Category Archives: Skin care

Fun in the Sun- Enjoy the Summers

Fun in the Sun- Enjoy the Summers


Ya I know you might think..how can one have fun in this scorching heat..and the skin would burn, tan and we would be dehydrated, etc



Sunshine, heat and humidity can harm the skin. Sun’s rays are particularly strong, so the chances of developing wrinkles, age spots, freckles, etc increase. And higher heat and humidity means more rashes, breakouts, and clogged pores.

Fun in the Sun- Enjoy the Summers

Well fret not..we have Kyra on board..who knows exactly how to have fun in summers !

So here she is to share her summer secrets so that you and I can live it up this summer..

Sunscreens, Light water based moisturiser, Exfoliation scrubs  and Hydration are a must during this season.

1) Hydration: Hydrating your skin is very crucial. Drink atleast 10-12 glasses of water and/or fresh juices. Eat leafy vegetables and fresh fruits.

2) Protection: Always carry an umbrella and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Use stylish scarves to cover your head and hair. Apply a sweat-proof sunscreen lotion with an appropriate SPF and which provides both UVA and UVB protection and PA++ or +++ and reapply as needed.. (a minimum of SPF 30 and SPF 50 for pools and beaches ). Sunscreen should be according to your skin type..i.e the one meant for oily skin or dry skin. Use a lip balm with an SPF.

3) Exfoliation : Exfoliating twice a week would help remove the impurities and dead skin cells collected but use a mild bearable exfoliator..after getting back home, apply cold yogurt on the face to remove tan. Here are some other useful tips helpful in getting rid of the tan. You can also use the Lakme Sun Expert After Sun Range..the after sun face wash, gel and mask would help soothe and cool the skin.

4) Light Make up: Skip the heavy liquid foundation for lighter mineral foundation with a minimum SPF of 15. Use a waterproof mascara and eye pencil..a bronzer where sun kisses the skin, for that amazing glow..and a dab of lip gloss.

5) Clothes: Wear loose fitting cotton clothes, lots of whites, floral summery dresses and bright colors, wear open toed sandals or flip flops.. nothing that would sweat your feet..and you can add bright colorful accessories for that added dash..

6) Night Regime: Cleanse the skin at night to remove all the makeup, dirt, grime and water proof sunscreen..and use a good hydrating, repairing night cream.

Some other tips shared at Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2012:

  • Sunscreen with high SPF
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Night cream
  • Healthy diet
  • Anti-oxidants, Vitamin C & Vitamin D supplements
  • Protection with scarves, umbrella and sunglasses.
  • Light neutral make up to let the skin breathe.

So, go on and enjoy this summer…play some volleyball with Kyra and relax at some exotic beach sipping on a cool drink 😉

P.S: This is my entry to the Lakme Diva Blogger Contest at Indiblogger by Lakme www.facebook.com/ilovelakme

All images from Google and Tumblr.

How To Get Rid of a Tan ?

How To Get Rid of a Tan ?
It is common for the hands and the legs to become darker than most of the body parts, this is because they are overexposed to sun rays in daily life. It may be unappealing if only the hands and legs are tanned, leaving rest of the body in lighter shade. The best way is to avoid getting tanned in the first place, by taking preventive measures…like wearing covered clothes and proper sunscreen, etc..UV radiation from sun rays and tanning beds increase the production of melanin (a skin pigment). As a result the skin gets tanned. Even though there is no safe method to lighten the skin cells that are tanned, you can surely boost the renewal process of skin cells that are beneath the layer of tanned skin cells.
Source

There are after sun products too..which can be used immediately after coming from outside..they have anti tan skin soothing ingredients..that might control the tan to a certain extent..

But do not worry; even if it is too late, here are some of the remedies that can give an even complexion with a glowing skin.

Make a paste of one almond, 5 drops of lemon and a teaspoon of milk. Apply on face and leave it on overnight and wash with warm water the next morning. This helps even out complexion and will give you a healthy summer glow! You could also try coconut milk. Leave this too on all night. If you breakout often, then rub on tomato juice all over your face and leave for ten minutes. Do this a few times during the week to get rid of tan.

Potato: one of the natural remedy to remove tan from the hands and legs is use of peeled potato skin. Simply rub the peeled skin of potato on the tanned area of hands and legs as a daily routine. You can also apply raw potato juice instead of peeled skin.

A paste made from turmeric powder, curd and gram flour is effective in changing the darker complexion after tanning. Mix a pinch of turmeric powder with two teaspoon of curd and two teaspoon of gram flour. Add one to two teaspoon of water and prepare a paste. Now apply it on your hands and legs half hour before you take bath. Do it regularly and you can see the difference within a week.

