I was on the lookout for a good product to treat acne since a long time and that is when, I read about how tea tree oil works wonders for acne. My main concern, was deciding whether to buy the Fabindia one or The Body Shop one but, I came to the conclusion that I’ll buy the fabindia one given that, I’ll have to shell out only half the amount .So without further ado, I headed straight to the fabindia store and bought myself the tea tree oil which is supposedly to work wonders for acne as well dandruff the latter not being a major problem in my case.. To know more about my experience with the product read on.
Price and quantity: Rs. 350 for 10 ml
What the product claims: This oil helps combat dandruff and acne. Fumes help in easing nasal congestion
Ingredients: Tea tree essential oil.
My views on the product
The product comes in a dark blue colored glass bottle with a screw cap which, has a dropper inside that makes sure that, you use the product sparingly which is very important in case of essential oils. I wouldn’t carry the product around as; I would have the constant fear of breaking it. I apply a few drops of the oil with a Q tip at night only on my acne avoiding the eye area. The oil has an extremely strong fragrance and causes a stinging sensation as soon as applied which, I am ready to forsake if it actually worked for acne. But to my disdain it did not, and the next day I saw 2 new pimples on my face. The effect probably varies from person to person but for my skin it clearly did no good .I continued using this product for a few days only because I didn’t want to waste my money but, it did nothing about the acne or the scars.
This product has ensured that I wouldn’t buy any product with tea tree oil in it cause of the recurrent acne that I saw on my face with regular usage of the product.
Pros:
Lasts for a long time since you have to use only a few drops in a single application
Comes with a dropper
Comes with a screw cap which prevents leakage
Cons:
Doesn’t reduce acne or scars
Causes stinging sensation
Overpowering smell
Can cause dry patches on skin
Not travel friendly
Final word
I would not recommend this product to anyone since, it has proven to be a complete waste of every penny spent and would do nothing about the acne instead, it would cause more harm like dry patches on skin. So, if you are looking for a good tea tree oil then, this is definitely not the one.
Rating: 1/5
Editor’s Note: Oo..I am surprised this didn’t work because I have heard a lot of good things about the Fabindia oils too. The Body Shop one is definitely amazing, I have tried that. I think you should try The Body Shop one.
Have you tried the Fabindia Tea Tree Oil? Did you have the same experience?
Touch Nature Lemongrass Essential Oil Review, Benefits, How to Use
By Nidhal
They smell heavenly. They are perfect pick-me- up items to uplift your senses and lull you into a soothing slumber. Popularly used in aromatherapy sessions, essential oils, EO for short are highly concentrated, potent and therapeutic oils that need to be necessarily blended with a carrier/base oil for external use (and they are strictly not meant for internal uses). A base oil is simply any oil that mellows down the potency of the essential oil to the extent that its goodness isn’t reduced but it becomes conducive for use on skin.
The bottom line- Always, without fail, dilute essential oils in a base (or more than one) oil such as- virgin coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO in short), virgin sesame oil and so on and so forth for use on skin/hair. Also, add only a few “DROPS’ and not teaspoons/tablespoons of the essential oil into the carrier/base oil. You stand the risk of scalding your skin if you add more than a few drops of essential oil to the base oil.
With these basic ideas in my, I zeroed in on TOUCH NATURE NEPAL LEMONGRASS ESSENTIAL OIL one fine afternoon as I was strolling the streets of Kathmandu, Nepal in 2014 🙂 The people are the epitome of courtesy , warmth and civility by the way. Coming back to the topic, let us begin with how the essential oil fared for me and how I used it for my skin and hair.
PRICE – 350 INR for 10ml (Buy similar from Soulflower HERE)
DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Dilute in a base/carrier oil of your choice, depending on your skin’s condition and use topically.
INGREDIENTS- Pure lemongrass essential oil
WHAT IT CLAIMS- Lemongrass (Cymbopogon) is a perennial plant in the Poaceae grass family and is native to the tropical and subtropical area of India, Cambodia, Indonesia, China, Guatemala, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. It flourishes where the soil is slightly sandy and the climate moist and war. Lemongrass essential oil has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, anti-oxidant, astringent and diuretic properties.
MY EXPERIENCE-
Packed in a minuscule glass jar with a plastic cap on top and a layer of plastic covering with already perforated holes inset, the packaging of the essential oil is simple, spillage-free and travel-friendly. Yes, the provision of the double layer packaging makes it easy to carry without the fear of leakage. However, I wish a dropper was furnished so that drawing out the oil would have been easier. So, that is my input.
