Tag Archives: skincare blog india

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 30 Review

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 30 Review

Hi guys,

I am using this sunscreen from the past 2 weeks now, mostly for hands and legs as it’s a body mist sunscreen. Here are my thoughts..

Claims: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 30 provides powerful protection against sun damage while leaving a weightlessly invisible feeling on your skin. Formulated with clinically-proven Helioplex® Technology, it offers superior broad-spectrum protection from skin-aging UVA rays and skin-burning UVB rays.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 30 Review, Sunscreen India, Body Spray Sunscreen India, Indian Beauty Blog

Neutrogena is a non-greasy, oil free fast-absorbing and water resistant sunscreen that uses Dry-Touch Technology to provide an ultra-light, non-shiny finish. This weightless formula applies easily to even hard-to-reach areas and works at any angle.

MRP: Rs.675 for 141g (Buy HERE)

Ingredients:

It comes in this bottle with a spray nozzle, I have used spray sunscreens earlier and I thought it would be similar. I have used Avene and it was white liquid just in spray bottle. I expected this to be of the same consistency. But this is actually a watery spray.

Yes, you heard me right. It’s a watery spray just like a mist. Super easy to just spray on and blend. It is the most convenient sunscreen I have ever used. It is completely non greasy as it just like any face mist, perfect for all skin tones.

I love the soft powdery scent which lingers on for a few minutes. It is water resistant for upto 80 minutes and that’s an added bonus.

I use it on both my hands and legs. It is perfect to use for body as spray form is more convenient for body. SPF 30 sun protection might not be enough at times, and that is the only disadvantage it has. I wish they come up with SPF 50 formula in this same watery form soon.

I have no cons for this and nothing more to so, it is absolutely perfect and does what it claims, gives a weightless, clean feeling. Next time you go on a vacation and are searching for a good body sunscreen, look no further.

I highly recommend this!

Rating:

Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money: 3.75/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5

Have you tried any Spray Sunscreens?

Summer Skin Care Tips & Home Remedies

Summer Skin Care Tips & Home Remedies

By Rashmi

Hello lovelies,

Summers are back and with a bang. Nobody likes summers as they bring with them innumerable skin woes. But don’t you people worry. I have got it all covered for you people with easy solutions to keep your skin fresh and glowing. Thank me later

1. SUNSCREEN –

Use sunscreen whenever you are going out and make sure it is at least SPF 30 or choose from what suits you. Sunscreens protect your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent it from getting damaged.

2. CLEANSER –

The cleanser helps to unclog pores and it should be used as a part of a skincare regimen. During summers it becomes even more important to use a cleanser as the skin becomes lifeless and the pores get clogged. Make your own cleanser by mixing yogurt and honey. Apply it on your face and let it stay for 20 minutes and then wash it off to get clear skin.

3. EXFOLIATE –

Exfoliation is a must for the skin. Dead skin needs to be removed as they make the face look dull. Make your own exfoliator by mixing oatmeal, honey, and milk. Apply it on the face and let it sit for 10 mins then start scrubbing the face gently with wet hands. Scrub slowly for 5 minutes and then wash it off with water.

4. TONER-

Toners make you feel refreshed instantly. Make a refreshing toner by simply mixing cucumber juice with rosewater. Store it in the refrigerator to give it a longer life. Though use it only for a week and then make a new one. Carry it with yourself when going out. Spray it on your face to give your face instant relaxation.

5. MOISTURISE –

This step is what many people avoid during summers. Change your moisturiser to an oil-free one. Moisturisers are required by the skin in every season. It becomes even more important to use a moisturiser after exfoliation to lock the nourishment back into the skin. Mix your night serum with your moisturiser and apply it to your face to give the skin all the goodness that it needs.

6. KEEP YOURSELF HYDRATED –

Drink as much water as you can. During summers this is certainly the most important thing. Drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water a day. And do not wait for your mouth to get dry. Try drinking refreshing juices like watermelon juice or lemon water.