Lime juice is a natural beach. Prepare a mixture of lime juice and honey with a pinch of turmeric powder perfectly dissolved in it. Apply it on the darkened hands and legs.

Raw milk: apply milk on the tanned area of your hand regularly. You should apply it half hour before bathing. Slowly but surely, after few days the tanned skin surface of hands will fade out.

Aloe vera gel: Apply aloe vera gel on your hands at least two to three times in a day.

A popular natural remedy for removing tanning is the use of sunflower oil, lemon juice and sugar. Mix all the products equally to make a smooth paste. Apply the paste on your hands and let it remain for 30 minutes before you rinse it off with cold water.

Make fine powder of dried orange peels. Now mix it in a cup of yogurt. Apply the prepared mixture on the hands and rub it gently with your hands. Let it remain for 10 to 20 minutes, after which you wash your hands with normal tap water. Pat the skin dry with a clean towel.

Mix salt (or sugar) and essential oil in a small bowl. Now add a teaspoon of honey and blend till you get a smooth texture. Finally add lemon juice and blend with spoon. Use this scrub with special concentration on the darkest areas of the face. Gently scrub in circular motion to exfoliate the top layer of the skin. Do this twice a week to remove tan from the face.

Mix gram flour with water and rub it all over your skin. When you wash it off, tan gets lightened.

Another way to remove sun tan from face is to apply curd as a face pack.

Lemon Glycerine Pack: Mix glycerine and lemon juice in equal ratio. Apply the mixture on the affected area and wash when it dries. This mixture can also be used as night cream to remove tan and get supple skin

Sandal Wood Turmeric Pack: Sandalwood and turmeric are essential part of many beauty enhancement treatments which includes the treatment for removing sun tan. Mix sandal wood and pure turmeric powder in a ration of 1:1. Add rose water to form a paste. Leave for half an hour or till it is dry and the wash using cold water.

Prepare a mixture of oats and buttermilk. This mixture should be rubbed onto the tanned area as the oats will help in exfoliating the skin and on the other hand the butter milk is known to be extremely soothing for the skin.

A regular use of fresh coconut water on the hands and face is known to be very effective in getting rid of a tan as well as making the skin supple and soft.

A cream with equal parts of milk powder, lemon juice, honey and almond oil can be applied and left on for 20 minutes. This will help lighten your tan. You can store this for about a week and use it thrice daily for best results.

Mash the papaya pulp and massage the sun tanned area. Papaya is excellent for the skin and also helps in anti-aging.

Combining ash gourd juice (Petha or Safed Kaddu as it is called) with multan mitti and applying it all over the face helps reduce the tan considerably.

Nature’s Essence Lacto Tan Clear Soap and Mask are also very helpful to get rid of tan.

So here I gave you so many at home remedies to get rid of your tan…enjoy the summers but use a sunscreen..and if you get tanned then use these remedies 😉

Source: 1, 2

Do share your remedies or products if any, to get rid of tan..

Skin79 Hot Pink Super Plus Beblesh Balm Review

Skin79 Hot Pink Super Plus Beblesh Balm Review
TOTAL SOLUTION BB CREAM WITH 10-IN-1 EFFECTS. Moisture based triple function BB cream takes care of the base as well as colour makeup and allows the skin to look bright and natural without greasiness or feeling tight.

Skin79’s all-time best seller, this product offers a one-step quick-fix for a total of ten beauty grouses. It improves wrinkles, fends off UV damage, nourishes skin, hydrates, builds resilience, protects skin against pollution, controls sebum and acts as a makeup base and foundation.

Its girly pink packaging also speaks to the princess in every young lady, and is a charming acquisition to any dressing table.

Suitable for oily / combination skin.

MRP: $ 28.00 for 40g

Ingredients:

ADENOSINE AND ARBUTIN penetrate deeply to whiten, brighten, iron out wrinkles and give skin elasticity.

OSMOPUR, a patented compound of sunflower, rice bran and ivy extracts shields the skin against environmental stressors.

PHYTO COMPLEX, a potent blend of plant extracts, deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin.

SPF 25 PA++ protects the skin against UVA and UVB rays, which burn the skin, cause premature aging and contribute to cancer.

ULTRA-FINE MAKEUP INGREDIENTS with light reflecting properties work as a base to correct skin irregularities and uneven skin tone, while giving skin a natural, no-makeup look.

