If you remember some time back I did a post on shaving myths, see HERE. So today I thought of sharing the benefits of shaving and the correct method of shaving.
Let’s begin with the benefits of shaving:
Economical : It has to be the most economical method of hair removal. While waxing requires help usually and the charges range from Rs. 500-1000 for hands/legs etc., depending on the body parts and type of wax and from where/whom you get it done, shaving can be done at the comfort of your home yourself and one gift pack worth Rs.550/- will last you ages as it comes with changeable cartridges
Time saving : You need not visit a salon or need any appointments for shaving. You can do it anytime, anywhere. All you will need is your razor and shaving gel.
Easy and quick : It’s also the quickest method of hair removal. This is the biggest benefit in my opinion 😀 I am always running late and I am most of the times in knee length dresses/midi skirts, I bless my Gillette Venus during that time :p It’s like a savior, I finish shaving in 5 minutes literally.
Painless : Well yes ladies, it is completely painless! While waxing and epilation give me huge red bumps which take 2-3 days to subside, shaving seems like a blessing in comparision.
Travel friendly : I always carry my razor when I am going on a 9-10 days holiday/vacation. With my razor with me, I can wear whatever I want to! Yes, you can carry an epilator too, but a razor is much smaller and lighter in comparision. And as explained above, easy, quick and painless coz you got no time on a vacation to sit and epilate! Always prefer a razor over an epilator
While there are number of benefits of shaving, the only con would be that you have to shave once in 5-7 days depending on your hair growth. But I think that is totally doable considering the benefits and how quick it is.
Now, let’s come to the correct method of shaving. I know a lot of girls have dryness, itchiness, ingrown hair, etc. after shaving, if you follow this method step by step, I assure you that there will be no such problems.
1. Exfoliate your body/parts where you want to shave a day prior using a body scrub/loofah/bath gloves.
2. Moisturize your skin beforehand. Never start shaving on dry skin
3. Soak the skin for 1-2 minutes in the shower before starting to shave. But do not let the skin soak in the bath for too long as the water will plump up the skin and that may affect the smoothness of shave.
4. Always use a shaving gel. The Satin Care shave gel is meant for sensitive skin and has aloe vera. It not only keeps the skin moisturized and give a super smooth shave, it also soothes the skin coz of the aloe.
5. Clean the razor well, in between each part.
6. Wash off, pat dry and use a rich, moisturizing body butter/body lotion. If it has Retinol, that would be even better!
7. Keep moisturizing for 2-3 days
That’s it. If you follow this exact method, there will never be any dryness or itchiness.
You can buy the Gillette Venus All in One Pack HERE
Patanjali Coconut Oil Review & 6 Different Uses for Skin & Hair
By Sanchita
INTRODUCTION
There are some Patanjali products I swear by, like the Aloe Vera Gel, Divya Kantilep, Rose Water and this Coconut Oil. More than anything this has been a savior for me and I can’t stop praising it. I have been using this oil for the past one and half years and always keep two additional backups for this one. Here is my review on the same.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION – It’s made of pure coconuts & helps in the improvement of hair growth. Patanjali coconut oil is a double filtered coconut oil which is without any preservatives. Hence, good for cooking purpose as well.
The oil has changed the packaging over the years. Initially there was this flip open bottle and then they suddenly shifted to the tub packaging which was extremely convenient. Last month, when I went out to purchase some, I saw that the bottle packaging is back and I couldn’t be more glad. It has a white opaque flattened bottle with a flip open cap. The mouth of the cap dispenses right amount and also helps you to control the flow as well. The bottle is much easier to carry around as well as storage. Overall, the packaging is sturdy and great.
The oil is transparent in it and leans on slightly thicker side. This is a pure coconut oil with no amount of dilution. If you see the ingredients, you would find that there is no mineral oil whatsoever and this is why the oil works best for every purpose. The smell of coconut is pretty much evident but there is no artificial touch to it. There are various ways I have been using the oil for a long time and I will elaborate how beneficial it has been.
Use 1: For the hair
Long ago I used a hair color and somehow it backfired on my scalp and I started having terrible hairfall. Someone suggested me this oil and I used to apply it overnight and wash off the next day. I did this twice a week for a month and my hairfall problem is gone. Surprisingly, the dandruff issue is also gone. The hair feels soft, nourished and healthy. Since I have extremely dry hair, sometimes I make a concoction of almond, castor, olive and coconut oil for the hair. I keep it overnight and wash off the next morning. There have been times, I also mix this coconut oil in the homemade hair masks for nourishment.
