Tag Archives: moisturizer

Lotus Herbals WhiteGlow Intensive Skin Whitening & Brightening Serum + Moisturiser Review

Lotus Herbals WhiteGlow Intensive Skin Whitening & Brightening Serum + Moisturiser Review

Lotus Herbals WhiteGlow Intensive Skin Whitening & Brightening Serum + Moisturiser Review

By Archana

Lately, I was on the search for a good serum. I have never used serums before, but after reading a lot about the importance of a serum, I decided to get one. Since I was using mostly Lotus Herbals products in my routine, I thought of getting the serum too from the same brand. I have used the Whiteglow range night cream before and loved it. Not for the skin whitening claims but because it suited my combination skin well and didn’t cause any breakouts. So, I ended up with this Lotus Herbals WhiteGlow Intensive Skin Whitening &Brightening Serum + Moisturiser finally. Read on to how it fares.

Products claims: WhiteGlow Intensive Skin Whitening & Brightening Serum + Moisturiser is a breakthrough formulation from Lotus Herbals that lightens, whitens & brightens your skin tone.

* Lightens: It lightens skin’s tone by reducing uneven pigmentation.

* Whitens: It unveils visibly fairer skin by reducing dark spots.

* Brightens: It enhances skin’s radiance naturally.

Why Serum: WhiteGlow Intensive Skin Whitening & Brightening Serum + Moisturiser is a proprietary formula which has 2x* more skin whitening and brightening power than a day creme. It comes with excellent carrier properties, penetrates deep into the skin & distributes the potent blend of all natural ingredients.

How it works: Clinical trials show that the following plant extracts lighten, whiten and brighten the skin with 7 days of regular use:

* Grape Extract (Vitis Vinifera): Exfoliator – helps active ingredients penetrate into the skin.

* Mulberry Extract (Triter Penoids, Phenyl Flavones): Tyrosinase inhibitor.

* Milk Enzyme: Blocks melanin pathways.

* Saxifraga Extract (Epigallocatechin): Free radical scavenger & tyrosinase inhibition.

Why WhiteGlow? WhiteGlow Skin Whitening & Brightening range is a breakthrough formula from Lotus Herbals. It comes with an advance formula that has triple action on skin – lightening, whitening & brightening. It is enriched with rare fruit and potent plant extracts that penetrate deep into the skin to provide enduring action. The result, your skin looks fairer, flawless and radiant. It is free from harsh chemicals, that generally have side effects.

Ingredients:

Directions to use: Use every day in the morning & evening all over face & neck after cleansing thoroughly. For best results, use before Whiteglow Whitening & Brightening Gel Creme.

Packaging:

The serum comes in a translucent, frosty, glass bottle with a pump. The pump has a small plastic cap to cover it. Lotus Herbals surely make all their packagings convenient as well as giving a luxurious feel. Since its a glassy bottle, one has to be careful while handling it. The bottle is housed inside a white carton box which has all the details of the product.

Texture and fragrance:

The serum is between a gel and cream, its translucent. The consistency is perfect, not runny, not thick to spread, just the right texture for a serum. It has a light fruity fragrance, similar to other products in the Whiteglow range.

My experience:

I have been using this serum in conjuction with the Whiteglow Day Cream. The serum is easy to spread and blends easily, without any whitish cast like other whitening creams. It takes a bit of time to get fully absorbed and till then there is a sticky feeling. It moisturizes skin very well and I don’t feel the need to apply a separate moisturiser. Though, dry skin people will need to follow up with a moisturizer. The finish is more dewy and my face looks little brighter and radiant. It doesn’t make my face oily or greasy even for a long time. My skin tone is more evened out and the pores on my face look visibly smaller. It also acts as a good base for makeup.

Coming to the claims of whitening and brightening in 7 days, it is true to an extent. But don’t expect any miraculous changes. It helped to lighten some acne scars and brown spots on my face. But I think it will take a long time and continuous use to fade them completely, unlike other specific spot treatment creams which work quicker. Also, it removed some tan and my face overall looked more healthy, supple and radiant. My only concern is, once I stopped it using for a week, just to check its efficacy, and my skin went back to normal state. So, to retain the effects, the product needs to be used completely.