SKIN79 Features and Benefits

  • Produces a very natural, “no makeup look”
  • Provides perfect coverage like a foundation would but since it’s not as thick, it doesn’t clog the pores
  • Works pretty much like a tinted moisturizer
  • Conceals all types of pigmentation, discoloration, acne and other blemishes
  • Has healing properties that soften, smoothen and refine skin
  • Encourages skin regeneration to create and maintain youthful skin
  • Contains UV Protection for healthy skin (SPF levels differ for each brand/product)
  • Anti-wrinkle and skin-lightening benefits are also available for some variants.

It also comes in a 15g sleek round hot pink travel friendly bottle..that costs 16$

This Skin79 Hot Pink BB Cream is their hot selling and most demanded BB Cream..it is out of stock many a times.

Unblended
Blended

It love the hot pink round packaging ! This sure look pretty in every girl’s stash..it has a light floral smell..not too bothering..it has a gel like texture…and blends easily into the skin with fingers..this works best with fingers..it has a normal easy to use pump dispensor..and one pump is generally enough..unless you want to layer up or cover blemishes.

It has a slight greyish tint..but the color oxidizes a little and adjusts to the skin tone..though I think its more suitable for people around NC/ NW 20-30..gives me a little whitish cast..may be coz of the sunscreen content too..this one is not meant for photographs..

Pros:

1. Feels super light on the skin.
2. Gives medium coverage and evens out the skin tone..especially the redness if you have any..due to acne.
3. Though it mentions for oily to combination skin..it would suit all skin tones..dry skin might need a moisturiser underneath..and very oily skin would need to powder the skin.
4. Adjusts to the natural skin tone.
5. Offers SPF25 PA ++..so would not need a separate sunscreen.
6. It can be layered on blemishes, etc uncovered with a single application, like a concealer..and still the finish is even and smooth..there is no patchiness.
7. Love the hot pink packaging.
8. Gives a dewy finish.
9. Stays for a good 6-7 hours..and starts wearing off later.
10. There is a visible improvement in the skin..after continued usage.
11. It does not transfer on your tissue or hanky once set.

Cons:

1. Gives a little whitish cast..so not for photographs.
2. Has parabens.
3. This may not work for duskier skin tones.

Other than that..I did not find any other con..I am quite loving it..though availability is an issue here..but its available on ebay and many sites online..but there are many fakes..and you have to rely on a site you know sells authentic ones..

Some pointers to check if the Skin79 BB cream is genuine..

L-R: Perforated Tearing, Bar Code, Label
  • Check for the perforated tearing on the box which can be torn and has contents on the inside.
  • Skin79 bar code marking on the box.
  • Black and silver Skin79 untampered label on the bottle.
Rating:

Quality: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3.75/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

As an Official Blogger for Skin79 in India..you would see many more Skin79 reviews..and probably even a giveaway 😉

Source: 1

Have you tried the Skin79 BB Creams ?

7 Spring Makeup Trends and Skin Care Tips to Try

7 Spring Makeup Trends and Skin Care Tips to Try

Spring is well on its way, and with the new season comes time to not only change up your wardrobe, but your beauty routine and products as well. Pull out all of your products and see what you need to switch out.

Winter weather typically brings dry air and bitter winds, so you likely have a drawer full of heavy moisturizers, eye creams and foundation that can be set aside for a while. It’s time to pack those away and try out the new trends for spring. What’s great about the spring 2012 trends is that there is something for everyone, from bold to fearless to professional or reserved, you’ll find something new to try.

Fresh Faced: Before you consider any product change, get your skin in the best condition by exfoliating and using a face mask. Exfoliating your entire body two to three times per week as well and use a weekly face mask depending on your skin’s needs. Exfoliation will blast away the last remnants of dry winter skin.

Ditch the Heavy Foundation: We love a creamy foundation for winter, but change it out for a tinted moisturizer for spring and summer. No need to buy a new product; make your own by mixing your current liquid or cream foundation with your moisturizer.

Enhance Your Eyes: This spring is all about small pops of color, and your eyelids are the perfect place for that pop. Orange, pinks, blues, and greens – pick your favorite and go for color this spring. We’re also seeing an increase of the strong brow look (not to be confused with unkempt brows) and eyeliner pulled out into a cat-eye look. We’re personally admiring those two looks from afar, but if you’re bold enough, this is the time to find your inner kitty.

Sporty Cheeks: Sporty-flushed cheeks are hot this spring. And lucky for you, you don’t have to be a runner to get the look. Pick a creamy pink or peach blush like NYX Cream Blush in Hot Pink or Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Calypso Coral this spring. Put on your favorite pair of yoga pants and let everyone think you just came out of the gym. We won’t tell.

