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All About Laser Hair Removal Treatment, Laser Hair Removal In India, Kaya Skin Clinic, Laser Hair Removal Process, Side Effects

All About Laser Hair Removal Treatment

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All About Laser Hair Removal Treatment

By Ishleen

Hair free, now pain free?  Yes, please!

When was the last time you girlies had to endure the distressing pain of waxing and tweezing and plucking? It is DEVASTATING! Okay! Maybe devastating is too harsh a word! But you got my point, right? It is upsetting. Be it a full body waxing session, a facial wax or a bikini wax, the very thought of getting my hair torn apart from my body makes me cringe. And if treatments like the laser treatment, that we are going to talk about today, come to our rescue, I would personally call it a SAVIOUR.

Thanks to the ever growing field of technology, beautifying yourself has become much more convenient and hassle-free. This is where comes handy the oh-so-famous LASER HAIR REMOVAL therapy. Agreed, it is a typically, not-so-pocket-friendly treatment that we are talking about. But if you have that extra credit to splurge, then why not!

TYPES OF LASER TREATMENTS AVAILABLE:

Permanent hair removal through laser beams has been getting popular over the past few decades. Many of us do not know, what exactly is all this about. So here, let me help you out! Basically, permanent hair removal can be done by two ways. Firstly, the laser beams, in which highly concentrated beams are focused on a target area, killing the hair follicles on the targeted skin. Secondly, hair removal can be done through IPL, i.e. Intense Pulsed Light. In this particular treatment, beams of low intensity are widely interspersed on a larger area. IPL is a more general process than laser treatment, which is more targeted. And due to more specific results, people often chose laser treatments over IPL treatment.

HOW DOES THE LASER TREATMENT WORK?

This is the question which hovers over our mind the most often. How exactly does this treatment help in permanent hair loss? Let’s face the truth here. Even laser hair treatments do NOT provide any permanent solution to unwanted hair growth. It just delays the growth of the hair for longer durations. The laser attacks the skin, and in the process kills the hair follicles. More precisely, it attacks the melanin in the hair follicles.

The next big question that arises in our mind, is this suitable for us? Laser treatments were basically targeted for the “LIGHT SKIN-DARK HAIR” audience. Those who had pale skin and darker hair were the most apt patients for this treatment, but now these treatments can be used by dark skinned beauties as well, thanks to the advanced technology.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CLINIC:

Wait, what? Did I just say clinic? Patients? Treatments? Yes, it is a medical procedure. So if you are thinking of getting it done, steer clear form spas and saloons which provide these services without any medical and professional guidance. Even if you are planning to get laser hair removal done from a reputed hospital or clinic, make sure it is done by a professionally acclaimed cosmetic surgeon. In the case of the treatment being done by the doctor’s assistant, make sure a competent doctor remains on site of the procedure to look into any complications.

Surely, it would burn a hole in your pocket, but for some, it has proved to be worth the splurge. The treatment would require about 5-6 sittings, after which approximately 70% of the targeted area’s hair follicles die, thus resulting in hair loss which seems to be permanent. The average cost for each of these sessions may vary from clinic to clinic; depending on where you get it done from and which areas do you target. The sessions generally are meted out on alternative months and can be continued with touch ups, which should generally be taken, for better results.

But alas, no good things come without drawbacks. Most of the times, people who undergo these treatments have to suffer from swelling, redness and rashes on the skin. The skin can get irritated, but your doctor can prescribe ice-packs or targeted gels which can comfort your skin. Although scarring and blisters can occur on the skin, but these cases are very rare and are mostly seen on people with darker skin tones. No, I am not a racist. There is a scientific reason behind that. The darker skin has more melanin and can absorb the radiations more easily as the skin gets more porous. Other changes that may occur after the procedure are hypo pigmentation or hyper pigmentation, which is lightening or darkening of the targeted skin. Though these changes are temporary, but yes, they may happen.

PREPARING FOR THE TREATMENT:

Like any medical procedure, even laser treatment has a set of do’s and don’ts. Consultation with a reputed and experienced doctor is a must, beforehand. You should discuss with your doctor regarding the treatment; whether it is suitable for your particular skin and what results should you be expecting after the required sessions. Discussing the cost is also a generally good idea. Many doctors do advise avoiding direct contact with sun, at least six weeks before the due treatment. It is advice to cut back on waxing, plucking or electrolysis, i.e. any process which can hamper the hair follicle. Some doctor’s advice to shave the skin before the procedure, to get improved results. You may think, why this difference? It is because waxing damages the hair follicle and tugs at it; whereas shaving removes hair while keeping the follicle secure

Indeed, waxing is upsetting, and the mere thought of bikini-waxes makes us cringe and shiver. Yes, yes, we all hate the pain but love that silky, smooth-as-a-baby’s-butt skin. With the improved technology, you can bid the hot and messy waxing adieu forever. Sounds blissful! Doesn’t it?

So this is basically it. This is what I think about this so talked about practice. Go ahead, give it a try. But remember to play it safe. Stay beautiful.

Editor’s Note: Well written Ishleen, I have tried the Laser Hair Removal for my underarms and bikini area, read HERE and HERE. It’s been more than a year and I could not complete all 6 sessions still my growth has reduced a lot! It is basically hair reduction and not hair removal.

Have any of you tried laser hair removal/reduction? Your experience?

