Medimix Essential Herbs Ayurvedic Face Wash Review
What the Company claims: Medimix ayurvedic face wash gives your skin all day natural care and protection. The unique blend of turmeric, aloe vera and neem gently cleanses and rejuvenates skin. The divine herb lodhra reduces skin inflammation and improves complexion, kushtha and manjishtha helps in enhancing skin texture. The birth of Medimix dates back to a time when the cholayil family used viprathi oil as a cure to ailments of the skin.
The year 1969 proved pivotal in the family’s legacy as Dr. Sidhan combined a timeless tradition with a sharp acumen for business to develop a green bar of soap that could nourish and protect the skin. Medimix, over time, grew synonymous with skin care, the natural way. Strongly rooted in ayurveda, this amalgamation of 18 herbs has been on a constant endeavor to spread the happiness that comes from having young and healthy skin.
For generations, women and indeed entire families have placed their trust on Medimix and this is testimony to the magical properties that it holds. Currently available in 3 variants of soaps and a face wash, Medimix is all set to expand its range and further its vision of ayurvedic happiness for all.
Ingredients & Directions:
MRP: Rs.60 for 50ml (Buy HERE), Rs.100 for 100ml (Buy HERE)
It comes in this small, easy to carry, convenient flip cap tube packaging. This 50ml tube is perfect for your handbag and travels too.
I love gel based face wash as they do not foam much and do not dry out my skin. I always prefer gel based face washes over foam based ones, especially the ones with neem.
It is gel like in texture but not very runny, has a strong herbal smell, you can smell the herbs immediately. This face wash not only has neem which is my favourite ingredient, but a blend of other 5 very good herbs. Let me tell you the benefits of each..
Nimba i.e. Neem is anti bacterial and widely used for skin disorders
Haridra i.e. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and antiallergic. It also enhances the complexion and skintone.
Kumari i.e. Aloe Vera calms and soothes the skin and is the only herb that can penetrate deep into your skin.
Lodhra is cooling and helps with acne as it is a mild astringent
Kushtha is antiseptic and known as a complexion enhancer. It is also widely used in treating many skin diseases.
Manjistha is known to soothe the skin and treat acne. Again a complexion enhancer too
All these herbs are widely used in skincare, to heal, soothe and treat many skin diseases and for improving the skin’s texture.
I love the fact that Medimix refrains from using unnecessary, extra ingredients or harmful chemicals in their products. Also it is free from animal fat. It is SLS and paraben free!
My skin feels soft and smooth, and not dry and stretchy after every use, I do not reach for the moisturizer immediately. I haven’t got any new breakouts since the time I am using this, even during that time of the month when I usually get 1-2 always!
Neem and turmeric are helping control the acne by killing the bacterial germs. Aloe vera is soothing and hydrating the skin while Lodhra, Kushtha and Manjistha are improving the skin’s texture.
I definitely recommend this face wash, it is my current Holy Grail and I am sure you will love it too, especially if you have oily to combination, acne prone skin. This will work for sensitive skin too, as it soothes and calms the skin and does not irritate it as there are no harmful chemicals.
Medimix also has a Anti-Tan variant i.e Medimix Ayurvedic Anti Tan Face Wash with Tanaka. I would be trying that too, soon.
Summers are here and sadly, showing no signs of mercy especially up in the North. Oh, wait… Who am I trying to fool? The entire India seethes as if set on fire during the inclement summers, right? 😛 While one would have checked their beauty armoury and stashed all essentials needed to brave the unforgiving summers, yet those of us who have highly chapped lips would be in a dilemma for the thirst of intense hydration of their lips would weigh on their minds. While at the same time, investing in a lip ‘butter’ (I know you might be wondering as to who’d invest in such ‘heavy’ lip products in summers) might sound impractical. 2 states… Not the flick but of your mind are having their own tussle and you are left puzzled!
Hold on. What if there is a lip butter that works to soothe your chapped lips deeply while not making them feel greasy/oily/heavy all the while it has been put on? Oh, and what if it is 100% natural, free from chemicals and vegan? I know I have ignited your interest you Obsessive-Compulsive- lip-balm- addict 😛 Scroll down to read my verdict on Raw Rituals Orange Lip Butter.
WHAT IT CLAIMS- Pamper your pucker with our lip butter daily to keep them moisturised, soft and supple.
MY VIEWS-
Packed in a plastic tube with a see-through cap on top, the packaging of this lip balm is simple, hygienic and handy. The cap has not lost its grip even after a month of regular use. On that account, it is up to the mark in terms of packaging for me.
The lip butter has the smoothest possible texture I have cover across till date. It glides so effortlessly that at times, I swipe it more than what is required simply because I enjoy the ease with which it glides 😛
It is neither waxy nor greasy that we expect most lip ‘butters’ to be. It is lightweight and when applied feels very natural. The staying power is good at 4-5 hours and so is the moisturisation ability. No wait, let me correct it. The moisturisation power is phenomenal! Your lips feel deeply…intensely… hydrated. And even after it gets wholly absorbed, you can note that it just did not sit on your lips all this while. It worked to heel them. For this reason, I’d recommend it to all those with severely chapped lips.
The aroma, although transient, refreshes you for it isn’t artificial and quite mild. It is so deeply hydrating that you can wear the most ‘drying’ lipsticks with sheer abandon if you have coated your lips with lip butter in the first place. With light meals, I haven’t experienced the need of a touch-up while with heavy ones, there is. I can turn a blind eye to it for that’s a minor flaw.
On the flipside, there is only shortcoming with this lip butter which I cannot ignore and that is its inability to impart any colour/tint. It is colourless which is why, those with pigmented lips may not be able to cover the darkness of their lips. So, that is the only input from me to Team Raw Rituals. All else for me falls in place. Pout without a doubt if you have this lip butter by your side 🙂
GOOD-
1. Commendable moisturisation power. Keeps lips well hydrated for 4-5 hours. Duration may vary depending on the condition of the lips but the point remains that it has an amazing moisturisation ability. Even after it gets absorbed fully, your lips feel softened.
