There are few things as nourishing, relaxing and advantageous for your skin as slathering a rich blend of all-natural ingredients on one’s skin. Nuts ,fruits, herbs… all finely powdered to form an aromatic blend of ‘Ubtan’ is a treat for one’s skin. Not only is one’s skin deep cleansed but also the layer of dead skin cells is exfoliated. Expectations certainly skyrocket when an all-natural Ubtan comes from Patanajali- Baba Ramdev’s pharmacy. It goes without saying that I will review PATANJALI BODY UBTAN today and let you know how it fared for me.
PRICE- Rs 60/- for 100g
DIRECTIONS FOR USE– Add sufficient quantity of water to 20-30 g of Body Ubtan to make a consistent paste. Apply on body. Massage gently. Rinse off with water.
INGREDIENTS- Chironji, red lentil, black gram, barley, mustard seeds, soybean, rice, almond, turmeric and camphor.
WHAT IT CLAIMS- Enhances fairness, imparts glow to skin, reduces dark spots and blemishes.
MY EXPEREINCE-
Packed in a simple plastic pack, Patanjali Body Ubtan’s packaging is somewhat disappointing. Why? Once cut open, the contents need to be transferred to a container because 100 g cannot be used in one go. Storing it in the pack in which it comes makes it prone to contamination as well as spillage. While the argument that it costs merely Rs 60/- per pack which is dirt cheap is admissible yet the provision of a zipper pack would have altogether eliminated all these woes once and for all. Hence, there is room for improvement as far as packaging is concerned.
The ubtan is predominantly fine with few coarse granules. They aren’t harsh or abrasive. So, do not fret that your skin will redden on slathering/massaging it. I think it can be conveniently mixed with rose water, raw milk ,curd or any base ingredient for that matter. Adding water is a mere recommendation for the producers which I followed. The paste so obtained has a pleasant and not overpowering aroma. I have used it a number of times and even if kept for more than half an hour, it does not stain your face yellow.
The presence of slightly coarse granules facilitate scrubbing and aid removal of dead skin cells’ layers. Upon removal, my skin looks squeaky clean, deeply cleansed and radiant. It does not suck moisture off one’s skin and that spells cheer for those with dry/excessively dry skin. I can’t comment on its efficacy or the lack of it when it comes to oil removal for oily/excessively oily skin type. Mine is dry and it hasn’t made my skin dry post wash ever. That said, it doesn’t even moisturise it either which I have no issues with because it doesn’t claim to do so.
I find it suitable for use by all skin types. If you are on a shoestring budget, grabbing a few packets of this won’t even pinch you. This one’s a good investment in my humble opinion 🙂
GOOD-
1. Budget-friendly
2. Readily available
3. Deep cleanses skin
4. Does not suck moisture hence, apt for dry and extremely dry skin types
5. Imparts radiance and NOT fairness which is plausible
6. Imparts a squeaky clean feel
7. All-natural composition
8. Apt for use by all skin types
BAD-
1. Packaging needs to be revamped.
RATING-4.5/5
Editor’s Note: This sounds very good Nidhal, definitely in my Patanjali haul list.
Chances are your feet would be the most ignored parts of your body and you’d know of it already. Spare a thought for them. You wake in the morning, head to work, slog yourself all day, head back home all tired and drained and if there is a wee bit of energy left, you’d spruce up your face and neck and hit the pillow. But what about your feet? Once glance at them and in all probability, you’d throw your hands up in the air and disown them for their hideous semblance 😛 Won’t you?
Cracked feet is one woe that makes us regret not paying heed to our feet but wait, do not fret. There is still time, to turn the clock back. How? Well, Himalaya Hebals is here with its Foot care cream to allay this problem of yours. Let’s see how Himalaya Herbals Foot care cream fared for me
PRICE- Rs 95/- for 50 g
DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Wash your feet with lukewarm water and a soap-free cleanser. Pat dry. Apply Himalaya herbals foot care cream over them. Massage gently and allow it to dry. Repeat twice daily once after bathing and once before bedtime. Consult your doctor if you are a diabetic with any inflammation or irritation on your feet.
Sal Tree extract is used as an ingredient in ointments for skin diseases and in ear medicines. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties help heal cracked heels.