Lucious Lips: There is a lip trend for everyone this spring. Glossy or matte – take your pick. Glossy pink is hot, hot, hot, and so easy everyone to wear. We are loving NYX Extreme Lip Cream  for just about every skin tone. But if you want matte lips, try a nude or light pink such as Colorbar Velvet Matte in Bare or Thrilling Pink.


Hint of Glow: Don’t dig out the self-tanner just yet. Using an illuminating bronzer will give your face the illusion of inner glow without the fakeness of an early tan. Apply in moderation to the areas of your face that naturally hit the sun, plus your collarbone and your bare shoulders for a natural radiance.

The Most Important Step: Sunscreen! We hope you’ve been wearing a facial sunscreen all winter long, but in case you haven’t, start now. A mineral sunscreen like Clarins UV Plus Dayscreen is so light it’s is almost invisible. The sun is responsible for most of your aging signs so apply after your foundation and again as needed throughout the day.

Source: 1, 2


What are your tips for skin care and makeup trends this spring ?

Raw Gaia MSM Beauty Spray Review

Raw Gaia MSM Beauty Spray Review

What the Company claims:  A unique moisturiser with outstanding skin regeneration properties and a heavenly aroma. Made with precious cold-pressed oils, organic floral waters & MSM, without the use of any preservatives or alcohol.

Each of the ingredients has powerful skin regeneration properties which help to nourish deeply, repair damaged & scarred tissue and give an unmistakable glow to your skin.

Ingredients: MSM Beauty cream is made with:

MSM: A nutritional form of sulphur. Adequate levels of sulphur help to promote a radiant complexion, glowing skin and mineralised hair. Sulphur is often referred to as “The beauty mineral”.

Cold-pressed, wild crafted argan oil: Argan oil is rich in vitamin E and plays a vital role in skin de-aging and wrinkle repair. Rich in essential fatty acids, it helps to revitalize and nourish the skin and is of vital importance for cell structure renewal. It is recommended for acne, stretch and chicken pox marks and certain skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Cold-pressed, organic rosehip oil: Sun exposure, environmental stresses, lifestyle and injury can all result in damage and unnecessary premature aging of the skin. Rosehip oil is the perfect antidote. This unique oil is a powerhouse of nutrients and essential fatty acids that play a vital role in the regeneration process of our skin cells and the repair of damaged tissues. Rosehip oil is a fine oil that absorbs instantly, allowing the skin to breathe, helping to reduce the appearance of scars, fine lines and pigmentation and restoring the skin’s moisture balance.

Wild crafted frankincense essential oil & floral water: Both are excellent conditioners for the skin. Frankincense is perfect for mature skin and it can improve skin structure and texture as it encourages the growth of new skin cells.

Ingredients:

MRP: £19.99 for 50ml

Suitable for all skin types

Sold in a bottle with spray atomizer

It also comes in a cream form…which is more rich and meant for dry skin..

Whats the difference between the two ?

The MSM Beauty cream and the MSM Beauty spray are basically the same. The only difference is that the cream is made from a base of cacao butter and the spray is obviously a spray and not a cream which contains no cacao butter but has argan oil and is a lot lighter than the cream.

I would make your decision based on how dry your skin is and if it is particularly dry then  the MSM Beauty cream is recommended.

Please note: During pregnancy, it is extremely important to be cautious about what you eat and put on your body. It is best to err on the side of caution and we therefore recommend avoiding all products containing essential oils during the first three months.

Ok first of all…I loved the spray bottle packaging..it is super convenient to use..and the blend of essential oils give it a very pleasant light aroma..it comes in a dark blue tinted glass bottle..as it has a blend of essential oils..and has a spray atomiser on top and a plastic cap.

I expected it to be a little lotion like…but this is completely a runny liquid..like water..and looks more like a toner..than a moisturiser..I would say its ideal for very oily skin or oily skin and summers..where we do not like the thick greasy moisturisers..but if your skin is such that it requires more moisturisation..I would suggest trying the MSM Beauty Cream and not the Spray..

Pros:

1. Love the blend of essential oils and Ingredients..
2. Though it has quite a good amount of different essential oils, it feels super light on the skin.
3. Gives a completely matte finish.
4. Love the light aroma.
5. MSM is very good to reduce or stop break outs..so it never broke me out..and those who have acne prone skin can give this a try..if it helps in reducing their acne.
6. The spray bottle packaging is very convenient..though its a glass bottle and one has to be careful with it.