2. Heels the cracks well.
3. Natural aroma. I am glad it hasn’t been pumped with artificial aroma. And the faint aroma of orange essential oil is refreshing. It isn’t long lasting but for the time it stays, you don’t feel that you have murdered your nostrils with a fake fragrance (under the garb of which many chemicals are added)
4. Packaging is on par. Stick packaging is handy, hygienic and avoids contamination.
5. Well-priced. It is budget-friendly.
6. 100% Natural
7. Chemical and preservative free
8. Made in India
9. Works wonders for the most chapped lips. Again, duration of healing may vary but it is a wondrous choice given its efficacy, ability, price and content.
10. A single stick lasts a good 3 months.
11. Can be purchased through Amazon India.
BAD-
1. No tint/colour imparted. Thus, unable to cover pigmentation/darkness of lips.
RATING- 4.75/5
Editor’s Note: I haven’t tried Raw Rituals products, but they seem good. Will definitely try something.
New & Improved Avon Glimmersticks Eyeliners Review, Swatches
Hi guys,
I have reviewed some of the Avon Glimmersticks variants before, today I am reviewing their new and improved Glimmersticks, they have improved the formula and here are my thoughts
What the Company claims: All New Formula, Bolder Color in One stroke, Continuous Waterproof Lines whole day
MRP: Rs. 329/- for 0.28g (For Rs.259 currently) (Available online on Nykaa)
Shades available:
Emerald Green
Blackest Black
Cosmic Brown
Majestic Plum
Starry Night Blue
They do keep adding shades or some Limited Edition shade for a new collection, they had added Textured Teal and Nocturnal, two new shades in 2012 with their Urban Jungle Collection, I have reviewed the Nocturnal shade HERE
They have a lot of different ranges in Glimmersticks, there is Ultra Brights (Reviewed HERE), Diamonds (more shimmery), Cosmic, Liqui- Glide, Flick eyeliner. And then there are Lip Liners and Brow Definers.
The pencils have color coordinated base which makes them easier to identify. I always prefer retractable pencils as I do not like wastage of product with sharpeners.
I can definitely notice the better formula in the first stroke, they were always easy to glide on and use, these are even more pigmented! I have mentioned in my earlier review how they use to break and are very soft, this time they didn’t break much. As you see in this swatch, the black broke a bit while swatching, but they are definitely more firmer.
They are easy to glide on and you get the required pigmentation in one stroke. I have the shades Blackest Black, Emerald, Majestic Plum and Starry Night Blue.
They stayed on for a good whole day on my upper lashline, for about 5-6 hours on my lower lashline and 3-4 hours on my waterline. I have very watery eyes, so I am still very impressed with the staying power. On the upper lashline, it just didn’t budge unless I took it off with a good makeup remover at the end of the day.
Entire quantity
I definitely suggest checking these out, and for the price, they are total value for money! I would recommend these over some of the other new launches which just break and you end up sharpening the entire pencil with a complete waste of product!
Left – Right: Starry Night Blue, Majestic Plum, Blackest Black, Emerald
The only con with these was they were available only through Avon reps, but now you get them online too, on Nykaa, etc. Though you cannot use the current offers and discounts as these websites have fixed prices.
Have you tried the new Avon Glimmerstick Eyeliners yet?
Cheryl’s Cosmeceuticals Facial Experiential & Home Care Kit Review
Hi guys,
So on the 10th of June, I went for a skin analysis and facial experiential of Cheryl’s Cosmecueticals at L’Oreal India office.
Let me tell you a little more about Cheryl’s Cosmeceuticals first.
Gunjan Jain, National Education Manager, who has been working with Cheryl’s Cosmecueticals for more than 9 years attended to me. She started by giving me a background about the brand and skin diagnosis with various advanced technologies introduced by Cheryl’s. They have a special Skin Scan App for salon experts that helps them understand the client’s skin and suggests a treatment accordingly. Not only that, the Skin Scan App also stores the client’s data. She did my skin scan test where I was asked a few basic questions about my skin type and concern, age, etc. and I had to register with my name, number and email id and if I did like to book an appointment now or later. This is the exact same app which Cheryl’s has at all salons where they provide Cheryl’s services. We went through it like they do with the clients at the salon.
Then they also had a magnifying glass with a light which has both 5x and 7x magnification to see those deep rooted, pesky blackheads which are not visible to the naked eye.
Cheryl’s Hydrameter
The most interesting tool was the Hydrameter which is used to test the moisture and oil levels. It shows the exact moisture and oil present in your skin and if it is below the required 35 to 50%, then it denotes that the skin is dehydrated.
So all these gadgets help scan the skin and zero down on which facial or treatment is needed by the client. There are normal facials and there are specific treatments for particular skin concerns.
I just had dryness and a little redness due to sensitivity, so we went ahead with the Sensiglow Facial. Now each facial kit comes with pre-measured sachets used at different steps.
About Sensiglow: Cheryl’s SensiGlow is a harmonizing facial to address sensitive skin concerns ,
Main Actives in the facial:
1. Sodium PCA, a key water soluble natural ingredient in the epidermis that keeps the skin well hydrated and radiant and
2. Sea Buckthorn Oil, a natural plant ingredient that plays a vital restorative and revitalizing action on the skin. It is very useful in combating and reducing redness on the skin as it is an effective anti-inflammatory agent that reduces the inflammation of blood capillaries.
Cheryl’s SensiGlow is an instant glow treatment that makes the skin lighter and radiant by eliminating dead skin cells. It also contains active herbal ingredients that uncover lighter glowing skin and is suitable for all skin types that are sensitive. It is specially formulated for calming and soothing sensitive skin. Itchiness and sensitivity are drastically reduced and the skin becomes less irritable.