The oil has a riveting aroma. It uplifts you truly! The oil does not have a greasy/oily/thick texture but is fairly runny (as I see). One is not supposed to put it on one’s skin without dilution hence, I never risked doing the same.
FOR MY SKIN – I blend 3-4 drops of this lemongrass essential oil into two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and then, massage it on my skin especially after a bath for that ensures better absorption 🙂 Result? My skin feels hydrated, smoothed out and softened throughout the day besides emanating a lovely aroma that keeps me fresh
FOR MY HAIR- I mix 2 drops of this lemongrass essential oil with 2 tablespoons of virgin sesame oil (which is slightly warm for I prefer hot oil massages). Never mix the oils and then heat the resulting mixture. Do not even heat virgin sesame oil too much else or it may emit flames of smoke, indicating that all its goodness is going in for a toss. Simply heat the virgin sesame oil for a minute or two on LOW FLAME and then after a minute or two, add 2 drops of lemongrass EO. Mix well and apply on your scalp.
Keep it overnight and then apply a mask (optional step) the next morning, shampoo and condition as usual. You will end with shiny, hydrated and softened hair which I did Oh yes, as far as my experience goes, I find it suitable for use by all skin types except those with excessively dry skin. All hair types can go for it.
GOOD-
1. Riveting aroma. It sends one’s olfactory senses into a tizzy. In one word- Heavenly
2. Well-packaged
3. Well-priced. Most essential oils are within this range so, one is not being overcharged.
4. Perfect for aromatherapy sessions.
5. Can be added to hair masks with a foul odour to camouflage the smell.
6. Can be added to face masks in order to elicit a soul-stirring aroma.
7. Imparts a glow. I have added a few drops of the same to extra virgin olive oil and used on my face and neck (which is dry)every night for two months. Hence, can vouch for it. Please note, I said “drops”.
BAD-
1. Very difficult to find. I have not been able to find it in India. It is obvious since it is made in Nepal but even if searched online, one is unable to find to find it.
Top 10 Types of Essential Oils, Their Uses and Benefits, How to Use, Buy Online
By Simran
An essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants.
An oil is ‘essential’ in the sense that it contains the ‘essence of’ the plant’s fragrance—the characteristic fragrance of the plant from which it is derived.
Interest in essential oils has revived in recent decades with the popularity of aromatherapy, a branch of alternative medicine that claims that essential oils and other aromatic compounds have curative effects.
In addition to these impressive qualities, they often also transfer very pleasurable sensory experiences within minutes because of their fragrances and restorative natures, making them impactful on our brain chemistry, emotional well-being, and spiritual wellness. This makes for a highly vast and diverse list of uses for essential oils.
Rosewood is a decorative tree and used to make furniture, chopsticks, and show pieces; it is a versatile and durable tree that grows abundantly in Brazil. It is commonly called sheesham in India. But rosewood is more than just a raw material used in manufacturing.
Benefits/uses of rosewood essential oil:
Rosewood oil has tissue-regenerating properties that help prevent wrinkles and premature aging.
You can use it to reduce the onset of pimples and blackheads while controlling the amount of sebum secreted by your oil glands
It even has wound-healing actions, making it an ideal first-aid remedy for cuts and insect bites.
Aroma therapists use it to help treat depression, as it is said to impart feelings of happiness and strength.
How to Use: You can dilute the oil by using a carrier oil like coconut/olive oil and apply it on your face or use it as a massaging oil. Add a few drops to your bath to relax your body. You can even mix it in your unscented shower gel to achieve a sweet smelling shower gel which relaxes you.
Tea tree oil is made from the leaves of the tea tree plant, a member of the myrtle tree family, which is native to Australia.
Benefits/Uses of Tea Tree essential oil:
Tea tree oil can be used to cure acne, fungal and bacterial infections.
It can even effectively be used to get rid of dandruff.
Tea tree essential oil can provide relief from muscular pain, aches, and sprains because its strong chemical properties can work as an anti-inflammatory and also encourages blood flow.
How to Use: Mix the oil in your moisturiser or Mix a drop or 2 with a smidge of coconut oil and use a cotton swab to apply on your face to effectively fight acne. Mix 10 drops of tea tree oil with 1 cup of water and dip your toothbrush in it once a week to get rid of bacteria on your toothbrush. Use the oil as your deodorant since it fights bacteria and helps you smell fresh.
Orange essential oil is obtained from the peels of orange by cold compression. Although most of you know the common name of oranges, perhaps you don’t know the botanical name, Citrus Sinensis.
Benefits/Uses of orange essential oil:
Orange essential oil is known to relax muscular and nervous spasms.
Curing acne and constipation.