Cons:

1. I did not see any much of a difference on my skin using this.
2. Expensive.
3. It takes a little time to absorb completely..since its in water form.
4. Not available here. Though they ship worldwide..you can buy it here

Overall its a nice moisturiser..especially for oily or sensitive skin or for people who suffer from redness..I liked the ingredients it has..but I did not see any much of a difference on my skin..may be it helps acne prone or sensitive skin more..but I would definitely suggest giving it a try..especially the MSM Beauty Cream for people having dry skin..if you have papery or parched skin..the MSM Beauty Cream would surely help.

Rating:

Quality: 4/5
Value for money: 3.5/5
Availability: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3.75/5

Would I buy it again: May be..I would like to try other Raw Gaia products.

P.S: Product sent by brand for review but it has not affected my opinion.

44 Timeless Beauty Tips

44 Timeless Beauty Tips
This is a must read,44 beauty tips all together at one place. Even though you may be knowing some of them, does not hurt to know a few extra ;)Look your radiant best with these head-to-toe tips collected from our past 75 years of beauty issues.

Gorgeous Hair

1 | Camouflage roots by zigzagging your part rather than making it straight.

2 | Brush hair from roots to ends nightly. This distributes natural oils throughout the shaft and gives hair a healthy sheen.

3 | Be direct when telling your hairstylist what you want, and bring photos from magazines of styles you like.

4 | Doing your hair color yourself? Don’t make too drastic a change. Stay within one or two shades of your natural color.

5 | Comb wet hair like the pros: Hold a handful at a time and work from center to ends, then scalp to center.

Beautiful Brows

6 | Soften skin before tweezing by dabbing with a cotton ball soaked in warm water or cream.

7 | Tweeze in the direction the hair grows.

8 | Don’t change the place where your brows peak and never pencil the whole brow. Instead, only fill in holes.

9 | Use only the side of a sharpened brow pencil—not the pointed tip—so as not to draw a hard line.

10 | For unruly brows, apply hairspray to an old toothbrush, then brush brows upward and outward.

Bright Eyes

11 | Treat your eye area gently. This is the most delicate part of your face. Cleanse with care; blot, never rub.

12 | Reduce puffy eyes by splashing with cold water or applying a cold compress (ice cubes in a washcloth): 15 seconds on, 15 seconds off.

13 | When you put on mascara, don’t lower your chin—that’s how mascara gets on your lid.

14 | Get eyeshadow to stay in place by priming lids with moisturizer and foundation.

15 | Always use your ring finger to apply moisturizer or concealer to the eye area. It puts the least amount of pressure on the skin.

Pretty Face

16 | Don’t touch your face unnecessarily. Breakouts can be caused by your own fingers.

17 | Apply cream or cleanser by lightly pressing upward—never down. The delicate skin sags easily enough in time.

18 | For the best color match, test foundation and powder either on your face or neck (the inside of your wrist is too pale)

19 | Use foundation, not concealer (which is lighter than your skin color), to cover up redness or blemishes

20 | Rouge should be well-blended far out on the cheekbone; circles of rouge don’t look good on anyone.

Lovely Lips

21 | Get lips soft and smooth by using a damp, warm washcloth at night to rub off the flaky dry bits; follow with a coat of lip balm

22 | Ease the evening switch to a redder or darker lipstick by applying it over and blending it into your daytime color

23 | To make lipstick last longer, allow it to set for a few minutes after applying, blot lips with tissue and dust them with powder, then apply another coat

24 | Cheeks feeling flushed? Put on a bold color lipstick; a neutral shade will only make red cheeks stand out

25 | For lipliner that glides on, warm it up first by pinching it with your fingertips

Glowing Skin

26 | The best time to apply lotion is right after a shower or bath, when skin is still damp.

27 | When drawing a bath, scatter bubbles or crystals directly under the faucet before turning on the water, but drop in perfume oil while the tub is filling

28 | Beautiful skin starts from within. Include lots of vegetables, fruit and water in your diet

29 | Overdo it with your perfume? Dab rubbing alcohol with a cotton ball on your skin. The alcohol will cut the scent without altering it.

30 | Microwave lotion for 5 seconds to soothe dry winter skin.

Smooth Legs

31 | Improve circulation in your legs and lower the risk of unsightly veins by elevating your feet when resting

32 | Wait until after your shower to shave. The steam softens hairs for smoother results.

33 | Don’t use creams that contain heavy fragrance or alpha hydroxy acids on freshly shaven legs. They’ll sting and cause a rash.

