Category Archives: Skin care

The Body Shop Sleepover with Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask

The Body Shop Sleepover with Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask

The Body Shop Sleepover with Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask

Hi guys,

So yesterday night I had a sleepover with The Body Shop! Not literally :p But, the lovely people at The Body Shop had sent a surprise box and a letter for a sleepover. That’s all I knew, coz the box and letter was to be opened only when they told us the sleepover would be, and it was yesterday night.

As I read the letter first, I had to rip apart the box immediately, I couldn’t contain my excitement looking at all the cute stuff. See what all I got:

  • A #BounceBackBeautiful tote bag
  • A #BounceBackBeautiful Cute Pillow to hug me 😀
  • A mug
  • Hot Chocolate! (My favourite thing in the kit)
  • A stress busting ball
  • Super cute Pink eye mask (Yes, pink :p)
  • The Body Shop Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask

The letter it came with..

The Body Shop Drops of Youth falls under their ‘Nutriganics’ Range.

About the product: Discover our Drops of Youth™ Bouncy Sleeping Mask, enriched with Edelweiss stem cells. Designed to be left on while you sleep, this overnight mask leaves skin looking bouncier and feeling replenished. Discover how this mask will bounce your skin back to youth. • Youth-enhancing formula for bouncier, younger-looking skin • Unique bouncy, memory shape texture • To complete your skin care routine, pair perfectly with Nutriganics Drops of Youth Concentrate and Drops of Youth Eye Concentrate

MRP: Rs.2295/-

How to use: Smooth onto face before bed either alone or after Drops of Youth™ Concentrate, and allow to sink in overnight. Do not wash off. For best results, wait 15 minutes before going to bed.

Here is a video that shows exactly how to use it:

It is white in color and gel-like in texture, feels bouncy indeed, difficult to get the product with hands. It comes with a small, white spatula. I used 2 small spatulas and massaged the product on the skin the same way as in the video. I let it absorb on the skin while I enjoyed my hot chocolate 🙂

Here is a picture of me with the mask on and the ‘After‘ is the morning ‘just washed with water’ face. The difference in light is due to night time and day time light. Also, you can see the shine on the face in the pic with the mask as it was still getting absorbed.

L-with the mask, R- Morning Just ‘washed’ face

My skin indeed felt softer,hydrated and smoother. There was no dryness or stretchiness and skin looked refreshed.

I like the fact that it comes with a spatula which makes it hygienic and easy to get the product. But it comes in a heavy glass jar, so it is not exactly travel friendly.

I was very happy with the ‘Sleepover’ idea and the kit, one of the best ideas by The Body Shop. Also, this is one of the best kits I have ever received from a brand.

I actually slept very peacefully yesterday after ages, I don’t know what exactly worked for me, but no nightmares haunting me (Which has been happening since a lot of days, the same old ‘accident’ scenes) and I slept for a long,long time 😀

Thank you The Body Shop for the kit and the sleepover idea.

I loved the mask and I am going to continue using it, would update you guys.

Gillette Venus #SubscribeToSmooth Challenge: 2nd Update

Gillette Venus #SubscribeToSmooth Challenge: 2nd Update

Hi guys,

Time for another update of the Gillette Venus #SubscribeToSmooth Challenge. Read more about the event and the challenge HERE and the previous update HERE.

Another round of shaving after 9-10 days, my skin is still soft and smooth. I will bust the myth ‘Shaving alters or changes skin color or makes it patchy’ today. I have been shaving my legs since quite some now and it did not at all change the color of my skin. Skin might feel a bit patchy right after shaving,if you go for dry shaving and do not moisturise it enough. If you go for wet shaving, no such issue. And the patchiness is just for a few minutes untill you apply moisturiser, even in dry shaving. It does not make your skin change its texture or color in any way.

Your skin remains the same, and in fact it is even more smoother after shaving 😀 We all love those hairless legs’ feeling, right.

