Let’s talk about exfoliation today and why it is essential for your skin. So many people still don’t exfoliate this date and that basically adds layers and layers of dead skin. Our skin goes through a natural shedding process every 30 days or so and if we don’t exfoliate, it would take a long time to shed on it’s own and it also leads to ingrown hair, rough patches, debris and dead skin sitting on the skin’s surface.
Exfoliating regularly helps get rid of the dead skin cells and also helps in faster regeneration of the new layer of skin.
Let’s see some benefits of exfoliation:
Unclogs pores
Removes dead skin cells
Makes skin smooth and supple
Helps get rid of ingrown hair
Helps get rid of uneven tan
Removes the dirt and debris sitting on the skin
Helps in blood circulation
Helps loosen and remove the blackheads
In the long term, also helps in producing collagen keeping skin softer, smoother and wrinkle free
Helps reduce cellulite
So there are numerous benefits of exfoliation and it is the key to a soft, smooth skin.
I have been using and loving the mCaffeine Coffee Body Scrub currently. Coffee is the best ingredient when it comes to body scrubbing/exfoliation.
About mCaffeine: mCaffeine is India’s 1st Caffeinated Personal Care Brand. All of mCaffeine’s products are infused with caffeine. Caffeine being a superfood for hair and skin, it’s an extension to the hyperactive lifestyle and individualistic identity.
All mCaffeine products are SLS-Paraben Free, Vegan, Clinically tested, cruelty free, Made Safe Certified
This scrub has the goodness of both coffee and coconut. Coffee polishes skin, exfoliates, removes tan, dead cells and reduces cellulite. The caffeine in coffee tones the skin and coconut moisturizes and nourishes the skin.
The texture is very fine and not at all harsh, so it is even safe for sensitive skin. It comes with a wooden spoon which helps you scoop out the product. Take some product in your palms, mix with a little bit of water and exfoliate all of your body parts, especially the parts where we tend to get rougher, drier skin like elbows and knees.
It smells absolutely amazing, if you love coffee, the entire bath experience when using the scrub is sensorial and the whole bathroom smells like the Coorg coffee plantation.
I love the ingredients and it leaves the skin super soft post exfoliation, and because of the coconut oil skin feels moisturized and hydrated.
Coffee Body scrubs are gender neutral and this can be used by both men and women. Men need to keep their skin soft too 😀
How often should you exfoliate? I would say once a week is good enough. You will need about 4 spoons of this scrub for exfoliating the entire body, so this tub will last you quite long.
It’s a total value for money at Rs.449/-
Overall, I really like this mCaffeine Coffee Body Scrub and would recommend it.
The Body Shop had come up with three limited edition ranges this Christmas, one was Spiced Apple, Frosted Berries and this Vanilla Chai one. I had these three products from the Vanilla Chai range and here are my thoughts..
The Body Shop Vanilla Chai Body Butter
Claims: Our Limited Edition Vanilla Chai Body Butter is a rich and delicious-smelling festive treat for softly-sweet skin. The Vanilla Chai scent is warm and inviting, filled with creamy milk and addictive vanilla
Claims: Bring a squeeze of seasonal sweetness to your shower with our Limited Edition Vanilla Chai Shower Gel; a deliciously-scented shower gel bursting with vanilla chai fragrance. This warm and inviting scent infused with creamy milk and addictive vanilla, envelops the senses for a relaxing experience.
Claims: Add a hint of holiday magic to bath time with our Limited Edition Vanilla Chai Bath Foam. The warm and inviting scent, infused with creamy milk and hand-picked vanilla from Madagascar, creates an indulgent spa experience.
This range comes in a pretty light yellow packaging with the Christmasy print on it. The smell is warm and woody, more of chai than of vanilla. It’s not the light vanilla scent, the strong chai scent is overpowering the vanilla.
But I still love the warm and spicy scent and it’s perfect for the winter season.
I have the Body Butter, Shower Gel and Foam bath. Now I don’t have a bath tub, hence cannot use the Foam Bath in that way, but I add it in a bucket and use it that way. Also it is great for manicures and pedicures at home, those pampering days.
I love the Shower Gel and Body Butter combo, the smells lasts longer when both are used simultaneously. The body butter is slightly thick and rich for my taste and hence it is perfect for current winters. I don’t like using heavy body butters in summers or monsoons in Mumbai.
