I was on the lookout for a natural, economical skin toner to add to my night routine since I kept reading about the importance of a good CTM routine (cleansing, toning and moisturizing) and the wonders that it can do to your skin if, followed religiously. Out of the toners available in the market aroma magic toner appealed to me the most since, only natural ingredients were used in making this toner and considering the price it seemed like a good bet. So, without further ado I went ahead and purchased my very first toner from Purplle. To know my views on the same continue reading.
Directions for use: Spray onto face directly or on a small piece of cotton and dab onto face. Avoid the eye area. Use me morning and night after cleansing. Follow it up with the oily skin oil.
Free of alcohol, parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, artificial fragrance and color.
Cleanses and tones without drying out the skin.
Renews the skin cells and increases the circulation in it.
Prevents moisture loss.
Acts as a natural astringent that calms and balances the skin.
Delivers vital nutrients and vitamins to the skin.
Price and quantity: Rs 170 for 200 ml
Shelf life: 3 years from the date of manufacture.
My experience with the product
The product comes in a transparent bottle with a flip cap. Even though, it says on the bottle that one can spray the toner directly onto the face but it is not necessarily possible to do that, with a flip cap. The cap is not that sturdy and is prone to leakage so I wouldn’t recommend carrying it around while travelling. The name suggests that the toner is aromatic but to my dismay it has an extremely mild fragrance and I am not a big fan of it.
The toner has water like consistency so one has to use a cotton pad to apply onto the face. I apply this toner at night on cleansed face especially, avoiding the eye area as said on the bottle because the under eye area being even more sensitive is prone to drying. After applying the toner I leave it on for a few minutes to dry and then, follow it up with a moisturizer. The colorless toner does clean the skin but cannot double up as a makeup remover.
Since, I have oily skin I bought the one meant for the same but, it doesn’t control the oil secretion or reduce breakouts. However, it does tighten the pores and soothes the skin which is fairly good for a toner at this price range. Considering the fact that the product is a bit drying and is meant for oily skin I don’t see any reason why people with dry skin should use this toner.
I would like to conclude by saying that this economical toner doesn’t do much apart from tightening the pores and I would definitely not repurchase this since, I would like to try the new ones in the market and find the one that best suits my skin.
Pros:
Tightens pores
Calms the skin of any irritation
Free of alcohol, parabens and petrochemicals
Not tested on animals
Easily available
Economical
Cons:
Not travel friendly
Doesn’t control oil secretio
Can be a bit drying
Extremely mild fragrance (contradictory to the name)
Rating: 3.5/5
Final word
All in all, this toner hasn’t been one of my best buys but, people looking for a decently priced toner can give this a shot and find out how it works for them.
Editor’s Note: Nice Review Monika, I usually like Aroma Magic products, this one seems to be ok. I have tried most of their face packs though, love them.
Have you tried Aroma Magic Aromatic Skin Toner yet? Which is your favourite toner?
Top 10 Best Toners For All Skin Types In India, Prices, Buy Online
By Ishleen
Hello munchkins!
I realise how long it has been since I last wrote for you but I am back girlies, and back with a bang! No, just kidding! I am back with a top 10 post for you as of now!
*snarls and giggles in the background*
So all of us have heard the importance of a good CTM routine in our lives, and I partake that all of us know why cleansing, toning and moisturising is so necessary! And most probably than not most of us have somewhat narrowed down our moisturiser and cleanser choices but toners is one thing people stay the most confused about! Thus I am here to sort out your toner dilemma and bring in front of you the best toners available in the Indian market, and yes, I have something for all skin types!
For Oily-Acne Prone Skin
1. Lotus Herbals Basil Tone Cucumber and basil clarifying and balancing toner- INR 265 (BUY HERE for 199)
I don’t really like Lotus toners much, I feel they are very heavy on the skin and weigh it down; and that is the alst thing a toner should be doing! No? But this Lotus herbals basil tone Cucumber toner is such a wow product, especially for oily skin! Yes, it tones the skin well but also takes away even the last most trace of oil and dirt and makes the skin feel very supple!