Some tips for shaving correctly:

  • Go for wet shaving while having a bath, whenever you can
  • Do not soak your skin in shower for more than 1-2 minutes, before shaving, as you do not want the skin to swell up.
  • Always moisturise before the bath for a smoother shaving experience.
  • Follow up with a nice moisturiser, preferably with retinol to avoid itching and calm the skin.
  • A shaving gel will make the process easier, if you run out of it, you can use your hair conditioner to shave.
  • Use a calamine lotion if you have sensitive skin.

Read the Gillette Venus Razor Review HERE

You can check out Gillette Venus’ facebook app to know more about shaving or follow them on twitter. You can buy the Gillette Venus Razor HERE, the set of cartridges HERE or the combo pack of all with the Satin Care Gel HERE

Happy Shaving 

4 Ways to Get Better Skin at Home

4 Ways to Get Better Skin at Home

Guest Post

Some people are plagued with bad skin their entire lives. For most of these, genetics and environmental factors play big roles. But so to lifestyle and controllable behaviors. Speaking as someone who grew up with bad skin, I’ve had to learn a lot of these lessons the hard way. Now as an adult, I’m finally enjoying the skin I wish I always had. If I had learned these lessons earlier, my acne-covered teenage years and eczema-ridden 20’s might have been much, much happier. Because these techniques have worked out so well for me, I’m going to share them with you here.

1) Use Coconut Oil.

Coconut oil has enjoyed a tremendous amount of press in the past few years. But it has earned every bit of it. I use coconut oil for a lot of stuff. It’s a great replacement for butter or other oils when baking or frying. It can be used as a condiment. It is possible to clean with it (or so I’m told). People will tout the excellence of coconut butter in a million ways. But my favorite way to use coconut oil is as an acne mask. It has many of the skin benefits of petroleum jelly, without being made of petroleum. In fact, coconut oil is so natural a product that your skin just soaks it up. It’ll stay on the surface for awhile, acting as a shield against your skin when out in cold, dry air, and the other factors that damage your skin on a daily basis. But as it soaks in, the nutritious elements inherent to the fruit will soak into your skin, and you’ll start to derive a lot of benefit from them.

2) Light Therapy and Exercise for Acne.

I found that there’s nothing like light, fresh air, and exercise for acne. There’s just something about being active that seems to regulate the forces that make for healthy skin on my body. And it doesn’t take a long time. We’re talking about 15 minutes of focused activity each day. With that little time and effort commitment, I have been able to see measurable results. For days when it isn’t sunny, or at night when the sun is out, I like to use this mask product available from Modern Bathroom. Combined with the regimen mentioned above, you’ll get better skin with just a little bit of work.

3) Drinking a Lot of Water.

For much of my life, I was dehydrated and didn’t even know it. It makes sense. I drink a lot of coffee, and some days I’ll have a drink or two with my friends. These habits, combined with an active lifestyle and…well…just breathing, causes you to lose a lot of moisture into the air. This process of dehydration is very damaging to your skin, which relies on water to be healthy and robust.

4) Sun Protection.

Other than my 15 minutes of exercise and sunshine, I avoid direct sun exposure. It’s pretty easy for me, because I work inside. But for other people who are outside a lot, it is imperative that you practice sun protection all the time. It is as simple as getting a high quality sun lotion and applying it every morning before you head outdoors. If you are out for more than 4 hours, take your tube along and reapply. If you do this every day, not only will your skin be more healthy, but you’ll also have a lot lower chance of developing skin cancer later in life.

With just these techniques, you’ll quickly see a change in your skin for the better. Many of us grew up with bad skin, but the skin we have in the future is, at least in part, our choice. Do the work today by being smart about sun exposure and using an acne mask, and your skin and future self, will thank you.