The shower gel foams and cleanses really well, and skin does not feel overly dry or stretchy. I would recommend trying out this range right now as it is perfect for the season. I am not sure if it is still available, but if it is, do grab the Vanilla Chai range!
Have you tried the Vanilla Chai Range from The Body Shop?
Winter Skincare Routine for Face/Body/Lips feat. Himalaya Herbals
Hi guys,
If you don’t already know, I have got a fracture and I have been on bed rest since the past three weeks. I am at my parents’ place and the only thing I carried along with me in terms of skincare is this Winter Bundle I got from Himalaya Herbals.
I am so glad that all the things I would need in this winter season are a part of this bundle. I have been using these since the past 3 weeks and let me tell you my thoughts..
Starting with body care, I have three body lotions from Himalaya
Himalaya Herbals Cocoa Butter Intensive Body Lotion (With Cocoa Butter & Wheat Germ Oil- for extra dry skin)
Himalaya Herbals Nourishing Body Lotion (With Aloe Vera & Winter Cherry- for normal skin)
Himalaya Herbals Soothing Body Lotion (With grape seed and almond oil- for dry skin)
Each one is priced at Rs.140/- for 200ml (Buy HERE)
They all come in the standard white Himalaya Herbals packaging with the green flip cap. They all have Hydra-Nutri Balance which is ‘Hydration’ i.e. locking skin’s moisture and increasing skin’s capacity to hold moisture and ‘Nutrition’ which is some ingredients that help benefit the skin. Each body lotion has different blend of ingredients, as per the skin type.
I don’t have very dry skin but it does get more dry during winters. Especially the hands and legs. I use the Nourishing or Soothing Body Lotion during the day time and the Cocoa Butter Intensive Body Lotion during the night time. My skin remains soft, supple and moisturized. It does not crave moisture and I don’t get white patches or flaky skin after few hours. I am really enjoying these body lotions and I would recommend the Cocoa Butter one for people with dry skin and the other two for normal skin.
Coming to the face creams, I have
Himalaya Herbals Clear Complexion Whitening Day Cream (Lightens Skin tone & UV Protection- with Licorice & White Dammer) MRP: Rs.250/- for 50g (Buy HERE)
Himalaya Herbals Revitalizing Night Cream (Restores moisture balance, nourishes & repairs- with White Lily & Tomato) MRP: Rs.200/- for 50g (Buy HERE)
Day Cream Claims:
Ingredients:
Night Cream Claims:
Ingredients:
They come in a clear glass jar packaging with a curved green cap and a white separator in between. The day cream is beige in color while the night cream is white. They both are super light in texture and doesn’t leave any greasy/heavy feeling. They get absorbed instantly. The day cream has a soft licorice smell while the night cream has a soft lily smell, as the ingredients in it.
The day cream also has Cinnabloc which helps in UV protection, but the SPF is not mentioned, so I would not advise skipping your sunscreen. Additional UV protection though is always welcome. It has licorice extracts which help in fading dark spots/acne scars and evening out your skin tone.
The Revitalizing Night Cream from Himalaya Herbals is one of my Holy Grail products, I have done a detailed review years ago HERE. It was my first night cream.
I absolutely love the affect of this cream on the skin overnight. In just 3-4 days, you will notice a difference in your skin. Both tomato and white lily are very good for your skin and it does make my skin very supple and plump, leaves it evenly moisturized and hydrated with no dry areas in the morning.
And there are two face and body creams, which work for both..
Himalaya Herbals Nourishing Skin Cream (Light & Non Greasy- with Indian Kino tree, Aloe Vera, Winter Cherry) MRP: Rs.125/- for 100ml (Buy HERE)
These can be used for both face and body. I use the nourishing skin cream on my face & hands right after bath. It is not very heavy, but if you compare it to the day cream, then yes it is heavier. If you have dry skin, you would like this Nourishing Skin Cream more than the day cream, coz your skin will need more hydration.
And the Winter Defense Moisturizing Cream is very heavy, I would recommend using it for dry patches on the body like the knees and elbows and the feet. I love applying a thick layer of it on my feet and cover my feet with warm socks and keep them overnight. If you have cracked feet, this will help you in healing them. Do it daily for 7 days, and your feet will be super soft with no dryness or cracks.
