Tag Archives: Skin Care

Four Yummy Homemade Body Scrubs

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Four Yummy Homemade Body Scrubs
Many ingredients from your kitchen can be used to make yummy-smelling face, body, and foot scrubs at home. Start with a skin-friendly exfoliant, such as oatmeal, cornmeal, sugar, or salt. Then choose a moisturizing, binding ingredient. I recommend honey and avocado, which are non irritating emollients, for the face. Olive or coconut oil will work well on the body and feet, especially on dry, scaly, or flaky skin.

However, if you tend to get breakouts on your chest or back, skip the oils and stick with honey or yogurt.

You can add other ingredients as well, such as fresh citrus juice (which acts as an astringent) or cucumber (which soothes skin). For a more aromatic scrub, add some fresh herbs or a few drops of skin-friendly essential oils. I love dessert, so I like cinnamon or vanilla in my scrubs — if you’re a chocoholic, try adding cocoa!

Below are a few recipes to get you started on your own scrubs:

Simple Cinnamon-Vanilla-Oatmeal Facial Scrub
1/4 cup oatmeal
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons honey
1 tablespoon plain yogurt

Cornmeal-Citrus Facial Scrub
1/4 cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon fresh-squeezed citrus juice (lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit)
2 teaspoons honey
1 drop ylang-ylang essential oil (optional)
1 drop ginger essential oil (optional)

Avocado-Strawberry-Sugar Body Scrub
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup mashed avocado
1/4 cup mashed strawberry
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon honey
1 cup minced fresh basil
1 drop rose essential oil (optional)

Rosemary, Mint & Salt Foot Scrub
1 cup coarse sea salt
5 tablespoons olive oil
3 sprigs fresh rosemary (remove leaves from stalk)
1 cup minced fresh mint
3 drops peppermint essential oil (optional)

Mix ingredients together and gently scrub your face, body, or feet. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Don’t they all sound so good enough to eat ! Yumm…the warm vanilla cinnamon..

Additionally you can scoop out a papaya or mango (or avocado) and save the fruit to eat later. Rub the inside surface of the skin all over your face and arms. The antioxidants and fruit enzymes will help soften your skin.

Source: 1

Whats your favorite homemade scrub ??

Best of 2012- Skin and Hair

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Best of 2012- Skin and Hair

Remember the Best of 2011..go HERE..2012 went super fast no..dunno how and when the year passed..

I tried tons of new stuff..and so here is the first part of skin and hair..the best or my favorites of 2012..some of them are the same as in last year..coz I still love them and use them..

Skin:

Face Wash: Himalaya Neem Purifying Face Wash, , Iraya Wild Lime Purifying Face Wash, Lush Aqua Marina, Skin79 BB Cleanser, Auravedic Pulpy Face Wash Honey Almond

Cleanser/Makeup Remover:  Jergens All Purpose Face Cream, Himalaya Deep Cleansing Milk, Queens Eye Makeup Remover, Olive Oil

Toner: Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner, Biotique Honey Water, Natural Rose Water

Moisturiser: Fab India Vitamin E Skin Hydrating Cream for Oily Skin, Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser, Lacto Calamine, Auravedic Aloe Vera Gel, Biotique Morning Nectar (for winters)

Sunscreen: Lotus SPF 50 Spray, Lotus Multi Functional SPF 70, Auravedic Sun Block, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Complete UV Moisture SPF 50

Serums : Lotus Whitening Micro Emulsion, Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Concentrate, L’oreal Youth Code Luminize Serum, Neutrogena Fine Fairness Brightening Serum

Face Scrub: Aroma Magic Mineral Glow Scrub, Biotique Papaya Scrub, Auravedic sandal turmeric skin polish

Face Pack: Aroma Magic Oxy Pack, Nature’s Lacto Tan Clear Bleach, Auravedic Ubtans, Omved Ubtan, Just Herbs Sanface Sandal Glow Pack

Night Cream: L’oreal Youth Code Luminize Night Cream, Himalaya Revitalizing Night Cream, Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Hand Cream: L’occitane Lavender Hand Cream, L’occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream, Vaseline 24 hours Total Moisture Cream

Foot Cream: Vedic Line Foot Cream

Eye Cream: VLCC Almond Under Eye Cream

Body Wash: Johnsons Ph 5.5 Nourishing Honey Body Wash, Soultree Indian Rose and Vetiver Body Wash

Body Scrub: Nourish Madras Coffee Madness Body Scrub

Bath Accessories: The Body Shop Bath Gloves, The Body Shop Facial Buffer, Natural Scrubber made with vetiver and bottle gourd roots.

