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Best Saffron DIY Face Packs to Get Fair & Glowing Skin, Indian Skincare Blog, Beauty Blog

Best Saffron DIY Face Packs to Get Fair & Glowing Skin

Best Saffron DIY Face Packs to Get Fair & Glowing Skin

By Nidhal

The bright red-coloured, minuscule strands of saffron (called Kesar in Hindi) are exactly what you need to incorporate in your skin care regimen. Saffron is one spice that is capable of burning a hole in your pocket. It is used for adding flavour to dishes. It is a rich source of health benefit nutrients like vitamins A, B, C, foliate and minerals like zinc, potassium and sodium that rejuvenate skin cells and promote the regeneration of new cells. It helps in the removal dark spots and blemishes.

So, let us concoct some skin treats from the comforts of your kitchen using saffron (kesar).

1. SAFFRON, RAW MILK & BESAN MASK

Saffron is an excellent skin toning agent. It helps in eliminating blackheads and unclogs clogged skin pores. Saffron also scavenges free radicals and promotes better circulation of blood, thereby ensuring that skin looks toned and firm.

Raw milk, rich in B-vitamins, alpha hydroxy acids, calcium and other potent antioxidants, has innumerable skin benefits! It works to nourish skin cells from deep within and keep skin moisturized for long. Besan is used to cleanse and exfoliate skin.

PROCEDURE- Soak 3-4 saffron strands in raw milk for two hours. After that, the colour of the concoction will turn yellow wholly provided the saffron you have used is authentic. Add a tbsp. or two of besan flour and mix well. Apply on your face as well as neck. Let it dry for around 30 minutes and then, wash off. Feel rejuvenated, don’t you?

2. SAFFRON & CURD MASK

Packed with various vitamins such as A, C, and the B vitamins, saffron-the wonder ingredient is known to possess skin brightening properties. Acne and pimples can leave behind scars that take a long time to fade. Using curd and teaming it up with saffron will speed up the process of healing. Sounds exciting?

PROCEDURE- It is as simple as it gets. Just soak 3-4 strands of saffron in a heaped tbsp. of curd/yoghurt for two hours. Post two hours, the concoction will turn yellow completely given that the saffron you have purchased is authentic. Smear it generously on your face as well as neck. Let it dry. It will take around half an hour to dry. After this, wash off your face with adequate cold water.

3. SAFFRON, MILK & SANDALWOOD POWDER MASK

The inherent anti-inflammatory nature of saffron arising from the high presence of antioxidants enables saffron to be used as a potent tool against various skin conditions such as pimples, acne, and Rosacea. To top it all, if we have milk (raw one please) which boosts collagen production, slows down fine lines and wrinkles, protects skin from free radicals that cause premature aging, helps fade dark spots and marks, reduces acne and promotes skin elasticity, you know it’s going to be “Good times” for your largest organ aka your skin. Finally, sandalwood powder owing to its fragrant and soothing aroma will act as the binding agent in this recipe. It also absorbs excess oil off one’s face and neck. Time to cheer oil-skinned ladies, isn’t it?

PROCEDURE-Soak 3-4 saffron strands in raw milk for about two hours. Add a heaped tbsp. of pure sandalwood powder (known as Chandan powder in Hindi) and mix well. Once a smooth and consistent paste id formed, generously daub a fine layer of it on your skin. It will take around 30 minutes to dry solely. Wash off with cold water and admire the newfound glow.

4. SAFFRON, ROSE WATER & COCONUT MILK MASK

The moisture absorbing and enhancing nature of saffron makes it an ideal home remedy for dry, chapped and rough skin. On the other hand, we have rose water (known as Gulab Jal in Hindi) which helps to maintain skin’s pH balance, fight acne, dermatitis and eczema.

Rose water also hydrates, revitalizes and moisturizes skin. It helps to tone one’s skin. It also helps to revitalize aging skin and keeps fine lines at bay. So many virtues rolled into one! Didn’t that get you ecstatic? Add to this, coconut milk needs no elaboration when it comes to moisturisation.

PROCEDURE- In a tbsp. of pure rose water, add 3-4 saffron strands. Let them soak into it for 2 hours. Finally, add a tbsp. of coconut milk. The final/resulting concoction will be predominantly liquid. That goes without saying that application would be messy but do not fret. You’ll be blown away by the results if not immediately then, definitely over a couple of uses periodically.

