Summers are back and with a bang. Nobody likes summers as they bring with them innumerable skin woes. But don’t you people worry. I have got it all covered for you people with easy solutions to keep your skin fresh and glowing. Thank me later
1. SUNSCREEN –
Use sunscreen whenever you are going out and make sure it is at least SPF 30 or choose from what suits you. Sunscreens protect your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent it from getting damaged.
2. CLEANSER –
The cleanser helps to unclog pores and it should be used as a part of a skincare regimen. During summers it becomes even more important to use a cleanser as the skin becomes lifeless and the pores get clogged. Make your own cleanser by mixing yogurt and honey. Apply it on your face and let it stay for 20 minutes and then wash it off to get clear skin.
3. EXFOLIATE –
Exfoliation is a must for the skin. Dead skin needs to be removed as they make the face look dull. Make your own exfoliator by mixing oatmeal, honey, and milk. Apply it on the face and let it sit for 10 mins then start scrubbing the face gently with wet hands. Scrub slowly for 5 minutes and then wash it off with water.
4. TONER-
Toners make you feel refreshed instantly. Make a refreshing toner by simply mixing cucumber juice with rosewater. Store it in the refrigerator to give it a longer life. Though use it only for a week and then make a new one. Carry it with yourself when going out. Spray it on your face to give your face instant relaxation.
5. MOISTURISE –
This step is what many people avoid during summers. Change your moisturiser to an oil-free one. Moisturisers are required by the skin in every season. It becomes even more important to use a moisturiser after exfoliation to lock the nourishment back into the skin. Mix your night serum with your moisturiser and apply it to your face to give the skin all the goodness that it needs.
6. KEEP YOURSELF HYDRATED –
Drink as much water as you can. During summers this is certainly the most important thing. Drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water a day. And do not wait for your mouth to get dry. Try drinking refreshing juices like watermelon juice or lemon water.
RANDOM SKIN CARE TIPS-
1. Rub ice all over your face to instantly soothe your skin. But make sure you cover it with a muslin cloth, never apply ice directly to your skin.
2. Apply calamine lotion to soothe skin rashes.
3. If you are out of toner, simply apply cold rosewater on your face to calm and soothe the skin.
4. Avoid oily and fried food. Include lots of fruits and veggies in your diet.
Editor’s Note: These are such basic things Rashmi, but we always tend to take them for granted. Articles like these remind me to follow things sincerely. One thing I would like to add and which I also follow is carrying a thermal spring water and spritzing it time and again, be it Avene, Vichy, La Roche Posay,etc.
Vichy Ideal White Meta Whitening Sleeping Mask Review
Hey guys,
I have used the previous Vichy Sleeping Mask i.e. the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Night Spa which I absolutely loved. So I was curious to try this new one.
What the Company claims: The range employs metabolic whitening with powerful active ingredients that work in harmony with each other to give Asian women the three dimensional fairness that they strive for – flawless, luminous and radiant skin. The 1st whitening sleeping mask three times more effective that works overnight for a dewy, brighter and fairer skin.
Product Concern:
• Hyper-pigmentation.
• Dull complexion.
• Sensitive skin.
• Hydration
MRP: Rs.2350/- for 75ml
Ingredients:
First of, I am not happy with the ‘Whitening’ tag it has. They can claim dewy, luminous, brighter, radiant skin and all that which they have but why whitening :/
It comes in a white glass tub with a pink cap and a mirror finish top. The mask is gel like in texture with a light pink tint and small tiny white beads in it. The beads are not meant for exfoliation, they dissolve on the skin when you massage the gel on your skin.
It has an aquatic plus a little chemically smell, not very pleasant. I like the gel based texture, that makes it very easy to glide on and massage. It can be used as a night cream or a night sleeping mask, either way the method of application is the same, just as a mask, you need to apply a little thicker layer.
As a night cream, it doesn’t get absorbed into your skin. It just sits on your face like a mask, and you have to wash it off the next morning. So ideally it is a mask only.
Now I have been using it on and off and stopped in between for a few days coz I broke out twice in between and had to see if this product is breaking me out. I once tried it as a mask during the day and kept it on and after 15-20 minutes, my skin was feeling a little itchy and hence I had to wash it off. I realized this mask was breaking me out earlier too, hence the delay in review.