Coming to the lips, I have..
Himalaya Herbals Natural Soft Vanilla Care (MRP: Rs.125/- for 4.5g- Buy HERE)
Himalaya Herbals Strawberry Shine Lip Care (MRP: Rs.125/- for 4.5g- Buy HERE)
They both come in a standard lip balm twist up packaging with matching caps. The vanilla one has white and beige vanilla-cocoa swirls on the inner tube. I love the way it looks and smells, absolutely love the soft and warm vanilla scent. It is clear and a perfect night time lip balm. It hydrates the lips overnight and keeps them soft through the day. I have super chapped lips, they are dry as a desert throughout the year and more so in winters. But thankfully this time around, these lip balms have kept me away from chapped and painful lips which I suffer from each winter.
Strawberry Shine one has a soft pink tint which is good for day time, not a fan of the scent of this one though.
I love the fact both Himalaya Herbals lip balms are free of mineral oil and petroleum jelly. I know most of us have used petroleum jelly for our lips before, but what it does is, it seals/locks the lips and does not allow the external moisture to reach the lips. Lips and the skin around eyes don’ have oil glands and cannot get moisturized (produce natural oils) on it’s own. So when it comes to lips, they start feeling dry and require constant application when petroleum jelly is used. I also read it in Dr. Rashmi Shetty’s book ‘Age Erase’ recently. She recommends beeswax, shea butter, cocoa butter, etc. based lip balms, and hence these are absolutely perfect. You can feel these are free from mineral oil and petroleum jelly, the texture is very waxy and not oily.
Overall, I would say I am in love with most of these products and they are absolutely perfect for winters. I am only using these since the past three weeks and I have carried only these with me. Highly recommend them! My favourites are the day and night cream, body lotions and the vanilla lip balm.
Have you tried these products? Let me know your current winter skincare routine.
Plum is a new emerging brand which many people might not be aware of. Its slowly getting popular. Today, am not just reviewing this body lotion, but also the brand as a whole. I have used a few of their other products and they have worked very well on my sensitive skin. Also their website is intuitive and the entire ordering process is easy and smooth. Also they have a rewards program, plus they give discounts at times. I got their Hello Aloe Moisturiser and the face wash came at Rs.99 instead of the regular price. Additionally, got some samples too. Its good when these companies send such samples, as after I used them, I found it works well for my skin and I might repurchase the full size. And this “Plum Choco Latte Luxuriant Body Lotion”, actually I won it in their instagram contest. So let’s move on to the review.
Product Claims: Strictly inedible! Indulgent aroma and silky texture – this smoothie is only for your skin to drink. There is nothing better than a friend, unless it’s a friend with a chocolate.
The body lotion comes in a white, opaque, plastic bottle. The packaging could be slightly improved to bring in a more fun factor. It has a pump at the top for dispensing which makes it super convenient. The pump has a lock mechanism which shuts on twisting. I have carried it while travelling and there has been no spillage. Plum is transparent not just about its ingredients (What's in). But also lists the What’s out on the packaging. The entire description makes it fun rather than the boring descriptions we usually read in other brands.
Texture and fragrance:
It looks and smells exactly like a hot chocolate drink. No artificial scent like Vaseline, TBS, etc. The smell immediately reminds me of the warm chocolate drink I had at a Himalayan campsite in the cold weather. 😉
My experience:
No doubt it is rightly labelled as a luxuriant body lotion. Its one of the best I have ever used. Has perfect consistency, no stickiness and provides deep nourishment. I have extra dry skin and this has helped me greatly when other lotions haven’t. The staying power is pretty long. And I enjoy the delicious aroma every time on applying. I don’t know how they have bought the exact natural scent of chocolate into it when many other brands have just had artificial fragrances. But those who want to indulge in a Willy Wonka kinda experience, soak yourself in this delicious choco-latte and enjoy 😀
Plus, its free of parabens and all other harmful chemicals. Suitable for sensitive skin. My skin loves it totally and it feels healthy and nourished. You might feel the price is on the higher side. I do feel the price is higher for a body lotion as we use it very often and it gets over quickly in around two weeks. But in the current market, compared to the available body lotions, most of us are seeking paraben-free, artificial fragrance-free and other shit-free products. And they are all highly priced. Plum seems to offer them at more a reasonable price.