But I feel, if you really need a whitening/brightening effect, instead of going for those Fair & Lovely, Fairever, etc, creams in the market, this is a relatively better option as it doesn’t just focus on fairness, more on brightening, tan removal and healthy skin and Lotus Herbals is also a trusted brand. Though their products contain parabens (which is the only thing I don’t like about them), they are mostly suitable for all skin types and none of their products have ever caused me breakouts including this serum. Also, I think, to get really good results, you need to use this serum along with the day cream and night cream from the same range.

Pros:

* Nice consistency and blends easily.

* Moisturizes and hydrates the skin.

* Pores look visibly smaller.

* Evens out skin tone.

* Makes skin healthy, supple and radiant.

* Brightens skin and lightens scars and spots.

* Doesn’t leave any whitish cast.

* Doesn’t cause breakouts.

* Affordable price for a serum.

* Attractive luxurious packaging.

Cons:

* Parabens

* Takes a long time for the scars and spots to fade completely.

* Need to be continuously used to retain the effects.

Price and quantity: Rs.375 for 30ml.

Rating: 4.4/5

Verdict: Lotus Herbals WhiteGlow Intensive Skin Whitening & Brightening Serum + Moisturiser is one of the most affordable serums available and from a trusted brand. Though it doesn’t give any miraculous results, it does make skin more healthy, brighter and radiant and also lightens scars and spots slowly with regular use. Unlike other fairness creams, this is not overloaded with harsh chemicals. If you are looking to add a good affordable brightening serum in your routine, you can try this.

Editor’s Note: I always wanted to try this Archana, nice review. The product sounds really nice.

Have you tried the Lotus Herbals WhiteGlow Intensive Skin Whitening & Brightening Serum + Moisturiser?

ZA Total Hydration Amino Mineral Refreshing Gel Review

ZA Total Hydration Amino Mineral Refreshing Gel Review

Last month, Za launched their Total Hydration Range in India. The Fresh Foamy Cleanser and the Amino Mineral Refreshing Gel are released till now.

I have been using the Amino Mineral Refreshing Gel since quite some time now and here is my review.

What the Company claims: This Award Winning Gel minimizes stickiness and thoroughly replenishes skin’s moisture giving it clarified glow and vibrancy. Spreads effortlessly forming a water veil that instantly restores skin, reduces flakiness and roughness in dry skin and sebum induced stickiness in oily skin. Makes skin Bouncy Fresh and Dewy Radiant all day long! Moisture charge in just 10 seconds!

How to use: Dab an appropriate amount (approx. 0.6 g) on several spots over face with the fingertip and smooth over from the center of the face outwards.

Ingredients:
Clarified Radiance Complex
Amino Mineral Complex
Sebum-holding Powder
Prism Enhancer

MRP: Rs.599/- for 50g

I have always liked water based moisturizers and makeup products and I am glad that now more brands are coming with water based products, few years down the line it was all about heavy creamy moisturizers and then only Fabindia had a Vitamin E moisturizer for oily skin which was water based and super light. That was my Holy Grail then and now I got so many options.

To start with the packaging, it is pink in color! I mean how many girls can resist pink packaging, tell me 😀 It has a tube dispensor and a swivel cap. I like that the dispensor is tiny and you can dispense only the required quantity and you don’t need much per use.

I take a tiny pea sized amount for my face and it’s like enough. It looks like a thick serum and is milky white in color and gel like in texture. It blends completely into the skin in a minute and settles down.

It leaves no trace of oiliness or stickiness. It is hydrating, moisturizing and yet very light. It does control oil too for some hours. My T-zone is oily and it remains oily free for a few hours even without setting with a compact.

Since you need very tiny amount, the 50g tube will last me quite long and the price comes out to be pretty economical. I think this is one moisturizer that will be suitable for all skin types since it takes care of both dryness and sebum/oil.

I haven’t broken out with this and I have been using it daily, I think this is my new HG. I absolutely recommend it.

Za Cosmetics is available online on Nykaa, Amazon.in, etc. and also in most of the Shoppers Stop outlets.

Rating:

Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money : 4/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5

Have you tried any water based moisturizers? Which is your favourite?