There is some ingredient in the mask that does not go well with my skin and my skin starts feeling itchy and it breaks me out. So now I use it as a normal mask, apply and keep it on for 10 minutes and wash it off, I do not keep it ON for whole night.
If you have sensitive skin, I would not advise you to try this. This is good for dry skin and skin instantly feels hydrated and nourished even in 10-15 minutes. It definitely removes your tan and gives a translucent sheen to your skin which I love. I wish my skin didn’t react to this.
If I had to pick one out of the two Vichy Sleeping Masks I have tried, I liked the Aqualia Thermal Night Spa more.
Overall I would say, it is definitely amazing to remove tan and hydrate your skin, it does give a nice glow, but obviously temporary, you have to keep using it to see results. It does give a dewy, brighter skin as it claims. If you use it 2-3 times a week, that would be good enough. I recommend it for normal to dry skin. Though it mentions ideal for sensitive skin, I would not suggest it for them, unless you check the ingredients and are aware if your skin reacts to a particular ingredient.
Have you tried the Vichy Ideal White Meta Whitening Sleeping Mask yet?
So I attended this very interesting launch last week of the all new Suncros Sunscreen. If you have ever been to a dermatologist and he prescribed you Suncros sunscreen, you already know about this brand and are wondering it is not new.
Yes, Suncros is already sold at pharmacies since 2005 and is also the most recommended sunscreen by dermatologists in India. It is available both OTC and on prescription, but since majority didn’t know about the brand, it is majorly sold on prescription. But now they have launched it commercially with the all new packaging.
Suncros is promoted by Sun Pharma’s branded prescription business and will now be co-promoted by the Global Consumer Healthcare business. It is the first sunscreen in India to be co-promoted and sold both OTC and on prescription.
And Dia Mirza is on board as Suncros’ Brand Ambassador. On the launch, we had a panel of dermatologists who busted quite some myths about sunscreen, I will share a few crucial ones:
Indian skin doesn’t need high SPF coz it already has enough melanin and needs UVA and UVB protection. So it is more important to check that in a sunscreen rather than SPF
Men needs to apply sunscreen too, they usually ignore and very less percentage of men in India use sunscreen
You need to reapply sunscreen even if you are wearing makeup, by dabbing the base lightly, reapplying sunscreen and then doing your touch ups.
Vitamin D deficiency has no link to using sunscreen. And even people with Vitamin D deficiency need to use sunscreen
You need sunscreen even if you stay indoors whole day or travel in AC car.
I personally came to know a lot of new things, I never used to reapply sunscreen when I had makeup on. Also sometimes skipped when in the house whole day. The most important thing I learned is Indian skin needs to check UVA and UVB and not SPF.
Suncros will be available in three differentiated variants that provide broad spectrum protection –
Suncros Aqualotion with SPF 50 for sensitive skin- Rs.395/- for 60ml
Suncros Aquagel with SPF 26 for oily skin- Rs.345/- for 100g
Suncros Soft with SPF 50+ PA+++ in matte finish for all ages that provides 8 hour substantivity- Rs.545/- for 30g
The scientific and technologically advanced formulations of Suncros provides broad spectrum sun protection from harmful UV rays as they penetrate deep within the skin through the nanonized and micronized zinc oxide. For women who know the merit of a sound skin care regime, Suncros is going to make its presence felt in their daily lives while offering the am to pm sun protection they always needed. Suncros protects skin from the harmful effects of UV rays that causes pigmentation, skin tanning and premature aging that concerns most women across regions and age-groups. Not to forget the protection from the ultimate risk of skin cancer.
Ingredients:
We got the Suncros Soft with SPF50+ PA+++ in matte finish and I have been using it since the past few days. Here are my thoughts on it..
It comes in a tube form and doesn’t have any sort of smell. The product is thick and creamy and has a light yellow tint.
It is water resistant and has UVA/UVB protection. It is safe for all ages and for anyone to use from babies (6 months+) to adults.
It is silicony which makes it stay for 8 hours and also acts as a nice primer for your everyday makeup. It has completely matte finish and does not feel greasy or rich at all. Some sunscreens tend to sweat me out but this one definitely doesn’t. Also it is water resistant so the sweat won’t wipe off the sunscreen.