P.S: Image from Google

Top 5 Patanjali Products in India

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Top 5 Patanjali Products in India

By Sanchita

Ayurvedic medicines have its roots in India and no matter how much we rave about luxury cosmetics, we always find our way back to herbal skincare. Patanjali have reached out everywhere in India and has been acknowledged as one of the most popular herbal brand. The range is wide and covers everything – from skincare, cosmetics, haircare and even health issues. Their availability is good if you have a store nearby and they are also expanding. Thankfully, there is a store near my place and I got to try several products from the brand. There are such products I always repurchase as it is beyond commendable.

Here’s my top 5 Patanjali Products for you all.

1. Patanjali Aloe Vera Gel – (75 INR for 150ml)

This is the product which grabbed my attention on the brand. I have used a lot of moisturizer for oily skin, but this is one exceptional products that worked wonder for my skin. it has a refreshing fragrance and gives a soothing sensation to the skin. The absorption takes no time at all and makes the skin hydrated yet matte. I also face some discoloration issue around the mouth due to threading but this one has eliminated a lot after a prolonged usage. You require a very tiny amount for face and neck and makes the skin smooth, supple and hydrated. It is a must-have for oily and acne prone skin.

2. Patanjali Divya Kanti Lep – (60 INR for 50 gm)

This is sort of face pack powder that needs to be applied as a paste mixed with rose water. The Ayurvedic blend of ingredients helps to rid of skin problems like removing dark spots, pimples, acne and other signs of ageing and giving your skin a natural and healthy glow. It contains the goodness of Haldi, Manjeeth, Chandan, Aloe Vera, Jalphal, Kapoor, etc. My stubborn acne marks starting fading off when I had diligently used this product thrice a week. The results are surely effective and it is another praiseworthy product from this brand I have used.

3. Patanjali Divya Badam Rogan Almond Oil – (100 INR for 60 ml)

I must have exhausted 10-12 bottles of this one and so you can imagine my love for this. From skin care to hair care, I incorporate the product literally everywhere. I have dark circles and extremely dehydrated eye area and I use the almond oil regular before bedtime. During winter months, I apply this on my dry patches to sooth and rejuvenate them. For hair, I sometimes used it with a concoction of coconut oil or sometimes alone. It can also be used as makeup remover and highly effective for eyes. The price is reasonably price and also one of the bets almond oil I have used.

4. Patanjali Kesh Kanti Milk Protein Hair Cleanser – (95 INR for 200ml)

Shampoos often dry out the hair but this one is exceptional. It has the goodness of bhringraj, mehendi, neem, tulsi and aloe Vera which works magically on my heat-damaged lifeless mane. It effectively cleanses the scalp of any layer of dirt, grime, oil and sweat and makes the hair nourished and soft. It lathers well and has a pleasant aroma to it. It works great for normal to dry hair and meritoriously balances the moisture level of the hair.

5. Patanjali Amla Juice – (100 INR for 1litre)

Sometimes you have to take care of the skin from inside. Living in a world of delicious junk food, our digestive system often takes a toll and results in various skin problems like acne, pigmentation, dehydration, dullness, etc. Patanjali Amla Juice, 20ml per day, is an excellent choice for a healthy juice which is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. From healthy skin to hair – Amla can improve the health in every way. It also boosts my metabolism and keeps the weight in control and has cured my hair loss problem completely. The taste is a slight put-off but the product will do miracle for your health.

So, which is your favorite Patanjali product?

Editor’s Note: My husband swears by Patanjali products, Aloe vera juice and jams being his favourites. I haven’t tried any of their beauty or skincare products but the Aloe Vera gel is definitely on my list, will check these out too. Nice compilation Sanchita 🙂

How To Plan Your Wedding Trousseau

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How To Plan Your Wedding Trousseau

Hi guys,

Continuing the bridal posts from last month, today we are talking about wedding trousseau. How to plan it, what all to include, etc.

Trousseau mostly includes a new wardrobe, jewellery, makeup, clutches, shoes, basically everything a bride needs post wedding. Now every family has a different budget and different customs, some have a total of 11 outfits to give and some have 21 to 51 depending on the budget.

A bride should always mix and match the outfits in a trousseau, go for some anarkalis, some lehengas, sarees, kurtis and even western dresses for your honeymoon and the likes, so you have 1-2 options for every occasion post your wedding for at least a few months. But also keep your choice and lifestyle in mind, if you wear more of western wear and hardly wear any sarees, go for some basic 2-3 pieces and not more. Keep a balance and include everything but more of what you would actually need and use.

Jadtar (Kundan) Set

Coming to the outfits, what you must include is one piece of each type, like embroidery work, thread work, real silk, organza, zardozi, benarasi, gotta patti, so that from a simple occasion to a more grand occasion, you are sorted for everything. Also always have basic colors of blouses, petticoats and churidhars like gold, silver, red, green, blue, black and white so that you can mix and match.

Do not forget to include 1-2 classic pieces like silk, kanjeevaram, benarasi sarees or dresses that you can wear on any occasion and whatever the current trends, coz classic never goes out of style.

Also as already mentioned include more of western wear if that is what you are going to wear more of, anyway. New pair of denims, few tops, dresses, maxi dresses, skirts, and anything you can mix and match, a honeymoon wardrobe basically 😀

Lingerie, the most important, the right style and fit of lingerie can make or break your outfit. Invest in different types of lingerie & night wear like strapless, sports bra, lace, set of briefs and a few different styles of night wear.

Do not forget the accessories, bags and shoes. A basic gold and silver clutch for weddings, a formal bag, a casual bag and 2-3 pairs of basic shoes again including wedding wear, casual wear and a formal heels will keep you sorted. For accessories, buy only stuff that you would wear and matches your style from chunky statement pieces to delicate and dainty pieces, choose what you would actually use and relates to your style.

