Category Archives: Tips and Tricks

Decoding Kim Kardashian Hair and Makeup Secrets, Kim K Makeup, How To, Indian Makeup and Beauty Blog

Decoding Kim Kardashian Hair and Makeup Secrets

Decoding Kim Kardashian Hair and Makeup Secrets

By Sanchita

I had real fun decoding the Kylie Jenner Makeup Tips, so after going through several teaching sessions, YouTube tutorials, interviews and Instagram posts of Mario Dedivanovic (Kim Kadarshian’s favorite makeup artist) I was so determined to do this post on Decoding Kim Kardashian Hair and Makeup Secrets.

Kim Kardarshian is famous for her contour, nude lips, smokey eyes and the list go on and on. No doubt we love every bit of her makeup and her luscious hair styles. So, want to know the secret tips behind her flawless outlook. I am sure the tips and tricks will simply amaze you. So let’s explore the details.

Makeup before hair – Yes, do you makeup first and then the hair. This is because the hair spray might leave behind its residue on the face which will make the application of the foundation slight difficult. Also, if you are going for a bouncy curly look, you have to back comb and tug it so that it stays away from the face while applying makeup. All in all, do your makeup first and then go for the hairstyle.

Skip the primer – When possible makeup brand came out with their version of primer and beauty bloggers vouching for the primer which ‘apparently’ helps smoothening the foundation and keeps it in place, Kim’s MUA Mario Dedivanovic says primer is totally optional and there is no harm at all in skipping it. He says so because loading too many products one after another will only make you oily, especially in humid weather. So next time you decide to splurge of the expensive primer, just don’t.

Emollient moisturizer – An emollient moisturizer is one which hydrates your skin, smoothens out your pores and provides a nice base to your foundation. This is why you don’t need a primer separately. Too many products will do more harm than any good and therefore to minimize the buildup of products between the skin and foundation, simply use a moisturizer. Kim Kardashian’s favorite moisturizer is Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream which acts both as primer and moisturizer. Therefore, invest in a good moisturizer instead of too many products.

Beauty blender – From Kim Kardashian, Mario Dedivanovic, Kylie Jenner and all the possible celebrities and their MUAs have vouched for the goodness of Beauty Blender. Well, sadly Beauty Blender isn’t easily available in India (there’s also a lot of speculations about fake Beauty Blender sold online) and even if you badly want to have it, you have to pay a huge amount for a sponge. Therefore, the cheapest solution was given by Bhumika, the PAC’s Beauty Blender (a very similar one) which is efficient as well.

Master handling the puff – Kim’s MUA Mario Dedivanovic states that it is important to hold the powder puff while application. Put two fingers into the loop on the outer side and slightly press over the desired area. In general we always use the powder brush for baking and applying translucent powder, but Mario states that puffs are lot better in efficiency. It helps the powder to adhere well to the makeup, blurs out the pores and prevents the cakey application to a large extent.

Strong brow game – Brow game is something we all agree with. It defines the eye makeup and gives a neat and clean appearance to the makeup look. Well, to make this game stronger, Mario uses two colors to define the eye brows. Use a lighter color in the inner corners while a darker one on the outer portions. This will create a pretty strong ombre effect and brings out an appealing look.

There’s nothing called too many eyeliners – Mario applies more than four layers of eyeliners on Kim. He states that it will give your eyes a “beautiful definition and look more expensive”. Well, we got the trick. He first applies an eye pencil as the base, then another eyeliner, followed by the liquid liner and finishes off with gel or crème liner! Phew! That’s a lot. I once tried that at home and I was really astonished to see the beautiful effect it creates. If you are a deep kohled or dark eyes lover, you have to try this out.

Bake the dark circles – Baking is easy-peasy and all you have to do is apply concealer/color corrector/foundation and simply dab powder and let it sit for around 10 mins or so to let the natural heat from your body set the powder. After that simply dust off the excess. Baking is generally done on the areas we highlight i.e. under the eyes, chin, forehead, etc. Mario uses the baking technique mainly for covering the dark circles. This works excellent and does a double duty of highlighting as well as concealing.