2. Fab India Tea Tree Skin Toner – INR 135 (On FabIndia site or Nykaa)
This is one my most favourite budget toners available in the Indian market! And why shouldn’t it be, it is cost effective, keeps my sebyum production in check and also helps in keeping the acne at bay as much as is possible! Ten on ten for this baby!
3. The Body Shop Tea tree Skin Clearing Toner – INR 760 (BUY HERE)
I know how the body shop products are a bit expensive for some of us but that does not mean that sometimes we can take the leap and just splurge on something which is indeed very good for our skin! I mean if you are genuinely struggling with extremely oily and highly acne prone skin, just go get it man! Period!
4. Lush Tea Tree Water – INR 500 (approx)
One more such splurge worthy product is this gorgeous little bottle of tea tree toner from the house of lush! Lush cosmetics are famous worldwide for curating the best of the best skincare products, and this toner is no less. Effectively removes any grime or oil traces from the skin, tones it and makes the skin feel smooth and firm! (Lush is not available in India currently though)
For Combination skin
5. Fab India Tulsi Toner – INR 180
Fab India makes some of the finest toners, and despite being oily skinned I have used this toner personally, and also tried it on my combination skinned friend and it suited both of us wonderfully! Though her skin felt smoother than mine hence the classification under the combination skin category! The toner is 100% alcohol free and does not completely dry the skin up! It leaves the skin hydrated but not greasy and is perfect for combination-oily skin types.
We people tend to ignore our entrusted Indian brand Himalaya thinking that the international brands make much better products. But this isn’t true in the case of himalaya’s refreshing and cleansing toner. It tones the skin, but does not leave it stretchy or dry and its natural extracts actually make it feel refreshing on the skin.
For Dry Skin
7. The Body Shop Aloe Vera Calming Toner – INR 595 (for 200 ml)
We all know how much of a trusted brand TBS is, and this aloe vera calming toner is the perfect bet for all your dry skin woes! It is alcohol free, does not strip the skin off any moisture and is indeed very soothing and relaxing for the skin!
8. Neutrogena Alcohol Free Toner – INR 1400 (for 250 ml) (BUY HERE for 1032)
I love neutrogena’s skincare products and by first hand experience I can tell how effective this little bad boy has been on my sister’s flaky dry skin! As the name says it is completely alcohol free, so it does not strip the skin off its natural oils and in return keeps it luxuriantly smooth!
9. Fab India Lavender Skin Toner – INR 180
This transparent toner smells divine, and also works like a miracle on dry skin! But to be honest, it was the mild lavender fragrance which prompted me to inculcate this baby in the list! Not that it does not work well for dry skin, coz it sure does! And the lavender extracts also help the skin to remain moisturised and not dried out.
10. The Body Shop Vitamin E Hydrating Toner – INR 890 (for 200 ml) (BUY HERE)
Vitamin E is a boon for dry skin beauties and TBS is a saviour for incorporating our most required nutrients in our toners so that we do not have to layer up on skincare products! The toner smoothens up the skin, soothes, relaxes and also hydrates the skin very effectively! And the travel size packaging is also really cheap, so you can always try that one first!
Khadi Rose Water vs Fabindia Rose Water vs Lotus Herbals RoseTone Facial Toner
By Archana
Rose water is a favorite beauty product for almost all of us. It has multiple uses, can be used as a toner, for mixing face packs, as a refreshing facial mist, to reduce stress in eyes and even for hair care. It is one product that suits all skin types, oily or dry skin. There are numerous brands rose waters available in the market. Today, I will be comparing three of the best brands’ rose waters – Khadi, Fabindia and Lotus Herbals. Ofcourse, there are more luxury brands offering rose waters like Kama Ayurveda, Forest Essentials, etc. which are undoubtedly superior, but for this post, am comparing the popular budget-friendly ones. Read on to know which one you need to get now.