The most expensive part of your trousseau is the jewellery, invest in one gold and one diamond set at least but keep in mind your style when you buy it. For me personally, I like small and delicate jewellery and chose accordingly. Invest in classics that would go with your wedding wear and also evening or formal wear at the same time.

Makeup, again as I mentioned a lot of times, choose basic colors like golds, greens and browns for eye shadows or go for a palette which has all the basic shades. Or pick single eyeshadows and combine them in a magnetic palette to make your own customized palette. For lipsticks, choose a red, orange, nude, pink and you will be sorted for all outfits. But always try the shade before and pick up a tone that matches and works for your skin. Blush and highlighter are also an important part. Read my detailed post on what makeup your should include in your wedding trousseau HERE.

A cupboard to keep all the above stuff 😀 Also if you are setting up a new home, some basic home accessories can also be included. A bed spread, bed sheet and the likes would anyway be a part of trousseau. You will also be gifted dinner sets, tea sets and a lot of home accessories on your wedding, so maybe can buy those later.

Do not shop way too much and always be mindful of your budget. The key here is a balance of everything but within your budget 🙂

Do let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Beauty Hack: DIY SCRUB BAR

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Beauty Hack: DIY SCRUB BAR

By Sanchita

Scrubbing is extremely essential in winters as the development of dry skin needs to exfoliate to preserve then natural radiance of the skin itself. Honestly speaking, I prefer my winters with oversized sweatshirt, hot chocolate, a warm bed to snuggle in and reading a soul touching book. Yes, I am one of those lazy girls who like to keep the skin well-scrubbed of dead cells and yet do nothing about it. This is when a dear friend of mine told me to make a ‘scrub bar’ that would clean and exfoliate at the same time. My heart leaped with just with the thought of such multipurpose body care product and I immediately thought of making it. So it’s time, my dear readers of NLM, to let you know how to DIY this amazing thing!

Things you need:

  • Crushed soap bar. (a gel based one works better and easier to deal with)
  • Olive oil.
  • Glycerin.
  • Ground coffee. (not the instant one which blends in but the grounded beans for filter)
  • Empty container.

Steps:

Step 1

1. In a double boiler or on top of a boiling water, place the cut out pieces of the soap. Do not put it directly under the flames which would lead to burning.

Step 2

2. Once the soap melts in heat, simmer it down and add 2 tbsp. of olive oil and glycerin each. Then, mix it well with the liquid soap.

Step 3

3. Now add the coffee in it and again use a spoon to mix it well.

Step 4

4. Remove the mixture from the heat and pour in it the container. Now, this has to be done very quickly as the soap has the tendency to get sticky.

Step 5

5. Keep it in the refrigerator for 1-2hours. It also depends upon the soap on how much time it requires to solidify. Mine was done in 1hour.

Final

6. And you homemade scrub bar is ready to use!

P.S: You can also add big granules of sugar to exfoliate. Sugar is slightly coarser when solidified and hence I generally feel it is too rough for my normal skin but if you have dry skin, you can incorporate that. Also, you can make a separate scrub bar with sugar and walnut particles for feet as well.

As we all know, soaps are excellent in washing the dirt and therefore I added it to cleanse the skin. Olive oil and glycerin is extremely hydrating and hence, while scrubbing you will get the desired moisture to be restored. Lastly, the coffee particles are coarse and semi-fine milled which helps in exfoliation- gently and effectively. It stimulates the blood flow while scrubbing and tighten the skin thereby reduces cellulite and great for anti-ageing.

Overall, this has been a lifesaver for me. I imply invest less time for skin care yet get the best of it. Do let me how you liked my DIY.

Editor’s Note: This sounds amazing Sanchita and I love the coffee smell, definitely trying it out.

Have you tried making something like before? A DIY Scrub Bar? Will you try this? It’s easy peasy.

Acetone v/s Non-Acetone Nail Polish Removers

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Acetone v/s Non-Acetone Nail Polish Removers

By Ishleen

Why are acetone nail polish removers so much better for you!

Acetone or Non-acetone—that is the question?

We have been asked times innumerable about the safest way to remove nail polishes, are acetone based removers safe and whether or not non-acetone removers are better for the nails? So here we have a short post which hopefully will appease your queries.

The pondering over the question in regards to the safety of acetone removers is as intense as the heated debate on the health benefits of chocolate. But you do not need to drown in the frenzy of arguments, as we have planned to bring forward some logical set of reasonings.

What exactly is acetone?

Acetone is the second safest solvent in the nail industry, after water. And clearly, we cannot use water to remove nail polishes, because if we could, the nail industries would have never established. Ok, enough on that. Undoubtedly there are many other solvents in the world, but none are as safe as compared to acetone.

Does acetone have any health hazards?

Health hazards? No, not any that we have heard of. Some people tend to believe that acetone has the potency to aggravate carcinogens and thereby cause cancer. This is NOT THE TRUTH. No scientific institution or research has ever proved this.

Secondly, the market hype about non-acetone nail polish removers has made people believe that acetone can get absorbed by your skin and in the process can get mixed with your blood stream. Girls, acetone CAN NOT pass through the dermis level of your nail bed. Acetone gets evaporated a bit too fast to get absorbed into your nail plate. So, it’s safe.

Why should you choose acetone removers over non-acetone polish removers?