It is free from chemical sunscreen agents, some people react to a few chemical ingredients in suncreen and this would be perfect for them. The micronized zinc oxide is Suncros’ USP which penetrates through the skin and protects the skin from UV rays.
I think this will become my Holy Grail soon, I would anyday prefer chemical agents free sunscreen and which is no.1 Dermatologists’ Recommended product rather than cosmetic OTC ones.
I definitely recommend Suncros, it even comes in lotion and gel form if you have very oily skin or need it for body. And the fact that is easily available at any pharmacy store, makes it even better! Must try!
Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream SPF50 Review
By Sanchita
INTRODUCTION: Plum has recently launched their Chamomile & White Tea range with a toner, moisturizer and day cream. The range is targeted with combination to oily skin with great benefits from the goodness of Chamomile & White Tea. Today I am going to review the Sheer Matte Day Cream which is an amalgamation of moisturizer and sunscreen and will help the skin a lot in this summer and upcoming monsoon. So, let’s see how the Sheer Matte Day Cream has worked for me after trying it for weeks.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION – Exposure to UV rays from sunlight and other oxidative factors can cause premature aging, pigmentation, dullness, and dryness in skin. Antioxidants are an essential part of any skincare regime for younger looking brighter skin. Specially designed with tropical weather in mind, our Chamomile & white tea range combines the soothing properties of chamomile with the potent antioxidant property of white tea. The results: A skincare range that prepares defends and revives skin that’s exposed to the elements.
PRICE – 520 INR for 60ml
Ingredients:
MY REVIEW
The Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream is housed inside a medium built sleek white cardboard box with all the necessary information printed on it. The Day Cream actually comes in a rather firm white tube with orange accents of the brand name inscribed on it and a translucent flip open cap. Uncapping the tube, you will find an opening to dispense the product and I feel it is perfect to dish out the right amount of product onto the hand. Judging by the packaging, I surely have a strong notion that it will be a great companion while travelling without creating any mess in your pouch or bag. Personally, I have carried it in my handbag for touchups every 2-3hours and it has never failed once. Overall, the packing is well built.
The consistency of the Day Cream is of thick whipped cream with a light texture in it. The flawless bending and application surely owes to this light weight texture despite having thicker consistency. Having said that, you require only a pea sized amount of the cream for the face and neck and you can spare the generous amount for sure. The smell is what surely surprises me with pleasantness and softness. It has a fresh faded smell of artificial flora touch with the blend of Chamomile and after application it disappears, simply leaving behind a trail of freshness.
The color of the Day Cream is white which resembles majority of the sunscreen but I never experienced any whitish layer upon blending. The cream acts both as moisturizer and sunscreen and a lazy girl like me couldn’t ask for more. I happily skip my moisturizer and apply this which generously hydrates and protects my skin from sun. I would say this is a perfect pick for summers and monsoons in a typical tropical climate like in India. Here the humidity rules the day and the lesser quantity of product you slather on the face, better it is for you. Manufactured with a SPF of 50, this is surely an ideal sun protection formula for the skin. However, I am not sure why they didn’t include the PA+ ratings as I am not sure whether it is a broad spectrum or not. The cream needs to be blended thoroughly onto the skin to prevent any whitish layer and surprisingly, if you use the right face wash for you, it will never cling onto the dry patches at all.
Since it claims to be sheer, it won’t contribute much to evening out the skin tone, but surely brighten up the complexion with a radiant glow. I have oily skin which is surely exaggerated in summers. This particular cream is well suited for combination to oily skin but dry skin won’t like it at all. This is because, upon blending the cream settles down and gives a soft matte touch to the skin deprive of any hydration which is ideal for oily skin in summer. I noticed the T-zone getting slightly oily after few hours but the rest of the face stays oil free. Having acne prone skin, I was relieved with the fact that it never broke me out despite applying during hottest and humid temperature. It also doesn’t clog the pores and let the skin breathe on its own.
The best thing about the product is the ingredient list. Firstly it is enriched with the goodness of Chamomile & White Tea. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties which soothes and neutralizes the skin. On the other hand, the White Tea is rich in antioxidants and helps the skin fight oxidative damage that results from sun exposure while Gingko biloba and olive leaf extracts help skin fight free radical damage. The cream is also paraben-free, SLS-free, phthalate-free & vegan and won’t harm the skin in the long run as well.