Top Natural Skin, Hair and Body Care Brands in India

Top Natural Skin, Hair and Body Care Brands in India

By Nidhal

Tossing away all those chemical-laden cocktails into the trash seems a herculean task given the paucity of alternatives at hand at present, isn’t it? Not anymore. You do not have to repine anymore for there are some niche brands that are not just environment-friendly in their approach but also cent per cent transparent about the ingredients’ list of each and every product of theirs. Sounds impressive, doesn’t it?

No need to glower at your high-end chemical-laden product anymore for burning a hole in your pocket and not throwing any commendable results for here you go with a list of Indian brands- all of which sell via Amazon India, that are not just safe for topical application but also budget-friendly.

1. MAHAGRO – A small but incredulously devoted team based out of Hyderabad, MahaGro may have entered the natural skin, hair and body care market recently (2012) but earns a thumbs up from one and all thanks to their nourishing all-natural, chemical-free, preservative-free, artificial-fragrance- free and cruelty-free products.

Offering not just beauty products (like- herbal bath powder, pimple pack, face pack, hair wash powder, etc.) but also ingredients that can be used to whip one’s own recipes (like orange peel powder, tulsi powder, etc.), their products don’t cost an arm and a leg if you’re contemplating adding the same to your shopping carts. Owned by the obliging Krishna Karthik, they are about to launch herbal soaps and shampoos soon in addition to shipping products PAN India.

My vote of approval goes to the following products-

(a) Herbal bath powder- Enriched with the benefits of myriad herbs in dried form with a lingering aroma of camphor predominantly, Mahagro’s herbal bath powder makes for an efficacious face pack too in addition to being a bath powder. Ideal for use in summers when the mercury rises to unprecedented levels, it cools one’s skin instantly, thereby soothing it.

Price- 179/- INR for 200g (Buy HERE)

(b) Herbal hair wash powder- To those who are fond of giving a wide berth to chemical-laden hair masks/packs, Mahagro’s herbal wash powder is of use. Composed of only dried herbs and leaves sans any chemical preservatives, teaming it with one’s base ingredient of choice say- coconut milk, would work wonders for one’s mane. Regular use will obviously throw much more flattering results vis-à- vis a single use.

Price- 179/- INR for 200g (Buy HERE)

2. TARIKA AYURLABS- The picture-postcard Pondicherry (called Pondy by the locals) gives one’s eyes not just sights to behold but also one’s skin and hair, oodles of unadulterated nourishment through a brand that targets beauty woes through the ancient Indian science- Ayurveda. Not even 1% of the composition of any of their 100% natural, vegan, cruelty-free and chemical-free products contain any nasties that’d compel you to grimace.

Crafting a wholesome combo of products, ranging from hair oils, face serums, face masks to face scrubs, each product impresses with its unique composition. From offering products that seek to address the woes of aging, pimples/spots, foul body odour, excess hair fall to having lacklustre skin, they offer beauty combos that work wonders in allaying the same with regular use.

I would recommend Tarika’s daily facial sandal face mask as well as night oil for face (saffron) to all those whose skin loses its lustre and glow thanks to the barrage of chemical-laden cocktails we pour on ourselves daily in a bid to get the same. A little goes a long way that’s what I realised after using both the gems! Versatile enough to be blended with raw milk and neem decoction, the mask suits every skin type, leaving your skin inherently cleansed and nourished NATURALLY.

The cherry on the cake is Tarika Night oil for face (saffron). The aroma is ethereal, heavenly…a sort of aphrodisiac, taking your olfactory senses to a ride. Upon applying, with a little massage, it blends in with one’s skin easily. Sleep with it for within a few days, you will wake up with skin that looks restored to life. Let’s be rational- one or two uses won’t throw wondrous results. Given the kind of environs we inhabit, we need to be persistent in application. And if we are, the beauty combo from Tarika Ayurlabs leaves you chuffed.