Use 2: For face
I have oily acne prone skin so I can’t exactly use it for moisturizer but I used for removing my makeup. I haven’t not used any commercial makeup remover and simply slather the oil on the face and massage for 2-3mins. Then taking a wet wipe, I wipe off and it removes every layer of makeup. For the eyes also, it removes every layer of water proof mascara and kajal and will not irritate the eyes at all. As I have oily skin, I wash off everything with a face wash.
Use 3: For hands and feet
In winters, the hands and feet get very dry and I massage the oil for 5-10mins and hit the bed. It nourishes my hands and feet overnight and I wake up with no dry layers. For other time, I simply wipe off the excess oil with a dry tissue.
Use 4: For body
The oil works like a charm to heal dry skin and stretch marks. I use this in winter for my body and it has removed my stretch marks. However, I must say that it takes a long time and patience. It took 9-10 months to remove the stretch marks on my thighs and hips.
Use 5: For eyes
I have hereditary dark circles and also dry under eyes. Most of the eye creams doesn’t suit me and I use little coconut oil on a cotton bud and apply around the eyes before sleeping. Thus, it never makes the eye dry and wrinkled.
Use 6: For nails
The nails are often under nourished due to the use of constant acetone based nail remover. I use the coconut oil as the cuticle oil and it never feels dry and under-nourished.
WHAT I LIKED
1. Opaque and sturdy packaging
2. Pure coconut oil
3. No mineral oil added
4. Has variety of uses for face, eyes, body, nails and hair
5. Reduces hairfall.
6. Hydrating
7. Easily available
8. Extremely affordable
WHAT I DISLIKED
Nothing
RATING – 5/5
OVERALL- Thus, the Patanjali Coconut Oil has various uses and the oil is truly a magic elixir for me. Most importantly, it is extremely affordable, easily available and in pure form. I would highly recommend this oil over any other hair oil for nourishment.
Editor’s Note: I will surely give this a try Sanchita, nice review
Have you tried Patanjali Coconut Oil? How do you use it?
Best Aloe Vera Face Packs to get Clear, Glowing Skin
By Nidhal
It’s juicy. It’s succulent. It’s tender. It is a magic potion for your skin and hair. If consumed on a regular basis, it endows your body with a whole range of vital nutrients. It comes packed in tubs, tubes and bottles but that’s as good as a paper airplane in the name of defence equipment! It’s not real. Raw/real Aloe vera displays the tendency to turn stale within half an hour of being extracted.
Naturally the one in tubs, tubes or bottles would either be conspicuously fake or pumped with an overwhelmingly large number of chemicals. In the name of revitalising our skin, why then go for something that is just gel and nowhere as nourishing as our real Aloe Vera is?
Today, I will enlist a few tried-and- tested face masks with real Aloe Vera that you can easily whip at home to nurture your skin from within
1. ALOE VERA & HONEY MASK
The secret of Aloe Vera lies in its long, tender, succulent leaves – it is this gel that makes aloe vera a magical plant. It contains a host of beneficial compounds like polysaccharides, lectins and mannans etc. The main constituent of Aloe Vera is water but it also packs inside a bulk of minerals, vitamins and many active compounds which will leave your skin nourished and refreshed.
Honey, on the other hand, being a humectant (moisture binding agent) traps in moisture and doesn’t let your skin feel dry or stretchy.
PROCEDURE- Simply extract the gel of a whole Aloe vera plant and add half the quantity of raw (preferably Manuka) honey to whatsoever quantity of Aloe Vera gel you’ve extracted. Mix, apply and wash after 15 minutes. Since the mask contains honey, it won’t dry up solely so, there’s no point in sitting with it for hours. At most, half an hour is suggested after which Aloe vera would tend to be infested by bacteria.
2. ALOE VERA & CURD MASK
Known to be a peerless retainer of one’s skin’s firmness, Aloe vera in combination with curd that has lactic acid and hence, efficacious in lightening scars, spots, freckles, marks, blemishes, etc. is a wonderful mask to kick away spots and dullness. It also raises radiance.
PROCEDURE- As usual, extract the gel of an Aloe Vera plant (a single leaf would be sufficient) painstakingly and add two tbsp. of curd to it. Mix both well, massage on your skin gently and let it stay for 15-20 minutes or till it gets dry completely. Wash off with ample cold water to reveal brighter and energised face.