The tube will last around 2months approximately when used, so to judge the price tag it is surely a bit high priced but rest assured, it is worth the money due to the versatility and ingredients.
OVERALL – The Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream SPF50 comes in a white flip open tube with a light texture that blends well and protects the skin with its SPF 50 and acts as a moisturizer as well as day cream. I loved the brightening part and it is well suited for combination to oily skin while dry skin may skip this.
WHAT I LIKED
It is housed in a white opaque flip open tube and great for travelling.
The texture is of the cream is light with thick consistency.
It blends really well on skin without any whitish layer.
Brightens up the skin little bit.
It has a very refreshing smell of Chamomile.
Acts as a day cream as well as sunscreen.
It has SPF 50
Keeps the skin soft, matte and shine free.
It is enriched with the goodness of Chamomile & White Tea.
The cream is also paraben-free, SLS-free, phthalate-free & vegan.
WHAT I DISLIKED
The PA+ is missing.
Will not suit dry skin.
Slightly pricey.
RATING
Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money: 3/5
Availability: 4/5
Overall rating: 4.5/5
RECOMMENDATION – The Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream SPF50 is well recommended for combination to oily skin which will keep the skin oil free and hydrated even in summers and doesn’t even break you out.
Editor’s Note: This matte day cream with sunscreen sounds really good. Very detailed review Sanchita
Have you tried the new Plum Chamomile & White Tea Day Cream yet?
Today am here with one more ayuvedic brand – Kama Ayurveda. Most beauty enthusiasts would already be aware of it. But when I was talking about this to one of my office teammates, they were joking about the name of the brand. So just to clarify for new people, Kama means desire. Kama Ayurveda – the brand emphasizes the desire for harmony between the physical, mental and spirtitual realms. Only when the mind and the body are connected, one can achieve perfect health. And perfect health gives perfect skin! So desire perfect health! Desire perfect skin! That is why Ayurveda is more powerful than English medicines and chemical products, which focus on curing a particular symptom.
Let’s see the top 10 Kama Ayurveda products you need to try.
1. Kumkumadi Miraculous Beauty Ayurvedic Night Serum (Price: Rs.1890 for 12ml) (BUY HERE)
By far, this is the brand’s best selling product. It is an anti-ageing serum and suitable for those above 25+ years who are looking to start an anti-ageing routine. Though its an oil based serum, it can be used even by oily skin people. From the various beauty blogger reviews I have checked, it doesn’t cause any whiteheads or acne. The main ingredient is saffron blended along with vetiver, sandalwood, lotus and licorice. It works on reducing fine lines, fades dark spots and gives a soft glowing skin. One thing though, the brand has hiked the price too high and its just 12ml!
This is a more cost effective version of the above Kumkumadi. If you do not wish to spend too much on Kumkumadi, you can go for this. It is a skin-lightening and de-tanning oil for both face and body. But if you have acne-prone skin, better not use this for face. Its not as miraculous as the above one, but works well in lightening and removing tan while giving glowing skin. You can use it on hands and legs as well.
3. Rose Jasmine Face Cleanser (Price: Rs.375 for 50ml and Rs.675 for 100ml) (BUY HERE)
Just as the name suggests, its a lovely, gentle cleanser suitable for all skin types. The calming and relaxing scent makes the otherwise routine face washing experience, a pleasant one, which you will look forward to (from personal experience 🙂 ). It cleanses skin well giving a refreshed feeling while the mild salicylic acid content in it helps to control breakouts.
4. Kumkumadi Brightening Ayurvedic Face Scrub (Price: Rs.995 for 50g) (BUY HERE)
This is a pure luxury scrub formulated with kumkumadi oil and finely ground sweet almond along with liquorice, vetiver and wild himalayan cherries. It exfoliates away the dead cells and gives smooth, soft and brighter skin. Also helps to lighten pigmentation and scars. You can notice a glowing complexion with continuous usage.