Packaging:
Khadi rose water comes in a plastic bottle with a flip-flop cap and a small hole to dispense the product. While Fabindia and Lotus Herbals comes in a convenient spray form which is easy and quick to use as you can directly spray on face. Clearly, Khadi’s regular packaging, though good for body lotions and shampoos, is not apt for a rose water.
Texture and color:
Khadi rose water is just like plain water in color and texture. Fabindia rose water, while you spray onto your hands, foams a little. But apart from that, both Khadi and Fabindia feels just like applying water on your face. Gets absorbed quickly, no stickiness, greasiness and they don’t make your face oily. Lotus Herbals, being a toner, has a slightly more denser juice-like consistency due to ingredients like aloe vera juice. It is light pink in color, obviously, artificial color. Khadi and Fabindia rule in this aspect.
Fragrance:
Fabindia rose water has possibly the most natural, soothing and pleasant fragrance among the three. It smells just like fresh roses, though not overpowering. Khadi’s fragrance is good, though it is more artificial, more like the Dabur and Banjara’s ones. Lotus Herbals too has a nice pleasant fragrance which is a little more on the sweeter side compared to Fabindia and is more artificial.
Ingredients:
Fabindia rose water is 100% pure and made from steam distillation of roses. Khadi rose water mentions only rose petals and water in the ingredients list, but it doesn’t say whether it is prepared through steam distillation or conventional method of boiling the petals and filtering. Steam distillation is the more preferred method as just filtering might not exclude all the impurities. Lotus Herbals on the other hand contains not just roses but also tulsi leaves extract, aloe vera gel, vetiver extract, castor oil and parabens and fragrance too. Clearly Fabindia tops in the ingredients and method of preparation. Lotus Herbals is good if you are looking for extra benefits of other ingredients like tulsi, aloevera and vetiver as well.
Efficacy:
In terms of efficacy, I love Fabindia rose water as its made from 100% steam distillation of roses. So I can use it even for sensitive areas like eyes and also hair care without fear. Since its pure, you can also put few drops into your eyes to freshen and cool your eyes. I have combination skin and when I used it in summers it helped to soothe and calm sunburnt skin and also provide light hydration making my skin appear healthy and glowing. With Khadi rose water, the results are normal just like any other rose water. But I feel its not as hydrating as the Fabindia one. Lotus Herbals , being more of a proper toner, offers extra benefits like minimizing pores and smoothing out skin. But after appyling, it gives a little sticky and greasy feeling. It hydrates and moisturizes the skin very well and makes it soft and plumper. I have combination skin which gets dry in winters and this toner has helped my skin stay hydrated throughout. Sometimes, I even skip moisturizer. Though, I don’t think I can use this toner in summers. Also, it won’t be suitable for oily/acne-prone skin people. And unlike, pure rose water, this can’t be used for eyes or hair.
Price:
Fabindia Rose Water comes at Rs.175 for 100ml which is makes it almost 4.5 times costlier than Khadi Rose Water which comes at Rs.80 for 210ml. And what do you get extra in Fabindia rose water for it? Steam distilled pure rose water, soothing natural fragrance, better effects and convenient spray packaging. Lotus Herbals comes at Rs.265 for 100ml, but being a toner, its more concentrated and only little quantity is needed each time compared to the others. So one bottle will last really long.
Final Verdict:
Clearly, the winner among the three is Fabindia Rose Water. It offers the best results, suitable for all skin types, has a soothing and calming fragrance, is made from 100% steam distillation of rose petals and comes in a convenient spray packaging. Those who feel Fabindia Rose Water is costlier, can try Khadi Rose Water, which is definitely far better and pure than the Dabur Gulabari and Banjaras rose waters. Normal – dry skin people who need more hydration and looking for a proper toner, not just plain rose water can go for the Lotus Herbals one.
So I hope you enjoyed reading the post. Which one is your favorite rose water among the three? Do share your thoughts in the comments below.
Editor’s Note: That was a fabulous comparison Archana! I love the Kama Ayurveda Rose Water but yes it is on the costlier side, I would love to try the Fabindia one.