Garnier White Complete Fairness Face Wash & Cream Review: #7DayGarnierChallenge

Garnier White Complete Fairness Face Wash & Cream Review: #7DayGarnierChallenge

Hi guys,

So I took up the #7DayGarnierChallenge last week where I had to use the Garnier White Complete Fairness Face Wash and the Garnier Multi Action Fairness Cream for 7 days and see the results.

I finished my 7 days yesterday and here is my review.

About the face wash: Exposure to sun, pollution and harsh environmental conditions makes skin appear dull & dark.

Garnier White Complete Fairness Face wash is an effective daily face wash that helps you discover clear, radiant, and even complexion.
You get one tone fairer in one wash!

Ingredients:

MRP: Rs.140/- for 100g

About the cream: Get 3 tones fairer skin, in just 7 days

Enriched with natural ingredients, this formula provides instant whitening and long lasting fairness. Your skin looks even, feels fresh and moisturized with a natural glow.

Multi Action fairness cream for glowing skin :
1.Instant Whitening – provides instant whitening
2.Sun Protection with SPF 19 PA+++ – Protects skin from further darkening by harmful UVA and UVB sun rays
3.Long Lasting Fairness – Fairer skin over time with regular usage

Dermatologically tested – suitable for all skin types.

MRP: Rs.160/- for 40g

Ingredients:

I don’t generally review skin care before testing it for a minimum of 21-25 days but since this was a specific challenge for 7 days, I am doing it after exact 7 days.

I have used the previous Garnier Multi Action Fairness Cream and did not like that much, this new formula is quite better in terms of smell and texture and does not give that much of a whitish cast as the old formula did. The old formula used to just sit on the skin and not get absorbed, this is much better and does get absorbed into the skin. This provides SPF19 PA+++ protection too.

It comes in a small jar that is easy to carry and convenient to use. It is a white colored cream, not very thick but normal cream form. It is not very sticky or greasy and gets absorbed instantly. It does not hydrate much, girls with dry skin might need a richer moisturizer especially in winters. I think this will work better for oily to combination skin.

It comes with a shade card at the side of the carton and it did not give me 3 tones fairer skin obviously, but I did see brighter, matte skin and was a tone lighter which I guess was my tan that has now thankfully gone away coz of this combination.

Coming to the face wash, I love it. It is a white colored cream face wash which foams a lot. It removes all the dirt, basic makeup and gives refreshed, brighter skin. It foams really well, does not leave a slimy feeling behind and the skin feels super clean and translucent.

It is quite affordable and comes in smaller packs too, both the face wash and the cream.

L-R: Cream & Face Wash

I would say the combination of the face wash and cream definitely made my skin brighter and helped me get rid of the tan in just 7 continuous days and made it a shade it was originally. Both the cream and the face wash have lemon essence, which is the main ingredient that helps get rid of tan and brightens and tones the skin.

I challenge you all to use the Garnier White Complete Multi Action Fairness Cream for just 7 days and let me know what you feel about it, either here in the comments below or anywhere on my social media tagging me with the #7DayGarnierChallenge.

Get your free sample here http://7daygarnierchallenge.com/, fill in your details and my name at the end and after 7 days, you can share your experience. One of you whose answer we like wins a surprise Garnier hamper!

The Body Shop Satsuma Body Sorbet Review

The Body Shop Satsuma Body Sorbet Review

What the Company claims: Scoop an industry first with this cool body moisturiser, infused with zingy satsuma scent! Our breakthrough sorbet texture instantly melts into skin for a frosty burst of fresh moisture. Light and fast-absorbing,leaves body instantly moisturised upto 24 hours of hydration.

MRP: Rs.795/- for 200ml

How to use: Glide onto skin and enjoy the frosted moisture sensation all over your body. Insider’s tip: Put your Body Sorbet in the fridge for an even more refreshing moisture sensation

Variants available: Strawberry (Fruity), Satsuma (Citrusy), Moringa (Floral)

Ingredients:

The Body Shop launched their Body Sorbets in summers which is the apt season to launch this product. It is an industry first, i.e. no other brand has a product like ‘Body Sorbet’.

It comes in the long tube packaging with a flip cap and comes in this 200ml size only. It is slightly huge and not very travel friendly.

I have tried a lot of Strawberry products from The Body Shop and wanted to try some other variant. Moringa was not something I liked the smell of and so I went with Satsuma and I am glad! I absolutely love the citrus burst of Satsuma, it smells like ‘Fresh Orange Juice’.