Improves complexion.
Inhibits growth of microbes in wounds and helps reduce inflammation.
How to Use: Use it with your moisturiser, since Vit. C helps in repairing skin and fighting wrinkles. Add a few drops of oil in water and use it as a kitchen cleanser. Diffuse Orange with Lime, Lemon, or Tangerine for a sunny warm-weather scent, or diffuse it with Cinnamon and a hint of Clove for a festive smell perfect for the holidays.
Lavender oil is extracted mostly from the flowers of the lavender plant. The flowers of lavender are fragrant in nature and have been used for making potpourri for centuries. Traditionally, lavender essential oil has also been used in making perfumes.
Benefits/Uses of Lavender essential oil:
Lavender essential oil is known to Reduces anxiety and emotional stress
Heal burns and wounds.
It helps in Improving sleep
Restores skin complexion and reduces acne.
It Slows aging with powerful antioxidants.
How to Use: Put a drop or two in your bath water to instantly relax your body after a long day. If you have trouble sleeping, put 2-3 drops on your pillow case to help you fall asleep faster. Mix several drops of Lavender oil with a nut or vegetable mixing oil (coconut, sesame, etc) and use topically on acne.
Cedarwood essential oil is extracted from wood pieces of the cedar wood tree. Cedarwood contributes a great deal to its health benefits.
Benefits/uses of Cedarwood essential oil:
Cedarwood oil promotes hair growth
has anti-inflammatory agents
cures toothaches
strengthens gums
It clears out toxins and helps cure acne and fungal infections.
Reduces skin irritations
regulates menstruation
stimulates metabolism
tightens muscles
How to Use: Just add a few drops of Cedarwood oil to your shampoo or massage it directly into the scalp to promote hair growth. Simply add a few drops of cedarwood oil to your skin cream and rub it into the affected acne areas or you can add 4 or 5 drops to your bathwater to help soothe the skin. You could also add cedarwood oil to coconut oil and some oatmeal to make your own facial scrub. If you are feeling in any way tense, stressed or depressed try inhaling cedarwood essential oil from the bottle or put a few drops on a handkerchief and breathe it in whenever you feel the need.
Chamomile oil is extracted from the flowers of the Chamomile plant, which is very popular as a flowering plant. There are two types of Chamomile; The Roman Chamomile and the German Chamomile.
Benefits/uses of Chamomile essential oil:
Chamomile oil is best known throughout the ages for its sedative and soothing qualities.
Endowed with an overall calming effect for the stressed mind and tense body
Chamomile essential oil can also be used to ease feelings of grief, anger, discontent or over-sensitivity.
It helps in fading scars and spots on your skin and treats sunburn.
How to Use: Rub a few drops of Chamomile essential oil on your pulse points like behind the ear or neck; it will help you fall asleep better. Add 1–2 drops to your favourite moisturizer, shampoo, or conditioner to promote youthful looking skin and hair. Add 1–2 drops to herbal teas or hot drinks to soothe the body and mind.
Cinnamon originated in tropical Asia, and was particularly widely used in Sri Lanka and India. Now, the shrub is grown in almost every tropical region of the world. The spice, owing to its vast medicinal uses, has found a prominent position in traditional medicines, especially in Ayurveda, which is the traditional Indian medicinal system.
Benefits/uses of Cinnamon essential oil:
It increases circulation and fights viruses.
The oil possesses anti inflammation properties and hence cures acne effectively.
Helps alleviate sore muscles and joints
How to Use: Place 1 drop Cinnamon essential oil in hot water or tea and drink slowly to soothe your throat. Dilute the oil with a carrier oil like coconut or mineral oil and apply on your face for glowing skin and decreasing acne. Place one drop on your toothbrush then add toothpaste for healthier gums.
Sweet Basil/Tulsi Essential Oil
8. Sweet Basil essential oil:
Sweet basil oil comes from basil, a plant with a thick foliage and small white flowers. Fresh basil leaves taste sweet and pungent, and exudes a fresh and floral aroma, while the dried ones have a spicy and earthy scent. Basil was widely used in ancient times and still used in India for various medicinal purposes.
Benefits/uses of Sweet Basil essential oil:
Sweet Basil essential oil Soothes sore muscles and joints.
It enhances the lustre of dull-looking skin and hair.
It helps cure acne and improves circulation.
Apply to minor skin irritations
For sensitive skin, dilute with fractionated coconut oil.
It is anti bacterial
How to Use: Mix it in your shampoo or moisturiser for lush hair and glowing skin. Use basil essential oils topically on the feet or by diffusing them aromatically to fight fatigue.