Cheryl’s SensiGlow is a 6 step process which involves cleansing, deep cleansing, toning, massaging, packing and refreshing. The products used in this treatment are enriched with power-packed ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile oil, lactic acid, shiso extract that are specifically formulated to avoid irritations and provide instant glow that makes the skin lighter and radiant by eliminating dead skin cells.
Steps:
1. Cleansing: It’s like a basic cleansing milk, massaged on the skin for a minute and wiped with a cotton ball.
2. Double Cleansing: There is another cleansing step where the cream is massaged on the skin for 2-3 minutes. It is followed by steam. Now since only my nose had a few blackheads/whiteheads, Gunjan covered the rest of the face with tissue while giving steam so that the other parts of the skin don’t get irritated. It is followed by extraction of blackheads, which again were just a few on the nose. And lastly she cleanses again, so that any residue left after the steam and opening of pores is cleansed.
3. Toner: A toner is dabbed with a cotton ball all over the face to close the pores.
4. Massage: It is followed by a massage cream and Gunjan thoroughly massaged the face and neck for a good 10 minutes. It was very relaxing and I could feel the blood circulation.
5. Face Pack: Later a face pack is applied with a brush which is kept for about 10 minutes, until it dries.
6. Refresher with Anti-oxidants: A moisturizing lotion, little thicker than a toner, is applied after the face pack. Again dabbed with a cotton ball, similar to the toner.
7. Last but not the least, sun block is applied to the skin. They have two sun blocks, one for normal to dry skin i.e. cream form and one for oily skin i.e. spray form. She used the cream one for me.
Price: Rs.1200/- on an average, though varies from salon to salon
Duration: 1 hour + 10-15 minutes for skin scan
Want to know how it felt on my skin?
Before – After
I absolutely loved the results. My skin felt hydrated and fresh. The redness was reduced a lot and the skin was glowing. I noticed even more difference the next day. Since the facial was SensiGlow, it takes care of the redness of sensitive skin and gives a nice glow to the face. It did both of these things for me.
I also got three products as a part of my home care kit and I have been using them since the next day of the facial.
Cheryl’s Dermalite Facewash: A clinically proven gentle and effective cleanser that cleanses and lightens skin. Cheryl’s Dermalite is a powerpacked product with ingredients that exfoliate, hydrate, moisturize resulting in cleansed, brightened and lightened skin.
Price: Rs. 275/-
It comes in a tube form and is light blue in color with gel like texture, you just need one pea sized amount in every wash, so you need very little product. It doesn’t foam too much and that is what I like about it. It doesn’t dry out the skin and yet cleanses it really well. I use it on my cleansing brush for deep cleansing at times and my skin is super soft, smooth and completely cleansed.
I love the minty and cooling smell and effect, skin is definitely cleansed, brighter and smoother with this.
O2C2 Radiance Lotion: Inspired by gene science and stem cells research, a product that is specially formulated with ingredients like:
• Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate that is a potent anti-ageing agent
• Actinidia Polygama Fruit Extract that improves the transparency of the skin
• Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract which is known to enhance the radiance and luminosity of the skin. This is formulated to draw out and enhance the natural radiance and shine of the skin that is more associated with young, youthful and glowing skin.
Price: Rs. 1050/-
So Gunjan told me that O2C2 is her favourite product, but the product specifically mentions not for sensitive and acne prone skin and since she saw a little redness and sensitivity on my face, she told me to try this for 1-2 days and use it only if no redness or irritation.
I was a little apprehensive but I went ahead and tried it and I absolutely love it. Since the face wash exfoliates the skin a bit, using this post cleansing, does feel a little tingly at certain areas, but it subsides in a minute. It is a thick and rich lotion, but quite runny and not like a cream. It does feel hydrating and rich on the skin, and a little sticky, I believe it has glycerine.
It does not sweat the skin or make it greasy though, the stickiness settles in some time. I mostly use it at night and wake up to super soft, smooth and bright skin! I love my skin every morning, post using this.
DermaShade SPF 30 spray – Cheryl’s Dermashade Sunblock: Cheryl’s DermaShade Sunblock is formulated to offer complete sun protection, backed by the latest sun care technology and SPF boosters. It provides the highest protection against UV, lock in moisture so that the skin doesn’t dry out and also provides complete protection against sun damage.
Price: Rs. 600/-
Cheryl’s has two sunblocks, one in a cream format for normal to dry skin and one is in a spray format for oily skin. It is super light and easy to blend on the face. It does not leave the face with a greasy or a whitish cast. Since the lotion is quite runny, I like to pat in on the face. I use about 3 sprays for the face and neck. It is the most light weight facial sunscreen I have used. I have used lighter spray ones for the body, but none for the face yet.
L-R: O2C2, Sunblock,Face Wash
It’s been about 12-13 days post the facial and using the home care kit, and my skin is back to normal! I had a few breakouts in between, and if you follow me on Snapchat, you know about the pimples on the lips too. My skin is soft, smooth and much more even since the time I began using this range.
I absolutely recommend trying out Cheryl’s facials and treatments plus their home care kits! I love the blend of natural and scientific ingredients they have, to get that perfect product.
Have you ever tried Cheryl’s Cosmeceuticals? If not, you can avail these customised treatments at a Cheryl’s salon near you!
It’s a cute bag, blue faux leather smooth finish bag with pastel pink lips print all over the bag, I quite liked the bag.
Products I got:
Sugar It’s A Pout Time Lipstick in Peachy Little Liars- Rs.599
Neemli Naturals Bengal Gram Exfoliator- Rs.425/- for 50g
Pep Moisture Velvet Shampoo- Rs.119/- for 50ml
Johara Instant Radiance Face Scrub- Rs.100 for 15g
Total value of the products: Rs.1245
Starting with the Sugar Lipstick, I am very happy to get this one in this month’s bag, I think I had got one earlier in March or April when they had launched, the shade was Mad Magenta. This time I got a chance to pick the shade and I went with Peachy Little Liars, they have added two new shades, one this and the other red.