Body Lotion: Parachute Body Lotions, Nivea Happy Time Body Lotion

Body Butter: The Nature’s Co. Chocolate Mint Body Butter

Lip Balm

Tinted: Lotus Lip Therapy, Nivea Fruity Shine, Maybelline Baby lips Pink Lolita and Coral Flush
Non Tinted: Kiehl’s Lip Balm No. 1, Ice Breakers, Maybelline Baby Lips Berry and Mango

Lip Butter: Auravedic Mango Peach Lip Butter

Other: b.liv Spots Got Shot, Lactacyd Perineal Wash, BRTC Aqua Rush Peel Gel, Neutrogena Fine Fairness Mask, Raw Gaia MSM Beauty Spray, Biotique Chlorophyll Gel (Post waxing)

Hair:

Oil: Figaro Olive Oil, Auravedic Restructuring Hair Oil, Just Herbs Javakusum Hair Oil

Shampoo: Omved Brahmi Peppermint, Soultree Triphala Brahmi (I have switched to non SLS..I tried Pantene Hair Fall Control before this..and liked it..did help somewhat with hairfall )

Conditioner: Dove Nourishing Oil Care, Liz Earle Botanical Shine Conditioner

Deep Conditioner: Dove Nourishing Oil Care Repair Mask

Treatment Cream: Himalaya Protein Hair Cream, Himalaya Anti Dandruff Hair Cream

Serum: L’oreal Total Repair 5, Dove Nourishing Oil Care Vita Oil Serum

Phew ! This took so much time !! I dunno if I am missing out on something..would edit later in case I remember anything..

Look for the best in makeup tom 🙂

This is the last post of 2012..and my 946th post 🙂 Though I would have liked a round figure of 950 may be..but never mind..I want to thank all of you for your love and support..and I hope it continues in 2013 and many more years to come..Happy New Year to all of you :))

And ya, let me know your skin and hair favorites of 2012 in the comments below 🙂 See you in 2013..

Auravedic Ritual Skin Lightening Mask Review

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Auravedic Ritual Skin Lightening Mask Review

I reviewed the Auravedic Ritual Cleansing Ubtan mask before HERE..now I am reviewing the Ritual Skin Lightening mask..they both have almost the same ingredients..the former is in powder form and is to be mixed with milk or rose water whereas this is already in a thick paste form..

What the Company claims: This gentle facial mask formulated with pure natural actives deeply penetrates the skin to lighten the complexion and clarify dark spots for glowing and radiant skin.

MRP: Rs.200/- for 50g

Usage, Ingredients:

Sorry for the stains..its coz of the turmeric..

It comes in a similar tub packaging..only it has a separator in between..since it is a thick paste..it is very very thick and gooey..so much so that its difficult to spread at times..you need to use it on a moist face..

Though its brown in color has a deep yellow stain coz of turmeric..so your hands will stain..and face too for some time..and avoid its contact with clothes..has the same ayurvedic smell as in the cleansing ubtan..It does remove tan..and gives a fresh soft skin..and with frequent use, the spots too start fading..


Pros:

1. Since it is a little granular, it exfoliates and at the same time smoothens the skin tone.
2. Skin felt baby soft after using it !
3. The neem and haldi have antiseptic properties which helps acne prone skin too.
4. No parabens, SLS, preservatives. All natural stuff
5. All amazing ingredients together..its a pack full of skin goodness.
6. Removes tan and lightens spots after a few uses..

Cons:

1. Difficult to spread and use as too thick.
2. Needs to be kept 15-20 minutes.
3. Yellow stain is strong.
4. Availability is an issue..currently it is only available on NaturalMantra online and at Auravedic stores.

Its all natural and good for the skin. Only issue is more time required and a little difficult to use..but though the skin feels good with all the herbal infusion 😀 Though I like the Cleansing Ubtan Mask more..Recommend it..

Rating:

Quality: 4/5
Value for money : 3.75/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

Would I buy it again: May be..

Which is your favorite ubtan?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

Kaya’s Skincare Guide for the Party Season

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Kaya’s Skincare Guide for the Party Season

Come December and it’s time to begin preparations for the much awaited party season. You want to look your best but a few late nights, over-exertion, use of cosmetics and makeup, consumption of alcohol and unhealthy food can really take a toll on your health and skin.