What the Company claims: Faces Hydro Makeup Remover: This gentle, water based formula works quickly and gently removes face and other makeup. It is an excellent antioxidant agent which prevents skin from free radicals & improves tone to give you a perfectly cleansed & rejuvenated face.
Faces Hydro Cleanser: This extremely hydrating formula cleanses skin and maintains it’s natural moisturizers. It is a deep cleanser that gently protects your skin while keeping it fresh, clear and radiant.
Faces Hydro Toner: This gentle and soothing toner hydrates the skin keeping it perfectly clean & soft. It tones the skin and defines pores for a clearer complexion.
MRP:
FACES Hydro Makeup Remover- Rs. 399/- for 100 ml FACES Hydro Cleanser- Rs. 399/- for 100 ml FACES Hydro Toner- Rs. 399/- for 100 ml
Ingredients & Directions:
All three come in a white bottle with a tight cap packaging. The cap is very tight and although that makes it good for travelling, a little difficult to shut it close daily when using it. The Makeup Remover and toner have spray nozzle and the cleanser has the small pump dispensor.
Makeup Remover is a watery liquid in spray form and does remove the makeup effectively. All three a part of the same regime and are followed one after the other. Removing makeup is the first step of course. Only issue is the eyes need to be shut tight and the lips too, or else it tastes horrible bitter when goes anywhere near the lips and stings a bit near the eyes. I use a separate makeup removing cream for eyes.
Makeup Remover, is followed with the Cleanser. Its a white colored lotion like a cleansing milk, which is just massaged on the skin and wiped off with a moist cotton. It helps in removing any extra dirt or makeup left behind from the makeup remover and cleanses completely well. Its not a foaming cleanser but just a cleansing milk, which aids the process of deep cleansing or removing any residue.
Last step is the toner, which is just sprayed all over the face. (You can either use it directly or spray on a cotton first) And then at the end I soak everything up by just pressing a tissue on the face. A Clarins skin care expert told me never to let toners or face mists dry on the skin as I usually did before, as that leads to more drying skin. It needs to be blotted out and never left to dry. The toner is very very mild and alcohol free. It tastes bitter too when goes near the lips, so mum your lips when spraying.
Overall, its a nice three step system that works decent and good to carry around too. I am not much of a toner person, but the spray ones still make me give them a try and I liked this one. The quantity of 100ml would last a good time and they are not very highly priced. Economical, and also make good travel companion.
Rating: 3.75/5
Have you tried the new Faces Canada Hydro Skincare Range ?
We had to buy skincare and makeup products which we use on an everyday basis i.e our ‘daily’ ‘face’ stuff within the budget of Rs.5000/-
And since we had to buy only from Jabong and from the brands available on the site, it added up to the challenge 🙂
This is the perfect kit for you, if you are in college and surviving on pocket money and don’t have big bucks to spend on luxury products. Spending big bucks is not even required actually, you can create a nice kit for yourself within this budget.
For brides to be, this also makes a part of my Bridal Diaries. If you are someone who was never into skincare and makeup, then this kit would work for you too. Or if you want to buy stuff for your trousseau within the budget of Rs.5000/-
I have linked products to their reviews which I have already reviewed on my blog before or have given my 2 cents here on products I have used, but not reviewed yet.
So here we go..
1. Ponds White beauty Naturals Spot Less lightening Cream- Rs199 for 50g
Reason: Super light in texture with no greasiness. Has camellia (Green Tea) leaf extract, niacinmide and tocopheryl acetate which help in fading spots and regeneration of skin cells. Added bonus: SPF (titanium dioxide aluminum hydroxide stearic acid). This can be your perfect affordable daily moisturizer.
2. VICHY Normaderm 3-In-1 Cleanser – Rs.450/- for 50ml
Reason: A unique combination of Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid and 25% Clay with a soothing agent. Use it as a cleanser/face wash or a scrub or apply a thin layer as a mask. The blend of salicylic acid and clay is perfect for oily skin and prevents from breakouts. Glycolic acid helps in mild exfoliation. I won’t recommend it using everyday. For everyday use, a mild cleanser like the Auravedic Saffron Almond one we selected, is good. But its perfect to use for a weekly scrub/face pack. It dries quickly too, not taking too much of your time. If you use it weekly, its going to last long and turns economical for its multiple uses.