Contouring isn’t everything – When I first read this one from Mario, I was like ‘What!’ This particular statement coming from Kim’s MUA whose middle name is ‘contour’ is surely a big deal. Well, he believes that contouring isn’t everything and you can still look equally photogenic without it. The extreme contouring videos we see from YouTube and Instagram aren’t essential for makeup. Nevertheless, if you want do this, there is no harm in making the features sharp.

Double highlighter – Mario stresses on the fact that to have that flawless look, highlighter is the key. Yes, of course blush, contour and everything else is there but highlighter is something that gives you the neat look. He applies double layer of highlighter on Kim. Firstly, he applies a brightening yellow powder like Ben Nye Banana and then some shimmery or frosty powder ones to add that ultra-strobing effect. And then finishes off with golden for that warm glow.

Stunning eye lashes – Kim uses a nice voluminous mascara on the natural eyelashes first after curling them. Then she uses individual falsies (longer on the outer portion, shorter on the inner one) and finishes of with another coat of mascara to adhere the falsies to the natural lashes. God! No wonder her smoky eye is so flawless.

Makeup removal – This is a very common tip vouched every now and then and Kim also swears by it religiously. It is so important to remove every trace of makeup when you are going to hit the bed. Residual makeup has some nasty side effects like pimples, infection, allergies, discoloration, pigmentation and the list is totally endless. Use a good cleanser or baby oil to wipe off every layer of makeup from face, eyes and also lips and wash off with a mild face wash or whatever suits you best.

Stop shampooing everyday – While you have heard it that to keep our hair clean you have shampoo every day, Kim says don’t. Regular shampooing will ruin the hair and strip off the natural oils. She prefers a blowout on the first day while on day two she goes for messy buns, curls and waves. On day three, when the hair starts to get flat due to the natural oil of the scalp, she straightens the hair and tries out sleek hair styles. In this way, the straightening doesn’t damage the hair as well. On day four it is ok to wash the hair. Kim uses Moroccanoil and Carol’s Daughter Monoi Hair Mask to make the hair soft.

Skincare – According to her, skin care is the primary step where you actually have to work hard. No amount of cosmetics will save you if your skin behaves badly. This is why regular skin care routines, clean up, healthy diet and lots of water is required.

Makeup brushes – the last tip from her MUA is the cleaning of makeup brushes, which is another important hygienic requirement for makeup. Mario uses Tea Tree oil to soak the brushes and then washes in a concoction of water and baby shampoo. Baby shampoos are gentle and hence doesn’t make the bristles rough while tea tree oil ensures that every layer of residual makeup is removed and also it is anti-bacterial.

Editor’s Note: Those were some very nice tips Sanchita. I skip primer majority of the days and shampoo every 2-3 days, so following some here 😀 And beauty blender indeed gives a beautiful effect. I am definitely trying layering the eyeliner and light and dark shade for eyebrows.

Did you like Kim Kardashian’s makeup secrets? Do you follow these? Know of any, you would like to add? Do let us know in the comments below.

P.S: Images from Google.

Top 5 Natural DIY Hair Conditioning Treatments

Top 5 Natural DIY Hair Conditioning Treatments

By Somreeta

The dry and cold weather during the winter months tend to strip your hair of moisture. As a result, your tresses look dull, frizzy, and lifeless. Dry hair is more prone to breakage and develops split ends. Hence, it is important to nourish and condition your hair. The right kind of conditioning treatments during the winters would help to lock in moisture content in the hair shafts, thereby making your hair soft and manageable. Check out the top 5 natural hair conditioning treatments that are not only simple but also effective.

1. BANANA NOURISHING HAIR TREATMENT: Put a ripe banana, 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of honey in a blender. Blend well and apply this rich concoction on your hair shafts. Olive oil is one of the best known natural moisturizers while honey is a natural humectant. Banana helps minimize contraction while nourishing your hair thoroughly. After 30 minutes, wash it off. Be patient while washing, as banana tends to stick to your hair. Do it once a week for best results.