While the aroma of peppermint essential oil may be synonymous in some minds with the candy, it’s a lot more than flavouring. The essential oil of peppermint has been used for centuries for digestive problems, sinus and respiration and more. The aroma of the oil can be very sweet, and obviously minty, in nature.
Benefits/uses of Peppermint essential oil:
It nourishes skin and improves texture of oily skin
Promotes hair growth
Improves mental focus and relieves headaches.
How to Use: Add 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil to your regular morning shampoo and conditioner to stimulate the scalp and energize your mind. Use a drop or two on your temples to help enhance mental clarity. Inhaling peppermint essential oil can stave off the munchies and can help you feel full faster.
Lemongrass is an herb that belongs to the grass family of Poaceae. Lemongrass oil has a light and fresh lemony smell with earthy undertones. It is stimulating, relaxing, soothing, and balancing.
Benefits/uses of Lemon grass essential oil:
It relieves head and stomach aches
Helps reduce acne and oiliness of the skin
Helps in reducing fatigue or insomnia, even menstrual cramps.
How to Use: Diffuse or apply Lemongrass essential oil to bottoms of feet at bedtime for a restful night’s sleep. Drink two cups of lemongrass tea a day to relieve pain associated with your period. To help clear up acne, add one drop to a carrier oil and dab on to affected areas once or twice a day.
These essential oils are also available in a set of 6 (HERE) and set of 12 (HERE), different combinations.
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!
To begin with, I have extremely sensitive, acne prone, oily skin that is always on the verge of breakouts. Due to this reason, I avoid moisturizers (except for aloe vera gel) all my life. However, as I am approaching towards late 20s, I have been noticing that the texture of the skin looks very unhealthy and that natural glow is missing somewhere. Hence, I wanted something to rejuvenate and nourish the skin. After searching high and low for all the ingredients that works on acne prone skin without giving much trouble, I made this night serum for myself and to my surprise, I did work! I have been using it past a month and thankfully I observed some good changes in my skin. Firstly, it never broke me out and also nourished the skin. Secondly, it hydrates the skin throughout the night with getting oily or greasy. So, here goes the night elixir for acne prone skin.
INGREDIENTS:
Aloe Vera Gel – you can either take it directly from the plants and blend it smooth to have the gel consistency or simple buy one!
Jojoba Oil – Works wonder for oily acne prone skin. You can also substitute it for Avocado OR Almond Oil for preference.
Rose Water – either homemade or store-bought will work.
Vitamin E Capsule – easily available across the counter otherwise you can also opt for Vitamin E oil.
Sanitized Bowl – since it is a face product, it is better to have a sanitized place to start with and then transfer it to a dropper bottle or any container.
STEPS
Step 1
Add 1 tbsp. of rose water in the bowl.
Step 2
Next, add 2 tbsp. of aloe vera gel. Mix it thoroughly as both the ingredients have different consistencies and takes effort to blend well. You can also add 1 tbsp. if you want a runny consistency but I wanted sort of a slightly thicker one, so I added 2 tbsp.
Step 3
Add 2-3 drops of Jojoba Oil and again blend it in.
Step 4
Lastly, take out 1-2 Vitamin E Capsules and poke them to take out the oil. Add the mixture very comprehensively unless you see a uniform consistency without any lumps.
Final outcome
And Voila! You night serum is ready!
TIP: Do not make it in a large quantity because it is handmade and hence, the preservatives are missing. Make it enough for a week or two at the most.
FOR DRY SKIN – Since dry skin or mature skin needs more than just aloe vera gel, they can use shea butter or cocoa butter instead of aloe vera gel. They can also incorporate the essential oils like Almond, Rosehip, Grapeseed, etc. as per their own preference.
BENEFITS OF THE INGREDIENTS –
Vitamin E – Vitamin E is the main ingredient I would vouch for. It has excellent properties to revive and renew the skin cells at night. It treats the scars and marks on the skin due to ageing or acne. Being a great moisturizer, it nourishes the skin well without making it greasy or clog the pores when applied. It soothes and treats the sun burns and regular tanning of the skin. Most prominently, it make collagen that decreases the rate of aging signs like wrinkles, fine lines, etc.
Aloe Vera Gel – this is the HG for every oily skin. Seldom moisturizers suit us and we always find our way back to this. Aloe Vera, known as “plant of immortality”, it has numerous benefits for skin. It moisturizes the skin, heals the scars and soothes the skin from acne and nourishes without any greasy layer which gets absorbed in a jiffy. It also lightens skin pigmentation and slows down the ageing sign.