PRICE-

Daily Sandale Beauty Mask: INR 480 for 50g (Buy HERE)

Night Oil for Face Saffron: INR 695 for 30ml (Buy HERE)

3. ISHAAN ENTERPRISES: RAYAAN HERBALS- Based out of Hyderabad, this all-natural venture helmed by Mrs. Reshma Thakur believes in giving a wide berth to chemical preservatives. Incepted in 2013 with a vision to craft exquisite skin, hair and body care products sans any hogwash (read: chemicals), Rayaan Herbals (the brand) that comes under Ishaan Enterprises (the company) came to the rescue of all those fraught with seeing chemical-laden products inundate markets! With an expanding range that seeks to cater to varying needs of its customers, if you are at the sea, don’t repine for you can touch base with them (Facebook) and get products tailor-made to suit your needs. Another feather in their cap is that they manufacture the products themselves so every facet is scrutinised to the backbone.

Coming from raw parts of a plant say- stems, flowers, roots, leaves, etc. their herbal products are intricate mixes of herbs. In my humble opinion, one should give a shot to their Hair shining pack. A natural fix for those whose locks look lustreless and drained off gloss, mixing it with the base ingredient that’s most compatible with one’s locks will ensure that it packs a punch at other hair woes too like- lack of softness, brittleness, etc. Dedicated use overtime will surely leave one with more thunderous results than single/two-time uses. It performs to a great extent on what it claims, however, do not get dispirited within a few uses for everyone’s hair condition differs and depending on how damaged one’s locks are, it will work.

PRICE- 550/- INR for 100g (Buy HERE)

4. IRAYA- ‘From the earth’ as is meant by its name in Sanskrit, Iraya- based out of Ahmedabad brings forth to our notice, the bountifulness of nature, which when harnessed ethically nourishes us to the backbone. Without elaborating much on what all the brand offers (Because we all know that! Iraya is a established name. One needs to be living under the rock to be unaware of it), what the USP of Iraya is to me, is that they not just ferret out the most esoteric herbs and blend them to concoct nourishing skin treats but also name their products in a way that is strongly reminiscent of the days when people relied on Ayurveda and natural remedies to tend to her beauty woes instead of store-bought products.

The product I recommend is the Kantivardhak Lepa which does justice to its name- imparts a winsome glow (Kanti) to my face and neck within a few applications without stinging it. Versatile enough to be blended with as many base ingredients (such as- curd, buttermilk, rose water, etc.) as you can come up with, it gets my vote of approval. I find it apt for use by all skin types. Slough it gently while removing to aid the process of scrubbing. Wouldn’t that be equivalent to saying that we are getting the best of both worlds- scrubbing as well as getting a glow? Yes, it surely would be.

PRICE- 445/- INR for 50g (Buy HERE)

5. RAW RITUALS- Handcrafting taken seriously- that’s how I delineate Raw Rituals. Based out of Ahmedabad, this organic skin and hair care venture is helmed by the warm and welcoming Mrs. Lovina Aggarwal and makes no about doing everything manually be it- boiling, whipping, blending, packaging, or designing. If that’s insufficient then, they have all the feathers in their cap to sweep you off your feet- cruelty-free, organic, preservative-free and cent per cent transparent about the ingredients added.

Offering lip balms, face packs, face scrubs, hair oils, body massage oils, face serums and cold-pressed soap- all free from chemicals, there is no reason why Raw Rituals doesn’t deserve a place on our list. I would recommend Raw Rituals’ peppermint and orange lip butter to all those looking to soothe their perennially dry lips that yearn for all the more moisturisation as the mercury goes down. The USP is that it is colourless, thus apt for use by men/boys too. The subtle aroma is capable of sending you into a tizzy thanks to peppermint essential oil which it is replete with.

Read the reviews of the orange lip butter HERE and their Ethereal Face Serum HERE

PRICE- 150/- INR (Buy HERE)

Editor’s Note: That’s quite an interesting list Nidhal. I have tried and loved Iraya. Tarika sounds pretty interesting and I would love to try that!

Have you tried any of these natural brands? Your favourite natural brand and product?

Top 10 Handmade Lip Balms/Lip Butters in India, Price, Buy Online

Top 10 Handmade Lip Balms/Lip Butters in India, Price, Buy Online

By Nidhal

Chances are a great many of you who’d be reading this may be addicts and I mean that cent per cent when I say it. But addicted to…? Ah, no need to strain your brain. You may not be addicted to something you’d NOT receive a lashing from your parents from (Desi kids remain kids after all, no matter their age and size). It is none other than the little delectable pots/tubes of sinful indulgence- LIP BALMS/LIP BUTTERS!