Maybe, as more such brands enter the market, the prices might slowly lower with increasing demand. One final thing, check out their website. I ordered from them before and being a software engineer, I couldn’t help admiring the entire UI, easy and intuitive ordering and checkout process, rewards program, etc. I have used other websites for ordering beauty products but Plum is really excellent. Wishing for newer products and innovations. And discounts too 😉
For oily/normal skin types, am not sure if it would work well. But for me, I am going to repurchase this and recommend it to dry skin and choco lovers.
What I like about it:
* Provides deep nourishment to skin.
* Retains moisture for a longer time.
* Delicious, yummy natural aroma of choco-latte.
* Super convenient packaging.
* Free of parabens, SLS and PABA.
* Cruelty-free.
* Reasonable price compared to other similar brands.
Suggestions for improvement:
* Price can be little lower for a body lotion.
Rating: 6/5 (I couldn’t resist giving 6 😉 It was awesome )
Verdict: Plum Choco Latte Luxuriant Body Lotion is really an excellent treat to nourish and pamper your skin. I would surely recommend this to everyone. Additionally, I would like to add that Plum gives back 1% of its sales to non-profit organizations dedicated to protecting the environment. Good to see such brands emerging in India. 🙂
I am a sucker of body washes. I have been using them since years and lately i have fallen in love with them. I have tried number of body washes since ages. Be it from the regular drugstore brands or the premium brands. This time I was eyeing the online marketplace to look for a brand new in terms of bath gel and I landed up with this baby – SEBAMED Liquid face and body wash. I am sure all of you might have heard the amazing properties of the foaming face wash which is supposed to be anti bacterial and all. And since it’s summers when i suffer the most with bacterial attacks and all so I decided to use the body wash. and that is the time when i bought this – Sebamed Liquid Face and body wash and thus here follows the review.
Product claims : Sebamed Liquid Face and Body Wash is dermatologist developed, ultra-mild, and compatible with the most sensitive of skins. It gently deep cleans pores without causing dryness or irritation as regular soap can. Fortified with a natural moisturizing complex of vitamins and soothing allantoin, it rinses away completely for naturally healthier, smoother skin.
My experience with Sebamed Liquid Face and body wash
The packaging of this body wash from the house of sebamed looks like it is a medicinal product. The packaging has the product name and other details written all over it. The bottle is medium in size which makes it easy to carry around. It comes with a easy cap which needs to be only twisted to get the product out.
The texture of the body wash is medium in nature. But still you need to dilute it so that it easily spreads on your body. The body wash controls the amount of oil on your body and also reduces the presence or formation of any new bacteria or any allergies on your body. There is a bit of medicinal smell but nothing over the top so sensitive noses need not worry. And you require a very little amount per usage so a little product will easily go a long way.
Good about Sebamed Liquid Face and body wash
1. Medicinal properties
2. Little product goes a long way
3. Affordable
4. Easy to use texture
5. Does not dry out skin
6. Maintains the pH 5.5 balance of the body
7. Keeps skin bacteria free
8. 100% Soap and Alkali free
Bad about Sebamed Liquid Face and body wash
1. Nothing for me other than the availability part
Rating – 5/5
Editor’s Note: Wow, this sounds pretty good for summers Pallavi. Definitely checking this out right away, nice review.
Have you tried the Sebamed Liquid Face and Body Wash?
What is cellulite? Cellulite is dimpled skin popularly known as orange peel occurring mostly on thighs, buttocks and stomach area, every women has cellulite so you don’t need to feel embarrassed about it, its completely normal and natural. There are several reasons for cellulite some of the most common reasons include unhealthy eating habits, hereditary, hormonal, genetic factors and lack of exercise. There is no proven way to get rid of cellulite completely, however the tips given below will help you to reduce it. Keep reading!
1. Eat healthy : Diet plays an important role, the fat you consume will be stored in your body as cellulite, consuming clean healthy food will help you to stay fit, foods like grains contains fibber which will help you to remove waste and toxins from the intestine also shedding off cellulite stored as fat in your body. Along with this drink plenty of water as consuming water will also remove toxins and excess fat from the body.
2. Workout : Cellulite is a very stubborn fat, you have to understand that it will take time to get rid of it, however to speed it up it’s important to do cardio as often as you can. As cellulite is nothing but stored fat, burning those fat through cardio and leg exercises would be a wise decision.