4. L’Oreal Paris Uv Perfect Aqua Essence Sunscreen Moisturiser- Rs.475/- fro 30ml (Review HERE)
Reason: A Sunscreen with good SPF protection is a must. Whether you are in your teens or in your 30’s, you need to protect your skin from the sun’s rays. L’Oreal Paris UV Perfect Aqua Essence has SPF 30 PA+++ UVB UVA protection with a PPD of 15.5. It also has Advanced Mexoryl XL Filters (only found in L’Oreal Paris sunscreens- this and Vichy Capital Soleil which is on the expensive side) that protect against broad spectrum UVA/UVB rays, Adenosine that repairs deep skin damage and fights wrinkles, and Vitamin E that helps fight against free radicals and external stress. It also hydrates and moisturizes the skin. Best part: It somewhat protects skin from tanning too.
5. Forest Essentials Facial Tonic Pure Rose Water Facial Mist- Rs.575 for 100ml
Reason: Natural toner. 100% Steam Distilled Rose Water. Alcohol based toners rip the moisture from the skin. One should go for alcohol free toners as much as possible. It cools, soothes and moisturizes the skin. You can also carry it along in your bag. (You need one in the Mumbai heat especially in summers!)
6.Biotique Bio Almond Oil Soothing Face Eye Make Up Cleanser – Rs.149 for 120 Ml
Reason: It’s a blend of almond, castor, sunflower and few other oils. Oils are always the best makeup remover one can use. It melts off toughest of your waterproof mascara. No stinging or burning. One of the pretty decent and affordable makeup removers in the market.
Reason: One of the deepest and most pigmented rich black kajals in India right now. It stays whole day and hardly smudges. I recommend this to everyone all the time. Does’nt even hurt the pocket at 175. Best budget buy for college girls too. I guess most of us love our kajal and lip balms and swear by it everyday whether you in college or working. This is definitely a must have!
Reason: Who has the time and patience to apply falsies and remove them everyday ?! But we still want those fluttery, long lashes right ? Well, look no further. Maybelline Falsies Mascara is the answer. With 2 coats of this, you get a false lash effect! I mean it. Do try it for yourself. And at 425 if you get killer long lashes, it does not hurt, right ? :p
Reason : No reasons are enough for this baby. Its my favourite liner ever. Pigmented. Stays long. Perfect stiff tip. And the hypersharp tip gives the thinnest most defined lines to more thicker wings. It also does not dry up quickly and works as good as new for a long long time.
10. Maybelline Color Sensational Mirrored Mauve High Shine Lip Gloss- Rs.350 for 5ml (Review HERE and HERE)
Reason: Pigmented, High shine, Affordable, Good qty, Non Shimmery, Prettiest Nude Mauve shade ever. This is bang on for your everyday wear whether for work or a day out with your girlfriends.
Reason: If you have to include one affordable blush in your kit, it has to be Maybelline Cheeky Glow. Its matte, smooth, pigmented and long staying. 7g of quantity would last for a long time. Fresh Coral is a warm coral pink and gives that ‘just out of the gym’ healthy pink flush. One of the best budget blushes in India.
12. Street Wear Color Rich Perfection Compact Powder- Rs.160 for 7g
Reason: Cute packaging again. Provides medium coverage and controls oil and shine. Thoughtful hygienic packaging, the separator in between prevents the foam applicator from getting dirty. No more expectations at this price and quantity. Again a perfect budget everyday compact.
13. Street Wear Color Rich 11-Pink Passion Lipstick- Rs.180 for 4.2g
Reason : Street Wear has nailed it with this latest Color Rich Range and these Ultra Moist lipsticks are the best in the collection. Cute packaging. Semi matte texture, Long staying power, Economical price and quantity. A perfect bright pink shade to perk up your evenings or weekends. Psstt: It’s a dupe of MAC Flat Out Fabulous 😀 I am sure you want this in your kit! Plus it won’t pinch your pocket.