It needs no elaboration that markets are flooded with a wide variety of lip balms/butters today, however, there is something about a hand-crafted lip balm that strikes a chord. The fact that someone invested his/her time, effort and care along with manual dexterity, catches my attention.

So, here is a brief rundown on the Top 10 Handmade Lip Balms/Butters in India. Let’s rouse the lip-balm addict in ourselves.

1. AROMA ESSENTIALS- Ensconced in the Electronic City of India- Bangalore, Aroma Essentials strives to replace very chemical-laden cocktail off your shelf with its all-natural, preservative and chemical-free products that are handcrafted by trained and skilled individuals. Spearheaded by Mrs. Madhurima Ramakrishna, they offer both lip butters and chapsticks (tube packaged balms) in a wide variety of flavours and fragrances (which are achieved by the virtue of addition of essential oils and NO artificial fragrance). Glance over their lip- smacking lip butters and you’ll find yourself slobbering uncontrollably. The aroma of their lip products is hands down, the BEST I have come across. Many a time, I can make out which essential oil has been added to a product of theirs.

PRICE- 175/- INR for a lip butter, 250/- INR for a ChapStick

AVAILABILITY- Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp Madhurima(+91 7760988272)

2. GREENVIV-A new kid on the block which crafts products to perfection, Greenviv’s lip balms are a treat for sore, chapped lips seeking a quick-fix solution. Not only are they ideal for wearing to school (where usually rules and regulations restrict one from experimenting much with their looks) but also easy on the pocket. Based out of New Delhi, they ship all over India. Their handmade lip butters bear a mild aroma (again, no nasties here) and last for a good 2-3 months which is worth the investment.

PRICE- 169/- INR for each pot/tub (regardless of the flavour) for lip balm, 199/- INR for lip scrub

AVAILABILITY- Amazon India and Facebook

3. BIO ORGANIC AND NATURAL (BON ORGANICS)- Drumrolls please for India’s most eclectic and prolific organic skin care brand that has a USDA Organic certification to boast off, is here on our list. Bio Organic and Natural, BON Organics for short is ensconced in the quaint Auroville, Tamil Nadu. A brainchild of Mr. Ganesh Chandrasekaran, it is helmed by Ms.Nishantainidevi Chandrasekaran now and the lady is leaving no stone unturned to establish it as a leading organic skin care brand in India. Their lip stains, as they call it are handmade with certified organic ingredients and oodles of care by trained women in Auroville. Shipped worldwide and for free in India (perks of being an Indian!), one needs to give their lip stains a shot. Who knows your exorbitant chemical-laden lip-stick may go down the drain after it?

PRICE- 400/- INR for each pot/tub

AVAILABILITY- www.bonorganics.com, Facebook and Instagram

4. STAY WILD CHILD- Handcrafting products sans adulteration, nasty chemicals and preservatives, Stay Wild Child’s policy is simple- Add what can be eaten. Their Shea butter and olive oil enriched lip balm nourishes lips, heels cracks and makes them supple in no time. The USP is that it won’t pinch your pockets too!

PRICE- 60/- INR for each pot/tub

AVAILABILITY- www.staywildchild.com, Amazon and Facebook

5. LAST FOREST- Last Forest takes simplicity to a new high. With not just skin care products to your disposal, you have organic food supplements and health food too as you surf their eye-pleasing website. Their pure beeswax lip balm with soothing and medicinal honey helps to keep one’s lips smooth naturally.

PRICE- 90/- INR for each tub/pot

AVAILABILITY- HERE

6. JUICY CHEMISTRY- Operating from Chennai and spearheaded by Megha and Pritesh Asher, Juicy Chemistry will compel you to ditch those nasty chemical-laden products off your shelf. Not even 0.1% of their products contain any chemicals or preservatives. They furnish all the relevant details on how to use their products which is the need of the hour given how insouciant we are in using skin care products more so organic products. As of now they offered lip ‘butters’ but they are soon going to treat your pucker to soothing lip butters in the form of a stick/tube. Didn’t that get you all agog?