Dr. Sangeeta Amladi – Head Medical Services at Kaya Skin Clinic shares some easy and quick tips to help you look your radiant best and be the envy of others all through the party season:

· Water is the best gift that nature has in store for you. For that soft, supple and glowing look keep your skin hydrated by drinking lots of water everyday

· Before applying makeup, make sure your skin is clean and exfoliated. Use a good, gentle exfoliator and rub it on the face in slow, circular motions. The circular motions will ensure good blood circulation and the exfoliating will remove dead skin cells, revealing a bright, new complexion. After you’ve exfoliated both face and body, moisturize from head to toe

· Vitamin C can do wonders to your skin, especially in the winters. Opt for facials that are rich in Vitamin C and include fruits like grapes, oranges, watermelons and berries in your daily diet. You could also try an instant hydrating mask, 2-3 days before the party.

· During the winter season, you might experience puffiness in your eyes. Splashing cold water in the eyes and the use of eye pads with cucumber, potato and green tea bags will help reduce the puffiness & make them look wonderful to flaunt your favorite eye make-up during the party season. You should apply these eye pads at least twice a day to get desired results. Use can also use Kaya’s Lighten & Smooth Under Eye Gel to make your eyes even more beautiful

· For the lips, use mild petroleum jelly every night so that your lips do not look flaky when you apply lipstick or gloss. During night time, the jelly will penetrate into your lips and work on the flaky skin throughout the night, giving you supple lips in the morning

· Remember to remove the makeup with a skin cleanser or wet wipes before going to sleep. You can use Kaya’s Hydra Cleanse Make Up Remover to gently remove dirt, excess oil and makeup, thus preventing breakouts the following day

· Soak a towel in ice cold water and press it to your face; this constricts blood vessels and there’s less fluid accumulation. Don’t forget to catch-up on some beauty sleep. Sleep boosts the immune system and your skin gets to regenerate

· For your hair, make sure to use a mild shampoo and a good conditioner. Avoid hot dryers and in case you use hairsprays, glitter and other hair products make sure to wash off all the chemicals from your hair completely

· For your skin, plan in advance and undergo services like skin polishing or hair reduction. If you plan to wear a dress that reveals your back, go for a back shine treatment a few days before the party. You can opt for Kaya’s Signature Back Therapy which is a complete service that includes back polishing, brightening using microdermabrasion and exfoliation

· At Kaya Skin Clinic, there are various services like fillers and BOTOX that can help enhance your features. You can also avail of the new Aqua Radiance service that will rejuvenate your skin with the goodness of water and air. The Jet Peel technology uses high energy supersonic flow and a micro-droplet spray to gently refresh and hydrate the skin. The glycolic peels used for “infusion” in the service are derived from the sugarcane extracts and penetrate the skin quickly and easily, allowing new skin to surface quicker.

Ten quick face packs for the winter

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Ten quick face packs for the winter

As you enjoy the dipping temperature of the winter, pay a little attention to your skin as well. Here are 10 quick and effective face packs to keep your skin fresh and healthy.

Winter calls for extra care for your skin. While the rest of your body is bundled up, your face is exposed 24 hours a day, and so it takes the brunt of the harsh climate most of all and requires additional pampering apart from the usual day and night creams.

Homemade face packs are simple to make and easy to apply. All you need are the ingredients from your fridge or larder; the fresher, the better!

10 quick face packs for the winter

1. Papaya pack – Cut a ripe papaya into pieces after removing the skin. Mash it with your fingers or a fork, apply on your face and rinse off after ten minutes with cold water.

2. Grape pack – Mash some grapes into a pulp, apply on the face and leave on for a quarter of an hour. Then rinse off. Strawberries can also be used instead of grapes.

3. Milk cream (malai) mask – Collect malai from the milk, apply carefully on the face, avoiding eyes and keep on for about ten minutes. Rinse off, first with warm water, then cold water.

4. Coconut milk mask – Grate a fresh coconut, then grind it with very little water to extract thick milk. Spread it on the face for fifteen minutes for best results, rinse face with cold water.

5. Avocado mask – Mash a few pieces cut from an avocado and spread it on the face and neck for fifteen minutes. Wash off with cold water.

6. Honey face pack – Mix one teaspoon of rose water with two tablespoons of honey and apply to face and neck. Honey makes the skin soft and is good for dry skin.

7. Honey and lime juice pack – Take two teaspoons each of honey and lime juice and leave on the face for ten to fifteen minutes. Alternatively, yogurt can be used in place of lime juice. Wash off after 15 minutes.

8. Aloe gel mask – Extract fresh aloe vera from a juicy leaf and apply to the face. Leave on for fifteen minutes and then splash face with cold water. This mask may irritate sensitive skin so test it first on the arm.