Markets today have very strategically created the image of non-acetone removers to be the better version of acetone removers. In reality this is not true. Acetone based nail polish removers are slightly safer than non acetone removers, which basically constitute methyl ethyl ketone and ethyl acetate. Both of which are harmful for the healthy growth of nails. Surprised much?

Coming to the argument that acetone removers are drying, we could not contest it. But so are non- acetone removers, undoubtedly. In fact non-acetone removers are much more drying than acetone removers as they are not as effective as acetone removers when it comes to removing nail polishes.

Non-acetone removers were made to work basically with acrylic nails, as they used to get dissolved when tampered with acetone removers. Thus they are less effective than acetone removers, there by leaving us with no other choice than to let it be in contact with the nail and nearby skin for longer periods of time. This causes much more dryness than any ordinary acetone remover.

What to do in order to avoid dryness caused by acetone based removers?

The basic question is why do your nails feel dry after setting in contact with acetone removers? Remember when I told you that acetone was a good solvent and it dissolves all the polish very effectively. Similarly, acetone being a solvent also dissolves the natural oil and moisture from the skin surrounding your nail bed. Simple enough, eh?

Talking about the solution, it is a complete no brainer. Feed the skin with what the acetone could rip it off of. Oil! I mean if the acetone tends to strip off natural oils from your skin, slather some olive or almond oil on to the skin (not the nails, just the surrounding skin) which will be getting affected by oil.

By doing this one simple step, the acetone will be dissolving the oils applied externally, safeguarding most of your natural oils and moisture in the skin. Easy peasy!

Ok, so I am in a good mood today. Let me just throw in a bonus trick for you gorgeous girls to enjoy.

BONUS TRICK: Gel nails are beautiful and they are all the rage in the nail industry nowadays. But let us accept it, they can be expensive; and the additional expense to get them removed at the salon can be too overwhelming for some. Now, that we know that acetone is far better than non-acetone removers, let us try a simple trick here. Dab some oil on to the skin surrounding your nails. Taking a cotton swab completely doused in acetone nail polish remover place it onto the nail and cover the nail with a foil paper (the one sitting handy in your kitchen) and let it be for about 3-5 minutes. Do not unwrap the foil; just pull it straight off the tip along with the cotton.

The same trick can be used to remove chunky glitter polishes, but the acetone dipped cotton covered with foil should not be left on the fingernails for more than 3-5 minutes. It can damage your natural nail bed.

After all the heated debates and settled arguments, I have finally come to the conclusion that acetone removers are all the much better than non-acetone nail polish removers for your skin.

The only problem that acetone can cause is drying and to avoid the unquenchable-nail feeling, you can try the following acetone based DIY recipe for gorgeously nourished nails. Just take:

1. Ten parts acetone (any kind of pure acetone will do)

2. Two parts of water (normal or tap water)

3. 10-15 drops of any oil of your choice (I personally prefer using olive oil)

4. 5-8 drops of vitamin E (you can even use one or two vitamin E capsules for this purpose)

Just add these four simple ingredients into any old nail polish remover bottle and voila! You have a customized acetone based nail lacquer remover which will remove the most stubborn of nail polishes without ever drying your nails. I swear your friends will be jealous of your beautiful nails 🙂

Editor’s Note: That’s quite an interesting post Ishleen, also loved the last DIY recipe and would be trying that out. I have tried acetone free ones thinking they are all good, but the nail paint just won’t come off :/ I usually love using this oil based nail polish remover pads. This DIY thing sounds quite good and economical.

Have you tried non-acetone nail polish removers? Don’t you find them drying plus they do not take off the nail paint at all! Will you try this DIY recipe?

P.S: Images from Google

MAC Lip Liner Cherry Review, Swatches, FOTD

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MAC Lip Liner Cherry Review, Swatches, FOTD

By Ishleen

Hello beauties!

How is everyone doing? It has been quite some time since I got the time to sit down and write something up for you gorgeous sweeties! So here I am with a very interesting review—something which is raved by bloggers and vloggers all across the internet, alike! Review for the best selling red lip liner from the house of MAC—Cherry liner!

MAC cherry lip liner is my first and perhaps the most cherished purchase from MAC! Though an impulse one, I can undoubtedly say that this is one shade of red which will suit almost all skin tones across the spectrum—no matter the undertones!

Price: Rs 1400 (prices have been further hiked) for 1.45 grams of product

What MAC has to say about Cherry Lip Liner?

A pencil designed for shaping, lining or filling in the lip. Lip Pencils have a smooth, creamy texture that is perfect for lining the lips or filling them in. They are available in a wide selection of colours that each work well with many different lipstick shades.

Packaging: The lip liner is quite long and 1.45 grams of quantity is quite a lot for a lip pencil. The lip liner comes packed snugly in the trademark black outer covering in which Mac liner’s generally come. The wooden pencil in itself is quite sturdy and the best part is that it is a sharpenable pencil—which means less wastage and more hygiene; plus, crisp lines every time. The cap is a classic, plastic-y shiny black and shuts down tightly, leaving no scope for air to dry out the pencil. Plus, it is tight enough to avoid it from opening in your vanity or makeup bag.

My Experience with Mac Cherry Lip Liner!

Shade: MAC describes Cherry shade as a “vivid bright bluish-red”! And man, could they be any more correct? True to the description, the shade is a very vivid, leaning towards a bright, bluish-red! But what makes cherry different from all other blue based reds is that it is not stark enough to look OTT or odd on Indian skins! It suits warm skins as much as it will suit pink tones or cool toned beauties! I swear this shade is one of the must try from Mac’s range of lip liners.