34 | When applying “liquid stockings” [or today’s self-tanner], don’t forget the back of your knees, which are often missed.

35 | Waxing your legs? Pull skin taut before applying the wax to make it easier to remove the strip in one clean motion. Remove leftover wax with a cotton ball dipped in baby oil.

Model-Like Hands

36 | Shape nails with an emery board, filing sides toward center—never straight across—and rounding off edges

37 | What works for your face works for your hands. Remove age spots with facial brightening cream

38 | The fast way to remove nail polish: Hold cotton saturated with polish remover firmly on your nail for a few seconds to let it start working, then wipe nail clean.

39 | Apply polish starting at the pinky, working toward the thumb to avoid dragging your hand across wet nails.

Happy Feet 

40 | To counteract dryness, massage feet with a lanolin-based lotion, kneading it deeply into your instep, then massage soles, heels, top surface and around nails.

41 | Before using a pumice stone or foot file to remove a callus, be sure to soak your foot in warm water for at least 5 minutes. Follow with a little foot cream.

42 | To prevent ingrown nails, trim toenails straight across, not down into the corners.

43 | Relieve swollen feet by soaking them alternately in hot water (for 3 minutes), then cold water (for 1 minute), for a total of 15 minutes.

44 | Use fresh pineapple or kiwi skins, which contain bromelain (a meat tenderizer), to exfoliate heels. Rub the fleshy part over heels for 5 minutes, then rinse, dry and moisturize.

Photo credit: iStock, Thinkstock, Fotolia.com, Source: 1

Loved the tips,using ring finger for eye creams and products and moisturiser on damp skin is truly beneficial. And warming eyeliners and lipliners between fingers certainly helps in gliding smoothly.I am surely trying 43 the next time 😉

Which is your favorite tip ?

All About Essential Oils and Carrier Oils

All About Essential Oils and Carrier Oils

People are generally afraid to use oils on their face..thinking it will clog their pores and they would get acne..and how can oil be used on the face,etc..

The fact being oils do not harm your skin..in fact some oils even help them get better..some essential oils like tea tree oil help in combating and healing acne and acne scars..And some base oils like olive oil are very good for cleansing..in fact it is the best and most natural make up remover.

So what are essential oils and carrier oils or base oils ?

Essential oils: An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled (most frequently by steam or water) from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant. Essential oils, contrary to the use of the word “oil” are not really oily-feeling at all. Most essential oils are clear, but some oils such as patchouli, orange and lemongrass are amber or yellow in color.

Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant it was derived from. Essential oils are highly concentrated and a little goes a long way.

Essential oils are not the same as perfume or fragrance oils. Where essential oils are derived from the true plants, perfume oils are artificially created fragrances or contain artificial substances and do not offer the therapeutic benefits that essential oils offer.

The chemical composition and aroma of essential oils can provide valuable psychological and physical therapeutic benefits. These benefits are usually achieved through methods including inhalation and application of the diluted oil to the skin.

Essential oils are often used by diluting them with a carrier oil (sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, grapeseed oil) and then applying this blend to the skin for absorption.

Careful inhalation of the oils can also provide therapeutic benefit as the oil molecules enter the lungs and are absorbed into the bloodstream.

Essential Oils are usually sold for individual use in very small bottles.Essential oils can vary greatly in quality and price. Factors that can affect the quality and price of the oil include the rarity of the botanical, the country of origin and growing/climate conditions, quality standards of the distiller, and how much oil is produced by the botanical.

Essential oils can often be purchased as blends of several essential oils. The advantage if it is a blend of pure essential oils is that you can save from having to buy every essential oil individually. The disadvantage is that you have no control over the blend by not mixing it yourself nor can you reliably mix the blend with other oils.

Essential oils are categorized on the degree of their lightness and they are divided into base, average and top.

Base or Carrier oils : Carrier oils, also known as vegetable oils, base oils or fixed oils, are used to dilute essential oils, CO2s and absolutes before applying to the skin.

A carrier oil is a vegetable oil derived from the fatty portion of a plant, usually from the seeds, kernels or the nuts.

If applied to the skin undiluted, essential oils, absolutes, CO2s and other concentrated aromatics can cause severe irritation or reactions in some individuals. Carrier oils are used to dilute essential and other oils prior to application. They carry the essential oil onto the skin.

Each carrier oil offers a different combination of therapeutic properties and characteristics. The choice of carrier oil can depend on the therapeutic benefit being sought.