3. ALOE VERA, BESAN & HALDI POWDER MASK
The humble Aloe Vera gel has anti-microbial properties which spells cheer. Why? Because that makes it ideal to treat acne and pimples. Did I just see acne-prone ladies cavort excitedly on reading this? Besan helps to sort sallow complexion thereby evening out skin tone. Haldi makes for an excellent instant skin brightening ingredient that you just cannot skip in this recipe. I would suggest using either Kasthoori Haldi or Amba Haldi because these two variants are exclusively crafted for skin care and won’t turn your skin yellow if applied a little in excess (of course, don’t add an entire pack of Haldi just to ascertain the level at which your skin would turn yellow)
PROCEDURE- Simply extract Aloe vera’s gel off a leaf. Add a tsp of Kasthoori haldi or Amba haldi as well as besan. Mix well, apply and wash off within 15-20 minutes. Do not keep any Aloe vera face mask for more than half an hour. It gets infested by bacteria. You may not feel it but its nutritive value surely diminishes.
4. ALOE VERA, MILK & RICE FLOUR MASK
This mask comes to rescue to those who are battling sunburns. Aloe vera helps reduce inflammation and when teamed up with milk (that is high in lactic acid which lightens blemishes and deep cleanses skin) and rice flour (which helps to even out complexion), there’s surely no way your sunburn would stay for long.
PROCEDURE- Simply mix adequate amount of raw Aloe vera gel in a tablespoon of rice and little milk (enough to liquefy) the resulting mixture and smear it liberally on your skin. Once dry, splash cold water and scrub it gently to remove it. Voila! Someone’s glowing.
Editor’s Note: Loved this! I love curd & honey, definitely trying first two <3
Do you use aloe vera in your DIY face packs? How do you use it?
Patanjali Neem-Aloe Vera with Cucumber Face Pack Review
By Simli
Hi lovelies!
Smooth soft and clear skin is what we all wish for. But somehow all of us somewhere fail to achieve it, we suffer from clogged pores, rough skin which is not soft and also not a pleasant feeling.
Lately I went up to a local Patanjali store and bought a face pack from pratanjali . It is known as neem-aloevera face pack, below neem-aloevera its written in very small font “with cucumber”
What the product claims: “Clear clogged pores,cools,soothes and softens skin”
It also says ” A unique blend of pure herbs for clear glowing skin. Nimb (neem) full of anti bacterial properties regulates excess oil secretion, clear clogged pores,skin impurities impart natural glow to your face”
The product is off white in color. Creamy and spreads well. The consistency is neither runny nor thick
Packaging:
White color Plastic tube with name written on it and is having a flip open cap. The packaging is quite travel friendly. The product doesn’t spill out in the cap.
My experience:
Having oily skin everything that has neem and Aloe vera attracts me a lot. This product says that it has neem and aloe vera thus I ended up buying this. It didn’t break me out, had no pimples or rashes after using this.
It smells very herbal, people liking herbal smell may find it pleasant. The consistency is very good, it spreads evenly and without any problem onto my face. After applying it, it gives a cooling sensation which I feel is because of the presence of aloe vera and cucumber in it.
I have been using this product for a month now and am quite happy with the results. I apply it in exact same way as mentioned on its back and keep it on my face for 15 minutes. I let it dry completely. After rinsing it off my face looks fresh and rejuvenated. It doesn’t makes my skin glowing but it does clear my face. Containing neem I expected that it will give tingling sensation to my face but it didn’t and I feel so good about it.
It can be used as a regular face pack. Neem and aloe vera both are good for pimples plus fuller’s earth helps absorb oil and cucumber acts as a toner and calms the skin, I think this will also keep my pimples away. I’m quite satisfied with this product, for the price its a very good product.
I’m almost about to finish this product and will be buying this again. For anyone who is not willing to invest in something very costly for their skin care, can definitely go for this product. It is value for money.
Pros:
● economical
● value for money
● pleasant herbal smell
● clears skin
● no tingling sensation
● clears clogged pores
Cons:
● I very much like this product and do not find any con except that it contains parabens in it.
Rating: 4/5
Recommended!
Editor’s Note: This sounds pretty good, in my Patanjali list of products to try. Nice review Simli
Have you tried the Patanjali Neem-Aloe Vera with Cucumber Face Pack?
Best 10 Face Washes for Acne/Breakout Prone Skin Available in India, Prices, Buy Online
By Sanchita
Who doesn’t want a clear acne free skin? Well, Indian weather is mostly tropical and most of the habitable areas are prone of hot and humid conditions. Therefore, the skin breaks out pretty bad. However, if you take good care of the skin and use the skin care products which aims to help the breakout situation, then you can surely keep them at bay. First and foremost, you have to keep the dirt and impurities away to avoid breakouts. We have listed out the best 10 face wash for acne or breakout prone skin available in India and includes both budget friendly and high end options.