3. Exfoliate : Exfoliating helps to promote blood circulation and sheds off dead skin cells, to see visible results it’s advised to use a coarse exfoliator before showers every day. If your skin is too sensitive give it one day rest so that your skin is repaired.
4. Massage : Massaging enhances the blood circulation in the body and provide oxygen to the cells, it helps the body to reduce cellulite in its own natural way. You can massage it with grapefruit essential oil, hazelnut essential oil or jojoba oil. Add 3 to 4 drops of the essential oil of your choice to a tablespoon of almond oil and rub and massage into your skin for a hydrated and firmer appearance. Do this every day for best outcomes.
5. Dry brushing : Massage your skin for a minute before you start dry brushing. Use a soft bristled brush, apply few drops of oil on the affected area then brush in small circular motions directed towards the heart until the skin sucks up all of the oil or till your skin turns red. Repeat the procedure every day to see visible results.
6. Use coffee grounds : Caffeine breaks up the fat deposits as you massage into the skin. It also tightens your skin making it firm. Drinking coffee daily will also help to eliminate fat. Prepare a wrap with coffee and olive oil mixture, heat one-half cup of coffee grounds and a little extra-virgin olive oil in the microwave for 20 seconds. Spread the warm mixture on the cellulite and cover it with plastic wrap. Leave it on for 30 minutes, and then rinse it off with Luke warm mixture. Repeat this 3 times a week to see visible results.
7. Anti cellulite cream : There are many creams targeted for cellulite, below is the list of best cellulite creams available.
So I got these 4 body lotions from Nivea to try out and review for you guys, and I did so one by one, here are my thoughts on each.
They have an interesting concept of hydration, they have 1 to 5 range of hydration and each body lotion would fall in between 1 to 5 where 1 is light and 5 is the most rich lotion. Also each lotion also mentions if it is meant for ‘dry skin’, ‘very dry skin’ or ‘all skin types’. The smaller bottles comes in a curved shape, and the sizes vary from the smallest bottle to the huge 400ml pump bottle. The smaller ones are perfect for travel and the pump ones are handy and quick to use at home.
Nivea Smooth Milk Body Lotion
What the Company claims: The new non-greasy softening formula now with double amount of precious Shea Butter, repairs skin dryness to give deep moisturisation and long lasting smoothness.
The moisturising body milk for dry skin
Experience a unique care experience. NIVEA Smooth Milk Body Lotion with Hydra IQ and Shea Butter provides long-lasting moisture. The formula absorbs quickly and pampers your skin with a velvety feel. For an irresistibly beautiful skin: NIVEA Smooth Milk Body Lotion.
RESULT:
The formula with Hydra IQ technology provides long-lasting moisture.
Cares for the skin with a formula with valuable shea butter.
Velvety texture is quickly absorbed and gives a smooth feel.
Apply regularly to experience a smoother and softer skin for days
The formula with Hydra IQ, reactivates your skin’s own moisture network to give 24 hour moisturisation with just one use.
This Smooth Milk Body Lotion falls in the mid in the light to rich parameters, so it would be ideal for all skin types, especially in winters. In summers, would suggest it for dry skin. It is slightly runny but easy to blend and gets absorbed quickly.
It has shea butter and is quite moisturizing yet not super rich at the same time. If you are someone with very dry skin and use only body butters, you might feel the need to reapply at the end of the day, for me it gives just enough hydration and I do not feel the need to reapply.
I love the soft floral smell and definitely recommend this to everyone.
Nivea Oil in Lotion Cocoa Nourish Body Lotion
What the Company claims: Enriched with coconut oil and cocoa butter. The formula with Hydra IQ, reactivates your skin’s own moisture network to give 24 hour moisturisation with just one use. It provides deep moisture and smoothes away dullness
MRP: Rs.215/- for 200ml, Rs.330/- for 400ml (BUY HERE for 264)
Ingredients & Claims:
It has coconut oil and cocoa butter, as the name goes ‘Oil in Lotion’, it has actual oil and is obviously on the richer side. It is 4th in their light to rich parameter. It’s a little thicker and not like a lotion, but like a liquidy body butter. It takes some time to blend and has a cocoa smell. Quite moisturising and perfect for the current winters and for people with dry skin. Even dry skin will not feel the need of reapplication, skin stays hydrated, moist and supple throughout the day. Perfect for people with dry, itchy, flaky skin, you should give this a try.