14. Ponds White Beauty Blemish Balm Cream- Rs.125/- for 18G
Reason: A BB Cream that also acts as a moisturizer and sunscreen and gives amazing coverage! Gimme! I use it everyday. Its one of my favourite BB creams out of the lot in the market right now. It has Vitamin B3, Vitamin E and Allantoin which helps against pigmentation and heals the old scars/spots faster. Has SPF30PA++. The shade suits me perfectly and the coverage is medium, more than any other BB creams. Stays put the whole day. The silicones in it make it work as an eye shadow primer too!! Beat that. And all for this price is fantastic.
15. & 16. Auravedic Revitalizing Face Care- Rs.325 for a combo of 2 products (Pulpy Saffron Almond Face wash and Pure Aloe Vera Gel) (Review HERE and HERE)
Reason: Both the products separately cost you a little more, so buying a combo means savings 😉 The Radiance by Nature is one of the best face washes I have personally tried and recommend. Its made up of natural ingredients and a blend of essential oils. No SLS or parabens. Chemical and color free. Cleanses skin well leaving no dryness or stretchiness. There is a neem and tea tree variant for oily skin and a rose and saffron variant for dry skin. And 50g lasts really long. Total value for money.
Pure Aloe Vera Gel is packed with green tea and pomegranate extracts and a blend of essential oils again like lemon, avocado, grapeseed, olive. Its super cooling and gel like in texture. Smells amazing. Keep it in the fridge in the summers and apply it whenever your skin feels dehydrated or thirsty. I am sure you will love this refreshing cold aloe gel in the harsh summers. No preservatives and chemicals. Also recommended to be used as a hair styling/shaving gel. I personally use it post waxing/threading coz it instantly soothes and reduces the redness on the skin. Quite a multi tasker this is!
17. Auravedic Almond & Grapeseed Night Repair Cream- Rs.350 for 100g
Reason: Skin cells are the most active and repair itself during the night time. The whole regeneration of new skin cells takes place during night. A rich, heavy night cream with some essential nutrients is a must have. It nourishes your skin inside out and also helps delay signs of ageing. This rich night cream has almond butter, grapefruit oil and few other essential oils. Auravedic has no SLS,parabens or chemicals. And you need just a tiny bit, so 100g would last you really long. But investing in a good night cream is a must. It is as important as a sunscreen.
18. Star’s Cosmetics Bronze-2 Pressed Eye Shadow Rs.195/- for 1.66G
Reason: Even if you are not a daily eyeshadow person, you need one bronze/gold shadow in your kit. Indian weddings are when you will need it the most. Or just smoke it out with a black kohl base for a night out. Instant glam!
Overall View: I think it was an interesting challenge. I included everything necessary from skin care to makeup used in day to day life. (and covering weekends/occasions too) A total of 18 products,and also saved on some bucks (Though 27 :D)
Skin care: Face wash, Toner ( Facial Mist), Moisturizer, Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Makeup Remover, Night Cream, 3 in 1 (Cleanser, Scrub, Mask) for your weekly pampering, Pure Aloe Vera Gel for shaving/post waxing,etc.
I have not included nail paints, shower gel,shampoo, conditioner, hair serum/oils coz it was ‘daily face’. You need to add those too which will be another 750 bucks approximately.
I hope you liked my kit. If you did, I would love for you to vote for me HERE. Just click on the heart under my name ‘Bhumika Thakkar’ and it will turn red 🙂 Or you can tweet to @elleindia with the hashtag #EBA2014. Thanks in advance.
What all would you include in your kit within the budget of Rs.5000 ?
ZA True White Cleansing Foam, Toner, Night Cream Review
Hey guys,
I had reviewed my favourite moisturizer these days HERE. i.e ZA True White Day Protector. I have been trying the cleansing foam, toner and night cream from the same range since quite some time and would be reviewing those today.