1. Clean and Clear Foaming Facial Wash – Price Rs. 110 for 100ml (Buy HERE) (Review HERE)
The Clean and Clear Foaming Facial Wash is one of the popular budget friendly face wash available in India. It comes in a simple transparent bottle with a flip open cap system. The face wash has a gel like light consistency, slightly thick and orangish in color. It foams really well and cleanses the skin without making it dry and parched. It helps in drying out the acne only and keep the skin clean and unclog the pores as well. It has salicylic acid which helps the acne to dry out and leaves skin feeling clean and beautifully clear.
Neutrogena is surely one of the trusted brand when it comes to skin care. It has a very convenient packaging and the product is extremely gentle on the skin. It contains Salicylic acid which is known to get rid of acne and prevents future break outs. The removes the layer of oil and dirt from the skin and since it is gel based, it will not dry out the skin. It is also a great one for sensitive skin and dermatologically tested. The skin is healthy and rejuvenated.
3. Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Face Wash – Price Rs. 140 for 150ml (Buy HERE) (Review HERE)
Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Face Wash is surely one of the popular choice for acne prone skin. It is a soap free face wash filled with herbal ingredients that helps you remove every layer of dirt, oiliness and grime clogged in the pores and prevents the breakouts. It is formulated with neem which is well-known for its anti-bacterial properties, kills problem causing bacteria, and Turmeric effectively controls acne and pimples. It takes some time to show the result so you have to be a little patient with the face wash. Also, it may dry out the skin slightly.
4. NEW Pond’s Pimple Clear Face Wash – Price Rs. 125 for 100g (Buy HERE)
Pond’s has launched the new Pimple Clear Face comes in a white opaque tube with a suitable flip open cap. It has Thymo-T Essence which works much better on skin in controlling pimples than salicylic acid. It claims to work on acne in flat 3 days! The herbal clay helps in absorbing oil and keeping pores clear.
5. Lotus Herbals Tea Tree and Cinnamon Anti-Acne Oil Control Face Wash – Price Rs. 175 for 120g (Buy HERE)
Lotus Herbals Tea Tree and Cinnamon Anti-Acne Oil Control Face Wash is another great face wash for oily acne prone skin. It has a thick gel consistency with minute beads which are very mild on the skin. It clears out the skin very well, controls oil without drying out the skin at all. The skin feels extremely refreshing. The ingredients are really powerful which as tea tree oil which is anti-microbial, anti-acne, antioxidant, fights skin infection. The cinnamon and oak bark will also help the skin a lot.
6. Garnier Skin Naturals Pure Active Neem and Tulsi Foaming Face Wash – Price Rs. 105 for 100g (Buy HERE)
The Garnier Skin Naturals Pure Active Neem and Tulsi Foaming Face Wash has a transparent bottle with a flip open cap. The face wash has a gel like slight runny consistency which feels mild on the skin. It lathers abundantly and requires a very little amount. It removes every layer of external impurities and provides a clean and refreshed skin. The neem and tulsi is extremely good for oily acne prone skin and makes the skin radiant slightly. The face wash takes slight time though if you have heavy acne formation on skin.
7. The Body Shop Tea Tree Facial Wash – Price Rs. 695 for 250ml (Buy HERE)
This was a God-sent product for my skin and I can’t stop praising it. The face wash comes in a fat bottle which has green colored gel like consistency. It helps to clear out the skin well and removes every layer of dirt, impurities and oiliness. The tea tree formulation is great for acne prone skin and gives a cooling and refreshing skin. It helps to prevent the acne and pimples, controls the oil yet doesn’t dry out the skin and also helps in removing the blemishes. This is one of the most effective and highly recommended face wash for acne prone skin.
8. The Body Shop Seaweed Deep Cleansing Facial Wash – Price Rs. 895 for 125ml (Buy HERE)
Another gem of a product from the house of TBS. this Seaweed Deep Cleansing Facial Wash comes in a tube form with a flip open cap. It has a clear gel like consistency and helps in removing make-up, impurities and excess oil. It also helps in balancing moisture and sebum levels as it cleanses the skin. It is formulated with seaweed that has vitamins and minerals and hydrate the skin without getting oily. It also helps in keeping the acne at bay and gives a healthy matte finish to the skin.
9. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser – Price Rs. 450 for 50ml (Buy HERE)
The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser is best suited for normal to oily or combination skin. It helps in purifying the skin and eliminates impurities and excess sebum while leaving the skin clean and fresh. The product is soap free, alcohol free, colorant free as well as paraben free. It lathers well and works great for sensitive skin as well. Overall, the face wash might be slightly expensive but it is a great one for the acne prone skin.
The Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser comes in a small travel friendly bottle and has a clear gel like consistency. It foams well and great for oily, combination, or acne prone skin. It helps in removing surface oils, dirt and make-up without leaving the skin dry. It also cleanses the skin and unclogs the pores. The face wash has a neutral formula and also non-comedogenic.
Avene Cleanance Gel’s soapless base cleanses your skin gently and leaves it feeling refreshed. The glyceryl laurate it contains will regulate excess sebum and mattify your skin.
I had to add Avene Cleanance Gel, it is my absolute favourite! Holy Grail. It is fantastic for acne prone skin and one bottle lasts you 3-4 months, so very economical!
Editor’s Note: I have mostly tried all of these and absolutely agree with your list. I had to add Avene, both Avene and Himalaya Purifying Neem are my Holy Grail, something I would come back to always and keep buying my entire life 😀 Must, must try! I also like the Clean & Clear and Neutrogena one. Currently testing the new Pond’s Pimple Clear, it is amazing! I highly recommend the Pond’s one for acne prone skin.
INTRODUCTION – Summer takes a heavy toll on my skin and now that I had to go out in the sun for few weeks regularly, the terrible acne returned and I had no idea on how to deal with it. I generally use homemade face mask but honestly speaking, I hardly get time to mix the products and apply. I bought this Patanjali Divya Kantilep some time back and used it to prevent the breakouts. So instead of going for an elaborated face mask I prefer using this on the acne prone areas and it has given me some good results.
Read on to know more about the products in details.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION – Divya Kanti lep instantaneously cures skin disorders, viz. pimples, acne, wrinkles on face, loss of shining & luster, darkness etc. Divya Kanti Lep absorbs all the complaints of the skin as a result of which the skin again becomes healthy, the natural beauty of the face reappears. It also promotes splendor, shining and luster on the face. Divya Kanti lep instantaneously cures skin disorders, viz. pimples, acne, wrinkles on face, loss of shining & luster, darkness etc. Divya Kanti Lep absorbs all the complaints of the skin as a result of which the skin again becomes healthy, the natural beauty of the face reappears. It also promotes splendor, shining and luster on the face.
PRICE – 60 INR for 50gm
INGREDIENTS:
MY REVIEW
The product comes in a plastic jar with an opaque body and red screw lid. The packaging is quite sturdy in my opinion and easy to travel with if you wish to. I just wished if there was a spoon given to scoop out the product. Otherwise, it is hygienic enough. The face pack is herbal and hence it is in the form of a power. You can use it in various ways you like. You can mix it with rose water, curd, water or even milk and can also add other ingredients like Multani Mitti, Besan or Orange Peel Powder – whatever your skin prefers. Since I was in a hurry, I apply it with honey and rose water and apply on the affected areas. You can also apply all over the face and neck as well.
The best thing about the product is it is completely herbal and unnecessary paraben and preservative free. The face pack looks muddy dark brown in color and when applied on the face, giving cooling sensation. I have sensitive skin and a lot of product cause burning and irritated sensation however, this was surely an exception. Hence, it is completely safe to use and won’t give much trouble. The face pack takes around 30-45mins to dry up on the face and I simply wash off with chilled water.
The results depends on how you use it but one thing is surely consistent, it cures and prevents pimples. I would not say that it cures acne overnight but within 2-3days you will see the result. Apart from breakouts, I also had few zits and after applying the face pack, the zits disappeared within a day. If you apply the face pack directly with rose water, it gives a yellowish cast to the skin but disappears after 4-5hours. And that is why I never use it for full face unless it is mixed with Sandalwood and Multani Mitti powder. The face pack woks on all skin types as it neither makes the skin greasy nor sucks out every layer of oil. It evens out the skin tone and reduces the pores along with improving the texture of the skin. It also works great for reducing pores and cleansing the skin but it never adds a brightened glow to the skin. If you constantly use this face pack every day, you will surely see the result within 2-3weeks.
OVERALL – Overall, I would say that it is a great herbal face pack with a budget friendly price tag that works on every skin type and a great help for acne prone skin. It not only prevents and reduces acne but also lighten the marks and gives an even out skin tone with regular usage.