Image Source: 1

Gillette Venus #SubscribeToSmooth Challenge Update

Gillette Venus #SubscribeToSmooth Challenge Update

Remember my Gillette Venus event and the #SubscribeToSmooth challenge I took for 30 days. Read all about it HERE

So, I shaved again after that and here is an update for you guys. The process has been so so smooth and easy plus super quick. If you read the previous post, I told you how Dr. Rashmi Shetty told us if your skin is well moisturised and then you take a shower and shave, the skin is soft and moist and you can shave in ease. But do not let the skin soak in the bath for too long as the water will plump up the skin and that may affect the smoothness of shave. Ideal time would be 1-2 minutes. I tried that method and it was super amazing.

My skin did not feel any dryness or stretched. There were no white flakes as we usually see in dry shaving or sometimes our skin itches due to that. There was no itching too this time. The Satin Shave gel makes it more softer and prevents skin from drying.

So the myth of shaving makes my skin dry and flaky is busted,right here! If you use the correct products and method, it does not. I am going to continue using this method. I hope you guys try it out too. Do let me know your experience. And leave your questions related to shaving in the comments below or you can even mail me 🙂

You can check out Gillette Venus’ facebook app to know more about shaving or follow them on twitter. You can buy the Gillette Venus Razor HERE, the set of cartridges HERE or the combo pack of all with the Satin Care Gel HERE

Happy Shaving 😀

4 Simple Tricks to Maintaining a Fresh Look This Summer

4 Simple Tricks to Maintaining a Fresh Look This Summer

Summer is just around the corner, which means high temperatures, rising humidity and excessive sweating will soon be here as well. While looking put together for work and social events can feel like a challenge when the thermometer starts to spike, hiding indoors is no way to spend your time. Just because its summer doesn’t mean you need to give up on your makeup routine. Here are 4 simple tricks to keep you looking fresh all summer long without forgoing your favorite beauty products.

1) Make your beauty products work overtime

Avoid piling on too many layers at once by looking for products that can pull double duty. A large variety of items that combine functions, such as moisturizer or toner that contains sunscreen or lip balm with added SPF can be found in beauty products from Nykaa. This will not only save you time in your morning routine, but will make packing your cosmetics bag for your next beach trip or weekend getaway that much easier.

Finding products that offer sheer coverage with less layers will help you avoid the clogged pores that occur when excess makeup meets excess sweat. A natural, subtle glow is popular in the summer so achieving a look that doesn’t feature overdone makeup will keep you on trend as well. Waterproof mascara and eyeliner will come in handy if you’re sweating or will be in the water. It’s a simple way to give yourself a finished look without worrying about embarrassing smudges.

2) Hydrate inside and out

Walking into a room with the air conditioning blasting can feel heaven sent on hot summer days, but constant exposure to the dry air it produces can dehydrate your skin. Remember to replenish by drinking plenty of water and applying moisturizer daily. Look for fast absorbing, light weight formulas that won’t leave you feeling sticky or greasy. Even if you spent the day outside sweating, the sun beating down on you could still be drying out your skin leading to small abrasions and cracks. Summer humidity can cause the grit and grime of the city to absorb into your skin, which can strip it of its natural defenses. Drinking water can act as an organic cleanser,helping to rid your body of skin damaging toxins caused by the elements. According to Women’s Health Magazine, celebrities swear drinking plenty of water every day is the secret to ageless skin and dermatologists encourage it as well. To motivate yourself to drink more water, try infusing it with fresh produce such as strawberries or lemons.

3) Start the day right

Get in the habit of applying sunscreen each day. Protecting yourself from sun damage and burns is one of the best ways to maintain healthy, radiant skin, helping you to look gorgeous with or without makeup. ABC News reports that more than a third of adults do not use sunscreen. Given how much is known about the pitfalls of too much UVA exposure, there’s no excuse to be skipping sunscreen. Not only is a burn painful and unattractive, leading to wrinkles, splotches and discoloration, it’s also has a direct link to some forms of cancer, making it dangerous. If you can prevent such severe damage now, you’ll thank yourself later! As an added bonus, sunscreen can be substituted as a primer and will hold makeup in place so there is no excuse to skip it.