Jojoba Oil – it is known to fight wrinkles, stretch marks and cellulite. With high amount of ceramides which cover skin cells, it hydrates and nourishes the skin like no other. Oily skin doesn’t go well with other oils but this is an exception. It is so light weight and gets blended very easily. It also has anti-bacterial properties that treats acne and allergies.
Rose Water – the beauty of rose water in indefinite. From toner to face packs, makeup setting spray to hydration – it can do everything. It treats acne, soothes the skin from sun burns, refreshes and invigorates and has many anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties for sensitive skin.
Do let me know how you liked the DIY.
Editor’s Note: I swear by Vitamin E capsules, but they are so sticky and messy while applying. I guess the mix of rose water and aloe vera gel will make applying Vitamin E easier. Also I am all for essential oils, I love using them. Definitely trying this Sanchita.
Look Beyond Hebe Bath Gel,Sirona Dark Circles Oil Serum Review
Look Beyond – A health and wellness venture, started in 2011 is the brainchild of Dr. Seema Anand.A health & Wellness venture has come up with their wide product range. By utilizing age-old knowledge and new research into its sphere, Look Beyond started its mission with an intent to provide holistic wellness to its patrons. Look Beyond’s products’ strive on 100% natural ingredients, with no use of chemicals and they are entirely environment friendly.Dr. Seema envisioned a place that would be open to all, where the individual could look at their overall wellness and find ways to improve it. The brand is devoted to creating services and products that aim to heal one’s mind, body and soul. The intention of the center is to inspire well-being, personal growth, peace, harmony and happiness for all and provide the tools that can help people achieve the same.
The products are segregated into three categories: those for the body, health, and for the home.
The three year old brand boasts of a varied product line that includes:
• Liquid soaps (100% natural liquid soaps are infused with a blend of essential oils)
• Linen Sprays (It brings the fragrance to ones linen by using our 100% all natural Linen sprays)
• Oil Serums (Oil Serums are infused with the healing ability of nature through essential oils)
• Sound Healing Cds (It brings forth a healing by listening to our frequency corrected, therapeutic and meditative tracks)
Look beyond believes that an integral part of their wellness mission is to give back to the society. A percentage of their profits are used towards providing vocational training and a means of livelihood to those in need through their “Pay it Forward Program”.
About Hebe Bath Gel : Hebe – Youth
Hebe, daughter of Zeus and Hera, is the Greek Goddess of Youth.
Eternal is Hebe, the goddess of youth.
Pouring nectar from the ageless flower,
Gifting everlasting youth with every shower
A special blend of oils has been infused in this bath gel to fulfill the desire of eternal youth. The natural property of rose is combined with other essential oils to smoothen the skin and give it a natural, youthful, glow.
Ingredients:
It comes in a small pump dispensor packaging. It dispenses the right amount of product and foams well. I am in absolute love with the smell!! It smells amazing! My whole bathroom smells amazing whenever I use Hebe Bath Gel. I love essential oils, so any product with essential oils naturally attract me, especially lavender oil. Skin feels soft,supple and hydrating. No sliminess as with some body washes. I loved this and absolutely recommend it.
Though the only con would be its available only online on lookbeyond right now. Buy HERE
Rating: 4/5
150 ml / 5 fl.oz MRP. Rs. 395
About Sirona: Sirona – Dark Circles (Night)
Sirona is the Celtic Goddess of Healing.
Lightly apply this serum on a clean face, prior to applying any other cream, to start the process of lightening dark circles over time. This serum is meant for use during the night.
10 ml / 1 fl.oz MRP. Rs. 445
Ingredients:
Its a small blue genie bottle shaped packaging. At first, you would think it would have a dropper pipette which oils and serums usually have. But no! Its a roll on. Yes, the first oil serum I have seen in a roll on form. And what an idea! I love it. It perfectly fits into the contours of the under eyes where we apply the creams,etc for dark circles.
I think the packaging is genius. And this makes it travel friendly too. I don’t have too many dark circles to begin with. So I did not see a dramatic result as such, but definitely some improvement. And also the skin stays supple and no dryness around the eyes. Oils are always welcome in winters for me. And this too smells awesome!
Rating: 3.5/5
Have you heard about Look Beyond Products ? Do you use skincare products with essential oils ?
New Launches: The Body Shop, Iraya, L’Occitane At first, I would like to share with you guys that Anamika of WiseShe has featured me on her blog..do read about it HERE. Thank you Anamika 🙂
Now coming to the new launches..