PRICE- 200/- INR for each

AVAILABILITY- www.juicychemistry.com, Facebook and Instagram

7. GIA BATH AND BODY WORKS- Operating from the City of Dreams- Mumbai, Gia Bath & Body Works is helmed by Mrs. Gayatri Acharya Brown and named after her vivacious daughter-Gerogia, Gia for short. The more we say about her all-natural brand, the less it seems because offers nearly everything and packs it to perfection. Her organic cocoa butter lip balms are a treat to the driest of lips.

PRICE- 350/- INR

AVAILABILITY- www.giabathandbodyworks.in, Facebook and Instagram

8. ORGANICMILL- Taking their “no preservatives and chemicals added” mantra to an altogether different high, OrganicMill- the brainchild of Mrs. Dishi Kumar Jain and based out of Noida. With lip balms/butters available in mouth-watering flavours such as- rose, orange, peppermint, lemon and strawberry, you wouldn’t want your lips to miss a chance of wholesome pampering. That their range encapsulates other products catering to one’s beauty needs is a cherry on the cake.

PRICE- 250/- INR for each pot/tub

AVAILABILITY- Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp (+91 9971648091)

9. ISLAND KISS- Mark my words- this brands awakens the hedonist in you! The moment you grab an Island Kiss Lip Moisturiser, all what plays in your mind is you sauntering on a tranquil beach with waves and breeze caressing your feet and hair respectively. And in the midst of all this, you unleash your inherent diva by gliding a decadent Island Kiss Lip Moisturiser.

Currently available in 3 flavours, Island Kiss helmed by Shaili and Siddharth, is about to launch 2 more enticing flavours soon that will spoil you for choice. And not to forget, their lip moisturisers besides being handmade are crafted with certified organic ingredients.

PRICE- 399/- to 499/- (varies as per the flavour)

AVAILABILITY- HERE

10. COSMETIC JUNCTION- Based out of Salem in Tamil Nadu, Cosmetic Junction’s mouth-watering range (yes, mouth-watering because at times you’d forget that you are looking at skin products!) encapsulates cold-processed soaps, lip balms, serums, face packs, scrubs and face scrubs. Spearheaded by Ms. Anshutha Maheshwari, their lip balms (available in stick/tube form too) is hand-crafted with the finest of natural ingredients sourced from far and wide.

PRICE- 100/- for each tube

AVAILABILITY- Facebook and Instagram

Editor’s Note: That’s a well compiled list Nidhal

Have you tried any of these? Or planning to next?

Patanjali Body Ubtan Review

Patanjali Body Ubtan Review

By Nidhal

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.

Have you tried the Patanjali Body Ubtan yet?

Ancient Ayurveda Invigorating Tailpatra Woodash Soap Review

Ancient Ayurveda Invigorating Tailpatra Woodash Soap Review

By Nidhal

Remember those days when we used to vacuously smear that colourful bar of soap that smelled heavenly and looked comely on our skin (and sadly, on our faces too) while unleashing the inherent model in us in our bathrooms? 😛 Days would roll by but all what it left was dry, parched skin that felt smothered after the ‘wash’. Quite naturally, it was bound to. Why? Did you care to read the labels? “Ummm… not really”, says a voice in your head right now. So, that is the reason my friend.

Cut to present and markets like always are inundated with soaps of myriad shapes, sizes, colors, flavours (err…chemicals) and packets. One thing is constant and that is our incorrigible habit of ignoring the labels. Having emerged delusional with soaps years ago, I switched over to ubtans (homemade powders for cleansing), however, one fine day, I came across a brand that used 2 words in its name which caught my eyes- Ancient Ayurveda. Intrigued, I began scrolling down their range of products when I came across their soaps. The realisation dwelled upon me that it would be just one of “those brands” that pull wool over consumers’ eyes by printing catchy words like “invigorated with XYZ essential oil”, “handmade” and so on but I was in for a pleasant surprise. The brand is the textbook definition of being ‘ethical’.

While most brand publish what their products contain, Ancient Ayurveda upped its game and went on publish what all their products do not contain IN DETAIL (see the picture for better understanding). Impressed, I zeroed in on ANCIENT AYURVEDA INVIGORATING TAILPATRA WOODASH SOAP to see how far it performs (or flounders). So here goes my review of the same 🙂

PRICE- 238 INR for 116 gm (Buy HERE)

DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Smear on your drenched face and body with a natural luffa. Wash off after scrubbing gently.