Texture: Like most of the Mac lip liners, the texture of this one too is a waxy matte which gives a beyond gorgeous matte finish on the lips. Though the lipsticks are waxy and matte in texture, they do not tug or pull even on non-prepped lips and glides on smoothly. The lipstick settles down to a beautiful matte finish and also, does not settle into the fine lines of the lips or accentuate them. The texture is so that it can be worn both alone, as a full blown lipstick (by using it is a liner as well as a filler—the way i generally use it); or as a lip liner, or as a base for your favourite red lipstick. But do try to apply a lip balm or top it off with a clear gloss if you plan to wear it alone as a lipstick, as it can feel a tad bit drying—but nothing unbearable.

Pigmentation: Had this been a lipstick or a pencil with a large bullet, I would have said that “One swipe, and you are all set to go”—but because this is not a lipstick and is technically a pencil—so one swipe can in no possible way be enough to cover up the entire lip. But you get the idea right? The lip pencil is insanely pigmented, and maybe this is why it is always among the best selling pencils in the range. The colour pay-off is enough to cover up even the most pigmented of the lips. And i can say this with experience—no, i do not have pigmented lips, but some of my friends do—and being the only “makeup fanatic” or as they like to call me—“beauty blogger” amongst my friends—i am the makeup artist for them on all special college days! 😀

Line and filled lips with the lip liner, worn all over the lips

Staying Power: Mac definitely leaves no scope for complaints with this exquisite lip liner. Even the staying power of the pencil is such that it left me awestruck. I have, or rather had a habit of licking my lips after applying anything on them, and man, did the colour even budge? But yes, after having oily meals, or meals in general, the corners of the mouth did look a bit smeared, but that is just me seeking perfection with my lips! The overall lip look was quite balanced and looked quite amazing even 5 hours of constant wear. You may need a touch up to brighten up the colour after 4-5 hours of application, but that too if you like your lipsticks to look bright at almost all the time.

Post 5 hours of application

Pros of MAC cherry lip liner:

  • Long staying
  • Insanely pigmented
  • Universally flattering red shade
  • Does not smudge, smear or bleed
  • Stays put for a minimum of 4 hours
  • Waxy-matte pencil
  • Does not tug on the lips
  • Creamy-matte application
  • Matte finish
  • Can be worn alone or paired up with other lip products
  • Can be layered with ease
  • Does not accentuate the fine lines
  • Does not settle in lip crevices
  • Sharpenable wooden pencil

Cons of MAC cherry lip liner:

  • May seem expensive to budget-beauties
  • Can be a tiny-teeny bit drying after a few hours of application of not topped off with a balm

Technically, i could not think of any cons, i had to list them just for the sake of it!

Rating: 5/5

Would i recommend?

Do i still need to answer this question? It is a big thumbs up from my side! Go buy it and thank me later. And yes, beginners, this includes you too! :*

Editor’s Note: That’s quite a convincing review Ishleen, I am definitely checking this out and trying out next 🙂

Have you tried MAC Cosmetics Cherry Lip Liner yet? Your favourite red lip liner? Do let me know in the comments below.

Under Eye Circles & Bags : Causes & Remedies

Dark Circles, Lifestyle, Skin care, Tips, Tips and Tricks, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Under Eye Circles & Bags : Causes & Remedies

By Ishleen

Lifestyles today are more stressful than comfortable, despite the luxuries that we can indulge in. Computers, mobiles, and all the electronic gadgets that we have involved to make our lives simpler have further disturbed our working schedules, that too on the cost of the health of our body. More work, less sleep; and the direct results are clearly visible in the puffiness and dark shadows around our eyes.

Raccoon eyes, under-eye bags, dark circles, shadows, panda eyes; all these are names of the same problem. So what basically causes our eyes to develop such conditions?

Read below to know more.

Causes

Whether you may know it or not, the skin which appears to be bluish black under our eyes is because of the skin in that area being too thin, thus making the blood vessels visible all the more. No, your blood vessels are not exactly blue; but only the wavelengths of blue and purple colors are allowed to be reflected by your under-eye skin, thus giving an impression of bluish-black under eye bags.

1. Genetics

One of the major causes of recurring or prominent dark circles is genetics. If your parents have thin skin around the eyes, or more than average blood vessels, it is almost certain that you will be passed on with the unfortunate trait.

2. Age and Gender

Dark circles under the eyes can begin to be dominantly visible in your 20’s, both in males and females alike; but they are most daunting in the old age. In old age, our skins loose elasticity and do not have the ability to regenerate the skin cells at a steady pace, thus the predominance of raccoon eyes.

3. Fatigue and sleeplessness

In case of fatigue, skin produces a chemical named cortisol, to give your body dynamism when it is working on low levels of energy. It increases the volume of blood in the body, thereby enlarging the blood vessels by creating more pressure in them. As the skin is thin around your delicate eyes, the engorged blood vessels are more prominently visible.

4. Ruptured blood vessels

At times, blood vessels under the eyes can get ruptured and the blood leaking from them starts oxidizing; leading to dim shadows on the lean membrane underneath the eyes. However this is nothing to be much apprehensive about, as in the company of the right type of treatments; this hitch can be easily rectified.