Fall In Love with Lip Smacking Colour
Introducing New Colour Crush Lipstick
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Blushing Pink
Crush on Caramel
Lust-Have Lip Colour Our new Colour Crush™ Lipstick collection is an on-trend palette of 24 brilliantly vibrant shades of lipstick, each delivering maximum colour impact. The fashion-forward line-up is available in three colour families; the brightest reds, the sweetest pinks and the finest nudes, in a mix of pure colour and subtle shimmer finishes. Whatever your style, whatever your skins tone, it’s time to reveal your true colours…
Crush On You Our Colour Crush™ Lipstick collection marries our most intense, full-on colours with luscious moisture. Our secret? We’ve travelled the world to source high-quality pigments, which we’ve finely crushed then blended with a drop of nurturing cherry seed oil and coated with our finest, silkiest Community Fair Trade marula oil. The result is vivid, wow-worthy colour that glides onto lips and feels mega-comfortable to wear. What’s more, each lipstick has a sophisticated delicate floral rose fragrance. Divine!
Enraptured Red
Rush of Pink
Three Colour Families With so many hot hues to choose from, you can re-invent your lip-look every day. We love the flame-red drama of Red Siren 101, a bold and beautiful crimson that adds a touch of Hollywood glamour. We think our pink and violet shades are to-die-for; try Red Hot Raspberry 201 for a fierce fuchsia that packs a punch And for easy-to-wear elegance, slick on beautiful beige; one of our favorites is Coral Kiss 315, a shimmering peachy nude.
Priced at a purse-friendly Rs. 895, you’ll want to get your hands on them!
The Heart Inside
Our Colour Crush™ Lipstick collection benefit from Community Fair Trade marula oil made from the ripe fruit of the sacred marula tree. We source it from the Eudafano Women’s Co-Operative, which is helping 1750 women to earn a fair income. The women involved in the project report that the benefits to them go beyond money, it also helps give them a sense of independence, business management and confidence.
L’Occitane shares the secret to eternal youth this November with its New Divine Range
The Immortelle Divine skin care range that is already the best selling in the world has now come to India to mark the onset of the festive season.
Divine Range is a unique range with unique results.
With a new formulation, L’OCCITANE has introduced a new complex of 7 naturally derived active ingredients, which dramatically boosts the already impressive properties of immortelle plant extracts.
The legendary flower of Corsica is the ultimate secret of the Divine range that L’Occitane protects in a 5th patent. This wild plant with the mysterious and poetic name “l’Immortelle” possesses many properties that L’OCCITANCE en Provence has been researching for over ten years in order to perfect its anti-aging skincare products.
It is a flower that never fades, even once picked.
Let’s feel special with L’Occitane’s extra-ordinary range- IMMORTELLE DIVINE
1. DIVINE LOTION 200ML Rs 3300: The lotion is essentially a toner that is crucial to a cleansing, toning & moisturizing routine. It is a rich softening lotion with an enveloping freshness.
THE PERFORMANCE – Maintains skin’s balance and helps accelerate cellular renewal
2. DIVINE EXTRACT 30ML Rs 6300: A serum with a fresh and velvety gel-cream texture that contains an exceptionally high concentration of active ingredients
THE PERFORMANCE – Visibly restores the overall structure of the face by helping restore definition to facial contours and improving firmness. Boosts the effectiveness of the Divine Cream
3. DIVINE CREAM 50ML Rs 6200 – A cream with a rich, smooth texture that gives an immediate feeling of comfort.
THE PERFORMANCE – Acts at the heart of cells to help to visibly correct all the signs of ageing. Bursting with vitality, the skin glows with beauty.
4. DIVINE EYES 15ML Rs 3700: A fresh, silky gel-cream specially formulated for the fragile eye area.
THE PERFORMANCE – It Smoothens, firms and brightens the eye area. For 72% of women, the eyes look visibly younger.
The products will be available at all L’Occitane Stores in November
Essential oils from Iraya
As the chill starts setting in the air, our skin asks for an intense care to keep it moisturized and hydrated. Make essential oils as a part of your daily skincare regime and enjoy it’s multiple benefits on your body.
Natural essential oil therapies are the age old ways of rejuvenation and relaxation. It carries the physical properties of flowers and plants in a highly concentrated. It’s the perfect ingredient for personal care as it is well absorbed by our skin leaving it soft and nourished. Along with the benefits on our skin, its best suited for therapeutic treatments such as stimulation, relaxation, pain relief and healing. Use them for your aroma therapy, or blend it with carrier oil and massage them into your skin, or add them to your bath water for a soothing journey.
Choose from the list of following essential oils available at Iraya.