INGREDIENTS- Homogenous coconut shell charcoal, coconut tree inflorescece charcoal flaxseed wheat germ oil, Ashwagandha tailam, Ark tailam, black cumin seed oil, bala taimbu, somaraji tailam, chandan bala, lakshadi tailam, jatyadi tailam, karanj tailam, virgin coconut oil, kasisadi tailam, zest of soapnut, kumkumadi tailam, rice bran oil, rice bran wax, nilibringhadi tailam, castor bean meat, whole pscralea corylifolia oil, zest of ‘Koshtum’, castor oil, coconut water, coconut meat, cow’s milk, zest of copra, grapeseed oil and neem oil.

A detailed list of fillers/items not added into the soap is provided as a leaflet once you place an order. And… You will be left speechless on seeing that most of them have been added in even the so-called handmade soaps that you use. Handmade does not mean ‘natural’.

WHAT IT CLAIMS- This soap does not contain Steric Acid (animal derived hardening agent, primarily from butchered pigs and cows) which makes the mainstream handmade and commercial soap melt-less.

MY EXPERIENCE-

GOOD-

Packed in a simple paper packing with the soap enclosed in a plastic cover, the packaging of the soap is quite simplistic. I disliked the plastic cover but realised that in India’s tropical weather, if the soap were packed in a plastic/cloth pack, it would have melted and rumpled the entire product rendering it useless.

As a result, given the product’s composition (which is primarily a blend of oils), the packaging is legit. Though it cannot be carried while travelling yet, I won’t pinpoint to it as a drawback because carrying soaps anyway is inconvenient while travelling. In a nutshell, the packaging is fine 🙂

The soap has a hard texture when stored in the fridge but take it for 5 minutes and witness the magic as it melts (all thanks to Sun God who unleash their fury on us from May to June all the more) 😛

I prolong its use by cutting it into 10 pieces 5 minutes after taking it out from the fridge (so that it softens enough for my knife to work). Each time I step into the shower, I take a piece (1/10 th part of the soap) with me along with a natural loofah/luffa. I smear it on my drenched skin and gently rub a luffa. 1/10 th part is sufficient for a use. I do not overdo or use beyond requirement. I know we Indians have a tendency to slap products in excess if it works but that is what we need to control. Use enough not in excess 🙂

After scrubbing my skin with the luffa for 7-8 minutes, there is a little froth which I rinse off and step out of the shower. My skin feels soft and deeply hydrated. This spells cheer for my skin is dry and this is the first time that my skin’s moisture level has not witnessed a nosedive 🙂 With use overtime, I noted a subtle glow too that looked natural. Besides feeling clean, my skin looked clear and refreshed. My mother who has normal skin used it and has been singing paeans since then. I recommended it to a friend of mine who has oily skin and so far, even she is impressed with its performance. While I can’t vouch for its efficacy for oily skin, I can safely say that it will become the HG soap of those with dry and normal skin 🙂

In one word, it is phenomenal!

1. The most natural soap one can land.

2. Mentions what it contains and what it does not (which is quite informative) clearly. Hence, the epitome of ethics.

3. Works wonders in softening skin.

4. Made in India

5. Associated with the NGO- Prajwala which works to rescue sex-trafficked women. There is a sense of complacency one experiences in contributing to such a noble initiative.

6. Highly impressive ingredients’ list

7. Imparts a subtle glow. No, you won’t glow like an incandescent LED that is shown (read: exaggerated beyond description) in TV adverts. The glow is subtle but noticeable.

8. Works well for all skin types but best for dry skin. It won’t weigh down oily skin but works exceedingly well for dry skin. I wonder how it does so.

9. Easily available. You can place an order on Amazon India.

10. Heals chapped skin overtime.

11. Price is reasonable given its effectiveness.

BAD-

1. Since it a blend of oils, it melts (yes, you read it right M-E- L-T- S) when the temperature rises to 33 degrees or above. In fact, since India is predominantly warm for most part of year, a major bugbear is the storage of this soap. It actually liquefies. To allay this, I let it out at room temperature for a few minutes. It softens somewhat when I cut it into 10-12 pieces with a knife. I use one piece each time I step into the shower and stash all the remnant pieces into the refrigerator 🙂 So, that is the only limitation which too, is taken care of.