Honey, with its bactericidal and antiseptic properties, is extremely important in Ayurveda. Used in a variety of medicines, honey is also an effective moisturizing agent.
Turmeric has been used as an antiseptic for centuries. The herb also contains strong anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe your feet gently.
Fenugreek has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicines and is an excellent moisturizer, specially formulated to hydrate dry skin. Applied externally, the herb is also beneficial for boils, abscesses and ulcers.
Ginger is used externally as a local circulatory stimulant which keeps the feet warm, preventing the skin from cracking due to the cold.
WHAT IT CLAIMS- Himalaya’s Foot Care Cream cares for your cracked heels and rough feet with natural ingredients. Enriched with the goodness of Honey, Turmeric, Fenugreek seeds and Sal Tree extract, this cream leaves your feet feeling soft in one week.
MY EXPERIENCE-
Packed in a simple plastic tube with a cap on top, the packaging of Himalaya herbals foot care cream is simple and hygienic to use. Despite regular use, the cap did not lose its grip which is appreciable. In a nutshell, it is up to the mark in terms of packaging. Nothing to go gaga over but nothing to criticize as well!
The cream has a slightly thick texture with a pleasant (herbal) fragrance. It is not too strong or long-lasting so, those who have a sensitive nose or dislike its fragrance, need not bother. It won’t last long. The cream spreads conveniently on one’s heels and with a little massage for 5 minutes, it seeps well into the skin. One or two uses won’t throw any significant results but dedicated use for a week will render you with softened heels. My heels were a little cracked and they were ‘healed’ (pun absolutely intended) in that time frame completely. I used it twice a day- once after having a bath and once during bedtime. I am quite sure that given its efficacy, it is capable of healing heels that are much more cracked than mine. Of course those with really cracked heels, need to give it more time. You damaged it in the first place, now give it some tender love and care too
On the flip side, it has parabens so, I won’t use it after it cures my cracked heels. This is effective as a ‘remedy’ but to me, not as a permanent beauty treatment. I’d rather stick with my oil blend once my feet are cured. How thankless of me!
GOOD-
1. Does what it claims to that is, heel cracked feet.
2. Readily available
3. Economical pricing
4. Travel-friendly
5. Mild aroma which won’t exasperate those not fond of products laced with fragrance
BAD-
1. Contains parabens, so it won’t be a “long-lasting” beauty fix. At best, use it if you have cracked heels to cure them and then opt for a natural beauty fix.
RATING- 4.5/5
Editor’s Note: My mom has deep cracked heels and I will definitely suggest her this. She doesn’t use foot creams regularly, always forgets. I hope she uses this and it helps her. I also like the Oriflame one.
Have you tried the Himalaya Herbals Foot Cream yet?
Natural Bath and Body French Red Clay Masque Review
By Pallavi
Hello Lovelies,
Here I am back with yet another skin care product. By now you might have understood that I am a big skin care junkie. I buy more and more products of skin care than makeup. Because I really believe that healthy skin is the key to beautiful skin. And in summers I love to use face packs. After a long tiring day my skin becomes so pale and tired that I need something to boost and revive my skin.
And that is the time when I am in urgent need of face packs. And this is one of those purchases – Natural Bath and Body French Red Clay Masque.
Price: Rs. 449 for 100 ml.
Ingredients:
Directions to use: Begin by splashing some water on your face. Now, squeeze out the mask from the tube. Dilute the mask a bit with water. Spread the mask all over your face. Let it dry for some time say 15-20 minutes. Now, rinse away your face with water. You may be in need of more water for this clay based face mask. So, wash your face thoroughly.
What the brand Claims: Like the special clay masks that were a favourite with the Egyptian goddess Cleopatra, our French Red Clay mask never fails to soften your skin, preserve its complexion and impart a natural glow. It is a gentle paste of French Red Clay, which is an absolute powerhouse of iron and other minerals! Best suited for normal to oily skin types, it cleanses, detoxifies and exfoliates the skin, leaving it highly refreshed and toned. The clay is blended with Rose oil, virgin Coconut oil and the balancing Cedar wood essential oils. As the oils further nourish the skin, Turmeric powder and Sandalwood give it a distinctive radiance.