WHAT I LIKED
1. Nice packaging.
2. Herbal product.
3. Prevents the acne.
4. Cures the breakout.
5. Even out the skin tone.
6. Cleanse the skin.
7. Can be used with multiple powder face packs.
8. No irritated or burning sensation.
9. Will suit every skin type.
10. Improves the texture of skin.
11. Budget friendly price tag.
WHAT I DISLIKED
1. Takes time to show results.
2. Casts a yellowish layer when used directly with rose water.
3. No added glow or radiance.
RATING – 8/10
RECOMMENDATION – This is a nice herbal product that actually shows some results on the skin without any irritated side effect. I would highly recommend it for acne prone skin and will religious usage, you will not be disappointed at all.
This was also featured in our Top 5 Patanjali Products HERE
Editor’s Note: I will surely give this a try, sounds good.
So I finally got the October My Envy Box, this is their 3rd anniversary box and all the teaser emails where making me very curious, they had mentioned they have 8 products in this month’s box.
The box this month is a plain white one with black web design on it and it says ‘turns three’ below the My Envy Box logo.
I got the Zebra print black and white nail wraps in Nertia. I have tried the Gulnare face wash before and it’s quite good. The Ayca Jasmine Body Wash also smells really nice.
I am not much into whitening cleansing facial foam as they make my skin super stretchy and dry. I would have liked the essence though which is another option in the box. I wish My Envy Box gave options to subscribers on what they can choose in terms of shades or products, if they have a few different ones to offer. That would be very convenient.
Love the Forest Essentials Cleansing Paste, I wanted to try this one out, glad I got this. Also this is perfect for travelling. Even the Kerastase Chronologiste vial is perfect for travel.
The Vert Loose Powder is made from all natural, dried rose petals. It has a strong pink undertone and can be used as a blush or eyeshadow. This would make a beautiful blush! But the quantity is good enough to last a few generations 😀 I would suggest splitting it to half or 1/4th and sharing it with your friends/family.
The total value of all the products in this month’s box comes to around Rs.3750/- I am quite happy with the products, 3 are full sized while 3 are super deluxe samples.
I definitely recommend this month’s box! Total value for money.
Did you get the Oct My Envy Box? What did you receive?
Biotique Bio Saffron Dew Youthful Nourishing Day Cream Review
By Archana
Hi all,
So as part of the Biotique anti-ageing routine, am back with the review of the second product in the kit. Its the day cream – Biotique Bio Saffron Youthful Nourishing Day Cream.
This day cream is especially formulated to keep your skin youthful and prevent ageing. Let’s move on to the review and see how well it fares.
Products claims: Saffron is one of the world’s most beloved and precious spices, a natural source of vitamins, minerals and nutrients with rejuvenating properies. This light-feeling moisturizer is blended with pure saffron, almond and pistachio oils, as well as turmeric and wild turmeric extracts, to replenish and help sustain skin's dewy fullness of youth. Dry lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced with regular use.
The day cream comes in a simple white plastic tub with a green screw-on lid. The letters on the tub faded over time. I feel Biotique can improve their packaging. The tub is housed in an outer carton which lists all the details of the product. If you wish to travel with it, you can discard the carton and carry only the tub.
Texture and fragrance:
The cream is off-white in color, more like ivory. It has a thick, smooth and buttery consistency. The fragrance is mild and unnoticeable.
My experience:
I was quite excited to try this product from its name Saffron Dew. However, on looking at the ingredients list, I was disappointed as the saffron content is very less, just 0.03%. Since am in Bangalore, the cold weather has already started here and my skin is suffering from dryness. Thankfully, Biotique Bio Saffron Youthful Nourishing Day Cream came to the rescue. I have been using this cream religiously for the past 3 weeks. The first major difference that I have observed is that my skin has become really soft, I mean buttery soft, really buttery buttery soft… I feel like touching it again and again. Earlier it used to have a dry and rough texture. Secondly, I can see some skin lightening effects too coupled with the serum. An overall lightening of complexion and even out skin tone.
Being thick in texture, it takes a couple of minutes to get absorbed completely. Once absorbed, it effectively moisturizes the skin and heals all dry patches. I recently got some dry patches near my lips and within 2-3 days of using this, it had vanished. Also, I had some fine lines on my forehead and it was effective it reducing its appearance.
I wouldn’t recommend this cream for oily skin people. But its a boon for normal-dry skin people, expecially mature skin.