Nivea Body Milk Nourishing Lotion
What the Company claims:The formula with Almond oil softens the skin. Give your very dry skin intensive care. Long-lasting softness and protection
This comes in the rich category and is 5th in their hydration parameters, so it is one of the richest (or the most rich) Nivea body lotion. Surprisingly it is quite runny and not as gooey and thick and blends easily too. It has a soft floral smell. Going by the texture and the way it blends easily, you will not expect it to be that hydrating or rich. But the skin feels super soft and smooth in an instant, I think it is all thanks to the almond oil in it. Though I would recommend this for dry to very dry skin and people who have itchy, flaky dry skin, this would be the perfect post shaving body lotion for everyone. As it rich but not sticky and greasy and is super easy to apply. Definitely recommend this!
Nivea Extra Whitening Cell Repair & UV Protect Body Lotion
What the Company claims:
Formulated with super fruit extracts of camu camu and acerola cherry, this lotion offers 50 times higher Vitamin C*, and helps to repair the years of dullness and damage on skin
The formula with SPF 15 is free of Paraben, Mineral Oil, Colorants and Bleaching, proven to protect the skin from sun effectively without leaving harmful residues
NIVEA Extra Whitening Cell Repair and UV Protect Lotion with SPF 15 helps repair: Accumulated dull damaged skin, dark spots, uneven skin tone, rough skin, flaky skin, cracked skin, itchy skin
It is the one of the most expensive of all Nivea Body Lotions, but I would say rightly so. One of my friend never gets tanned during summers even when she wears sleeveless and when I asked, she said she swears by the Nivea Extra Whitening Body Lotion. You know those tan lines of sleeves, shorts, necklines, etc, they are the most irritating. And although we have a lot of DIY’s to remove tan (Read HERE), admit it we are too lazy most of the times and if a body lotion moisturizes our skin and removes our tan at the same time plus gives SPF, then why not! We all need such good things 😀
It is quite runny and super light, it falls 2nd in their hydration parameter, I would not recommend it for winters as you would need to reapply quite a few times but for summers, this is an absolute must have! Get SPF, get rid of your tan plus moisturise your skin, this is all in one and more. It has 50 x Vitamin C and will also work on spots and uneven skin tone, we do work on our face and use all the Vitamin E and C for it, but hardly ever for our body, and body obviously needs equal care and attention.
I would highly recommend this one for summers.
L-R: Nivea Smooth Milk, Cocoa Nourish, Body Milk, Extra Whitening
Overall I would say I love the fact that all Nivea Body Lotions come in different sizes from the smallest to the biggest and different price points, each one is meant for different skin type and use, and can be used accordingly. I suggest Smooth Milk & Extra Whitening for Summers and Cocoa Nourish and Body Milk for winters.
Have you tried Nivea Body Lotions? Which one is your favourite?
Johara Instant Radiance Face Scrub, Amaranthus and Amazon Lily Body Lotion Review
Hi guys,
If you remember I had reviewed Johara Cosmetics before (See HERE), they have come up with two new products i.e. the Johara Instant Radiance Face Scrub and the Amaranthus and Amazon Lily Body Lotion. I have tried the Amaranthus and Amazon Lily Body Mist before and it smells absolutely amazing, so I was quite excited to try the body lotion.
Coming to the review, let me start with the face scrub first.
What the Company claims: Johara® Instant Radiance Face Scrub is formulated with natural exfoliating ultra-fine walnut grains and a blend of lemon peel extract and neem oil to gently slough off dull skin layers, remove impurities and promote natural cell exfoliation. Brighten up lackluster skin with this creamy formula enriched with Cococin™ CG , a nutrient rich extract from green tender coconut water to rejuvenate skin to leave skin feeling clean, smooth and toned for a simply radiant complexion.
:: Moisturizes your skin better from the inside out
:: Cleanses the skin of impurities
Directions:
Step 1: Cleanse your face with Johara® PhytoBright Whitening Cleanser to remove all the dirt and pollution.