9. Carrot honey mask – Take twice the quantity of honey as compared to carrot juice, mix well and apply on face and neck. Keep it for twenty minutes.

10. Almond oil mask – Mix a little almond oil with milk cream or malai and leave on the face for at least ten minutes. Rinse off with warm water. This is not suitable for oily skin.

What do you use in winters ??

Source: 1

Auravedic Ritual Cleansing Ubtan Mask Review

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Auravedic Ritual Cleansing Ubtan Mask Review

What the Company claims: Prepared from a traditional formulation of natural herbs nourishes skin for smooth, radiant & glowing skin. Natural extracts of Sandal & Saffron ensure that the beauty of the skin is enhanced and nourished.

Usages: Mix with Oil or Rose water or Milk into a creamy paste. Gently massage over skin. Leave paste for a few minutes before rinsing off.

This is a part of a RITUAL range introduced for Diwali..other products are a body massage oil, hair oil and a red sandalwood soap.

MRP: Rs. 200/- for 50g

Ingredients: Red Sandalwood Powder, Ambe Haldi, Saffron, Nagamotha, Kapurkachri, Jethimadh, Ashwagandha roots, Orange Peel, Almond, Neem, Methi seeds, Basil, Bengal gram, Rose Petal powder.

As you can see it has all the natural and herbal ingredients which are good for skin..a ready made mask full of natural goodness…now no need to get red sandalwood powder, neem powder, ambe haldi, almond, saffron, etc and sit and combine them all..I am loving each and every ingredient in it.

When I first opened it, I was surprised to see it stuffed till the brim..in fact a layer above..I expected it to be half full as with other products normally..

You can mix it with rose water, oil or milk..I prefer milk..and mixed a teaspoon of it with milk and blended well..its a brown colored paste…and has a herbal smell.

It is to be massaged on the face all over and then let to sit for 5 mins..it dries quickly..unlike the packs which keep you waited 20 mins 😉

I was getting a pimple on the forehead..and after using this 2-3 times, it never grew and just settled 🙂

Pros:

1. It is super easy to use..in fact I feel if you are in a hurry..you can just take some in your palm and mix with normal water and use..I have tried and it works that way too.
2. Since it is both a scrub and mask, it exfoliates and at the same time smoothens the skin tone.
3. Skin felt baby soft after using it !
4. The neem and haldi have antiseptic properties which helps acne prone skin too.
5. Qty is huge enough for the price.
6. No parabens, SLS, preservatives. All natural stuff
7. All amazing ingredients together..its a pack full of skin goodness.

Cons:

1. Availability is an issue..currently it is only available on NaturalMantra online and at Auravedic stores.

I find no other con with it..its all natural and good for the skin. And I surely recommend it..

Rating:

Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money : 4/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall Rating: 4/5

Would I buy it again: Yes !

Have you tried any ubtans ? Which is your favorite ?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

Forest Essentials unveils Madhulika Nourishing Honey Lep

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Forest Essentials unveils Madhulika Nourishing Honey Lep

Forest Essentials unveils for the first time, Madhulika Nourishing Honey Lep, a revolutionary skincare product.

FOREST ESSENTIALS presents the age-old traditional remedy in the form of Madhulika Nourishing Honey Lep which leaves you with soft, supple and glowing skin. This Ayruvedic Lep is a unique combination of a scrub as well as a masque and is a pure sensorial delight.

Madhulika Nourishing Honey Lep: 50gm: Rs 1150/-

An Ayurvedic facial paste or mask made from raw Organic Honey mixed with nourishing herbs, flowers and fruit to make a highly nutritious ‘Lep’ to be used after cleansing and toning the skin. The core ingredient of this product is raw honey, raw cane sugar, orange peel and orange juice. It gives an instant glow to the skin, reduces pigmentation, lightens tan and removes dead skin cells.

Directions for use: Apply on clean face and neck avoiding eye area. Rinse well with warm water. Splash cold water last.


The products are available at :

 Pune

 Bengaluru

 Chennai

 Hyderabad

 Jaipur

 Ludhiana

 Mumbai

 New Delhi

 Gurgaon

Does’nt that sound awesome ?! Would you like to try it ?

P.S: PR Info

PURE beauty with M&S

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PURE beauty with M&S

Marks & Spencer introduces an exciting range of products for daily rituals and a soothing beauty experience. The new PURE range brings alive a supple and rejuvenated skin leaving it hydrated and nourished from within. Experience exotic ingredients paired with nutrients for radiance and an unmatched glow.