5. Excess of sleep and other lifestyle reasons

Dark under eye circles can even be caused by high sodium intake; which helps in retaining more fluids in body, leading to puffiness; which in turns makes dark circles more visible. Sleeping on your stomach for prolonged periods of time, leads to the accumulation of fluids in the facial area, especially around the eyes, causing freaky dark circles. Or say, when you have been crying uncontrollably, for any reason whatsoever, the salinity of your tears leads to puffiness around your eyes. So forget what happened and just smile 🙂

Remedies

If you are one of those few unlucky ones who have to bear with the problem of dark under eye circles, no matter what, and you do not want to spend on swanky under eye creams or laser surgeries; these home remedies await you.

a) Cucumber apart from acting as a cooling agent, also works as a lightening instrument and an astringent for your skin. Placing cucumber slices on your eyes, or gently rubbing cotton balls dipped in fresh cucumber juice can help to reduce the dark circles. Though the cucumber juice works better if you leave it overnight. Don’t worry; your skin will readily absorb it.

b) Potato juice is great to reduce the puffiness around the eyes, and is often used for treating tan spots and blemishes. Grate a raw potato, extract its juice, and apply the freshly squeezed juice to the affected area. Leave it on overnight if possible.

c) For added goodness, mix both cucumber and potato juice, and with a soft cotton pad, dab the juice gently on to the skin. Leave the juice on for about half an hour, and wash the face with cold water.

ADDITIONAL TIP: To keep the eyes moisturized, follow up by gently massaging olive, coconut or almond oil around the eye area. Remember not to put too much pressure around the eyes.

2. Frozen metal spoons

For instant relief from under eye circles caused by lack of sleep, or sleeping in the wrong posture for prolonged periods of time; all you need is two frozen metal spoons. Make it a habit to keep two metal spoons in your freezer so that you can utilize them any time you want. Just place the rounded edges of the spoon on the eye area and let it rest till the temp of the spoon becomes normal. The cooling effect will help stimulate blood circulation and also decrease the quantity of fluid accumulation around the peepers.

3. Chilled Green tea bags

Green tea is chock full of anti-oxidants, and anti-oxidants are good for your skin. Period. Dip two green tea bags in boiling water, and let them stay immersed for about 3-4 minutes. Take out the tea bags and place them in the freezer, letting them stay till they are chilled. (In the meanwhile, enjoy the goodness of your green tea.) Once the tea bags are chilled enough, place them onto your under eye areas, one bag on each eye, and let them rest for 15-20 minutes. You will notice the results for yourself.

4. The goodness of rose water

Pure Rose water is one product which is the answer of almost all skin care problems. Yes it is that good. Dab a pair of cotton balls in cold rose water, and apply it to the eyes. Let the cotton balls stay on the eyes for as long as possible and wash your face off. Do not forget to follow up with a rich moisturizer.

5. The Wonderful Tomato juice

Most of the treatments for dark under eye circles lie in our own kitchen. Tomatoes comprise of lycopene, which is a great anti-oxidant and has the ability to lighten your skin. Squeeze the juice of one ripe tomato, or mash the pulp and mix in a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. Lemon juice again acts as a bleaching agent and has anti-inflammatory properties which reduce puffiness. Apply this mixture under the eyes and let it stay for about 15 minutes and wash it off with cold water for better results.

6. Crushed mint leaves

Mint has amazing cooling properties which helps in instantly soothing the skin and reducing the appearance of dark discoloration around the eyes. Crush a few mint leaves using a mortar and pestle and apply the leaves as it is under the eyes. Wait for about 15 minutes and then remove any residue with a damp cotton swab. You can even mix the goodness of cucumber juice to the crushed leaves for better results.

7. Cold compress or ice pack

Cold compress works on the same principal as that of the metal spoons. The chilling effect will help stimulate blood circulation, thereby diminishing puffiness and rectifying the temporary pigmentation under the eyes. Either use a gel based cold compress, or take a few ice cubes wrapped in a thin cloth, and place them under your eyes till the ice melts off completely. Goodbye, raccoon eyes. 😉

8. The efficient milk and fenugreek seed paste

This DIY under eye face mask can work wonders to rectify dark circles. Take a few fenugreek (methi) seeds and soak them overnight. The next day, grind the seeds to form a fine paste. To this paste add a tablespoon of milk and a pinch of turmeric. Mix well, and apply the paste under the eyes.

9. White bread and milk

Milk has both fats and proteins, making it the best moisturizer for our skin. Mix this elixir of goodness with a slice of white bread, mixing it into a fine paste. Apply this paste daily on your under eye area for smoother and even toned under eye skin.

10. Say goodbye to bad habits

Smoking, drinking and stressing a tad bit too much are the main causes which can lead to hyper pigmentation around the eyes and leads to fluid accumulation, causing puffiness. For eyes that do not resemble that of a panda, try bidding goobye to these bad habits of yours.

Till when are you going to hide the dark under eye area with corrective concealers and heavy-duty foundations? It is high time you followed one of these easy tips listed above and bid goodbye to these nasty shadows which never allow you to look your best. But remember that all the points listed above are purely natural and you should not expect instantaneous results; patience is the key.

Editor’s Note: Well written post Ishleen, I am going to try some of the tips myself 😀

Do you have dark circles? Use any of the tips mentioned? Also add your own tips in the comments below which work for you.

P.S: Images from Google

Why is Asus Zenfone 2 Laser a Girl’s Best Friend!

Asus, Lifestyle, Reviews, Smartphone, Tech, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Why is Asus Zenfone 2 Laser a Girl’s Best Friend!

Hi guys,

Yes today I am talking about this super device which I have been testing since the past 2 weeks. I know you have read a million reviews of the Asus Zenfone 2 Laser by now!

It comes with a warranty card, user guide and a charger. I have the ZE550KL 2GB RAM one in Gold.