My experience with Natural Bath and Body French Red Clay Masque:
The Packaging of Natural Bath and Body French Red Clay Masque is very simple and travel friendly. It comes in a medium sized tube packaging which has product details written all over it. The tube has a wide cap at the top which needs to be twisted so that the face mask comes out. You need to squeeze the tube lightly. A very little product is required per usage. So, a single tube will easily last you for months.
Now, coming to the texture part. The clay based face masque is quite hard and not that easy to spread. So, you need to dilute it with water so that it spreads easily. After spreading it on face it will take some more time than the usual face masque to dry. Once it dries you can notice a clean and clear skin. You can also notice some redness around your nose area in case you have a sensitive skin.
And if you have a dry skin then you should pat some moisturiser on your face immediately after washing using this face pack. Yes, girls this face pack is a bit drying. But all clay based face masques are i believe.
Good about Natural Bath and Body French Red Clay Masque
1. Goodness of natural ingredients
2. Travel friendly packaging
3. Price affordable
4. Little product required per usage
5. Cleanses face effectively
6. No breakouts
Bad about Natural Bath and Body French Red Clay Masque
1. Not easily available
2. Dries out your skin too much
Rating – 4/5
Editor’s Note: I love clay based face masks Pallavi, this sounds good!
Have you tried any French Red Clay Masque? Which is your favourite?
Top 10 Products For Glowing Skin, Prices, Buy Online
By Archana
Healthy, clear, radiant and glowing skin – this is what every girl wishes for. Some call it fairness, some call it whitening, some say tan removal, but the end result of what we all desire is same. Here are ten products which work effectively to help you get a glowing skin. I have very sensitive skin and all these products work well on them. I will categorize them into three sections – Save, Spend and Splurge. So that you can pick the one most suitable for you.
SAVE:
1. Lotus Herbals Whiteglow Range:
Hands down, my first personal recommendation. Whenever I end up with any skin problem, dull and tanned skin and nothing else works, this is my go to formula. The most effective ones are the Whiteglow night cream, Whiteglow scrub and Whiteglow serum. You can also try the Whiteglow facial kit which I found very useful for a Sunday evening pampering to go to office with a fresh, tan-free and glowing face on Monday. Though the name mentions “Whiteglow” which scares someone into thinking of whitish, artificial fairness, this is nothing like that.
Day and Night Kit, MRP: Rs.720, Facial Kit, MRP: Rs.531
You might be surprised to see Banjara’s in the list. I have not seen much results with their products. But their face packs work very well and they are very affordable. Their recent launch of Gold Face Pack took me by surprise as I got it without much expectations. My friend used it as part of her pre-bridal regimen and swears by it. It gives an exact parlour facial-like effect – clear, glowing skin and also the effect lasts for even 3-4 days which is the most important factor.
You might be wondering why an aloe vera gel is listed in this. But this one from Aroma Treasures has worked really well for me compared to others. Additionally, it is enriched with essential oils of lavender, chamomile and vetiver. It is non-sticky and hydrates the skin well giving a translucent, healthy glow. Also excellent for making hair packs. 🙂
Himalaya has been a trusted brand for years and they recently launched this new day cream. It contains liquorice and other ayurvedic key ingredients which help to lighten skin tone and give a clearer complexion. It is also paraben-free.
5. Biotique Bio Milk Protein Whitening & Rejuvenating Face Pack:
Biotique offers organic, cruelty-free products and among their many face packs, this is packed with milk proteins and other interesting stuff which works from deep within to nourish your skin and give a baby soft, healthy, glowing skin.
6. Just Herbs Fair e Mulethi-Khus Skin Lightening Gel:
The best deal for oily-skin people. It contains a blend of many Indian herbs which help to detoxify the blood and boost circulation thereby giving a healthy natural glow from within. Just Herbs have a whole list of awesome products. Also try out their Petalsoft Anti-Tan Rose Face Pack and Instaglow Almond Complexion Pack. I love the brand and psst… if you haven’t checked out their website, do so now. You will love it and they also send samples when ordering from the site. 😉
7. Fuschia Arabian Jasmine Anti-ageing Night Cream:
I won this in a contest. Fuschia is a new beauty startup offering natural, handmade, paraben-free products. Though this is mentioned as an anti-ageing cream, it has actually helped me to get a clear and healthy skin and lightened pigmentation. They are still improvising on their formulas I guess, as I now see them in different packaging and their body scrub which I got now feels different from the one I got before. Its good to see such new natural, toxic-free brands coming up in India. I also heard they are expanding on their products line bringing serums and stuff. Sounds exciting!
8. Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi Miraculous Ayurvedic Night Serum: (More Kama Reviews HERE)
This has raving reviews online and works for all skin types though it is oil-based. Made from pure saffron this helps to fade spots, smoothens fine lines and gives a healthy glow from within. Though, Kama Ayurveda has been hiking the price recently, seeing the growing demand. I would go for their Nalpamaradi Thailam Skin Brightening Treatment which gives very similar results, but at a decent price.
One of the most popular product with raving reviews in the beauty world. It is a potent 99.8% natural serum and paraben-free. Its like a magical elixir from the Harry Potter world which gives you your dream skin overnight ;). But the price…sigh. 🙁 Agree one bottle of it lasts pretty long, but still…
And finally on the list – L’Occitane Immortelle, the closest to heaven you can get. I don’t have to say a word. My CEO uses them 😉 If you wish to try their products, you can visit their spa center too. Just pure luxury and indulgement. But I don’t know why they aren’t much active online in India. I have subscribed to their US and Indian mailing list on the website. Though I get many emails with attractive offers from the US site (which is of no use to me), there are no offers in the Indian site. 🙁
Price: Rs.4590 for 30ml.
So these are my picks to get back your healthy, natural, glowing skin. Which are your favorite ones? Please share in the comments section below.
Editor’s Note: I personally absolutely love the Kumkumadi Oils and Kiehl’s MRC!
Last to last week I attended a launch event by Fair & Lovely. It was at Bungalow 9 in Bandra.
The event started with introduction of Mr. Pratik Ved, Senior Brand Manager, Fair & Lovely. He introduced the new product at first and we even show a video of how the product works through the day in the life of a common girl. We even got to see the TVC which will be going live this week.
All of Us with our floral tiaras
We were a total of 14 bloggers and we were divided in two teams. The teams were on the basis of birth date i.e. even and odd and surprisingly, we had exact 7 girls in each team!
The lovely Freishia Bomanbehram was the host and the team had arranged for a set of fun games with each game having some points. We played about 5-6 games and it was so much fun! One team was ‘Powder’ and the other team was ‘Cream’. I was in team Cream with the girls born on even number date and we won!
Mr.Pratik giving us our prize
More than winning, the event was super fun coz it was all about team work, general knowledge, creativity and a little bit of luck. Each game was different but they made sure they balance each element overall.
There was a fun photo booth with placards and some props and we took some pictures.
We also tried the product at the start and then experienced it throughout the day, while we were there, for almost 5-6 hours.
I got a press kit which had this new Fair & Lovely Powder Cream and I have been using it since the past few days. I absolutely love the white and pink packaging and the lovely floral smell.
It feels very light and not at all greasy or heavy. It settles down to a matte finish and stays matte through the day. Surprisingly your skin doesn’t require touch ups with this, except after a long time, only on T zone for me. Best part is no whitish cast at all.
I have worn it for events, meetings and my whole day throughout. I absolutely love the matte yet moisturizing finish and it feels very comfortable even beneath your makeup as it also doubles up as a primer.
It does what it claims and gives a fresh, matte look through the day.
I love the fact that it has Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E) that have anti ageing benefits and help lighten acne scars, etc., Titanium Dioxide which is a physical sunscreen, Glycerin to help moisturize skin and some talc based ingredients to keep the skin matte and makeup in place.
It is priced at Rs.115/- for 40g and easily available anywhere. Price and availability wise, it definitely scores.
Overall, I would say, it was a fun day and launch and I am loving the new Fair & Lovely Powder Cream.
Also a contest is coming up soon around this on my Instagram or twitter, so a few of you can win some cool hampers, watch out for that.