5. Kama Ayurveda Pure Vetiver Water (Price:Rs.175 for 50ml and Rs.645 for 200ml)
For those who love a cool, refreshing mist, this is a perfect option. It instantly hydrates and balances the pH of the skin and relaxes the mind with its calming, earthy scent. For those who prefer the floral jasmine fragrance, they can go for the Pure Mogra Water.
6. Mridul Soap-Free Cleanser (Price: Rs.425 for 40g) (BUY HERE)
This is a natural powder-based cleanser made of a traditional Ayurvedic combination of oatmeal, green gram, almond, neem, sandalwood, turmeric, rose and fennel. Just imagine all the goodness going directly into your skin! Its really food for skin.. It gives a fresh and radiant face. Also acts as a mild exfoliator.
7. Lavanya Natural Plant Mask (Price: Rs.395 for 25g)
This is an ayurvedic mask for pigmentation, acne scars and blemishes. It purifies the skin and deep cleanses. If you are suffering from oily, blemished and acne-prone skin, you should definitely give this one a try. Unlike clay masks, this is like a powdered-leaves based pack. It is gentle enough to be used even daily.
8. Bringadi Intensive Hair Treatment Oil (Price: Rs.515 for 100ml and Rs.995 for 200ml) (BUY HERE)
It is a herbal hair oil which helps to treat hair loss, dandruff and premature greying. It contains a blend of amla and liquorice in a base of pure sesame oil and milk. After washing your hair, you can feel it soft, smooth, shiny and naturally conditioned. With regular use, it also promotes hair growth.
9. Organic Cold-Pressed Aloe Vera Juice (Price: Rs.500 for 100ml)
The reason I mentioned aloe vera juice in the list is because not many brands sell it. And making aloe vera juice at home is a painful process. Kama Ayurveda has 100% organic cold pressed aloe vera juice. Just use it regularly and see how your face glows and you get a clear complexion. It also helps in treating sunburn, rashes, blemishes and acne. Also, you can use it to mix your herbal hair packs.
10. Rose Jasmine Hand Cleanser and Hand Lotion (Price: Rs.895 for 200ml) (BUY HERE)
Our hands and foot deserve the ultimate care, yet we ignore them the most. Hands show signs of ageing very soon as we subject it to harsh soaps often. Show some TLC to your hands with Kama Ayurveda’s gentle hand cleanser and hand lotion. It has a nice, delicate floral fragrance and makes your hands soft and moisturized.
Apart from these, their sulphate-free shampoos and silicone-free conditioners are definitely recommened. Also, I have tried couple of their massage oils – meditate & energize variants and found them a good relaxing experience for winters. And if you wish to buy essential oils/virgin cold-pressed carrier oils, Kama Ayurveda ones, even if slightly expensive, are worth it, as they are in purest form.
So which Kama Ayurveda products you have tried? Share your experiences with them below.
Editor’s Note: Loved the post Archana, I have used the Kumkumadi Tailam before my wedding, used it every night, and absolutely loved it. I still have some left and would start using it again soon. Apart from that, I love the Rose, Lavender and Vetiver Water. I have the Mridul Cleanser and have to start using it, also the Bringadi Oil.
Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Face Pack: Boon for Oily Skin?
Hey guys,
Now I know the Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Face Pack is already reviewed on the blog by Nidhal few days ago, I wanted to talk more about it, coz the Himalaya Neem Range and I go back a long way 😀
Yes, I have been using the Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Face Wash and Face Pack since I was in high school and college, basically more than a decade. And as a beauty blogger, I have to try different products and new launches, but I always keep coming back to the Himalaya Herbals Neem range.
Today I am talking about the Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Face Pack and how I use it.
What it does: Himalaya’s Purifying Neem Pack brings together the goodness of Neem, Fuller’s Earth and Turmeric, which work together to regulate excess oil secretion, clean clogged pores and prevent the recurrence of pimples.
Key ingredients:
Neem is an excellent skin care ingredient known for its antibacterial properties. It improves general skin health and immunity, combating bacterial infections such as acne, boils and ulcers. Neem tackles bacteria from the root and prevents the recurrence of pimples and blemishes.
Turmeric has been used as an antiseptic for centuries. The herb also has strong anti-inflammatory properties which soothe your skin gently. It also makes your skin soft and supple.
Fuller’s Earth is an excellent cleanser. It removes deep-seated dirt and skin pollutants.