Step 2 : Take a dab of the Johara® Instant Radiance Face Scrub and massage it all over face and neck. Be careful not to rub too hard. Recommended use is twice in a week. Regular use of face scrub exfoliates dead cells, blackheads and reveal instant radiant skin.
It comes in this bright red tube with a grey flip cap. It’s an off white creamy scrub and has a strong herbal smell.
The scrub is very very creamy and has walnut shell powder for exfoliation. The shells are grainy enough for perfect exfoliation and the cream base is so amazing that it moisturizes the skin at the same time and does not leave the skin dry at all.
I love creamy scrubs and this is one perfect face scrub, but do not use it for more than twice a week. I prefer using it once a week as I do not exfoliate the skin much.
It’s definitely slightly on the expensive side but the 100g quantity is huge and if one has to use it 1-2 times a week, this would last pretty good. You can buy it directly from the Samidirect website or from Flipkart, Shopclues, Snapdeal, etc.
Now coming to the body lotion,
What the Company claims: Johara® Amaranthus and Amazon Lily Body Lotion is enriched with the goodness of Amaranthus oil which deeply hydrates and helps the skin to maintain moisture. A fast absorbing body lotion that moisturizes and softens the skin. Enriched with Cococin™ CG, a nutrient rich extract from green tender coconut water that rejuvenate and leaves skin feeling smooth and nourished.
It’s a body lotion but it comes in this green and white flip cap tube form. It is white in color and has quite a runny consistency, not as fluid as liquid but it is water based.
It smells absolutely amazing, the combination of Amaranthus and Amazon Lily is amazing, I am not a fan of floral smell but this is something very unique and nice. It is not that sweet kind of fruity floral.
The base in the lotion seems almost the same as that in the body mist of this range, coz it feels watery and dries off immediately after applying on the skin, just like the mist. It is super super light, perfects the lightest body lotion I have ever tried. It is not hydrating enough for winters and definitely needs reapplication but it is perfect for summers or humid climate.
I am going to use this more often in summers as I prefer richer lotions for winters.
Currently both the scrub and body lotion come with a smaller pack free which is perfect for travel. Again it is slightly on the expensive side for a body lotion, but if you prefer natural and sulphate, paraben free products, then very few brands have good options and this is definitely one of the best.
Highly recommend the face scrub and the body lotion is good for summers.
Rating: Scrub
Quality: 4/5
Value for money : 4/5
Availability: 3.5/5
Overall rating: 3.75/5
Rating: Body Lotion
Quality: 3.5/5
Value for money : 3.5/5
Availability: 3.5/5
Overall rating: 3.5/5
Do you like Amazon Lily & Amaranthus combination? Have you tried Johara products?
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.
The Body Shop Christmas Special Frosted Cranberry Range Review
Hi guys,
The Body Shop has come up with interesting gift packs for Christmas, and one of their new launches is the Frosted Cranberry Range.
MRP: Rs.995/-
It comes in this cute red gift box with cut outs and the top handle. It has a body wash, body butter and a loofah.
These are perfect for travel and make very cute gifts for your loved ones. The range has a strong sweet smell of candies & cranberries. The packaging is all red and Christmasy.
I like the body wash, the smell is not that over powering but the body butter is very sweet for my taste. I prefer subtle and fresh, citrusy smells when it comes to body butter. But the texture of the body butter is really light and it has sesame oil and is easily absorbed into the skin without any greasiness. It also has cocoa butter, shea butter, cranberry seed oil, soybean oil and beeswax, but still it is quite light.
Body Butter Ingredients
The loofah as all Body Shop loofahs is of really good quality and easy to use. Not very abrasive and perfect for light exfoliating and works great with any body wash.
Body Wash Ingredients
I would recommend smelling the products individually first before buying the entire box. I definitely recommend the body wash, but not really a fan of the body butter smell, though I love the light texture.
Also The Body Shop is running a Water Aid campaign globally. The Body Shop and Water Aid are spreading happiness this Christmas with the gift of safe water. For every specially selected gift people will buy, The Body Shop will donate one day of safe water to a family in Ethiopia. So when you buy a gift box, you are also helping a family get clean and safe water for a day. Double joy 😀
Do check out the interesting gift packs at the nearest The Body Shop store or even online on www.thebodyshop.in
What do you think about The Body Shop Gift Packs? Do you like the Frosted Cranberry Range?