2. WHOLESOME EGG TREATMENT: Whisk an egg, 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise and a cup of plain yogurt in a bowl and apply the mixture liberally on your hair strands. The natural proteins and vitamins present in egg works wonders in strengthening the hair follicles and bringing about significant reduction in dryness. Yogurt makes hair soft while mayonnaise moisturises your hair. Wait for 45 minutes post application and rinse thoroughly with trepid water and shampoo. This homemade hair treatment can be done twice every week.

3. AVOCADO PROTEIN HAIR TREATMENT: Avocado is a rich storehouse of natural proteins and oils. Mash an avocado and add 5 to 6 drops of peppermint oil. Shampoo your hair, squeeze the water out and apply this mask. Wait for about 20 minutes and rinse well. Hair feels soft, smooth and hydrated.

4. CLASSIC MILK AND HONEY TREATMENT: It is pretty easy to prepare this classic hair mask. Mix two tablespoons of honey to a cup of whole milk and apply this natural hair potion along the length of your hair. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and rinse well. This mask strengthens your hair, moisturises it and rejuvenates dry hair. Do this treatment twice every week to see amazing results.

5. HOT OIL TREATMENT: The homemade hot oil treatment has stood the test of time. Warm up any natural oil of your choice and massage your hair and scalp well. You could use olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil or jojoba oil. You may even love to blend two oils in equal amounts and then, add a few drops of your favourite essential oil for extra benefits. Follow up with turban therapy and then shampoo. Hair feels soft, moisturized and well-nourished.

Isn’t t easy to attain gorgeous locks just by following a few homemade hair care treatments? Opt for these DIY conditioners and get beautiful and nourished hair, naturally!

Editor’s Note: I so agree with Hot Oil one. I am going to try a few of these for sure, especially milk and honey 🙂 Nice post Somreeta

P.S: Images from Google

Do you follow these at home DIY’s for Deep Conditioning your hair?

Faces Sparkle Dust Stackable Glitter Review, Swatches, Ways to Use

Faces Sparkle Dust Stackable Glitter Review, Swatches, Ways to Use

Hi guys, If you remember Faces Cosmetics had stack of pigment eyeshadows, they had a different name earlier, they have relaunched it with a new name and they are called Stackables now, since you can stack 4-5 shades one upon the other.

These come in 4 different families of colors, Wild i.e. more greens and blues, Zeebra i.e monochromes grey, white, black, Whish i.e. loads of bright colors and finally Glitter which are all glitter pigments and mostly metallic.

I am reviewing the Glitter one today.

What the Company claims: This concentrated shimmer is especially handy when you want shimmery, sultry eyes or to create unforgettable drama. Available in stacks of inspired color themes to help you create the most unique and stunning look.

MRP: Rs. 899/- (Available for INR 764 on Nykaa but currently OOS)

While the rest stackables have 5 shades and are priced at 799, the Glitter one has 6 shades and priced at 899.

I love how they are perfectly stacked one upon the other and you cannot misplace any shade as all have to be together since the base of one pigment jar is the cap of the other. Which also means you cannot carry them individually :/ I would have loved if they came with additional separate 4 caps to carry them individually too.

I absolutely love each and every shade in this Glitter Stackable, there are numerous options you can do with this.

Silver- True cool toned silver

Gold – Warm bronzy gold

White – My favourite, pure white with blue green duochrome effect.

Sky Blue – True Sky Blue mixed with a bit of silver

Plum – Aubergine Plum with gold

Deep Navy Blue – Deep Navy Blue with silver

What I love most about these is that the glitter is very finely milled and not at all chunky, it’s not like thick glitter much visible to eye and you cannot feel this. This feels soft and almost like a powder, even though it’s a glitter.

L-R: Navy Blue, Plum, Sky Blue, Silver, Gold, White

Numerous ways in which you can use these pigments:

1. As an eyeshadow obviously. You can dampen your brush with a makeup setting spray, take the pigment and apply directly on the lid.