I avoid heavy and rich moisturisers in summers as they make my skin feel more oily and sweaty, Body Sorbet was a savior in summers as it gave hydration was so light and refreshing that it got absorbed in a jiffy without any greasiness on the skin.

It is light peach in color and thick gel like in texture but very light and water based.

Also when it was scorching hot, I did keep it in the fridge as mentioned in the tip above, and it felt so awesome. Now since the summers have gone and it’s the monsoons, I don’t keep it in the fridge. I am still using it as in Mumbai as it is never cold and mostly summers here throughout the year except 2 months.

It is slightly on the expensive side of course as around 800 bucks is a lot for 200ml body moisturizer, but you don’t need a lot with this as it spreads well. And also it does not provide 24 hours hydration obviously. This will only work in summers and for someone with normal to oily skin.

Overall I would say, try this in summers or if you live in a hot,humid city. You will absolutely love this. I will not recommend it for people with very dry skin as this will not suffice the moisturisation your skin needs.

Rating:

Quality: 4/5
Value for money : 3.5/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Have you tried The Body Shop Body Sorbets yet?

ZA Perfect Solution Restoring Collagen Cream Review

ZA Perfect Solution Restoring Collagen Cream Review

ZA (pronounced as zi:ei) is the skin care range by Shiseido. It has the True White Range and the Perfect Solution skin care range currently.

What the Company claims: Anti-Ageing + Firming- Intensive Triangle Technology

With 7 Trillion Collagen Capsules, this Restoring Collagen Cream tightens slack skin and gives bouncy resilience making fine lines and wrinkles less visible, evens-out skin texture to make it look luminous and full of clarity, permeates deeply into the skin to prevent roughness caused by dryness.

How to Use: Smooth an appropriate amount over face with fingers after toner.Apply several dots on the face and spread evenly from the centre of the face outwards.

ZA Perfect Solution Restoring Collagen Range: ANTI-AGING PERFECT SOLUTION

A high-performance, anti-aging skincare line formulated with nature-derived plant seed extracts and marine collagen to give your skin a youthful resilience and a silky glow.

MRP: Rs. 1199/- for 40g

INGREDIENTS
Vitamin A Plamitate
Bio-Hyaluronic acid
Marine Elastin
Yuzu Seed Extract
Apricot Extract
Honey Extract
APM (Vitamin C derivative)

Minerals:
Magnesium
Calcium

Entire Ingredients List:

Read more HERE.

The moisturizer from this ZA Perfect Solution Restoring Collagen Cream also won the Elle Beauty Awards 2014 in the category of Anti-aging moisturizer.

I have used the True White Range before, and now tried this Perfect Solution range. Since this is more anti-ageing, I was not really sure if it would show any difference on me. I thought let me give it a try and then I would even make my mom and sister in law try it.

I started using it at night since its rich in texture, I thought it would be very heavy for daytime. I absolutely loved how my face looked the next morning. Smoother and softer and very fresh and clear. no oiliness or greasiness.

It is an off white colored cream,rich in texture and does feel heavy if more qty is used. Otherwise it settles in a few minutes, but one can feel the skin tightening immediately.

I have combination skin and dry cheeks basically, so concentrate more on using it in that area. Slowly I started using it during day time too. You know how you have dry patches at times and those show more when you apply makeup, making the base look patchy. This would solve your problem! Gives intense moisturisation to the skin, no dry patches. But I use it sparingly in a lesser quantity during the day,especially if I have to go out since Mumbai is a very humid city.

It comes with a small white spatula which makes it easy to remove the product and one need not dip fingers in it, hygienic! The quantity of 40g lasts a long long time. I used it, my mom and sister in law used it, still there is more than half yet left since you do not need much.

Mom is in her early 50’s and sister in law in 30’s. Both saw visible results with it, you can feel the skin tightening immediately and can see the skin being smoother and softer with some difference in lines when used continuously.

I would highly recommend this for dry skin or people just touching 30’s, this is an perfect moisturizer to use. Would recommend oily skin to try the EBA Winner Moisturizer which is in liquid form. I am going to continue using it at night especially since winters are setting in.

Rating: 4/5

Have you tried anything from the ZA Perfect Solution Restoring Collagen Range ?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review.