Directions: Apply Purifying Neem Pack evenly over cleansed face and neck, avoiding the area around the eyes and mouth. Let the mask dry for 10-15 minutes, and remove with a wet sponge or towel. Rinse with cool water. For optimal results, use once a week.
Best for oily and pimple-prone skin.
MRP: Rs.70/- for 50g, Rs.130/- for 100g
It comes in the trademark white and green Himalaya Herbals flip cap tube packaging. While you must have already read the review, let me tell you how I use it.
Initially when I was in college, I had acne prone and oily skin due to hormonal changes. And also the break outs during that time of the month were a little severe, I used to use this once a week. Now I cleanse my face first and do not dry it completely but leave it a little damp for the mask to glide on easily. This tube needs to be shaken well before removing the product coz the clay and water sometimes separate. Take three fingers full of the mask, be generous, you need a little extra with this. And apply it all over the damp face and leave it on for about 15 minutes. When it is completely dry, I wet my hands and massage the product on the face and then wash it bit by bit. Another way I used it was, I apply it on and around the break out or acne at night and leave it overnight.
Now since I have normal to combination skin, I use it once in two weeks or sometimes even less, if I don’t break out. But during summers like right now, there are 1-2 months that I do break out coz of the mangoes and heat, that is when I get back to this.
It’s a boon for people with oily skin because the neem and turmeric being antiseptic and anti-bacterial do not let the germs in the acne spread around all over the face and kill them at the base. And in turn will also soothe the skin and let it heal faster. Fuller’s earth will absorb extra oil from the pores and deep cleanse it, so that more oil or acne is not produced.
It also comes in a small sachet form at Rs.15/- for 16g which is good for one time use and to carry for travelling. They also have this new TVC..
I absolutely love the Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Face Pack and do recommend it.
You can check out Himalaya Herbals on Facebook HEREand on twitter HERE and also more from their Face Care Range HERE
Have you tried the #HimalayaHerbals #PurifyingNeemPack yet? What do you think of it?
I have always been a fan of Himalaya Herbals products, some of them are my Holy Grail and I have been using them since my school and college days i.e. years literally!
Today I am reviewing their Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub.
What it does: Himalaya’s Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub exfoliates dead skin cells to remove impurities that routine cleansing cannot tackle. It contains Crab Apple, a soothing antiseptic and keratolytic agent that helps loosen dead skin fragments. Walnut Shell granules scrub away dirt, blackheads and dead cells, and Wheat Germ Oil is a rich source of natural Vitamin E. These natural ingredients cleanse, nourish and moisturize your skin to make it soft, fresh and radiant.
Key ingredients:
Crab Apple has antiseptic, cooling, soothing, nutritive and keratolytic properties. It reduces skin inflammation and helps remove dead skin fragments. Crab Apple is also a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants which prevent skin cell degeneration and premature skin aging.
Wheat Germ Oil, due to its high concentration of Vitamin E, along with proteins and natural antioxidants, is ideal for most skin types. It is the perfect ingredient for our face scrub as it nourishes the skin and boosts the skin’s elasticity.
The exfoliating micro-particles in Walnut Shell scrub away dirt, blackheads and dead skin cells.
Directions for use: Apply Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub in a circular motion on the face and neck. Wipe off with a moist cotton pad. Rinse with water and pat dry. Use at least once a week for a glowing, healthy complexion.
Suitable for dry to normal skin.
Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub is dermatologically-tested, non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic.
MRP: Rs.70/- for 50g, Rs. 130/- for 100g
It comes in an easy to carry and use, flip cap tube packaging. It has a slight medicinal smell which can be bothering for a few. I love the creamy base it has. And the walnut shell granules are not too harsh.
How I like to use it is, damp my face a bit, take some product on my fingertips and massage in circular motions all over the face, avoiding the eyes and lips. Go up and down on the nose and sides of the nose and also concentrate on the forehead and chin area, basically wherever you get whiteheads or blackheads.
I usually get more whiteheads and not that many blackheads, that too on my nose, exfoliation helps get rid of whiteheads before they turn into blackheads. If you exfoliate regularly, you can nip whiteheads in the bud and get rid of them. I usually exfoliate once a week coz I have combination skin, but if you have oily skin, exfoliate twice a week.