Natural lotions, creams, body oils, bath oils, lip balms and other moisturizing skin care products are also made using vegetable (carrier) oils. From a simple essential oil/carrier oil blend to a more complex natural lotion, your choice of carrier oil can make a difference in the therapeutic properties, color, overall aroma and shelf life of your final product.

Essential Oils v/s Carrier Oils

Essential oils are distilled from the leaves, bark, roots and other aromatic portions of a botanical. Essential oils evaporate and have a concentrated aroma. Carrier oils, on the other hand, are pressed from the fatty portions (seeds, nuts, kernels) and do not evaporate or impart their aroma as strongly as essential oils. Carrier oils can go rancid over time, but essential oils do not. Instead, essential oils “oxidize” and lose their therapeutic benefits, but they don’t go rancid.

Vegetable Oils/Fixed Oils/Base Oils

The term carrier oil is generally limited to use within the practice of aromatherapy. In natural skin care, carrier oils are typically referred to as vegetable oils, fixed oils or base oils. Not all fixed oils/base oils are vegetable oils. Emu oil (from the emu bird) and fish (marine) oils are also classified as fixed/base oils, but these animal-based oils are generally not used for aromatherapy work.
The Aroma of Carrier Oils

Some carrier oils are odorless, but generally speaking, most have a faintly sweet, nutty aroma. If you come across a carrier oil that has a strong, bitter aroma, the carrier oil may have gone rancid.

Are you afraid of using oils on your skin too ?

Vedic Line Soft Heel Cream Review

Vedic Line Soft Heel Cream Review
First of all guys, Happy Holi and Happy Women’s Day 🙂 I did play Holi..but only with colors..and that too organic..What about you ? Enjoyed Holi ?Coming back to the review..

What the Company claims: Quick Overview
Get those feathery soft feet.

Details
Enriched with beeswax and neem oil, the cream has both moisturising and anti-septic effects. It stimulates blood circulation and repairs cracked heels. It removes dryness and hardness in the foot sole. See the results within 4 to 6 days of use.

How to Use
Apply on clean heels and feet and massage gently so as to allow the cream to penetrate deeper.

MRP: Rs. 125/- for 65ml

Ingredients:

It has this blue jar packaging..came with a seal on top..its a thick cream with a strong neem and clove smell..

I use it at night and wear my old socks over them..it takes a few minutes to get absorbed..my feet turned a little dry and the skin became a little rough during winters..and this quite helped me in bringing them to shape..though not something magical or overnight..it does deliver. I used Oriflame Soothing Foot Cream before and quiet liked it..I like the minty smell of Oriflame one more..

Pros:

1. It does remove dryness and hardness as claimed.
2. Results are visible in 6-7 days’ time.
3. Economical.
4. Quantity is good enough..this would last long.
5. I am not sure of it being antiseptic though neem and clove oil are supposed to be..it sure is moisturising.
6. Helped mom in cracked heels too.
7. All natural ingredients..no parabens.

Cons:

1. Availability is an issue with Vedic Line..its available on Urbantouch and Good Life.
2. Jar packaging..difficult to dip hands.
3. Takes some time to get absorbed completely.

Overall I liked this foot cream..it sure is moisturising..and helped with the dryness and hardness..though not overnight..but in a few days time. If you are into foot creams..you can surely give this a try.

Rating:

Quality: 3.5/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

Have you tried the Vedic Line Soft Heel Cream ?

P.S: Product sent by brand for review but it has not affected my opinion.

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate Review

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate Review

What the Company claims: Purely Potent Over-Night Repair.

•Lightweight, overnight treatment.
•Regenerates, repairs, and replenishes skin for a smoother, healthier skin.
•Works with the skin’s natural nocturnal activity when skin is most receptive to repairing itself from daily aggressors to dramatically restore skin.
•99.8% naturally-derived and paraben-free.
•Kiehl’s Insider Tip: Layer over Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate for optimal anti-aging and healthier skin benefits.

Directions: Apply 2-3 drops on cleansed skin. Gently press fingertips to cheeks, forehead, and chin to evenly distribute the application before gently massaging it into the skin. Can be worn alone or under moisturizer.

Key Ingredients: Evening Primrose Oil is an effective on skin barrier repair and boosting radiance.

Lavender Essential Oil helps soothe inflamed or irritated skin while helping reduce skin blotchiness for a more even look. Creates a brighter and more radiant look to skin.

Squalane is a healing botanical lipid with a high affinity for skin to instantly restore and replenish.