Living in a metro was never easy. Admittedly, one has better access to a number of amenities but with all this, some uninvited guests in the form of – dirt, dust, pollution, grunge, grime and what not keep visiting our skin 24*7 🙁
To battle them, our first weapon is those eye-pleasing chemical-laden products that look at us enticingly from the shelves of the stores we throng to rescue our skin. Thanks to the paucity of time at hand and the desperation to rid ourselves off those skin woes, we add those rubbish products to our shopping cart. Months pass by and the products do more harm than good. Disenchanted, we start thinking that now the clock cannot be turned back. THIS is where we falter.
We always have organic products at our service to ride us off our skin woes. I admit they take time and patience but the end results are worth waiting for 🙂 In line with that thought, I zeroed in on RAW RITUALS ETHEREAL FACE SERUM one fine day. Let us see if it did anything praiseworthy to my skin or not.
PRICE- Rs 400/- for 8ml, Rs.750/- for 15ml (Buy HERE)
DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Take 3-4 drops of the serum and massage onto your clean face and neck in circular motion till the oil is completely absorbed.
This is the complete list of ingredients. No cheap/artificial fillers. No chemicals 🙂
WHAT IT CLAIMS- Ageing is a fact of life, but this powerful serum can combat the enemies of your skin and halt the ageing process to keep your complexion looking younger for longer. Whatever your main concern – be it wrinkles, skin brightening or instant hydration, the carrot seed oil present in this serum will take care of it. It will nourish, tighten, revitalize, rejuvenate skin and will slow the progression of visible wrinkles. The sweet, warm, balsamic aroma of the Olibanum oil is stimulating and elevating to the mind. This beautifully scented Raw Rituals Ethereal Face Serum is perfect for improving skin tone, deep hydration, reducing early signs of aging by smoothing out the fine wrinkles and uneven skin.
MY EXPERIENCE-
Packed in a royal blue glass bottle with a dropper on top and a layer of plastic sheet wrapped around its cap to prevent leakage, the packaging of Raw Rituals Ethereal face serum is impeccable. Not only does it look eye-pleasing (which is something I do not pay heed to but if it’s good, one should praise) but also fulfils all the factors that are actually pivotal such as- sturdiness, hygiene and travel-friendliness (of course, handle with care for it is glass) In short, as far as packaging is concerned, it gets full points from me.
The oil has a non-greasy, non-oily and non-sticky texture which is a major plus point for I think everyone can use even though it is specifically targeted towards dry skin. As instructed, 3-4 drops were used by me twice every day for over a week (that is how, it lasted. I had the smaller bottle).
Two minutes of massage and it went into my skin without leaving any trace of oil/grease. It hydrated my skin without weighing it down besides imparting softness (which will be noticeable after 5-6 uses)and a subtle glow (again, do not expect miracles with a single use). At times, I did not even apply anything on my face and venture out with just a few drops of this serum massaged into my skin. This is efficacious this serum is 🙂 It is capable of compelling you to chuck makeup altogether!
The aroma is pleasant and would not irk those with a sensitive nose. It is, however, transient. It can be used every night as a part of one’s ‘beauty sleep’ and you’ll wake up with clearer. Since I am in my early 20s, I cannot comment on its effectiveness to combat wrinkles/aging, however, given its ORGANIC composition and performance so far, it deserves a thumbs up 🙂 Way to go, Team Raw Rituals. It is the first time I am using a serum and I’m going gaga over it. Go grab it!
GOOD-
1. Organic
2. No chemicals or preservatives added
3. Sturdy packaging
4. Available easily (on Amazon India)
5. Brightens complexion
6. Softens skin (not intensely but to a certain extent)
7. Can be used daily
8. Can be used by all skin types
9. No rubbish added
10. Uplifting aroma (which is not artificial but of essential oils)
11. Non-sticky/non- greasy/non-oily texture
12. Gets absorbed within the twinkling of an eye
BAD- None
RATING- 5/5
Editor’s Note: This sounds really good, I will definitely give this a try. I love serums and oils
Have you tried the Raw Rituals Ethereal Face Serum?
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.