The only con that I find in the day cream is, as it is contains butters and oils, it tend to make your skin appear a little dull. So you need to touch up with a compact powder. But the dullness is just the appearance due to the cream. Be well aware that the ingredients are working their magic and when you wash your face in the evening, you can see an improvement in complexion along with a youthful, nourished skin.
Pros:
* Improves skin texture and makes skin buttery soft.
* Lightens skin complexion and evens out skin tone.
* Deeply moisturizing and nourishing.
* Heals dry patches.
* Reduces fine lines.
* Results in youthful, nourished skin.
* Suitable for normal-dry and mature skin.
Cons:
* Makes skin looks darker due to the oils and butters present in it. (Its temporary and after washing you can see radiant skin.)
* Being a day cream, I would expect SPF, but it doesn’t have any.
* Saffron content is very less. Wish they increase the percentage.
Rating: 4.4/5
Verdict: Biotique Bio Saffron Youthful Nourishing Day Cream is a good, affordable day cream for normal, dry and mature skin people. It is made with many natural skin lightening ingredients. As with all natural products, the results are slower. Also unlike other day creams which immediately brighten up your face, this doesn’t. Instead it works on your skin at a deeper level to improve your skin texture and complexion. Worth investing in rather than all those chemical-laden creams.
Editor’s Note: This sounds perfect for dry and mature skin. I love saffron in skincare.
Have you tried the Biotique Bio Saffron Dew Youthful Nourishing Day Cream?
Eyes are the windows to one’s heart. So true! But they are a lot more than that. They are also indicators of your health. Given the kind of lifestyles we all are living, we frequently tend to cross paths with dark circles, patchiness, discoloration, puffy eyes and what not. The first stage is of denial when we see signs of these pesky woes. Conveniently and more aptly sceptically we wring up our hands in disbelief brushing aside those signs.
A few more days roll by and then those signs begin drawing unwanted attention for people point it out. That sends the ‘Oh-No- Something’s-Wrong’ flag soaring high. Petrified, we wade across over-the-counter measures and what not to allay them but more often than not, such products do not throw positive results. Disappointed, we fall into a whirlpool of pessimism. But hey, worry not. We have a treasure trove of pocket-friendly recipes-none invasive, painful or costing you an arm and a leg at your disposal that’ll leave you heaving a sigh of respite.
1. MALAI/MILK CREAM- Milk has great lightening abilities for the skin and can be a very affordable option for dealing with dark circles under the eyes, which can have great results. Milk cream is a derivative of milk. Being a powerhouse of fats, malai is what you need if you suffer from under-eye discoloration.
PROCEDURE- Simply dab and massage a tbsp. of fresh milk cream using your ring finger (for it is the gentlest in massaging) carefully on your under-eye area. Do not let it enter your eyes. If it does, wash off immediately. That’s it. Sleep with it. In the morning, you can wash it off. Let it work its magic overnight. Continue every night for at least a week. It shows results and how! I vouch for this method provided it is followed painstakingly and regularly. And yes, it softens the area too. Double-whammy, did I hear you say that?
2. ALMOND OIL- Here comes the weapon that has been relied upon since times immemorial to banish those dark circles- Almond oil. Shouldn’t there have been drumrolls in the background as I introduced it?
Coming to its virtues, almond oil is anti-inflammatory, thus it reduces puffy bags under the eyes and dark circles. It is a good source of vitamin K, which improves clotting, reducing discoloration under the eyes.
PROCEDURE- Application is simple. Simply slather and massage the under-eye area with almond oil (few drops) every night dedicatedly without fail for at least a fortnight. Sleep with it and let your skin repair itself overnight.
3. EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL- If almond oil has made an appearance on this list, can EVOO (Extra virgin olive oil) stay far behind? EVOO is the best grade of olive oil for it is least processed and contains maximum nutrition. It comes in glass bottles and is higher than all other variants. It works wonders in allaying wrinkles. Ladies approaching their twilight years can still shed a few years of age off their skin with the help of this wonder oil.
PROCEDURE- Massage a few drops of it on your under-eye area. Please note that massaging is important. That is what matters else the oil will merely sit on your skin and not nourish it the way you want to. Do this every night for 5 minutes gently for at least a fortnight. You will be spellbound with the positive turn of events.
4. GREEN TEA BAGS- Packed with a number of antioxidants, green tea helps banish dark circles and keeps them at bay for as long as you continue sipping (or as I do, gulping) it.