Ingredients:

MRP: 1.0 fl. oz Bottle(30 ml)- $43.00 (Rs. 2750/- here)

1.7 fl. oz Bottle- $68.00

It has this dark blue packaging with a black dipper cap. The dipper helps you get the exact quantity..i.e 2-3 drops of it. I quite liked the packaging..the only thing is since its glass it needs to be handled with care..though the glass is quite thick to break just like that.

The main ingredient being evening primrose oil and lavender oil..it has a wonderful smell..which even helps you sleep better..you just need 2-3 drops of it..and so it lasts real real long.

I am using it from the last 3 weeks and its still almost full. I love the lavender smell..its quite soothing. It does make the skin appear healthier and plumper the next day. Even though its a serum and has oils in it..the texture is not sticky or oily..and gets instantly absorbed into the skin. If you have had a stressful or tired skin of late and need to attend an important event…this thing would help you for sure !

Pros:

1. Quite like the ingredients.
2. Does make the skin more radiant, even toned, healthier and plumper.
3. It even helps in drying out your acne and heal them faster.
4. Though its expensive, it lasts real long as you just need 2-3 drops of it.
5. I liked the packaging…there is no scope of any wastage whatsoever.
6. Naturally derived and paraben, fragrance and mineral oil free.
7. Does what it claims.
8. Would help replenish tired skin.

Cons:

1. Has to be stored well..away from light and handled with care.

No other cons as such..I would surely recommend it..in fact it has been recommended by 93% of people on their site too. I would suggest you to try this..especially if you are a bride to be. And I found it much better than the Lancome Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate which is priced almost double and did not do anything for my skin at all.

Rating:

Quality: 5/5
Value for money: 4.5/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Would I buy it again: Yes..I love its effect on skin..and a little luxury is what our skin needs at times..

Have you tried any midnight recovery serums or concentrate?

Natural Kitchen Remedies for Skin and Hair

Natural Skin and Hair Care Products in your Kitchen
 
Guest Post by Kate
 
 
Women tend to do anything to look beautiful and gorgeous. Hence they don’t mind putting lots of their money in getting home costly cosmetic products for their beauty care. However, most of these cosmetic products are chemical based and at times can be lethal to your skin regardless of the small and big brand they come from. You might be lured and attracted to massive ads pertaining to beauty and cosmetic products promising you instant and good result. However, at the end of the day you hardly get anything trying them day in and day out. At such junctures, switching over to natural products can be a wise decision to make. Moreover, if you get beauty solutions in your kitchen only, what more would you want in life.
For your Hair and Scalp
 
For dealing with dandruff, using the juice made up of tomato can give good results. You can rid of scales by soothing dry and itchy scalp and reinstates its pH balance. People with dry hair can use Mayonnaise. It’s your treatment mask for deep conditioning. Mayonnaise contains egg yolks which caters your hair with vinegar, protein helping you in normalizing the pH balance of your hair. Use it along with vegetable oil it helps in lubricating the hair follicles. The dull hair can be given life and proper color using pure fruit juices. For best shining effect you can try out pure lemon juice, while apply highlighting cranberry juice in case you have dark brown hair.
 
For Eyes
 
If you have dark circles under your eyes or you find your eyes with some puffiness, make sure you try applying cold water, ice cubes, wet tea bags, tea, milk or try out the slices of potatoes or cucumber. By trying any of these options for around 10 minutes, you can make your delicate and soft tissues normal from being tight and shrink. If you see your eyes pretty tired especially when you return from a hectic day at work, try using the saturated cotton piece along with cold or chilled milk and lie down for around 15 minutes. Then rinse to get the good feel. Or you can use ice cube based chamomile tea along with water instead of milk to get the necessary cool effects.
 
For Face and Skin care


 
You can get rid of the aging signs like lines and wrinkles over your forehead by using oils. Oil comprises of fatty acids similar to the one you see in your skin fat and hence competent to complement your face skin. If you have a small surface blackheads, you can exfoliate them using oatmeal or cornmeal or sea salt. And for people with deep seated blackheads, try applying a blend of two teaspoons of sesame oil, cornmeal along with yoghurt. Try applying them for seven days to get the best result.
 
Final Word
Trying these homemade kitchen based solutions can work wonder and that too without any side effect or fatal result. And above all you get them all at pretty minimal cost or no cost as most of these ingredients you use, you often find in your kitchen or your refrigerator. So what are you waiting for?
 
About the author: Kate is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on technology and luxury. Besides this, she is fond of watches. She recently bought a watch from Skagen Watches latest collection. These days she is busy in witting an article on Bulimia nervosa for her blog DIY health.
 
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