4) Damage control

If you did get caught without sunscreen and end up with skin damage there are tricks you can try to minimize the pain and appearance of a bad burn. Prevention Magazine notes there are even quite a few items you’ll find in your own kitchen, such as aloe vera, soy, yogurt and oatmeal. These items can be applied directly to the affected area to soothe the skin and help it repair. If you’re not interested in whipping up a home remedy, look for products from the store with these ingredients. It’s important to avoid anything that contains petroleum as this can trap the heat in your skin and add to your discomfort. While the area is healing, take extra care to protect yourself with sunscreen, clothing and a hat to avoid further damage. With these tips you won’t have to dread the summer weather. You can still maintain a flawless look in the blazing heat. There’s no need to ditch your makeup habit all together, simply look for products that allow you to do more with less to avoid caking and remember to follow preventative measures by moisturizing and applying sunscreen each day. You can treat any burns you do get with home remedies or store bought products. Don’t let the heat wreak havoc on your beauty routine.

P.S: Licensed Images from Shutterstock

Za True White Emulsion Review

Za True White Emulsion Review

What the Company claims: This feather-light, non-oily emulsion easily permeates into the skin to give translucency, brightness, even-tone while replenishing moisture levels for an incredibly soft and smooth skin

MRP: Rs.899/- for 125 ml

Ingredients: 4MSK, Vitamin C derivatives (AMP and VC-IP), Prism Enhancer, SPA Ingredients: Trehalose, Natural Spring Water, White Lily Extract

All Ingredients:

How to use the product: Smooth an appropriate amount over face with hand or cotton pad after toner.
Slowly apply the emulsion from the centre of the face outwards.

It comes in a slender,sleek bottle with the signature Za curve packaging . It has a nice,easy dispensor,so you just dab the bottle and you get the product. Dab it as many times for the required quantity.

It is very very light and serum like in texture..you know how serums and emulsions are light and water based. But when it comes to moisturisation, it hydrates your skin like nothing else! You just need one single dab of product for entire face and I usually end up taking more, as we take in a cream, but that always ends up being too much and I use the remaining on my hands.

It has been my staple for summers since it is very light and not at all heavy on the skin. But it takes some time to get absorbed completely into the skin.

I definitely recommend it for summers, especially for oily skin. Dry skin might need an additional cream but in winters, for summers, this is perfect for dry skin too.

And considering the quantity you need,this bottle is going to last you really, really long!

Rating:

Quality: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall Rating: 3.75/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

Have you tried the Za True White Emulsion? 

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Firming Lotion Review

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Firming Lotion Review

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Firming Lotion’, a powerful combination of Cocoa Butter, Collagen, Elastin and Shea Butter that firms and tones whilst improving the skin’s elasticity. This unique formula is specifically designed to restore your body to its natural, original firmness after weight loss or pregnancy .

Moreover, Palmer’s Firming Butter moisturizes & smoothes skin, reduces the appearance of stretch marks and helps promote youthful-looking skin.

Oozing a lush chocolate caramel fragrance, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter is a natural, non-greasy, intensive formulation that comes packed with active ingredients like pure Cocoa and Shea Butter to replenish moisture loss in the skin, Collagen to firm and tone, Elastin to give your skin the suppleness and elasticity it needs to stretch without tearing, Vitamin E for all over goodness and the newest antioxidant in the market today – Coenzyme Q10 – to help free radicals and stimulate the skin’s cell for achieving a more toned and smoother appearance.

Unlike other firming butter lotions, it contains very less amount of water which keeps the skin hydrated and allows your skin to breathe without blocking the pores of your skin. Moreover, it also helps in improving the appearance of scars and marks within 6 weeks of its application.

Palmer’s Firming Butter is dermatologist tested; contains no irritating essential oils and is Paraben and Phthalate free.

MRP: Rs.520/- for 315ml

Ingredients:

I started using this Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Firming Lotion when I was on bed rest for about 1.5 months. It was important for me to atleast try and tone my skin as much as I could, when I was immobile and not allowed to move at all, as muscles were not at all being used and went loose.