About the ZA range by Shiseido : ZA (pronounced as zi:ei) True White features three best whitening ingredients –Revolutionary 4MSK Formula penetrates deep within the skin to diminish the formation of excessive melanin, reduce blemishes & dark spots that are visible on the surface giving an even-toned radiance.
Vitamin C Complex with a potent combination of APM (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate) and VC-IP (Tetrahexydecyl Ascorbate) lightens the deep rooted melanin pigments to restore skin’s translucence.
The range is enriched with exclusive SPA ingredients like Natural Spring Water from the foothills of Mount Cazzaro in Tuscany, Italy, Trehalose and White Lily extract to give unparalleled moisture to the skin. Its Prism Enhancer System removes unwanted dead corneal cells and allows for maximum diffusion of light on the skin’s surface making it radiant with brightness.
ZA True White Cleansing Foam
What the Company claims: A whitening cleansing foam that provides essential care for moisturized translucent skin.
How to: Squeeze a small amount onto palm and work into a lather using cool or lukewarm water. Gently massage over face in circular motion. Rinse thoroughly.
Ingredients:
MRP: Rs.349/- for 100g (Available for Rs.339/- HERE)
It comes with a flip cap packaging. It is the creamiest face wash I have ever seen or used, like literal cream! It has small brown granules which help in light exfoliation and not harsh. It cleanses well and even removes your basic makeup.
Only issue being, I find it slightly drying, though thats the case with most cream based face washes. I generally like gel based ones for the same reason. But still it was the least drying and the most creamy cream based face wash. I would not recommend it for dry skin, unless you are used to cream based face washes. But would work great with oily combination skin, with some moisturizer above it, of course.
Rating: 3.75/5
ZA True White Toner
What the Company claims: A whitening toner for moisturized translucent skin.
How to: Smooth an appropriate amount over face with hand or cotton pad after cleansing.
Ingredients:
MRP: Rs.699/- for 150ml
Its a runny watery liquid, has a soft floral smell and does not dry out the skin even though it has alcohol.
I am not much of a toner person. I know people always recommend the CTM routine, but I am more into facial mists. Toner is not really my thing. Though it helps in cleaning and tightening pores,etc. I have not seen any major difference with/without toners on my skin. Or may be I am never regular enough with toners.
I definitely prefer alcohol free toners, as alcohol totally rips the moisture from the skin. There are not many options in India as far as good alcohol free toners are concerned. If you are into the CTM routine and tone regularly and are ok with toners having alcohol, do give this a try. I did not see too much of a difference though. Might work more for people with oily skin.
Rating: 3/5
ZA True White Night Cream
What the Company claims: This whitening Night Cream works hard while you are fast asleep. Gives high Whitening effect by diminishing melanisation, dark sports, blemish marks and patchiness to reveal translucent, clear skin; and Moisturizing effect by removing excess surface cells, while deeply hydrating skin from inside-out.
How to use: Smooth an appropriate amount over face with fingers after toner. Apply several dots on the face and spread evenly from the centre of the face outwards.
MRP: Rs.999/- for 40g
It comes in jar packaging like the ZA True White Day Cream. It has a gel like texture and is water based. It gets completely absorbed into the skin and there is no greasiness with this.
You don’t even need too much product, but just a pea sized amount. This will best suit people with oily skin. If you have dry skin and prefer light creams, then you will like it. But if you love heavy rich creams at night, this won’t be enough in terms of moisturization. I like water based creams especially in summers. Though at times I prefer richer ones when I feel my skin looks dry and needs hydration and moisture.
I did not find it deeply hydrating as claimed but it did help in healing a few acne spots faster. Worth a try.
Rating: 3.5/5
My favourite from the ZA Range is still the True White Day Protector, followed by the Cleansing Foam, Night Cream and Toner.
Have you tried the ZA skincare range ? If yes, what is your favourite ? If no, what would you like to try first ?