RANDOM SKIN CARE TIPS-

1. Rub ice all over your face to instantly soothe your skin. But make sure you cover it with a muslin cloth, never apply ice directly to your skin.

2. Apply calamine lotion to soothe skin rashes.

3. If you are out of toner, simply apply cold rosewater on your face to calm and soothe the skin.

4. Avoid oily and fried food. Include lots of fruits and veggies in your diet.

Editor’s Note: These are such basic things Rashmi, but we always tend to take them for granted. Articles like these remind me to follow things sincerely. One thing I would like to add and which I also follow is carrying a thermal spring water and spritzing it time and again, be it Avene, Vichy, La Roche Posay,etc.

Image Source: 1,2,Getty

Do you follow all these summer skin care tips?

Vichy Ideal White Meta Whitening Sleeping Mask Review

Vichy Ideal White Meta Whitening Sleeping Mask Review

Hey guys,

I have used the previous Vichy Sleeping Mask i.e. the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Night Spa which I absolutely loved. So I was curious to try this new one.

What the Company claims: The range employs metabolic whitening with powerful active ingredients that work in harmony with each other to give Asian women the three dimensional fairness that they strive for – flawless, luminous and radiant skin. The 1st whitening sleeping mask three times more effective that works overnight for a dewy, brighter and fairer skin.

Product Concern:

• Hyper-pigmentation.

• Dull complexion.

• Sensitive skin.

• Hydration

MRP: Rs.2350/- for 75ml

Ingredients:

First of, I am not happy with the ‘Whitening’ tag it has. They can claim dewy, luminous, brighter, radiant skin and all that which they have but why whitening :/

It comes in a white glass tub with a pink cap and a mirror finish top. The mask is gel like in texture with a light pink tint and small tiny white beads in it. The beads are not meant for exfoliation, they dissolve on the skin when you massage the gel on your skin.

It has an aquatic plus a little chemically smell, not very pleasant. I like the gel based texture, that makes it very easy to glide on and massage. It can be used as a night cream or a night sleeping mask, either way the method of application is the same, just as a mask, you need to apply a little thicker layer.

As a night cream, it doesn’t get absorbed into your skin. It just sits on your face like a mask, and you have to wash it off the next morning. So ideally it is a mask only.

Now I have been using it on and off and stopped in between for a few days coz I broke out twice in between and had to see if this product is breaking me out. I once tried it as a mask during the day and kept it on and after 15-20 minutes, my skin was feeling a little itchy and hence I had to wash it off. I realized this mask was breaking me out earlier too, hence the delay in review.

There is some ingredient in the mask that does not go well with my skin and my skin starts feeling itchy and it breaks me out. So now I use it as a normal mask, apply and keep it on for 10 minutes and wash it off, I do not keep it ON for whole night.

If you have sensitive skin, I would not advise you to try this. This is good for dry skin and skin instantly feels hydrated and nourished even in 10-15 minutes. It definitely removes your tan and gives a translucent sheen to your skin which I love. I wish my skin didn’t react to this.

If I had to pick one out of the two Vichy Sleeping Masks I have tried, I liked the Aqualia Thermal Night Spa more.

Overall I would say, it is definitely amazing to remove tan and hydrate your skin, it does give a nice glow, but obviously temporary, you have to keep using it to see results. It does give a dewy, brighter skin as it claims. If you use it 2-3 times a week, that would be good enough. I recommend it for normal to dry skin. Though it mentions ideal for sensitive skin, I would not suggest it for them, unless you check the ingredients and are aware if your skin reacts to a particular ingredient.

Have you tried the Vichy Ideal White Meta Whitening Sleeping Mask yet?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

Sun Pharma’s #SuncrosSunscreen Review

Sun Pharma’s #SuncrosSunscreen Review

Hi guys,

So I attended this very interesting launch last week of the all new Suncros Sunscreen. If you have ever been to a dermatologist and he prescribed you Suncros sunscreen, you already know about this brand and are wondering it is not new.