Since the base of this scrub is very creamy, it helps glide on the skin amazingly well and with ease, especially on damp skin. The granules being mild enough for use on the face too, even people with sensitive skin can use this, but if you have very sensitive skin, I would advise you to go with another Himalaya Herbals scrub and not this one, I would be reviewing that soon.
Also post washing the face, my skin is quite moisturised and does not feel stretchy or crave a moisturiser, thanks to the crab apple and wheatgerm oil in it.
Overall, I would say, like most of my Himalaya Herbals favourites, I like this one too. Totally recommend it for normal to combination and dry skin. I have something else for oily and sensitive skin, from Himalaya Herbals, which I would be reviewing next.
You can check out Himalaya Herbals on Facebook HERE and on twitter HERE
Have you tried the #HimalayaHerbals #GentleExfoliatingWalnutScrub? What do you think of it?
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?
‘Hypocrite’ is the word that explodes in my mind instantaneously when I see/read/hear people say that they do not care about fairness and then in the very next breath pass a hurtful jibe about someone’s complexion or suggest ‘best skin whitening/lightening products’. It is known fact that we Indians aren’t a fair bunch of people. We are capable of passing the most demeaning of barbs on someone who is not as fair as a Caucasian. Women in particular have since times immemorial have been pressurised and unduly so, to look eye-pleasing round the clock! One of the main reasons why ‘Fair and Lovely’ remains the brand that I always detested was the fact it drew mileage of this obsession of Indians.
It is not a question of whether fair is lovely or not. The point is that fair isn’t what is ONLY lovely. Whenever I see the daft-to- death advert of ‘Fair and Lovely’ with Yami Gautam looking as pale as an LED, I’m provoked to change the channel. But the final nail in the coffin comes when I see my younger cousins with ‘Lovely warm hues’ of skin that soothe eyes desperately surf the net to look for ‘Skin lightening tips’, all I am provoked to do is slap Yami and Fair and Lovely as hard as possible! You brainwashed the coming generations and lulled them into a whirlpool of inferiority complex.
The counter-argument would be that all actress, or at least a great many have at some point in their career endorsed skin whitening products. But it is “Fair and Lovely” that clearly uses ‘Fair’ as well as ‘Lovely’ in one sentence as if they’re synonyms. The corollary to it, will then be ‘Dark and Ugly’,right? That is why, I have always detested this brand. It instills self-doubt, inferiority complex and poor view of oneself if one does not cater to “their’’ view of beauty.
Anyway, let us sweep this issue aside for a minute. After long I tried a product from this brand. Why? Because one of my relatives was seen fiddling with it so, in order to put an end to her naive thoughts about the efficacy of Fair and Lovely, I thought of being a lab rat to let her see for herself. Let us see how it fared.
PRICE –Rs 25/- for 20g
DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Gently massage on wet face and rinse well.
INGREDIENTS- Made from glycerin, myristic acids, and water, the multi vitamin enriched face wash ensures a brighter and cleaner.
WHAT IT CLAIMS- Fair & Lovely fairness face wash gives you the 3 step expert action, which Cleanses, Exfoliates and Massages with Multi Vitamin formula.
MY EXPERIENCE-
Packed in a plastic tube with a cap on top, the packaging of Fair and lovely advanced multi-vitamin fairness face wash is fine. It is spillage-free, easy to carry and sturdy. As a result, it is up to the mark in terms of packaging.
The face wash has a creamy texture with a grey colour. Once smeared on one’s wet face, it produces a fine lather. It can worked up easily. However, the smell to me, is way too strong. I have always had an aversion towards the smell of most Fair and Lovely products and this one is no exception. It smells exactly like Fair and Lovely fairness cream. The smell increases a little more while being massaged. After massaging it for 3-4 minutes, as I rinse it, surprise surprise! There is no trace of fairness which was expected. So, to all to those looking at it with sheep’s eyes to whiten themselves, this one thankfully, falls flat on its topmost claim.
My skin is dry and this one sucked moisture all the more from my skin. It does whiten my skin in the sense that my skin becomes very dry and forms hideous white patches to soothe which, I need to apply a liberal dose of a deeply hydrating body butter. Yes a “body” butter!