I absolutely love the shade, it’s not a peach but more of a pink brown nude. I will be posting a pic wearing that on my Instagram soon.
Neemli Naturals Bengal Gram exfoliator is a clay based face pack which needs to be rubbed after it days, so that it even exfoliates skin. It is on the lines of a ubtan, and can be used both for the face and body. Though it is very expensive to be used for the body and you will need the whole pack for one time use, I will be sticking to using it for the face. It has multani mitti, turmeric, gram flour, rice flour and sandalwood powder.
I have the Johara Instant Radiance face scrub before (full review HERE) and quite like it, this sample is very tiny though, but this is good for travel and might last 3 uses.
I have never tried Pep Moisture Velvet Shampoo, this has Oat Proteins and claims to make hair very soft and manageable in few uses. This 50 ml bottle should last 7-8 uses, again perfect for travel. I am looking forward to trying this out.
I like the Sugar Lipstick and Neemli scrub, both the full sized products in the bag. I won’t say it’s a must buy, but you can if you want to try Sugar lipstick.
Also only members with 3,6 or 12 months subscriptions will get a chance to choose the shade, while others who buy only for this month, will not get the option to choose the shade.
Plum Chamomile & White Tea Skin Revival Face Wash Review
By Sanchita
INTRODUCTION
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION – Exposure to the sun can irritate the skin and also lead to free- radical damage that can cause age spots, pigmentation, wrinkles and much else. Soothing chamomile, rejuvenating white tea and antioxidant-rich botanical extracts: just perfect to relax, refresh and revive skin that’s exposed to the sun and the elements. Soap-free, gentle foaming face wash that will make your skin smile!
Great for regular use before and after sun exposure
Gentle foaming, soap-free base
Cleanses effectively without drying the skin
Chamomile flower extracts help calm and soothe sun-burned skin
Antioxidant-rich white tea, Gingko biloba and olive leaf extracts help skin fight free radical damage
Very lightly sprinkled with gentle cellulose beads, great for everyday gentle scrubbing action
Soothing fragrance that calms your senses (phthalate-free)
You only need a little amount for each use – thanks to the smart formula
Hygienic flip-top tube packaging
Paraben-free, SLS-free, phthalate-free & vegan – as always
PRICE – INR 350 for 75ml
INGREDIENTS:
MY REVIEW
The Plum Chamomile & White Tea Skin Revival Face Wash is packed inside a white glossy cardboard box with every information written on it. It houses a sturdy white tube with a translucent flip open cap which shuts properly. The opening from where the product is dispenses has the right size and there is no chance of being wasted. Additionally, the tube packaging is also hygienic. The tube is light weight and efficient enough to travel with without being any spilling mess at all. Overall, the packaging was neat and proper.
The face wash is orangish in color with micro beads in it. It has a mild citrus fragrance to it which does refreshes the skin but the smell simply fades off after patting the skin dry. The consistency of the face wash is of gel based. You require a decent amount of the product for the face and once you massage this onto the dampen face, it also foams well enough.
The face wash, though seems mild works very well on oil, dirt and environmental pollution that clogs the pores on the skin. I have never tried to wash off any layer of makeup but the days when I simply use sunscreen and a layer of powder on top, I skip the cleansing and simply use this face wash. It effectively takes off every layer of impurities and keeps the skin cleansed. I have oily acne prone skin which exaggerates in summer but this face wash has been quite soothing to my skin. It never leaves the skin stretchy or dry but a smooth and light hydration. The beads present are extremely mild and I didn’t find them very effective in exfoliation at all. The product is best suited for oily to combination skin and will never break you out.
It contains the goodness of Chamomile flower extracts which soothes and calms the skin, especially in this scorching summer. The presence of white tea helps fighting the free radicals and thereby provides you with younger and fresher looking skin. Furthermore, the formula is paraben-free, SLS-free, phthalate-free & vegan – which is something I love about the product. I am not very happy with the price tag as it seems a bit too much for a daily usage one.
OVERALL – The face wash effectively cleanses the skin of dirt and impurities without leaving it dry and also formulate with paraben, SLS and other harmful chemicals.
WHAT I LIKED
I. Hygienic and efficient packaging.
II. Gel based product with mild refreshing smell.
III. Removes dirt and impurities well.
IV. Gives a fresh glow to the skin.
V. Doesn’t make the skin stretchy or dry.
VI. Doesn’t break you out.
VII. Best suited for oily to combination skin.
VIII. Developed with the goodness of Chamomile flower extracts, white tea, Gingko biloba and olive leaf extracts.
IX. Paraben-free, SLS-free, phthalate-free & vegan.
WHAT I DISLIKED
I. The exfoliating beads are of no use.
II. It won’t suit normal to dry skin.
III. Price is high.
RATING
Quality: 3.5/5
Value for money: 2/5
Availability: 4.5/5
Overall rating: 3.5/5
RECOMMENDATION – The face wash works very well for the oily to combination skin as it cleanses and gives a smoother look to the skin and the paraben-free, SLS-free, phthalate-free & vegan is surely worthwhile. Although the price tag is a bit high.
Editor’s Note: That’s a nice and detailed review Sanchita, the pictures are amazing!
Have you tried the new Plum Goodness Chamomile & White Tea Range?
Top 10 Must Try Salon Treatments in India, Prices, Details
By Archana
Am sure all of us girls pay a visit to the salon atleast monthly once. Many of us go looking for cheap packages and end up getting horrific threaded eyebrows and painful waxing. One of my friends once told me that in some salon she visited, one person waxed her left hand, second person waxed her right hand and third person did her facial, all at the same time! I was simply horrified listening to the experience. We go to a salon to pamper and relax ourself. So what’s the point of going through so much pains? Here I list down some of the best salons and the best treatments they offer. Its slightly pricier than the local salons but the experience is worth it. Read on to know the top 10 salon treatments you need to try.