RATING- 5/5

Editor’s Note: That sounds fantastic Nidhal and what a detailed review! I am surely trying this. Also I saw a few other soaps they have, all look great!

Have you tried any Ancient Ayurveda Soaps?

Lever Ayush Therapy: Nature’s Healing Secrets

Lever Ayush Therapy: Nature’s Healing Secrets

Hi guys,

I love using natural, organic products but nothing beats the ayurvedic products following the age old recipes and made with pure plant extracts and oils. For any of your skin, hair or body problems with which you have been struggling for days and tried it all, go back to the ‘Dadime Ke Nushke’ and you will see the results guaranteed!

Today we face a lot of problems due to our current modern lifestyle. Late working hours, meeting deadlines, being on our computers and cell phones almost 18 hours a day, it all takes a toll on the body. The results being hair loss, premature hair greying, dark circles, head aches, shoulder pain, back pain, water retention, lack of stamina, etc.

I am glad brands are going back to ayurvedic formulations and bringing products which are all natural and ayurveda has never failed in showing results. We have ayurvedic solutions for our skin/hair problems and pain management now. One such brand being Lever Ayush.

About Lever Ayush: Rapid urbanization, booming economy, new job opportunities and high disposable incomes in India have paved way for an affluent lifestyle. But they also put you at the risk of lifestyle diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, heart diseases etc. Through Ayush, this new generation of Indians can rediscover everyday health and vitality through customized Ayurvedic solutions.

LEVER Ayush Therapy range comes with some of nature’s healing secrets discovered by Ayurveda, almost 5000 years ago!

Lever Ayush range consists of products for skin, hair and pain management. They are based on authentic Ayurvedic formulations, where the rarest natural ingredients are distilled into the most effective Ayurvedic recipes. Lever Ayush introduces a range of personal care products that are specifically designed to solve skin and hair problems borne by the pressures of a modern day lifestyle.

Products Available:

HAIRCARE

Lever Ayush Bhringamalakadi Tailam

The oil serves the purpose of preventing premature greying and ensures that your hair grows long and strong for years to come. With carefully selected ingredients such as cow’s milk, Yashtimadhu, Bhringaraj, Til oil and amla juice, the oil not only prevents premature greying but assures that your hair gets its natural colour back.

Price: Rs. 599

Lever Ayush Hair Poshak Oil

When an individual is stressed, the body produces increased levels of testosterone which gets converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This DHT will interrupt the hair growth cycle because it restricts the blood supply to your hair follicles which means the amount of nutritional intake reduces, leading to the weakening of hair and therefore breakage. The Lever Ayush Hair Poshak Oil is a unique combination of Ayurvedic ingredients like amla, rosemary, til oil and neem. Designed to fight and reduce hair fall in three weeks, this oil comes with dual advantages. It prevents breakage and simultaneously fights dandruff, keeping your hair well-nourished.

Price: Rs. 249

Lever Ayush Keyur Poshak Shampoo

The word ‘Keyur’ is used in religious books to describe the lustrous, thick hair of various deities. ‘Keshya’ means that which gives bountiful, black and lustrous hair. The best ‘Keshya’ herbs have been selected to formulate Keyur Poshak Shampoo. It helps to get back the lost shine in your hair and simultaneously nourishes, strengthens and conditions your hair too. The ingredients that make up this shampoo include Amla, Bhringaraj, Yashtimadhu and Henna – all helping to keep your hair shiny, bouncy and strong.

Price: Rs. 310/-

Lever Ayush Dandruff Naashak Shampoo

Consisting of ingredients such as amla, neem, tulsi, rosemary, henna and shikakai, the shampoo cleanses and conditions your hair with its anti-microbial and cooling properties. With its triple benefits of being anti-dandruff, cleansing and strengthening, Lever Ayush Dandruff Nashak shampoo is all you need to fight this problem without going in for any expensive treatments.