3 Essential Oils That Are Extremely Healthy For You
Three wonderfully healthful essential oils are peppermint, lavender and clove. These essential oils are power-packed with healthy properties. Peppermint essential oil is a favorite among those that need an extra boost of energy. Lavender essential oil can do so much more than relieve stress at the end of a long day. Clove oil, long used in dental offices, has many lesser-known health benefits too. Combining these three essential oils into a daily routine is a great way to boost one’s overall health.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint is an incredibly strong essential oil. It has extremely healthy benefits. Peppermint oil has shown great benefits for digestive ailments. Adding a few drops to a humidifier is perfect for colds and congestion. Peppermint essential oil contains menthol and can help soothe sore muscles. Peppermint essential oil is also known for its ability to aid in energy and alertness. Great care should be taken when using peppermint essential oil. If it is to be taken orally, a professional should be consulted. It is an incredibly strong essential oil. It should be food grade and a professional should be consulted regarding dosages.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is an incredibly versatile essential oil. It has numerous healthy benefits. Lavender has been known to reduce tension and stress through aromatherapy. Its delightful fragrance is perfect for unwinding after a long day. In addition to the aromatherapy benefits, lavender essential oil has various health benefits. Lavender essential oil has also been used as a natural disinfectant for scalps and skin care. Many people report its ability to enhance blood circulation. Lavender oil has also been used to treat respiratory issues. As a pain reliever, lavender essential oil is wonderful for soothing muscle aches, rheumatism and minor sprains. Lavender is also used in association with treating various urinary problems. This versatile essential oil also increases intestinal motility and helps with indigestion, colic, diarrhea and vomiting. It would be foolish to go without this wonderful, healthy essential oil.
Clove Essential Oil
Clove essential oil has tremendous health benefits. It is known to have antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral and antimicrobial properties. Clove oil has commonly been used in dental offices. It contains eugenol. It is an ingredient in many dental products and medications. Clove oil has also been helpful in wound care due to its antiseptic properties. Clove essential oil is well known to help with a variety of disorders. Clove oil can help with circulation, nausea, indigestion, earaches and even respiratory problems. Clove Oil also helps in healing acne.
Auravedic Pure Calming Face Mist Valley of Flowers Review
This gentle antioxidant Facial mist delivers nourishing moisture to balance and hydrate all skin types. Blended with pure fragrant organic oils, Aloe vera and Green tea to tone and repair skin. This mist is just the thing to keep your skin feeling soft, hydrated and moisturized without looking and feeling oily. Aloe vera soothes and refreshes skin.
Neroli and rose infuse skin with antioxidant nutrients that protect skin against environmental stresses that damage skin. Free of Parabens, SLS, Harmful Chemicals & Colours.
Totally Fresh facial mist spray made with a bouquet of distilled flowers for cool dewy skin .Calms and refreshes skin in the harshest summer months. A Luxurious daily hydrating mist with pure plant extracts, anti-oxidants and sunscreens to help protect against free radical damage, brighten and even the complexion, leaving it radiant and glowing.
Usage: Gently spray onto face & neck until completely & thoroughly absorbed. Use 2-3 times daily.
Ingredients: Orange Oil, Neem extract, Tea Tree Oil, Lavender Oil, Bergamot Oil, Lemon Oil, Green Tea extract, Rose Oil, Ylang Ylang Oil, Neroli Oil, Aloevera extract, Calendula extract, White Lily extract, Purified Water, Phenoxyethanol.
MRP: Rs. 200/- for 100ml
The mist is named valley of flowers..and the blend of essential oils..does make it one too..it comes in a spray bottle with a plastic cap..the cap is a little loose..
I usually use it after I come back from outside following cleansing the face..or just as it is..1-2 times a day..it absorbs pretty fast. And skin feels cooling and soft..I also use it at night time and skin is pretty soft and plumped the next day..
Pros:
1. Love the exotic essential oils and blend of ingredients..this is the most amazing ingredient list I have seen till now..it has most of the vital essential oils good for the skin. 2. Skin feels soothing and cooling..its a good after sun care. 3. Absorbs fast..and since it is hydrating but not greasy..it would suit all skin types..but not sensitive..coz sensitive skin might react to some essential oil present in it. 4. Skin is soft, smooth and plump the next morning whenever I use it at night. 5. If you like making or using a blend of essential oil but do not want to purchase so many different oils, this is a ready perfect blend. 6. No parabens, chemicals, colors or SLS and not tested on animals. 7. Reasonably priced.
Cons:
1. Has Phenoxyethanol 🙁 2. The cap is loose..and so its not travel friendly. 3. Keep it away from eyes..in case you even spray it anywhere around eyes..it stings horribly ! 4. It might not suit sensitive skin..or if you are allergic to some essential oil in it. 5. Only available online..but its available on most of the sites. Medplusbeauty offers it at Rs. 150/-.