1. Enrich Salons Head Massage:
Enrich Salons offers some of the best hair services of all. The stylists are well trained and experts in their profession. Its the only salon where I loved the hair spa that I got. They also offer warm, relaxing head massages. What’s special about their head massages is that not only do they offer the regular olive oil, coconut oil head massages, but also they use special essential oils. You can choose from tea tree essential oil, rosemary, patchouli, geranium, lavender, vitamin E oil, etc, depending on your hair type and concern. I have never seen these essential oils being used for head massage in other salons. Head massage done under the hands of an expert with expert products is one of the best ways to destress and relax and also get healthy hair.
Price: Rs.525 for head massage and Rs.750 for head massage with shampooing.
2. Enrich Salons Black Masks:
One more service to try at the Enrich Salon. Believe me, they have really good interiors and decors and which help to relax immediately on entering. Also, they have a buy 1 get 1 offer every Tuesday. Their Black Masks are basically a detanning, detoxifying and brightening treatment. If you are suffering from heavy tan on face, arms, legs or feet, then this Black Mask is the perfect solution for you. The Black Mask is made with natural ingredients and the minerals present in the mask draws out oil and dirt from the face while the antioxidants energize and rejuvenate your skin. You can notice an instant detan effect. Tip:Currently, they have introduced some new services like Mango Detan and Watermelon Splash for hands and legs. 😉
Price: Rs.1200 for face and neck, Rs.900 for feet, Rs.2000 for half hands and Rs.3000 for half legs.
3. Toni & Guy Essensuals Icecream Pedicure & Manicure:
The perfect treat for summers is not only eating a tub full of icecream but also indulging yourself in these exotic icecream pedicure and manicure! The treatment consists of bath fizz bombs which instantly melts in water and soothes and cools your hands and foot. What’s more, at Essensuals, along with the icecream pedicure, you can opt in for a candle massage if you have very dry feet which need intense moisturization.
Price: Rs.900-1100
4. Toni & Guy Essensuals Eye and Lip care:
Eyes and lips are often the most neglected parts in our face. Though we often go for facials, our eyes and lips go untreated. If you have dark circles, fine lines, dry and chapped lips, then try this Eye and Lip care treatment from Essensuals. This is especially a good treatment for software engineers as it helps to relax and soothe tired eyes as they do the massaging.
Price: around Rs.650
5. YLG Premium Coffee and Luxury Gold Waxing:
Gone are the days when waxing was a pain and just a job to be done. YLG has taken waxing to a new level by introducing luxury in it. YLG is well-known for their waxing services and they have experts in that. They offer different variants of waxing like Green Tea, Lavender, Lemon and Chocolate. Two of the notable and unique ones are the Premium Coffee Waxing and Luxury Gold Waxing. Not only are they painless and smell good, but they also offer other benefits like detanning, slowing down hair growth and giving long-lasting glow.
Price: Full Arms With Full Legs And Under Arms – Rs.599 for Premim Coffee Wax and Rs.699 for Luxury Gold wax
6. Lakme Salon Youth Infinity Sculpting Facial:
This is one of the facials which really showed long lasting effects on me. It helps to tone and firm the skin and gives a nice glow and these effects lasts for around 2-3 weeks if you take good care of your skin. The facial begins with a normal cleanser, scrub, steam and blackhead extraction. After this, the popular Lakme Youth Infinity Serum is applied and a small massager is ran over your face. This helps the serum to penetrate deeper and also tone and firm up the skin. Then a mask is applied and a gauze is placed on top of your face followed by another layer of mask application. This detailed facial lasts for around 90 minutes and you are also given a back massage. This facial is definitely recommended for those past 25 years when the skin starts showing signs of ageing.
Price: Rs.2400
7. Lakme Salon Hair Spa:
Lakme Salon offers a variety of hair spas including the popular Moroccan Oil Hair Spa. Other hair spas offered are Destress Spa, Enhance Spa and Miracle Oil Spa. Along with the hair spas, you can also opt for an extra dose of nourishment which comes as Health Boost, Silk Boost and Shimmer Boost.
Price: From Rs.1200 – Rs.2200. Boosts – Rs.400.
8. Naturals Salon Young Radiance Facial:
This is one of Naturals Salons signature facials and it lasts for 60 minutes. It detoxifies impurities and brightens up face with a nice, soft, radiant glow. You can choose an add-on mask from whitening, firming or bridal glow. The effect of the facial lasts for upto 2 weeks.
Price: Rs.1400. Masks: Rs.300, 400 and 1000.
9. Jean Claude Biguine Exfoliating Body Scrub And Nourishing Wrap:
It is a 60 minute body treatment consisting of scrub using special salt crystal exfoliation technique and thereafter a moisturizing milk is applied to your entire body to soothe your dry epidermis, leaving you hydrated and refreshed.
Price: Rs.3600
10. Warren Tricomi Skin Treatments:
The specialty of Warren Tricomi is their luxury skin treatments. It comes in different variants – Whitening treatment, hydrating rose treatment, anti-ageing treatment, purifying treatment, instance radiance, skincare with Forest Essentials, skincare with Clarins, etc. Also you can try out the Deep Conditioning Ritual by Kerastase for a luxury hair treatment.
Price: From: Rs.1500
Editor’s Note: That’s a fabulous list Archana, very helpful! I can’t wait to try some of these, ice cream pedicure sounds interesting.
Top 10 Moisturizers for Oily and Combination Skin in India, Prices, Buy Online
By Sanchita
As we emphasize on the CTM routine, the application of moisturizer is very well for the oily and combination skin as well. This becomes slightly challenging because the temperature for most of the time is generally hit and humid and too much products on the face will surely clog the pores and make it look oily. Therefore, the oily and combination skin will always have to choose a moisturizer that would control the sebum, gives a matte look and would nourish the skin as well.