Kama Ayurveda Pure Lavender Water Face & Body Mist Review
What the Company claims: Pure Lavender Water face & body mist
Handpicked from the wild in the Himalayas, this lavender water has unparalleled soothing properties that provides an instant boost to the skin and reduce stress. An excellent facial toner, it cools & refreshes in hot weather. The steam distillation process used to create this wonderful water ensures a high level of hygiene and purity.
No artificial colours. No artificial fragrance. No animal ingredients. No petrochemicals, parabens, urea, propylene glycol or sulphates. All our organic products are internationally certified. Not tested on animals.
100% Natural
MRP: Rs.725/- for 200ml
It also comes in a smaller travel sized version I believe..
Kama Ayurveda already has a rose water which is like quiet famous and their one of the most selling products..so now they also came up with Lavender water..
I, personally love lavender more than rose..so if I have to choose, I would go with Lavender.
It comes in a brown tinted plastic bottle with a nozzle spray and a plastic cap..the packaging is quite sturdy, travel friendly and good..no issued with the spray.
Kama Ayurveda Waters i.e rose, lavender, vetiver, sandalwood and mogra all act as toners basically. And purest forms of toner..
Love the lavender smell. It soothes and refreshes instantly..and is a must have in my bag in this scorching heat.
Pros:
1. Love the lavender smell.
2. Soothing and refreshing.
3. Very convenient to use..and the travel sized bottle would be perfect for travel.
4. Good sturdy packaging and spray.
5. Must have for summers.
6. Lavender Essential Oil also helps in insomnia..and I also spray it every night, just before sleeping 🙂
Cons:
1. Little expensive..but I guess this 200 ml would last real long..coz I am using it everyday..and its not even 10% empty yet..so totally worth it.
Overall, I would say, it is not something that makes tall magical claims..it is meant to soothe and refresh the skin..and give the skin a boost in these horrible summers..and it does exactly that.
You can choose any Kama Ayurveda Water out of the five, depending on your choice. I love Lavender and I would be sticking to this 😀
Rating:
Quality: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
Would I buy it again: Yes
Have you tried Kama Ayurveda Water yet ? If yes, which and how do you find it ?
What the Company claims: A special blend of herbs that controls excess oil secretion and makes your skin oil-free. It is enriched with Lemon and Jasmine which refresh and cool your skin, Sensitive Plant extracts that control excess oil secretion, and Sweet Marjoram that nourishes the skin, to keep it healthy and radiant.Directions: After using Himalaya Herbals Deep Cleansing Milk, pour a few drops of Gentle Refreshing Toner on a cotton pad and wipe thoroughly over your face and neck.
Pack Size: Gentle Refreshing Toner is available in a pack size of 100ml.
Composition: Gentle Refreshing Toner contains the following ingredients:
Jasminum sambac (Jasmine, Jati) is cooling and valued in aiding the healing oily, sensitive and irritated skin.
Mimosa pudica (Sensitive Plant, Lajjalu) has styptic activity, anti-inflammatory and good for dry and injured skin.
Origanum majorana (Marjoram, Marubaka) has antibacterial, antifungal, soothing, refreshing and healing properties.
Citrus limon (Lemon, Nimbuka) has antibacterial, astringent and cell-regenerative properties. It helps to refresh the skin and improves toning.
MRP: Rs.70/- for 100ml
Its a transparent alcohol free toner..has a very light smell. It has this small nozzle like opening for the product to come out.
Pros:
1. Works nicely in keeping pores tightened and keeping skin oil free.
2. Handy to use and carry.
3. Economically priced.
4. Alcohol free.
5. Has herbal ingredients.
6. Gives a cooling effect.
Cons:
1. Skin comes back to normal in a few hours..so the effect does not stay for long.
2. Has parabens.
3. Would not bring in any much of a change in the skin.
Overall its a decent toner..good for keeping skin toned and matte for a few hours..but does not show any much of a change in the skin.
Rating:
Quality: 3.25/5
Value for money: 3.75/5
Availability: 4/5
Overall Rating: 3.75/5
Would I buy it again: May be
P.S: Product sent by brand for review but it has not affected my opinion.