5

Editor’s Note: I just saw this on Amazon and it looks pretty good. I always recommend Hamdard Rogan Badam Shirin but this is cheaper and seems like a nice option.

Have you tried Almendrop Almond Oil yet? Heard of it?

Top 5 Neutrogena Products in India, Prices, Buy Online

Anti Acne, Cleanser, Face Scrubs, Face Wash, Lip Balm, Moisturizers, Neutrogena, Reviews, Skin care, Sunscreens, Top 5, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Top 5 Neutrogena Products in India, Prices, Buy Online

By Devika

Hey loves!

Hope this post finds you in best of your summer fighting spirits 😉 As the Sun is shining bright on our heads, our skin yearns for more care with products that alleviate our skin from the scorching harsh summer’s effect. So I have sorted, based on my long experience of working with them, top 5 products from Neutrogena which is a drugstore, dermatologically recommended brand!!!(I so wish if it could be available during my early teens).It has a wide range of products spread across all skin types and skin concerns. Their popularity speaks for itself so without further ado let’s find out.

1. NEUTROGENA ULTRA SHEER DRY TOUCH SUNBLOCK SPF 50 (BUY HERE for 449)

OMG! This is my Holy Grail sunscreen.
Loaded with SPF 50, water and sweat proof, mildly fragrant, gets absorbed like a dream without leaving a ghostly chalky white cast look (which other sunscreens do)
Doesn’t break out, suited for all skin tones. A must have!!!
Regular size 88ml retails at 499 INR and travel friendly size 30 ml retails at 199 INR

2. NEUTROGENA DEEP CLEAN FACIAL CLEANSER FOR OILY SKIN (BUY HERE for 301)

It’s a gel based face wash best for oily, acne prone skin (contains salicylic acid) ,oil and alcohol free making skin cleaner and calm. Maintains skin oil balance, doesn’t breakout, mildly fragrant though lathers less but that doesn’t effect its efficacy. May not suit dry skin as name suggests. It’s best at its price
Regular size 200 ml for 350 INR and travel friendly size of 50 ml at 95 INR

3. NEUTROGENA NORWEGIAN FORMULA LIP MOISTURISER (BUY HERE)

Another must have product is this lip balm which comes in a pocket friendly packaging with secure snap on cap. As it is transparent, fragrance free and has SPF 15 it is perfect for daily use. Keep lips hydrated without being heavy or giving a waxy feel, prevents tanning. Ideal for lone use or under matte lipsticks. Moreover it is PABA free.
It retails for 149 INR for 4g 

4. NEUTROGENA OIL FREE MOISTURIZER WITH SPF 15 (BUY HERE)

My personal favorite is this 2 in 1 product (moisturizer cum sunscreen) which is non-greasy, alcohol free and non-comedogenic with SPF 15. It absorbs into skin very quickly, consistency is just right, quantity needed is very small to cover whole of the face-a little goes along way! Perfect for oily, acne prone skin. Absolute fragrance free is an added advantage. I also adore this for the travel friendly packaging as pumping dispenser comes with the lock so its 100% spill free in your bag. In all, excellent moisturizer to wear under everyday makeup.
Retails for 349 INR for 115ml

5. NEUTROGENA DEEP CLEAN BLACKHEAD ELIMINATING DAILY SCRUB (BUY HERE for 216)

Last one to make it to top 5 is mild daily scrub, gel based with small orange granules which aid in cleaning and unclogging the pores without being harsh on skin as many other scrubs do and thus its suited for daily use. Salicylic acid being one of the ingredient makes it safe for oily acne prone skin though elimination of blackheads in Toto isn’t seen but one can feel the deep cleansing it does.
Retails for 240 for 100g of product

So these were my recommendations based on my reviews. Do let me know if these worked wonders for you as well.

Editor’s Note: I love this list and totally agree with all of these, I love the sun block and facial cleanser too. And the scrub is on my list.

What are your favourites from Neutrogena?