Plum is a new emerging brand which many people might not be aware of. Its slowly getting popular. Today, am not just reviewing this body lotion, but also the brand as a whole. I have used a few of their other products and they have worked very well on my sensitive skin. Also their website is intuitive and the entire ordering process is easy and smooth. Also they have a rewards program, plus they give discounts at times. I got their Hello Aloe Moisturiser and the face wash came at Rs.99 instead of the regular price. Additionally, got some samples too. Its good when these companies send such samples, as after I used them, I found it works well for my skin and I might repurchase the full size. And this “Plum Choco Latte Luxuriant Body Lotion”, actually I won it in their instagram contest. So let’s move on to the review.
Product Claims: Strictly inedible! Indulgent aroma and silky texture – this smoothie is only for your skin to drink. There is nothing better than a friend, unless it’s a friend with a chocolate.
The body lotion comes in a white, opaque, plastic bottle. The packaging could be slightly improved to bring in a more fun factor. It has a pump at the top for dispensing which makes it super convenient. The pump has a lock mechanism which shuts on twisting. I have carried it while travelling and there has been no spillage. Plum is transparent not just about its ingredients (What's in). But also lists the What’s out on the packaging. The entire description makes it fun rather than the boring descriptions we usually read in other brands.
Texture and fragrance:
It looks and smells exactly like a hot chocolate drink. No artificial scent like Vaseline, TBS, etc. The smell immediately reminds me of the warm chocolate drink I had at a Himalayan campsite in the cold weather. 😉
My experience:
No doubt it is rightly labelled as a luxuriant body lotion. Its one of the best I have ever used. Has perfect consistency, no stickiness and provides deep nourishment. I have extra dry skin and this has helped me greatly when other lotions haven’t. The staying power is pretty long. And I enjoy the delicious aroma every time on applying. I don’t know how they have bought the exact natural scent of chocolate into it when many other brands have just had artificial fragrances. But those who want to indulge in a Willy Wonka kinda experience, soak yourself in this delicious choco-latte and enjoy 😀
Plus, its free of parabens and all other harmful chemicals. Suitable for sensitive skin. My skin loves it totally and it feels healthy and nourished. You might feel the price is on the higher side. I do feel the price is higher for a body lotion as we use it very often and it gets over quickly in around two weeks. But in the current market, compared to the available body lotions, most of us are seeking paraben-free, artificial fragrance-free and other shit-free products. And they are all highly priced. Plum seems to offer them at more a reasonable price.
Maybe, as more such brands enter the market, the prices might slowly lower with increasing demand. One final thing, check out their website. I ordered from them before and being a software engineer, I couldn’t help admiring the entire UI, easy and intuitive ordering and checkout process, rewards program, etc. I have used other websites for ordering beauty products but Plum is really excellent. Wishing for newer products and innovations. And discounts too 😉
For oily/normal skin types, am not sure if it would work well. But for me, I am going to repurchase this and recommend it to dry skin and choco lovers.
What I like about it:
* Provides deep nourishment to skin.
* Retains moisture for a longer time.
* Delicious, yummy natural aroma of choco-latte.
* Super convenient packaging.
* Free of parabens, SLS and PABA.
* Cruelty-free.
* Reasonable price compared to other similar brands.
Suggestions for improvement:
* Price can be little lower for a body lotion.
Rating: 6/5 (I couldn’t resist giving 6 😉 It was awesome )
Verdict: Plum Choco Latte Luxuriant Body Lotion is really an excellent treat to nourish and pamper your skin. I would surely recommend this to everyone. Additionally, I would like to add that Plum gives back 1% of its sales to non-profit organizations dedicated to protecting the environment. Good to see such brands emerging in India. 🙂
I have been using this Body Shop Drops Of Light Range since more than a month now and here are my thoughts on it.
Drops of Light Brightening Cleansing Foam
What the Company claims: The A rich and creamy foam cleanser to clarify and purify the skin.
– A rich and creamy lather
– Deeply purifies and cleanses the skin, without over-drying or stripping the skin of precious moisture
MRP: Rs. 1525 for 125ml
Ingredients:
Drops Of Light Brightening Serum
What the Company claims: A very lightweight serum that absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it velvety soft and shine free. Clinically proven to reduce the number and intensity of dark spots.
– Lightweight texture, that quickly absorbs into the skin
– Leaves skin plumped with moisture
– Instantly skin looks brighter and more luminous
– With regular use, skin appears smoother, more healthy and translucent, with
MRP: Rs. 2450 for 30ml
Ingredients:
Drops of Light Brightening Day Cream
What the Company claims: A lightweight, yet nourishing day cream clinically proven to significantly reduce the number, size and intensity of dark spots.