Also when you loose weight, the fat is quite loose and not at all firm or toned. Cellulite issue is also very common amongst women, especially on the thighs.

I love cocoa butter and lotions containing cocoa butter and shea butter, they are perfect for moisturizing dry skin. Coming to this Palmer’s Lotion, I love the pump packaging. It is very convenient and easy to use, though not travel friendly. There would be smaller sizes available which would be suitable for travel.

It smells amazing…the warm caramel cocoa smell is out of this world. I love how hydrating it is, also this huge bottle lasts really long! It is very light in texture. Skin does feel a bit firm and it did not loosen with the muscles. Also it is very smooth and soft and I did not have to reapply the lotion even in winters. I can’t say the skin was completely firmed or toned as it takes a lot of time to show results.

Overall, I would say, I loved the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Firming Lotion. I love Palmer’s products in general and they have never disappointed me. This is now an addition to my favourites list.

Rating:

Quality: 4/5
Value for money : 4/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Have you tried the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Firming Lotion? 

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

Avene New Dry Touch Emulsion Sunscreen SPF50+ Review

Avene New Dry Touch Emulsion Sunscreen SPF50+ Review

What the Company claims: The unique Dry Touch Experience

Squeeze the Emulsion from the specially created air-free tube… you’ll feel the difference in the texture as soon as it’s on your skin. The lightweight formula sits easily even when liberally applied (as it should be, for the best and most complete protection) and lets your skin breathe easily too. It’s transparent on application, so you won’t have that unnatural white cast or spots. Moisturising yet non-sticky, it offers a mattifying effect so your skin appears natural and nourished.

What makes Avène New Dry Touch Emulsion so special?

Has a very high SPF of 50+
Paraben free, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic
Stays for a long time
Prevents skin damage
Soothes skin because of the presence of thermal spring water

MRP: Rs.1250/- for 50ml

Ingredients:

So Avene has reformulated and relaunched their sunscreen and made it ‘Dry Touch’ means non-sticky and non-greasy.

It looks like a tube packaging but it has a pump dispensor with a cap. Its white in color and creamy in texture, goes on smooth and blends on the skin, even if you take a little more quantity. Feels light on the skin, no greasiness indeed. It has a mattifying effect.

The most surprising thing was no white cast even though its SPF50+. I like the fact that it offers such high protection. And it is completely non-sticky which is rare in sunscreens. Paraben-free too and non-comedogenic so oily skin can also use it, without the fear of breaking out.

I would suggest re-applying it every 3-4 hours though if you are going to be out in the sun whole day. Also this is water resistant, so good for swimmers too.

I quite like it, only issue being,it is quite pricey, for you need a good amount for liberal application when it comes to sunscreen. Dry skin might need additional moisture but oily skin can skip the additional moisture. The thermal spring water, being one of the ingredients, will also soothe the skin.

Overall, I would say its quite nice as a sunscreen and I do recommend it. It does what it claims! Especially if you have sensitive skin or sunscreens don’t somehow work for you,give this a try.

Rating:

Quality: 4/5
Value for money : 3.75/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Have you tried the new Avene New Dry Touch Emulsion Sunscreen SPF50+? Which is your favourite sunscreen currently?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

April 2015 My Envy Box Review

April 2015 My Envy Box Review

Hey guys,

I am late in reviewing the April My Envy Box but here it is..

Read more about My Envy Box HERE and check out all the previous reviews HERE.

This time they have changed a few things in the box. Its a peach colored box, usually they have a pouch in which all the products are, this time there was no pouch and the products were all separate within the box. Also there was only one card this time with information of all 5 products unlike 5 different cards for each, which is good.