Therefore, I have compiled a list of the top 10 moisturizers for oily and combination skin in India for your convenience. Let’s have a look at it.
OILY SKIN TYPE
1. Lacto Calamine Skin Balance Oil Control Lotion: Price – INR 160 for 120 ml (Buy HERE)
This is a quite well known choice of moisturizer for oily and combination skin types for all seasons. Lacto Calamine comprises of Kaolin which has natural minerals, acts as an exfoliator and helps in dead skin removal. It moisturizes the skin thoroughly and then gives a soft matte and shine free look. It also contains Glycerin helps control excess oil, thus reducing acne, making smooth and clear. Further, you can use this as a primer and helps the base to look flawless. It will never cause any irritation and will balance out the pH level of the skin, thereby reducing the oil factor.
2. Clean and Clear Skin Balancing Moisturizer: Price – INR 50 for 50 ml (Buy HERE)
This is one of the best oil free moisturizer for oily skin in the budget friendly range and personally, I have been using it for the past one year. The Moisturiser is white in color, and has a thin consistency. It may appear to be gel-based, but is actually a cream-based product. It has a light weight texture and gives a soothing effect to the skin. This product moisturizes the skin without any greasiness or shine and does not clog pores. It has Salicylic acid that helps prevent pimples and blackheads. It leaves your skin feeling clean and hydrated. It is fragrance-free, so it suits even sensitive skin.
3. Lotus Herbals Alphamoist Alpha Hydroxy Skin Renewal Oil Free Moisturiser: Price – INR 265 for 80 ml (Buy HERE)
Before Clean and Clear Skin Balancing Moisturizer, I had used this Alphamoist Alpha Hydroxy Skin Renewal Oil Free Moisturiser for quite some time and I have to say it really does the job well. It has a light weight liquid kind of a texture and blends into the skin in no time at all. It is nourished with Aloe Vera which has excellent moisturizing and skin healing properties, anti- inflammatory and soothing properties. It also contains Grape Extract which acts as a natural astringent, antimicrobial and antioxidant moisturizer for oily skin. Thus, the skin will feel nourished and rejuvenated after prolonged usage.
4. L’Oreal Hydrafresh Deep Boosting Essence: Price- INR 685 for 50ml (Buy HERE)
Essence is one of the most important product in the Korean skincare routine and works excellent as a moisturizer for oily skin. The L’Oreal Hydrafresh Deep Boosting Essence has been formulated with triple hyaluronic acid technology and by this method the moisture is continuously diffused through the skin and locked at several layers, thereby hydrating the skin on one hand and then keeping it matte on the other. It is also supplemented with the goodness of Vitamin E and protect skin from external aggressions. This is one provides a fresher and younger looking complexion when used twice a day religiously.
5. Forest Essentials Pure Aloe Vera Light Moisturising Facial Gel: Price – INR 1250 for 50g (Buy HERE)
Aloe Vera gel is the best possible moisturizer for oily skin and the FE Pure Aloe Vera Light Moisturising Facial Gel has the added benefits of other ingredients that makes the skin glow from within. It is light, cool facial contains Aloe Vera has strong soothing and moisture retaining properties with a soft texture that blends into the skin like a dream. The Genhu Extracts in it prevents premature aging and reduces ultra violet rays induced sun damage to the skin. It further helps in drainage of secretions from the sebaceous glands of the skin and thereby helps in thwarting of black heads.
6. Neutrogena Oil – Free Moisture SPF 15: Price – INR 349 for 115 ml (Buy HERE)
Neutrogena is one brand you can trust blindly when it comes to skin care within budget friendly price tag. This oil free moisturizer comes with a sun protection formula of 15 and prevents skin from darkening. It has a rather lightweight, non-greasy texture with a consistency of a liquid lotion and keeps the skin moisturized for around 7-8hours without getting oily or greasy. The sheer formula absorbs quickly into skin leaving it smoother and softer. This moisturizer has a tested formula that contains no fragrance, no dyes, and no excess ingredients. It is completely non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores that can cause skin to break out.
COMBINATION SKIN TYPE
7. Plum Aloe Caring Day Moisturizer: Price – INR 450 for 60g (Buy HERE)
The Plum Aloe Caring Day Moisturizer is a light weight cream that gets absorbed into the skin and gives a flawless nourished skin without greasiness. This is the perfect pick for combination skin. It is manufactured with the purest natural ingredients, devoid of any chemicals, synthetic colors, PABA, SLS, etc. it repairs dryness, dullness and gives a hydrated skin. This has been formulated with the goodness of organic Aloe juice, which nourishes and heal skin. Further, it has the goodness of vitamin E providing wholesome nourishment.
8. Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Combination Skin: Price – INR 299 for 118 ml (Buy HERE)
Neutrogena has specialized moisturizers for every skin type. This has a lightweight, dual-action formula that moisturizes dry areas while it controls oily shine. It is a special oil-absorbing Micro-sponge system controls oil and shine in the T-Zone for combination skin. This moisturizer is non-comedogenic and therefore won’t clog pores or break out even if you have acne prone skin. The skin feels softer and smoother which further adds a natural and matte finish throughout the day.
9. The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream: Price – INR 995 for 50 ml (Buy HERE)
TBS is one of the top brands for skin care in India and the Vitamin E Moisture Cream perfectly fits he description for combination skin. it is powerfully enriched with one of the best antioxidants that help protect the skin against damaging environmental elements, such as the sun, pollution and cigarette smoke. It also helps to neutralize free radicals, which are destructive molecules that attack cell on the skin. it retains the moisture for a long time, keeping the skin supple and soft without getting greasy and oily. It also contains lanolin which is one of nature’s richest moisturizers.
10. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Protective Care – Combination to Oily Skin – INR 1350 for 40ml (Buy HERE)
La Roche-Posay Toleriane is a non-oily emulsion that blends into the skin like a dream. It gives an instant soothing and hydrating effect to the skin after application and calms the irritated skin. This product has been formulated for oily to combination skin and hydrates the dry areas without making it oily at all. The emulsion penetrates instantaneously and restores skin comfort. It is non-comedogenic and won’t clog the pores at all. Further it is fragrance-free, preservative- free and paraben-free.
Editor’s Note: That’s a nice list Sanchita. I used to swear by Lacto Calamine and still use only that on days when I don’t wish to use anything else on the face.
Have you tried these? Which is your favourite moisturizer for oily-combination skin?
Picture this- you wake up in the morning cursing your alarm clock to the hilt, subject your teeth to corporal punishment by venting out all the frustration of having to wake up and face the world, have a bath as quickly as possible, grab a bite and rush to your office in the twinkling of an eye. Thanks to the work at place, it is certain that your energy and peace of mind will see a nosedive! (I am such a sadist)
Dog-tired and frazzled as the office time comes to a closing, you battle a sea of humans and vehicles on your way back home. By now your body is screaming for pampering but you are on the verge of collapsing the moment you see you bed. And you conveniently turn a blind eye to the implorations of your body. The cycle repeats. Indefinitely!
What do we end up with? Dull,exhausted and more or less inanimate bodies that reflect our fatigue. But wait, all of this can be put a full stop with. How? You can indulge in a mini at-home spa session which does not even entail running down your pockets. Simply grab a bath bomb crafted by this all- natural, cruelty-free brand from Namma Bangaluru- Aroma Essentials. Having used a number of their products in the past, I was thrilled when I got to know that they were introducing their range of bath bombs. Having used some of their bath bombs- four to be precise, today I will review the one that made to my list of favourites. It is none other than ‘Aroma Essentials Sandalwood bath bomb’.
In the picture, you can see that I tried four of their bath bombs. The purple one is of lavender, the white for tulsi and the light green one for grapefruit
Aroma Essentials Claims: Bath salts and fizzies create a luxurious bath time, helping you to relax, unwind and forget about your troubles.
They can also be used in aromatherapy, a complementary and alternative medicine. Aromatherapy bath bombs uses essential oils to create an aroma, which can aid healing.
These specific bath bombs are used for therapeutic purposes and can bring a sense of calm and well being.
Struggling to sleep?
Why not try a Lavender /jasmin Bath Bomb, this is a classic bath bomb that is used to reduce stress, bring a sense of calm. Use before bedtime for a good nights sleep.
Suffering with a cold and congestion?
Try a lemon and eucalyptus bath bomb to help awaken your senses.
PRICE- 75/- INR for one bath bomb (Can order from their facebook page HERE)
DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Simply pop a bath bomb in a tub/bucket with ample water (cold/warm/lukewarm- your choice) and let it dissolve within a few seconds. Soak your hands, feet, in fact the entire body and relax for half an hour. Welcome relaxation!
CLAIMS- Bath salts and fizzies create a luxurious bath time, helping you to relax, unwind and forget about your troubles. They can also be used in aromatherapy, a complementary and alternative medicine. Aromatherapy bath bombs uses essential oils to create an aroma, which can aid healing. These specific bath bombs are used for therapeutic purposes and can bring a sense of calm and well-being.
MY EXPERIENCE-
Packed in a simple plastic cover that is further enclosed in a bubble wrap, the packaging at first may seem underwhelming to anyone but scratch the surface and you won’t be disappointed. Why? The bath bomb is meant for a single use. So, once used, there is nothing to store. So, why go for fancy packings? Just ensure what is needed to safeguard its condition till delivery and be done with it, right? 🙂 Honestly, I support and resonate with this idea. It makes no sense in my opinion to engage in heavy-duty or fancy coverings for products that are meant for single uses. As a result, the packaging of this bath bomb works well for me.
The bath bomb has a grainy texture and when popped into a tub/bucket containing water (I opt for lukewarm), it dissolves within seconds. The concoction turns slightly pink and it does not stain the bucket at all. What is to be done next? Soak your hands/feet/entire body (if you opted for a bath tub), close your eyes, think of Ryan Gosling (highly subjective point, ladies so you can insert any man’s name here. Feel free to disclose in the comments section however) and relax for 30 minutes.
After those 30 minutes, wake up and come back to earth 😛 Step out of the tub and using a pumice stone gently rub the soles of your feet to rid you off the layers of dead skin cells that have accumulated for long on it. Have a shower (in case you opted for the tub method. If not, simply rinse off your feet/hands with cold water) and massage a liberal amount of a deeply hydrating body butter/lotion to seal the moisture. Upon following the above procedure, my skin felt tangibly softer and lighter (as if a lot of grime and muck has been removed). Not only did I feel calm but also refreshed. My skin looked clearer, felt smoother and brighter post the wash. All in all, given the investment, the results were splendid 🙂
GOOD-
1. All natural composition with no cheap fillers/noxious chemicals added
2. Alluring aroma. It gingers one up while imbuing the room with the aroma.
3. Takes away all the tiredness and grime accumulated on the body.
4. Made in India
5. Travel-friendly
6. Softens skin
7. Facilitates removal of dead skin cells’ layers (use a pumice stone for exfoliation)
8. Can be used by all skin types
9. Makes the skin remarkably clear
10. Imparts freshness
BAD-
1. I wish Aroma Essentials comes up with kits/packs of their bath bombs. That way, the per unit cost of each bath bomb will work out to be less as compared to what it is now. Right now, shelling 75/- INR for a single bath bomb seems a bit high because one use and it goes. Other than that, I do not have any problem with the product per se.