The technical aspects like 64-bit Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 410 processor, LTE Category 4 for download speeds up to 150Mbps, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi built in for butter smooth WiFi connectivity, 3000mAh battery, Dual sim, 1280×720 HD IPS display that offers wide 178-degree viewing angles and staggering 267 ppi pixel density, TruVivid technology, Glove Touch Technology, Sonic Master for Crystal Clear Audio, Smart Asus Audio Wizard to name a few (Phew!) are quite amazing indeed and a lot of industry firsts!

But today I am talking about the phone from a blogger, specifically a beauty and fashion blogger or any girl’s perspective.

Starting with the design, it is super sleek and thin with slight round edges. It looks and feels like a phone with 5x the price! It is ergonomically designed with a button behind to adjust volume and take selfies which is like the best part here, coz we all know how difficult it is to hold the button and adjust your finger to click on Capture 😀

ZenFone 2 Laser’s 13MP PixelMaster camera with its f/2.0-aperture lens captures stunning, high-resolution photos with zero shutter lag. The brand-new laser-autofocus feature greatly reduces blurring and enhances image stabilization, and the industry-leading Low Light mode employs pixel-merging technology to capture up to 400%-brighter photos at night or in low-light scenes — all without the need for a flash. Backlight (Super HDR) mode lets you see clearly through daytime shadow and Super Resolution mode helps you to capture detailed images at resolutions of up to 52MP!  Near instant focus as fast as 0.03 seconds with zero shutter lag (the phone is aptly named ‘Laser’ coz of this feature) PixelMaster technology automatically adjusts the ratio of maximum contrast (the brightest point to the darkest point of the image) to enhance the ability of framing features and shapes of the subject, improving the detail of darker areas. Low Light mode increases light sensitivity by up to 400%. It also enhances noise reduction and boosts color contrast by up to 400%, for clear and bright low-light shots with no need for flash. Selfie Panorama helps you get all your friends together in one selfie and cut no one out of the picture! And the best of all, Beautification mode where you can look perfectly made up without makeup 😀

Why is it a girl’s best friend?

1. It has Corning Gorilla Glass 4 making it damage resistant and scratch resistant. Yes we don’t have big pockets and have our bags and gazillion other things to handle along with our hair and dress and we do drop our phones at times. Also if our phone is in our bags, it competes with 100 other things for space and may get scratched. But no worries now with the Corning Gorilla Glass 4!

2. Camera, Camera, Camera. Yes, 13MP rear camera and 5MP front camera, amazing picture quality with perfectly vivid colors, sharpness and brightness. We girls need a good camera each day, every day!

Picture taken in Asus Zenfone 2 Laser with Front Camera in Beautification Mode

3. Beautification mode. On days when we are too lazy to put on any makeup, we just use the beautification mode for pictures and look perfectly made up. It has color correction, skin correction, eyes, blush, every feature to correct and all this before taking a picture, so edit before clicking now!

4. Camera Features. Coming to the best part in this phone, the camera features it has. Apart from the basic Auto, Manual and the above mentioned Super HDR, Low Light, Selfie Panorama and Beautification Modes, it has night, depth of field, effect (filters), normal panorama, GIF Animation creator, Time Rewind, All Smiles, Miniature, Smart Remove, Time Lapse and Slow motion. Now create GIF’s, fun Slow-mo and Fast forward videos, smartly remove any unwanted object or person from your picture, select the best smiles of every person in the picture with All Smiles. You name it and the phone has it, it is like a genie!

5. Colors available. It comes in black, white, grey, red and gold. This is the gold one and I absolutely love gold.

The pictures are slightly grainy with the rear camera compared to high end phones and cameras but the front camera pictures are razor sharp, crisp and clear. At Rs.9999/- this is the best phone in the market in that price category. No phone under Rs.10,000 has this good a camera with laser auto focus and these many camera features plus the technical features.

What do you think about Asus Zenfone 2 Laser? Liked the features?

P.S: Phone sent for review but has not affected my opinion.

L’Oreal Professionnel Mythic Oil Ritual Experiental & Vlog

Experientals, Hair Care, Hair Mask, L'Oreal Professionnel, Reviews, Salons and Spas, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

L’Oreal Professionnel Mythic Oil Ritual Experiental & Vlog

Hi guys,

So a few days ago I went to the L’Oreal Academy for the L’Oreal Professionnel Mythic Oil Ritual Experiental. Let me tell you a little more about the Mythic Oil Range and the service.

Mythic Oil Range: A unique range infused with 4 precious oils to unlock the secret to that legendary hair you’ve always wanted!

Argan Oil, a deeply hydrating oil known to restore smoothness and shine

Cotton Seed Oil, an oil that helps in regeneration

Rice Bran Oil, deeply nourishes each hair strand to leave hair smooth and soft

Cranberry Oil, A precious oil with illuminating properties to enhance the radiance

Your Mythical Must-Have: Mythic Oil Rich Oil

The Mythic Oil Rich Oil is a versatile oil like no other! Try it before you shampoo, to give you that deep nourishment! Use it as a styling product for that legendary look with a magical shine or overnight for intensive nourishment.

Rich Oil is a perfect blend of the most potent oils in nature; Argan oil from the magical argan tree or “tree of life” and rice bran oil. This versatile oil is immediately absorbed for a light weight feel, leaving the hair looking deeply illuminated and magical nourishment. This Oil is sure to be your mane-favourite!

It has 8 different types of rituals which depend on the condition of your hair. Since I had travelled to Jaipur and the hard water and climate there made my hair quite dry, we went with the ‘Mythic Repair Magic‘.