Overall I love the cooling, soothing and calming effect..and the blend of all my essential oils..skin is soft and smooth the next morning after I use it. Surely recommend trying it..
Rating:
Quality: 4.25/5 Value for money: 4/5 Availability: 3.5/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
Would I buy it again: Yes !
And I hope you have read this post paying attention to everything..coz there is a surprise in store for you..which is based on this post 😉
P.S: Product sent by brand for review but it has not affected my opinion.
People are generally afraid to use oils on their face..thinking it will clog their pores and they would get acne..and how can oil be used on the face,etc..
The fact being oils do not harm your skin..in fact some oils even help them get better..some essential oils like tea tree oil help in combating and healing acne and acne scars..And some base oils like olive oil are very good for cleansing..in fact it is the best and most natural make up remover.
So what are essential oils and carrier oils or base oils ?
Essential oils: An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled (most frequently by steam or water) from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant. Essential oils, contrary to the use of the word “oil” are not really oily-feeling at all. Most essential oils are clear, but some oils such as patchouli, orange and lemongrass are amber or yellow in color.
Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant it was derived from. Essential oils are highly concentrated and a little goes a long way.
Essential oils are not the same as perfume or fragrance oils. Where essential oils are derived from the true plants, perfume oils are artificially created fragrances or contain artificial substances and do not offer the therapeutic benefits that essential oils offer.
The chemical composition and aroma of essential oils can provide valuable psychological and physical therapeutic benefits. These benefits are usually achieved through methods including inhalation and application of the diluted oil to the skin.
Essential oils are often used by diluting them with a carrier oil (sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, grapeseed oil) and then applying this blend to the skin for absorption.
Careful inhalation of the oils can also provide therapeutic benefit as the oil molecules enter the lungs and are absorbed into the bloodstream.
Essential Oils are usually sold for individual use in very small bottles.Essential oils can vary greatly in quality and price. Factors that can affect the quality and price of the oil include the rarity of the botanical, the country of origin and growing/climate conditions, quality standards of the distiller, and how much oil is produced by the botanical.
Essential oils can often be purchased as blends of several essential oils. The advantage if it is a blend of pure essential oils is that you can save from having to buy every essential oil individually. The disadvantage is that you have no control over the blend by not mixing it yourself nor can you reliably mix the blend with other oils.
Essential oils are categorized on the degree of their lightness and they are divided into base, average and top.
Base or Carrier oils : Carrier oils, also known as vegetable oils, base oils or fixed oils, are used to dilute essential oils, CO2s and absolutes before applying to the skin.
A carrier oil is a vegetable oil derived from the fatty portion of a plant, usually from the seeds, kernels or the nuts.
If applied to the skin undiluted, essential oils, absolutes, CO2s and other concentrated aromatics can cause severe irritation or reactions in some individuals. Carrier oils are used to dilute essential and other oils prior to application. They carry the essential oil onto the skin.
Each carrier oil offers a different combination of therapeutic properties and characteristics. The choice of carrier oil can depend on the therapeutic benefit being sought.
Natural lotions, creams, body oils, bath oils, lip balms and other moisturizing skin care products are also made using vegetable (carrier) oils. From a simple essential oil/carrier oil blend to a more complex natural lotion, your choice of carrier oil can make a difference in the therapeutic properties, color, overall aroma and shelf life of your final product.
Essential Oils v/s Carrier Oils
Essential oils are distilled from the leaves, bark, roots and other aromatic portions of a botanical. Essential oils evaporate and have a concentrated aroma. Carrier oils, on the other hand, are pressed from the fatty portions (seeds, nuts, kernels) and do not evaporate or impart their aroma as strongly as essential oils. Carrier oils can go rancid over time, but essential oils do not. Instead, essential oils “oxidize” and lose their therapeutic benefits, but they don’t go rancid.
Vegetable Oils/Fixed Oils/Base Oils
The term carrier oil is generally limited to use within the practice of aromatherapy. In natural skin care, carrier oils are typically referred to as vegetable oils, fixed oils or base oils. Not all fixed oils/base oils are vegetable oils. Emu oil (from the emu bird) and fish (marine) oils are also classified as fixed/base oils, but these animal-based oils are generally not used for aromatherapy work. The Aroma of Carrier Oils
Some carrier oils are odorless, but generally speaking, most have a faintly sweet, nutty aroma. If you come across a carrier oil that has a strong, bitter aroma, the carrier oil may have gone rancid.