RATING- 4.5/5
Editor’s Note: These look really good Nidhal, I wish I had a bath tub here, have one at my parents’ place though but it’s hardly used. Bath bombs and bath tubs compliment each other so well 😀
Ancient Ayurveda Invigorating Tailpatra Woodash Soap Review
By Nidhal
Remember those days when we used to vacuously smear that colourful bar of soap that smelled heavenly and looked comely on our skin (and sadly, on our faces too) while unleashing the inherent model in us in our bathrooms? 😛 Days would roll by but all what it left was dry, parched skin that felt smothered after the ‘wash’. Quite naturally, it was bound to. Why? Did you care to read the labels? “Ummm… not really”, says a voice in your head right now. So, that is the reason my friend.
Cut to present and markets like always are inundated with soaps of myriad shapes, sizes, colors, flavours (err…chemicals) and packets. One thing is constant and that is our incorrigible habit of ignoring the labels. Having emerged delusional with soaps years ago, I switched over to ubtans (homemade powders for cleansing), however, one fine day, I came across a brand that used 2 words in its name which caught my eyes- Ancient Ayurveda. Intrigued, I began scrolling down their range of products when I came across their soaps. The realisation dwelled upon me that it would be just one of “those brands” that pull wool over consumers’ eyes by printing catchy words like “invigorated with XYZ essential oil”, “handmade” and so on but I was in for a pleasant surprise. The brand is the textbook definition of being ‘ethical’.
While most brand publish what their products contain, Ancient Ayurveda upped its game and went on publish what all their products do not contain IN DETAIL (see the picture for better understanding). Impressed, I zeroed in on ANCIENT AYURVEDA INVIGORATING TAILPATRA WOODASH SOAP to see how far it performs (or flounders). So here goes my review of the same 🙂
DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Smear on your drenched face and body with a natural luffa. Wash off after scrubbing gently.
INGREDIENTS- Homogenous coconut shell charcoal, coconut tree inflorescece charcoal flaxseed wheat germ oil, Ashwagandha tailam, Ark tailam, black cumin seed oil, bala taimbu, somaraji tailam, chandan bala, lakshadi tailam, jatyadi tailam, karanj tailam, virgin coconut oil, kasisadi tailam, zest of soapnut, kumkumadi tailam, rice bran oil, rice bran wax, nilibringhadi tailam, castor bean meat, whole pscralea corylifolia oil, zest of ‘Koshtum’, castor oil, coconut water, coconut meat, cow’s milk, zest of copra, grapeseed oil and neem oil.
A detailed list of fillers/items not added into the soap is provided as a leaflet once you place an order. And… You will be left speechless on seeing that most of them have been added in even the so-called handmade soaps that you use. Handmade does not mean ‘natural’.
WHAT IT CLAIMS- This soap does not contain Steric Acid (animal derived hardening agent, primarily from butchered pigs and cows) which makes the mainstream handmade and commercial soap melt-less.
MY EXPERIENCE-
GOOD-
Packed in a simple paper packing with the soap enclosed in a plastic cover, the packaging of the soap is quite simplistic. I disliked the plastic cover but realised that in India’s tropical weather, if the soap were packed in a plastic/cloth pack, it would have melted and rumpled the entire product rendering it useless.
As a result, given the product’s composition (which is primarily a blend of oils), the packaging is legit. Though it cannot be carried while travelling yet, I won’t pinpoint to it as a drawback because carrying soaps anyway is inconvenient while travelling. In a nutshell, the packaging is fine 🙂
The soap has a hard texture when stored in the fridge but take it for 5 minutes and witness the magic as it melts (all thanks to Sun God who unleash their fury on us from May to June all the more) 😛
I prolong its use by cutting it into 10 pieces 5 minutes after taking it out from the fridge (so that it softens enough for my knife to work). Each time I step into the shower, I take a piece (1/10 th part of the soap) with me along with a natural loofah/luffa. I smear it on my drenched skin and gently rub a luffa. 1/10 th part is sufficient for a use. I do not overdo or use beyond requirement. I know we Indians have a tendency to slap products in excess if it works but that is what we need to control. Use enough not in excess 🙂
After scrubbing my skin with the luffa for 7-8 minutes, there is a little froth which I rinse off and step out of the shower. My skin feels soft and deeply hydrated. This spells cheer for my skin is dry and this is the first time that my skin’s moisture level has not witnessed a nosedive 🙂 With use overtime, I noted a subtle glow too that looked natural. Besides feeling clean, my skin looked clear and refreshed. My mother who has normal skin used it and has been singing paeans since then. I recommended it to a friend of mine who has oily skin and so far, even she is impressed with its performance. While I can’t vouch for its efficacy for oily skin, I can safely say that it will become the HG soap of those with dry and normal skin 🙂
In one word, it is phenomenal!
1. The most natural soap one can land.
2. Mentions what it contains and what it does not (which is quite informative) clearly. Hence, the epitome of ethics.
3. Works wonders in softening skin.
4. Made in India
5. Associated with the NGO- Prajwala which works to rescue sex-trafficked women. There is a sense of complacency one experiences in contributing to such a noble initiative.
6. Highly impressive ingredients’ list
7. Imparts a subtle glow. No, you won’t glow like an incandescent LED that is shown (read: exaggerated beyond description) in TV adverts. The glow is subtle but noticeable.
8. Works well for all skin types but best for dry skin. It won’t weigh down oily skin but works exceedingly well for dry skin. I wonder how it does so.
9. Easily available. You can place an order on Amazon India.
10. Heals chapped skin overtime.
11. Price is reasonable given its effectiveness.
BAD-
1. Since it a blend of oils, it melts (yes, you read it right M-E- L-T- S) when the temperature rises to 33 degrees or above. In fact, since India is predominantly warm for most part of year, a major bugbear is the storage of this soap. It actually liquefies. To allay this, I let it out at room temperature for a few minutes. It softens somewhat when I cut it into 10-12 pieces with a knife. I use one piece each time I step into the shower and stash all the remnant pieces into the refrigerator 🙂 So, that is the only limitation which too, is taken care of.
RATING- 5/5
Editor’s Note: That sounds fantastic Nidhal and what a detailed review! I am surely trying this. Also I saw a few other soaps they have, all look great!