Price: Rs. 325/-

PAIN RELIEF

Lever Ayush Pain Naashak Cream

Lever Ayush Pain Naashak cream has been created on the lines of Ayurveda which recognizes that pain can occur in different parts of the body. This can be broadly categorized as ‘Sandhishool’ (joint pain) and ‘Katigraha’ (backache). This cream contains carefully chosen ingredients such as ‘shulahar dravyas’ like lavang, pudinah and gandhapura, which effectively relieve pain, tenderness and swelling, in case of sprains, strains and even in cases of osteoarthritis. Lever Ayush Pain Naashak cream is an effective analgesic cream that will give a soothing relief from different physical pains.

Price: Rs. 119/-

Lever Ayush Narayana Tailam

The best medicine for ‘Vata’ disorders according to Ayurveda is regular ‘Abhyanga’ (external application) with oil. The Lever Ayush Narayana Tailam has 32 ingredients known for its pain relief solutions. The oil is made solely of Ayurvedic solutions using taila pak vidhi (method of processing medicated oils) that can cure muscle and joint aches even in the case of osteoarthritis.

Price: Rs. 599/-

Ayush Headache Naashak Roll-On

It includes wintergreen oil, lemongrass oil, eucalyptus oil, menthol, clove oil and camphor. A combination of these products works on relieving congestion which is often the reason for headaches. It also works towards easing out respiratory issues and colds. The product works effortlessly against headaches, whether they are caused due to congestion, sinusitis or stress on the eyes – within 15 minutes. A must have in your daily bag.

Price: Rs. 199/-

SKINCARE

Lever Ayush Suvarna Poshak Cream

The Lever Ayush Suvarna Poshak Cream is an excellent supplement for your skin. Ayurveda recommends ‘Varnya Dravyas’ (promoters of complexion) for enhancing natural complexion and providing glow. Brimming with natural ingredients, the cream is concocted with healthy skin in mind. With herbs like ‘Rasayani’ and ‘Tirit’, it restores the lustre in your skin, enhances your natural complexion, smoothens out wrinkles and makes your skin young and healthy from within. The cream also helps fight blemishes and dullness and keeps your skin soft and deeply nourished.

Price: Rs. 210/-

The products are divided into Doshas i.e. Vata/Pitta/Kapha and Gunas/Karmas i.e Poshak (Grow), Nashak (Destroy) and Rakshak (Protect). Each and every product has Dosha and Guna mentioned on it. For e.g. these three hair products here, the Bhringamalakadi Tailam is Rakshak i.e. it prevents hair from greying, Hair Poshak Oil is obviously Poshak i.e it helps in growth and reduces hair fall and breakage and Dandruff Naashak Shampoo is again as the name suggests Nashak i.e destroy dandruff.

I like how they come in a cloth bag packaging. I have used the Hair Poshak oil twice yet and really liked it, I will use it a few more times before reviewing it. It has a blend of amla, rosemary, til oil and neem which helps in reducing hair fall and dandruff and also strengthens the hair follicles. Amla and sesame oil also help in conditioning hair and reduce split ends. When I used the Hair Poshak Oil before shampooing, hair was much more softer and there was reduction in hair fall while washing them too.

I loved the Headache Nashak Roll-On, if you follow me on twitter or Snapchat (@bhumika_t), you know I am suffering from terrible cold from the past few days and every night I get this unbearable headache, I tried this roll-on and I felt so much better. This is definitely going to be a part of my hand bag now. If you suffer from congestion, cold or frequent headaches coz of that, this is a must buy for you!

I tried the Dandruff Nashak Shampoo too, I use it once a week and have used it twice till now and already see the difference. It has rosemary oil as one of the ingredients which is anti fungal and anti bacterial and one of the few essential oils which help combat dandruff.

The pricing is pretty reasonable for Ayurvedic products coz all the natural and organic products are priced a little higher these days as they can’t and do not generally use the cheaper ingredients and all the blend of herbs and oils turns out to be a little expensive. All the Lever Ayush products are available online on Amazon India

I only did not like the fact that the complete ingredient list is missing, except for the Headache Nashak Roll-On, other products do not have ingredients mentioned.

Overall, I would say I am glad Lever Ayush has come up with products with age-old ayurvedic formulations. I am really looking forward to try the Narayana Tailam for my back aches and Suvarna Poshak cream.

Have you heard of Lever Ayush products? Tried any?