– Provides hydration, for softer, smoother skin
– Instantly, skin texture feels smoother, softer and re-plumped with moisture
– After 4 weeks, skin appears brighter, healthier and skin tone is even and clarified
MRP: Rs.2050 for 50ml
Ingredients:
The facial foam is a rich, creamy face wash. I do not generally prefer foam based face washes as they do tend to dry out my skin. But since I use this range in conjunction and follow it up with the serum and day cream, the face wash seems fine. It does cleanses thoroughly though, ideal for oily skin.
The serum comes in a white tinted bottle with a dropper and is water like in texture. It is very light weight and gets absorbed easily, you just need 2-3 drops of it. This bottle will last quite a few months.
The day cream is gel like in texture and water based. It is very hydrating and moisturizing. It does feel a bit sticky though and takes time to settle down.
L-R: Cream, Serum, Face Wash
Entire range has red algae, Vitamin C and glycerine. It is very good for pigmented and uneven skin. Vitamin C takes time to show result but with regular use twice a day, it will fade all your acne scars and even out your skin tone to a great extent.
Since the cream has glycerine and is a bit sticky on application, I would not suggest it for very oily skin as they may not like the texture of it. Also this makes it ideal as a primer and it keeps makeup in place all day long. You can skip a primer when you are using this cream.
Overall, this range will work great on uneven or pigmented skin or for people who have acne scars, etc. If you have to pick only one product from this range, I would definitely suggest the serum. At this price, there are not many Vitamin C serums available in the market and this does the job quite well.
Have you tried The Body Shop Drops Of Light Range?
Vanity Planet Spin For Perfect Skin | 70% Off | Clarisonic Dupe
Hi guys,
Today I am reviewing a cleansing brush, the most affordable one in the market.
It is a great option and definitely worth investing in, coz Clarisonic, Foreo Luna, Clinique are all very expensive, this is the most economical option, especially if you are just starting to use cleansing brushes.
Cleansing brushes are a game changer in your skincare routine and once you start using them, you will not go back to using only your hands.
If you wear makeup 3-4 times a week or everyday, this will remove all the makeup and dirt from your pores. And if you don’t wear much makeup, but you are not a kind of person to get regular clean ups and facials done, you should invest in cleansing brush for sure!
I am using this since a month now and I have noticed a huge difference in my skin! I haven’t broken out since, it removes every bit of dirt and makeup from my pores.
Even after using the best Micellar water, every single time this cleansing brush removes so much makeup from the pores, that it surprises me! After using this regularly, I realize deep cleansing and pores cleaning is so important.
Just removing makeup from the upper layer is not enough, coz all the makeup settled in the pores will not come off with that.
Spin for Perfect Skin comes with 4 attachments and the main spinning tool. One is a cleansing brush which is perfect for everyday use and is very soft and gentle. This is the one I use the most!
Second is the exfoliating brush which can be used once a week for exfoliating the dead skin cells. It is slightly harsher, avoid using this if you have sensitive skin.
Third is the body exfoliating brush which is huge and perfect in size to exfoliate the skin quickly. The skin on body is not as thin as the face, so this brush is perfect for the body.
And last is the pumice stone attachment which would work great for your heels and feet.
So one device takes care of your face, body and feet!
Here is the detailed review and demo..
Vanity Planet Spin for Perfect Skin is priced at $100 but I have a special coupon code for you guys which will give you $70 off i.e. 70% off! You get it for $30 , they have three different shipping options with the cheapest being post at $20 for India. They had free shipping worldwide earlier, it does get a little expensive with the shipping, you can compare the price with the Oriflame one and go with either.
You can either go to www.vanityplanet.com and use the coupon code ‘Bhumika’ or directly go to this link vpwow.com/bhumika to get this device for $30
Overall I would say, if not this, you can go for any brand, but a cleansing brush is absolutely great for your skin and will change your skincare game forever! Highly recommend!
Have you tried any cleansing brush before? Which is your favourite?
P.S: Device sent by brand but it has not affected my review.