2. Use glitter glue/Duraline and make an eyeliner with it, you can make 6 different colored eyeliners.

3. Mix with clear nail paint to get colored glitter nail paint. I would suggest taking some in an empty nail paint bottle or some base as you don’t want to mix the complete nail paint with single glitter option when you can try multiple options every time 🙂

4. Make only one figure glittery like the ring finger, I love doing this and as you can see I have done that above.

5. Try glitter french manicure by applying clear top coat on the tips and dipping them in glitter.

6. You can also use the white glitter one as highlighter, the matte sparkle dust in pinks/plums as blushes.

7. Use the white to highlight cupid’s bow too and mattify your pink/purple lipsticks by just dabbing some matte pigment on top. It will also make the colors look vivid and makes the lipsticks stay longer. A makeup artist tried that once on me during a shoot and the lipstick stayed much longer and I loved how vibrant and matte it looked.

There are endless possibilities with pigments and glitters in makeup. Experiment and have fun, my most favourite ways of using are definitely as eyeliner and single nail with glitter.

I would definitely recommend getting the Faces Stackables, the color option is something that depends on your personality and kind of makeup you look. If you are more into basic smokey, go for Zeebra. If you love colors, go for Whish while the Glitter one definitely has multiple uses and can work for everyone. Also I would suggest buying it from Nykaa only when it is on discount, coz  INR 764 is a great deal.

What about you? Do you like playing with pigments?

How To Unclog Facial Pores Naturally

How To Unclog Facial Pores Naturally

By Somreeta

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

How To Unclog Facial Pores Naturally: Top 3 Tips

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

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

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

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

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

Do you follow these tips regularly?

Image Source: 1,2,3

Trending Beauty Hacks That All Lazy Girls Should Know

Trending Beauty Hacks That All Lazy Girls Should Know

Sadly girls today don’t find much time to indulge in relaxed beauty services at home due to demanding work-life balance. With these simple yet quick beauty hacks, it’s possible to look your best without feeling guilty and out-of-date.

So here you go lazy girls, incorporate these effective beauty hacks, without all the time and effort in the world!

Brighten up your tired eyes

A little bottle of mascara cab does the trick. If you are suffering from puffy/swollen or sleepy eyes? Mascara application can immediately brighten your face.

Define your bushy eyebrows

If your busy schedule as well laziness has resulted in bushy and unkempt eyebrows than simply swipe two coats of clear mascara. It will automatically hold and define your eyebrows.

Facial Bliss

If you are suffering from tired and dull skin and have no time for facials than simply get facial sheets. It’s easily available in the market, are super effective as well as easy to use. However, if you have time over the weekends and are looking for a relaxed and professional service, try UrbanClap app for salon services at home. It is a one-stop destination for all urban lifestyle services.

Dry and rough toes

No time for pedicure? While taking a shower simply use pumice stone and say goodbye to dry and uneven skin. Do it regularly for a prolonged effect.

Fight disobedient hair

When your hair seems super messy and as usual you are running late for office, then making a top knot is the safest bet.

Perfume that stays effective for long

If you want your perfume to last longer, simply rub Vaseline on your pulse points before applying the perfume i.e. behind the ears, on the wrists and behind the knees. It will save you from having to re-apply.

Say no to dry hands and feet

Dry hands and feet can leave you embarrassed. Keep your moisturizer next to your bed and religiously apply it before bedtime. Every morning you will wake up to soft and supple skin.

For effortless waves

If you have washed your hair but have no time for a blow dry then simply tie up your hair into a bun and let it stay like that. Once it’s dry just shake it and voila you achieve soft curls instantly.

Quickly dry nails

Painted nails can instantly make your hands look beautiful. However, on the other hand messy nail paint can be a big turn-off. To quickly dry nail paint, dip your freshly painted nails into ice-cold water.

Use in a shower gel combined with moisturizer

Applying body lotion can take a lot of time. In order to save on time, purchase a shower gel with moisturizer.

Fast and easy blow dry session

Blow dry your hair upside down, not only it saves time but also adds volume to your hair.

Cover those roots

In order to get thicker mane as well to hide those incoming roots, it’s best to brush a little black eye-shadow onto your parting.

Concealer for dark under eye circles

Nothing looks worse on your face as compared to deep and dark under eye circles. A concealer can come handy to quickly achieve a flawless look.

Credit card usage

Applying eye-liner or mascara can easily turn into a messy affair especially when you are running late. Worry not, simply hold your credit card underneath your lashes, excess of product will stick to the card instead of your face and within no time you will get bright and beautiful eyes.