Mythic Repair Magic, a deeply nourishing ritual, specially designed for repairing extremely dry and damaged hair. It gently treats the scalp and helps protect hair against frizz and also illuminates it.

Here is a small vlog of the procedure:

Coming to the procedure:

1. Usually the ritual starts with application of a mix of ‘Rich Oil’ and ‘Oil Bar’ concentrate. But since my hair was not washed 2-3 days prior, the expert first washed my hair and blow dried it, for the ritual to work better.

2. And then a mix of oils is applied on every section of the hair and the scalp.

3. Scalp is massaged for about 5 minutes.

4. Hair is washed again with the Mythic Oil Shampoo.

5. Then the mask is applied on each section of hair, which has a few drops of the ‘Rich Oil’ mixed in it.

6. It is kept for about 10-15 minutes

7. Hair is washed again but only with plain water this time.

8. Blow dried and the Rich Oil is applied towards the lower half and ends.

I absolutely loved how my hair felt post the treatment. As mentioned above due to travelling and change in climate, my hair was in the worst condition possible and very dry, it was back to normal and more softer and smoother.

Duration: Around 1-1.5 hours

Price: Rs.1000 to 1500/- depending on the salon from where you get it done.

L’Oreal Professionnel Mythic Oil Ritual is available at all major salons all over India.

Here are the ‘Before-After’ pics, ignore the half hair behind :/

The ritual is pretty economical and any salon nearby you would be doing it for about 1000 bucks, I definitely recommend getting it done once in 2 months, if you don’t have the time to get it done once in a month. It makes a huge difference to the hair.

I also got the Mythic Oil range for personal use and would review the range too after using it for about a month or so.

Have you tried the L’Oreal Professionnel Mythic Oil Range yet? Will you try this experiental?

P.S: Services were offered by the brand in exchange of review but that has not affected my opinion.

Hamdard Safi Natural Blood Purifier Review

Ayurvedic, Reviews, Skin care, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hamdard Safi Natural Blood Purifier Review

By Pallavi

Hello Girlies,

It is always said that what you eat shows on your skin. So, always eat healthy to keep your skin healthy. But in this age of junk foods and fried foods eating healthy is really not possible. Now, who can resist the tasty pizza and chats???At least I can’t. So, all these fast fried foods take a toll on your skin. When a pimple appears, this is the time when we think that it is the end of the world. But frankly speaking pimple appreance is quite normal. But when pimple takes the form of acne and when this acne leaves a mark on your skin then that it something really serious.

So, here I will be showing you an age old popular method of reducing pimples and keeping your skin healthy. You might have heard from your grandma’s about blood purifiers. Well, they used to have all herbal measures for their skin. But today, we don’t have many herbal methods for us. But Himalaya Safi blood purifier is one among the few products which assist can you in the path of healthy and glowing skin.

Product Description – The herbal remedy for skin disease such as acne vulgaris, boils, skin rashes, blemishes, urticaria etc, checks nose bleeding, cures constipation, corrects indigestion and improves complexion and helps you to stay slim and smart.

Directions to use: Just put 1-2 spoons of the purifier in the glass and drink it. You will gradually get adjusted to the taste.

Price: Rs.152 for 500 ml, Rs.80/- for 200ml

Shelf Life  36 months from packaging

Ingredients:

Packaging – The bottle is available in different sizes – .But I suggest to buy the smaller size to test its effectiveness. The packaging is of rectangular box which is green in colour. The bottle has the entire product name and other details mentioned. Inside which there is a transparent bottle. I like transparent bottles as they show the quantity of product left. The bottle is sealed and tightly enclosed to prevent the product from spilling out.

Key ingredients: Sana, Revand Chini, Neem, tulsi and Chiraita.

Texture: A Blood Purifier is definitely liquid in texture. The liquid is not on thicker side. It is actually quite runny. If you want to drink it with water it will easily get dissolved in water within no time.

My Experience with Hamdard Safi Blood Purifier

The liquid is dark brown in colour. Now, coming to the major part of taste. The taste of this blood purifier is really yukk. It tastes very sour. I need to drink one glass of water after drinking only 1 spoon of this purifier. But as it is said you have to taste something bad for the bigger good in your life. If you feel the taste is too sour then you can also dilute with water and then drink.

Performance wise don’t expecting anything miracle in the first bottle. Even if you drink daily then also I doubt you can observe any changes. Now, you can doubt if it actually works or not. But trust me girls it does. You can see changes on your 4th or 5th bottle. Since it is meant to purify blood thus changes will be gradual and quite slow. But when it start showing effects on your skin don’t stop it immediately, keep drinking some more bottles. Gradually you can see your skin all glowing and healthy.

Even one bottle will last long. With my daily usage size bottle lasted me for 3 months. So, quite economical that way. And you can get it easily in pharmacy stores and even on online portal.

Pros of Hamdard Safi Blood Purifier –

1. Herbal brand

2. Affordable price

3. Comes in different variants

4. Easy to use

5. Purifies blood on a long term.

Cons of Hamdard Safi Blood Purifier –

1. Takes time to show result

2. Tastes too bad

Rating – 4.5/5

Would I recommend the product to you – Of course. This product is definitely a buy. It must be a staple in your daily routine.

Editor’s Note: I have heard so much about it since ages, was going to try this when my skin was in a terrible state during my teens, but I am so scared of the taste :/ But I know of people who religiously drink it everyday from the past many years.

Have you tried Safi yet? Will you try it?