PROCEDURE- Put two green tea bags in the refrigerator for at least an hour. After that, keep them on your eyes. It’s alright if it’s not entirely on your under-eyes. It nourishes eyelashes too so, you have the best of both worlds there.
5. CUCUMBER JUICE- Not only is the cool cucumber (you surely would have heard the phrase ‘as cool as a cucumber’) rich in vitamins and minerals which helps to hydrate, nourish and tone skin, but also brighten the under eye area, so that you can say ‘good bye’ to those pesky dark circles permanently. What needs to be done?
PROCEDURE- Mince a cucumber into a few slices. Actually, two would do. Freeze them for half an hour and then, keep them on your eyes. Bid farewell to all those woes pertaining to your under-eye area.
Editor’s Note: Those are fab tips Nidhal. I swear by almond oil, I am currently using the Cold Pressed Sweet Almond Oil and 3 drops are more than enough! Also just wanted to add, be careful when using the oil, make sure you don’t go too close to the eyes or it doesn’t enter inside, it kind of blurs vision for the entire night :/ Also I recommend the Rogan Badam Shirin, it’s the most economical and easily available option when it comes to purity.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Range 3 in 1, Daily Solution Review
Hi guys,
Today I am reviewing these two new products added in The Body Shop Tea Tree Range. I have been using these since about 2.5 weeks now and here are my thoughts..
The Body Shop Tea Tree Range 3-in-1 Wash Scrub Mask
Claims: A clean and mean multi-tasking cleanser with foaming kaolin clay, volcanic minerals and Community Trade Tea Tree Oil that tackles the appearance of clogged pores, blackheads and shine. Perfect for those with blemish-prone skin. Use this triple threat cleanser as: 1. A daily wash to purify 2. A scrub to clear and tighten the appearance of pores and smooth the skin’s surface 3. A mask to deep cleanse and mattify the skin’s appearance
MRP: Rs.1295/- for 125ml
Ingredients:
This is the star product of this range. It’s a wash, scrub, mask all in one. It comes in a green flip cap tube packaging.
It has a white creamy base with small grey-black granules in it. Now when you use it as a face wash, it doesn’t foam and you actually end up using it as a scrub.
So I feel it should have been scrub/mask only. But as a scrub, it works great. It exfoliates very gently and would be perfect for sensitive skin too.
I love using it as a mask though. And then once it is dried, I wet my hands and scrub it, so basically I use it like both, at once 🙂
It dries super quick, in about 5-7 minutes, since it it clay based. It has a tingly, minty smell and feeling. Skin looks clean and completely matte post washing. It feels tighter and the pores look closed. Since it has tea tree and kaolin clay, this mask is absolutely perfect for oily, acne prone skin.
And the fact that it is multi-tasking is nice, as you can carry only this when you are travelling. Recommended.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Range Anti- Imperfection Daily Solution
Claims: Our 100% Community Trade tea tree oil is infused into the NEW Anti-Imperfection Daily Solution for just the right amount of all-over-face application, to pack a punch against blemishes. The result? A lightweight, fast-absorbing serum at an effective dosage.
MRP: Rs.1595/- for 50ml
Ingredients:
This comes in a big glass bottle with a dropper. The bottle is transparent but has a green tint.
The formula of this daily solution is very light, it feels exactly like water. It is runny and you need one pump i.e. about 8-9 drops for using all over the face. It has a strong tea tree smell.
Tea tree oil is a little concentrated and should be used only on acne and diluted with another base oil or water, if you have sensitive skin. This daily solution is already diluted and hence, safe to use all over the face, even for people with sensitive skin.
With time and regular, continuous use, it also helps in fading acne spots. It also has salicylic acid, alfalfa extracts, aloe vera, tocopherol (Vitamin E) along with tea tree oil.
It does not irritate the skin at all. I have not had any major breakouts since the time I am using this. One-two white heads on the nose, which have also settled down, on their own.
If you have always been a fan of the classic tea tree oil from The Body Shop, you will love this too! It may seem a little expensive, but the quantity offered is a lot. Especially for the Daily Solution, it is 50ml and you need 8-10 drops per use.
The main ingredient of this entire range i.e. tea tree is being sourced from Kenya, helping the farmers there and enriching their lives. As always, The Body Shop does it’s bit.
Also they have a special game created for this range ‘Battle of the Blemishes’, you can play it HERE. You can unlock special offers from The Body Shop clearing each level!
I recommend both these products for oily, acne prone skin. These are perfect additions to the Tea Tree Range.
Have you tried The Body Shop’s 3 in 1 and Daily Solution yet?