Achieve squeaky clean scalp

Baking soda has multiple uses. Apart from being used in kitchen, baking soda can also help you get rid of hair buildup. Just sprinkle a little amount into your shampoo and get light, clean and fresh strands.

Have fun while using these simple yet effective beauty hacks!

DIY Facial Serum for Night

DIY Facial Serum for Night

By Sanchita

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

INGREDIENTS:

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

STEPS

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

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

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

BENEFITS OF THE INGREDIENTS –

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

Do let me know how you liked the DIY.

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

Aloe Veda Distil Cold Pressed Hexane Free Castor Oil Review

Aloe Veda Distil Cold Pressed Hexane Free Castor Oil Review

By Pallavi

Hello Beauties,

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

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

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

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

Product description:

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

Price: 225 INR for 200 ml.

Shelf life: 24 months from the date of packaging

My experience with Aloe Veda Cold Pressed Hexane Free castor oil

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

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

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

Good about Aloe Veda Cold Pressed Hexane Free castor oil

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

Bad about Aloe Veda Cold Pressed Hexane Free castor oil

  • None for me

Rating:

Availability : 4/5
Performance : 5/5

Overall rating : 4.5/5

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

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

Top 10 Foundations for Oily Skin in India, Prices, Buy Online

Top 10 Foundations for Oily Skin in India, Prices, Buy Online

By Sanchita

Summer is almost here and it is just a matter of a month now. With summer, comes back the oiliness, greasy feel and of course, the infamous breakouts. Therefore, the oily skinned beauties are always in hunt of oil-free foundation that would not only keep the oiliness at bay but also stay long. The oil secretion increases with the passage of time and the foundation along with the blush and bronzers also starts melting down, creating a big mess. Hence, choose the foundation very cautiously. With so new launched every month and the discontinuity of several products, it is very difficult to choose one product. Therefore, I have compiled the 10 best foundations for oil free look with various coverage. Let’s take a look at it.

1. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation – 525 INR (BUY HERE for 417) (Review coming soon)

The newest baby from the Maybelline. The brand is exceptional well in bringing out great products at a very budget friendly price tag. The foundation comes in 6 shades and most of them are warm toned, will specifically suit the Indian skin tones. They provide a medium to buildable coverage (bit not heavy) and gives a satin-matte finish. It makes the pores look slightly blurry and soft and has a very good oil control factor. For the price, it is wonderful choice for oil skin.

2. Lakme Absolute Mattreal Skin Natural Mousse – 725 INR (BUY HERE)

Another great foundation for oily skin from the very own desi brand Lakme. It is has the light whipped mousse texture, as the name suggest and blends on the skin like anything. The texture is so good that even a beginner would have no issues with the product. The coverage is sheer to medium with a soft matte finish and the presence of silicones aids in smoothening the pores. It looks just like your skin and great for everyday use.

3. MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 – (APPROX. 1800 INR)

One of the popular and remarkable foundation of all times, is the MAC Studio Fix Fluid. MAC can provide you the best shade card and seldom people go wrong with the shades. The foundation has light weight silky texture, blends really smoothly and has a very good coverage. It also has certain special skin-conditioning ingredients yet looks completely matte. It absorbs and disperse oil and gives an airbrushes look to the skin. The wear time long and considered the best foundation for brides.

4. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Reno Liquid Foundation- 1325 INR (BUY HERE for 1126) (Review and Swatches HERE)

Bhumika has already tried, tested and reviewed the foundation and she believes it is a great foundation for oily skin. It has 11 shades with adequate warm and cool tones. The texture is nice to work and it is advisable by her to blend in with a damp brush or sponge. It feels completely matte on the skin, there is no shininess or dewiness with it. It gives a nice medium to heavy coverage without blocking the pores at all. It has SPF 18 but it doesn’t gives any whitish cast and also photographs well.

5. Bourjois Happy Light foundation – (APPROX. 1600 INR)

A light foundation tailored for the oily skin. It blends into the skin just like a natural coating with an airbrushed touch to it. It feels extremely light to wear it and doesn’t suffocate the pores at all. There isn’t any issue of breakouts and the foundation has several warm shades for the Indian skin. It gives a moderate to buildable coverage but won’t work much on stubborn acne marks. It has a soft dewy finish but not oily at all. It has an excellent wear time of 8-9hours.