Then, comes the cherry on the cake. Its ingredients’ list is firstly not even provided in case of the smallest package and when looked up online (on its website), it’s not completely furnished too. The bottom line is that it just a weapon of self-confidence destruction. Chuck it.
GOOD-
1. Readily available. (Sadly, this is a con in my opinion for everyone can lay their hands on something that instills inferiority complex in them)
2. Available in different sizes with the price varying according to the size (This again to me, is a con for people of all economic strata can now avail it hence, feel inferior with what they are born with)
3. Fine packaging
BAD-
1. Stokes in the feeling that dark/dusky/warm skin shade is ugly and it is only fair skin that is lovely and desirable. Highly disgusting!
2. Laden with chemicals. The package that comes in small size does not even mention the ingredients. At least there should be uniformity in such vital aspects.
3. Overly drying in nature. It whitens your face. How? It sucks up all the moisture hence, your skin automatically starts appearing white. Mission accomplished Fair and Lovely, right? NO.
4. Aroma is exactly same as that of its cram which I have always found puke-inducing. This is subjective but to me, the smell is strong and repugnant.
RATING-0/5
Editor’s Note: Totally agree Nidhal, it would be great if some girls read this review before buying such stuff and decide not to! It does absolutely nothing for anyone!
Do not buy the Fair & Lovely Advanced Multi-Vitamin Daily Fairness Expert Face Wash.
I was on the lookout for a natural, economical skin toner to add to my night routine since I kept reading about the importance of a good CTM routine (cleansing, toning and moisturizing) and the wonders that it can do to your skin if, followed religiously. Out of the toners available in the market aroma magic toner appealed to me the most since, only natural ingredients were used in making this toner and considering the price it seemed like a good bet. So, without further ado I went ahead and purchased my very first toner from Purplle. To know my views on the same continue reading.
Directions for use: Spray onto face directly or on a small piece of cotton and dab onto face. Avoid the eye area. Use me morning and night after cleansing. Follow it up with the oily skin oil.
Free of alcohol, parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, artificial fragrance and color.
Cleanses and tones without drying out the skin.
Renews the skin cells and increases the circulation in it.
Prevents moisture loss.
Acts as a natural astringent that calms and balances the skin.
Delivers vital nutrients and vitamins to the skin.
Price and quantity: Rs 170 for 200 ml
Shelf life: 3 years from the date of manufacture.
My experience with the product
The product comes in a transparent bottle with a flip cap. Even though, it says on the bottle that one can spray the toner directly onto the face but it is not necessarily possible to do that, with a flip cap. The cap is not that sturdy and is prone to leakage so I wouldn’t recommend carrying it around while travelling. The name suggests that the toner is aromatic but to my dismay it has an extremely mild fragrance and I am not a big fan of it.
The toner has water like consistency so one has to use a cotton pad to apply onto the face. I apply this toner at night on cleansed face especially, avoiding the eye area as said on the bottle because the under eye area being even more sensitive is prone to drying. After applying the toner I leave it on for a few minutes to dry and then, follow it up with a moisturizer. The colorless toner does clean the skin but cannot double up as a makeup remover.
Since, I have oily skin I bought the one meant for the same but, it doesn’t control the oil secretion or reduce breakouts. However, it does tighten the pores and soothes the skin which is fairly good for a toner at this price range. Considering the fact that the product is a bit drying and is meant for oily skin I don’t see any reason why people with dry skin should use this toner.
I would like to conclude by saying that this economical toner doesn’t do much apart from tightening the pores and I would definitely not repurchase this since, I would like to try the new ones in the market and find the one that best suits my skin.
Pros:
Tightens pores
Calms the skin of any irritation
Free of alcohol, parabens and petrochemicals
Not tested on animals
Easily available
Economical
Cons:
Not travel friendly
Doesn’t control oil secretio
Can be a bit drying
Extremely mild fragrance (contradictory to the name)
Rating: 3.5/5
Final word
All in all, this toner hasn’t been one of my best buys but, people looking for a decently priced toner can give this a shot and find out how it works for them.
Editor’s Note: Nice Review Monika, I usually like Aroma Magic products, this one seems to be ok. I have tried most of their face packs though, love them.
Have you tried Aroma Magic Aromatic Skin Toner yet? Which is your favourite toner?