MRP: Rs.850/-

Lets take a look at what all I received in the April My Envy Box:

  • Za True White Exfoliating Clay– A deluxe sample of 30g which is quite good (Full Size Rs.399/- for 100g)
  • Catrice Longlasting Lip Pencil in Prince Cherry- Full size (Rs.300/-)
  • Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream 1.5ml small vial (Rs.5700/- for 100ml)
  • Kama Ayurveda Rejuvenating and Brightening Ayurvedic Night Cream– 2 small jars. I guess they are 5-6g each. (Full size Rs.1195/- for 50g)
  • Avene VHP Dry Touch Emulsion SPF50+ 5ml (Rs.1250/- for 50ml)

I love the products this time, a full sized makeup product is a perfect addition. The Catrice lip pencil is a very pretty red and would work with so many of my red lipsticks. I like Kama Ayurveda products and looking forward to trying out the night cream which I am glad comes in 2 jars and is a good quantity. The Za True White Exfoliating Clay is a new launch and is exclusively a part of My Envy Box, so again something new to try.

I am already using the Avene Dry Touch Emulsion and love it, so this would go into my travel bag, useful for a 1-2 day short trip. And the Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream smells like a dream indeed, fresh and floral but a bit light though for my taste.

Overall, I am quite happy with this month’s My Envy Box. I hope they continue with this, coz I see such good boxes only once in 3-4 months and not every month unfortunately 🙁

You can request an invite for My Envy Box HERE

Did you like April My Envy Box?

Obagi Skin Care – What exactly are Obagi Skin Care Products

Obagi Skin Care – What exactly are Obagi Skin Care Products

Has your skin been troubling you of recent? You may want to try Obagi Skin Care products which are specially formulated to treat most skin problems. They have special products that benefit in aging as well as help revitalize the skin too.

They have mainly 2 systems of skin care products with therapeutic qualities:

First is the Obagi NU-Derm System and the second is Obagi- C Rx System. They are both made up of prescription as well as non prescription ingredients.

The line of products under the Obagi NU derm label are mostly a corrective system possessing transformative actions. They mostly act at cellular levels to give out only maximum benefits to the user. These come packed in numbered Obagi Skincare tubes. You must take special care of following the numbering since and also the labels which instruct whether the product should be used at night, morning or both. This will help you reap maximum benefits.

Though the products are composed of highly active ingredients, they are easy to use and hence the regimen in never burdening to the user. The ingredients however include strong and potential compounds like Hydroquinone, Tretinoin, Glycolic acid, Vitamin C, High SPF content and also certain moisturizing agents that together help to achieve desired results.

The Obagi C Rx system is mostly a maintenance associated product which is a preventive therapy used for enhancing the appearance of your skin.

It is mostly comprised of five parts including
1. Cleansing Gel
2. Exfoliating Day Lotion
3. Clarifying Serum
4. Sunguard- SPF 30 and 5
5. Therapy Night Cream

Each of these when used regularly according to the instruction are sure to show evident results over time. The most surprising part though is that these products are suitable for both male and female skin. The fragrance too has been formulated keeping male users in mind specially in NU Derm cleanser, toner as well as the cleansing gel of the C Rx range.

The Testimonials speaking positively of Obagi Skin Care Systems are evidence enough of the effectiveness they have to offer. Most people who have used the products testify that the results are drastic and remarkable and that they are almost always noticed in social gatherings. Run to buy your own set of Obagi skin Care system for all your skin related issues including irritation and pigmentation, sun burn and other skin problems. Prescription as well as non prescription systems have now gained popularity throughout the world and can be accessed easily.

If you have sensitive skin however, and have never used Obagi Skin Care products, it is majorly advisable that you consult with a doctor or dermatologist though since many people with sensitive skin can be allergic to one or more ingredients in the formulation. They may also recommend exactly how much of the product must you use and the specific pattern of use that will not trigger any further problems with your skin. However, you may also zero in on your choice of products on your own and use them without fear, as long as you perform a patch test before you use the products completely. Purchasing these products online is always a good option since not only do you lay your hands on better bargains but you can mostly be assured of being delivered only authentic products.

Rest assured, once you get to using Obagi, you are no longer going to worry anymore for your skin care regime. So go ahead and get your own Obagi skin care system and celebrate the glow.

P.S: Sponsored Post