6. L’Oréal Paris Nude Magic Liquid Powder Foundation – 899 INR (BUY HERE for 872)

A great liquid powder foundation for oily skin that works perfect for regular usage. It has a light and runny consistency that blends into the skin within no time, even with fingers! It gives a soft matte yet not a dull finish to the skin and spears very lightweight. It has sheer to buildable coverage and wont accentuates to fine lines and dry patches. It doesn’t oxidizes underneath a sunscreen and has a staying power of 5-6 hours.

7. Chambor Sheer Delight Ultra Matt Oil Free Foundation – 845 INR (BUY HERE)

This is something you won’t ever regret of buying. Considered one of the best foundations for oily skin, this one gives a sheer to medium coverage and looks ultra-smooth. Although the finish is matte, it provides a kind of healthy glow to the skin in no time. It is heat and sweat proof for a certain period of time and doesn’t oxidize. It is an ideal foundation for office wear and has a very good wear time of around 8-9 hours with minimal blotting.

8. Clinique Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup – (Approx. 2300 INR)

Every product of Clinique is tailored for specific skin type and this matte foundation works incredibly well on oily skin. It has a gel-cream texture and available in 13 shades, from where you’re to get your match. The product blends in as easily as possible without any cakey or uneven finish. It is matte and also aids in controlling oil and shine on the face. It suits sensitive skin and there isn’t any issues about breakouts. The product also photographs very well in flash.

9. Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup – 3000 INR

Many bloggers consider it their HG foundation and surely it has too many reason for it. it comes in 30 shades and has a petite packaging. It has a medium consistency liquid texture that blends generously and then sets into a matte finish. Despite having an SPF it photographs really well and hence, will work great for brides. It stays on the face for around 8-9hours without melting down or oxidizing. It gives a medium to buildable coverage and feels almost weightless. Although the price is slightly high, but you won’t mind splurging on this at all.

10. Revlon Colorstay Makeup 24 Hour Combination/Oily Skin Foundation – 974 INR (BUY HERE for 895)

Revlon has some very good range of foundations and Colorstay is one of them. It has a light and water proof texture that blends seamlessly with damp brush or sponge and gives a soft matte finish to the skin. This foundation has two variants – one for dry skin while the other for Combination/Oily Skin. This is another great choice for problematic skin and gives a medium to heavy coverage. It photographs exceptionally well and doesn’t oxidize. It is available in shades and perfect for Indian skin tones.

Editor’s Note: Again a super helpful and nice compilation Sanchita. I have combination skin and love the L’Oreal Infallible. Currently trying the Maybelline Fit Me one which is also the cheapest in this list, super economical!

P.S: I just realized this is our 2000th post 😀

Which is your favourite foundation? Your suggestion for foundation for oily skin? Leave them in the comments below.

How to Make your Hair Stronger & Thicker Naturally

How to Make your Hair Stronger & Thicker Naturally

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

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

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

1. Washing hair on alternate days

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

2. Never brush wet hair

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

3. Well Balanced Diet

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

4. Massage your scalp

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

5. Avoid hot tools

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

6. Protect your hair

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

7. Do not color your hair

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

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

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

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

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

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

Acne Scars – Causes, Prevention Measures and Home Remedies

Acne Scars – Causes, Prevention Measures and Home Remedies

By Archana

Hi all,

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

What causes acne?

The four main reasons for acne are:

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

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

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

How to prevent the occurrence of acne?

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

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

Home remedies for acne scars:

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

Lemon mask for acne scars:

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

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

Aloe vera gel for acne scars:

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

Cucumber and gram flour face pack for acne scars:

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

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

Potato and tomato mask for acne scars:

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

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

Cinnamon and honey mask for acne scars:

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

Tea tree oil for acne scars:

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

Apple cider vinegar for acne scars:

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

Sandalwood and orange face pack for acne scars:

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

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

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

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

Which ones have you tried? Share your experiences below.

P.S: Pics from Google