Hit the nearest M&S store and pamper yourself for a youthful skin every day.

Pure Anti-Ageing Super Active Overnight Oil

This overnight oil softens, nourishes and restores tired skin to help protect against the visible effects of ageing. Price: 899

Sounds somewhat like Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate..

Pure Anti-Ageing Super Active Moisturiser

This super active moisturiser intensively hydrates, nourishes and rejuvenates for more youthful-looking radiant skin. Price: 799


Pure Daily Skincare Instant Radiance Cleanser

This Instant Radiance hot cloth deeply cleanses, polishes and conditions for radiant, smooth skin. Price: 799

100% free from parabens, colors and mineral oil sounds good indeed..

BB Cream Shop Goodies Preview

Hauls, Lioele, ShopBop, Skin care, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
BB Cream Shop Goodies Preview

I got some stuff from BBCreamShop.eu for review..I love those cute Korean cosmetics with amazing packaging..those are a treat for our eyes no ;)About BBCreamShop:
The certainties of BB Cream Shop:
Guaranteed 100% original products
Reliable: Certified Webshop
Free product with every order
Secure online payments with iDeal or Paypal
Low shipping, max € 4.95 within Netherlands
Free shipping on orders over € 75
Shipping within 3 working days

They stock brands like Etude House, Skin79, Missha, Lioele, Skinfood, BRTC, Hanskin, Dr. Jart, Innisfree and many more..

What I got..

Lioele Dollish Lipstick in Baby Peach, Lioele Jewel Mix Marble Skin Finish, Skinfood Nail Vita Nail Paint, Etude House Precious Mineral Bright Fit BB Cream and Lioele Miniature Special Set..

Reviews coming up soon…I love the look of the Lioele Mix Marble Skin Finish..and the Etude House BB Cream is so awesome..

What did you like ?

P.S: Sent by site for review.

Just Herbs Vetiver Collection

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The Vetiver collection from Just Herbs

Just Herbs™- the pure, bespoke and Ayurvedic skincare label has introduced effective and results-driven skincare products derived from organically grown Vetiver- a tall grass native to India- and used in Ayurveda for its skincare benefits since antiquity.

The products include I’Mint– a 100% natural nourishing and toning pack enhanced with the synergestic combination of Vetiver and green tea, Plump-up– a wrinkle minimiser suited for oily or combination skin and Cascade, a day care lotion containing Aloe Vera and Wheatgerm in addition to Vetiver.

Vetiver (also called Khus in India) is a tall grass native to India and Just Herbs products use the oil derived from the roots of this grass through a process of steam distillation.

“Vetiver’s skin regenerative properties make it excellent for healing tired and stressed skin and to restore a youthful appearance,” says Dr. Neena Chopra, Director, Beauty and Technical, Just Herbs.
“On the skin, it has a nourishing and moisturizing effect and is useful for dry, irritated or dehydrated skin” further added Dr Neena Chopra

Just Herbs I ‘Mint Green Tea-Vetiver Nourishing and Toning Pack (Rs. 295 for 60 gms)

A natural skin tonic to nourish and hydrate the fragile eye area suitable for all skin types. It boosts microcirculation in the capillaries and strengthens the collagen-elastin matrix, lack of which shows as dark circles through the thin skin around the eye area. Vetiver and green tea, combined with wonder herbs buchnania lanzan and madder root help fade away blemishes, lighten the skin and provide tone and elasticity.

Cascade Moisturising Day Care Lotion (Rs. 345 for 100 ml)

This day care lotion is reinforced with the hydrating action of Aloe Vera and antioxidant properties of Wheatgerm oil in addition to Vetiver. It restores moisture to the deepest layers of skin, and helps the skin to maintain its natural moisture thus plumping up fine lines that occur as a result of dryness. Vetiver helps rejuvenate the skin and improves skin regeneration process to enhance collagen elasticity thus improving the vital capacity of the skin to retain moisture. A perfect base for make-up, it leaves the skin satin smooth all day long. For best results apply on damp skin just after bath.


Plump up age-defying Anti-Wrinkle Gel (day repair) Rs. 495 for 50 gms.

A wrinkle minimiser in the form of a translucent gel, for intensive nourishment of the skin through the day. The natural antioxidant effects of its fruit oils protect the skin from oxidative sun damage and environment induced skin conditions. Vetiver, along with Indian Ginseng and fennel rejuvenate aging skin, strengthen the collagen matrix and boost immune functions to give it a firm and a youthful appearance.

What do you wish to try of the three ?