Yes, Suncros is already sold at pharmacies since 2005 and is also the most recommended sunscreen by dermatologists in India. It is available both OTC and on prescription, but since majority didn’t know about the brand, it is majorly sold on prescription. But now they have launched it commercially with the all new packaging.

Suncros is promoted by Sun Pharma’s branded prescription business and will now be co-promoted by the Global Consumer Healthcare business. It is the first sunscreen in India to be co-promoted and sold both OTC and on prescription.

And Dia Mirza is on board as Suncros’ Brand Ambassador. On the launch, we had a panel of dermatologists who busted quite some myths about sunscreen, I will share a few crucial ones:

  • Indian skin doesn’t need high SPF coz it already has enough melanin and needs UVA and UVB protection. So it is more important to check that in a sunscreen rather than SPF
  • Men needs to apply sunscreen too, they usually ignore and very less percentage of men in India use sunscreen
  • You need to reapply sunscreen even if you are wearing makeup, by dabbing the base lightly, reapplying sunscreen and then doing your touch ups.
  • Vitamin D deficiency has no link to using sunscreen. And even people with Vitamin D deficiency need to use sunscreen
  • You need sunscreen even if you stay indoors whole day or travel in AC car.

I personally came to know a lot of new things, I never used to reapply sunscreen when I had makeup on. Also sometimes skipped when in the house whole day. The most important thing I learned is Indian skin needs to check UVA and UVB and not SPF.

Suncros will be available in three differentiated variants that provide broad spectrum protection –

  • Suncros Aqualotion with SPF 50 for sensitive skin- Rs.395/- for 60ml
  • Suncros Aquagel with SPF 26 for oily skin- Rs.345/- for 100g
  • Suncros Soft with SPF 50+ PA+++ in matte finish for all ages that provides 8 hour substantivity- Rs.545/- for 30g

The scientific and technologically advanced formulations of Suncros provides broad spectrum sun protection from harmful UV rays as they penetrate deep within the skin through the nanonized and micronized zinc oxide. For women who know the merit of a sound skin care regime, Suncros is going to make its presence felt in their daily lives while offering the am to pm sun protection they always needed. Suncros protects skin from the harmful effects of UV rays that causes pigmentation, skin tanning and premature aging that concerns most women across regions and age-groups. Not to forget the protection from the ultimate risk of skin cancer.

Ingredients:

We got the Suncros Soft with SPF50+ PA+++ in matte finish and I have been using it since the past few days. Here are my thoughts on it..

It comes in a tube form and doesn’t have any sort of smell. The product is thick and creamy and has a light yellow tint.

It is water resistant and has UVA/UVB protection. It is safe for all ages and for anyone to use from babies (6 months+) to adults.

It is silicony which makes it stay for 8 hours and also acts as a nice primer for your everyday makeup. It has completely matte finish and does not feel greasy or rich at all. Some sunscreens tend to sweat me out but this one definitely doesn’t. Also it is water resistant so the sweat won’t wipe off the sunscreen.

It is free from chemical sunscreen agents, some people react to a few chemical ingredients in suncreen and this would be perfect for them. The micronized zinc oxide is Suncros’ USP which penetrates through the skin and protects the skin from UV rays.

I think this will become my Holy Grail soon, I would anyday prefer chemical agents free sunscreen and which is no.1 Dermatologists’ Recommended product rather than cosmetic OTC ones.

I definitely recommend Suncros, it even comes in lotion and gel form if you have very oily skin or need it for body. And the fact that is  easily available at any pharmacy store, makes it even better! Must try!

Have you tried Suncros Sunscreen before?

Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream SPF50 Review

Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream SPF50 Review

By Sanchita

INTRODUCTION: Plum has recently launched their Chamomile & White Tea range with a toner, moisturizer and day cream. The range is targeted with combination to oily skin with great benefits from the goodness of Chamomile & White Tea. Today I am going to review the Sheer Matte Day Cream which is an amalgamation of moisturizer and sunscreen and will help the skin a lot in this summer and upcoming monsoon. So, let’s see how the Sheer Matte Day Cream has worked for me after trying it for weeks.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION – Exposure to UV rays from sunlight and other oxidative factors can cause premature aging, pigmentation, dullness, and dryness in skin. Antioxidants are an essential part of any skincare regime for younger looking brighter skin. Specially designed with tropical weather in mind, our Chamomile & white tea range combines the soothing properties of chamomile with the potent antioxidant property of white tea. The results: A skincare range that prepares defends and revives skin that’s exposed to the elements.

PRICE – 520 INR for 60ml

Ingredients:

MY REVIEW

The Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream is housed inside a medium built sleek white cardboard box with all the necessary information printed on it. The Day Cream actually comes in a rather firm white tube with orange accents of the brand name inscribed on it and a translucent flip open cap. Uncapping the tube, you will find an opening to dispense the product and I feel it is perfect to dish out the right amount of product onto the hand. Judging by the packaging, I surely have a strong notion that it will be a great companion while travelling without creating any mess in your pouch or bag. Personally, I have carried it in my handbag for touchups every 2-3hours and it has never failed once. Overall, the packing is well built.

The consistency of the Day Cream is of thick whipped cream with a light texture in it. The flawless bending and application surely owes to this light weight texture despite having thicker consistency. Having said that, you require only a pea sized amount of the cream for the face and neck and you can spare the generous amount for sure. The smell is what surely surprises me with pleasantness and softness. It has a fresh faded smell of artificial flora touch with the blend of Chamomile and after application it disappears, simply leaving behind a trail of freshness.

The color of the Day Cream is white which resembles majority of the sunscreen but I never experienced any whitish layer upon blending. The cream acts both as moisturizer and sunscreen and a lazy girl like me couldn’t ask for more. I happily skip my moisturizer and apply this which generously hydrates and protects my skin from sun. I would say this is a perfect pick for summers and monsoons in a typical tropical climate like in India. Here the humidity rules the day and the lesser quantity of product you slather on the face, better it is for you. Manufactured with a SPF of 50, this is surely an ideal sun protection formula for the skin. However, I am not sure why they didn’t include the PA+ ratings as I am not sure whether it is a broad spectrum or not. The cream needs to be blended thoroughly onto the skin to prevent any whitish layer and surprisingly, if you use the right face wash for you, it will never cling onto the dry patches at all.

Since it claims to be sheer, it won’t contribute much to evening out the skin tone, but surely brighten up the complexion with a radiant glow. I have oily skin which is surely exaggerated in summers. This particular cream is well suited for combination to oily skin but dry skin won’t like it at all. This is because, upon blending the cream settles down and gives a soft matte touch to the skin deprive of any hydration which is ideal for oily skin in summer. I noticed the T-zone getting slightly oily after few hours but the rest of the face stays oil free. Having acne prone skin, I was relieved with the fact that it never broke me out despite applying during hottest and humid temperature. It also doesn’t clog the pores and let the skin breathe on its own.

The best thing about the product is the ingredient list. Firstly it is enriched with the goodness of Chamomile & White Tea. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties which soothes and neutralizes the skin. On the other hand, the White Tea is rich in antioxidants and helps the skin fight oxidative damage that results from sun exposure while Gingko biloba and olive leaf extracts help skin fight free radical damage. The cream is also paraben-free, SLS-free, phthalate-free & vegan and won’t harm the skin in the long run as well.

The tube will last around 2months approximately when used, so to judge the price tag it is surely a bit high priced but rest assured, it is worth the money due to the versatility and ingredients.

OVERALL – The Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream SPF50 comes in a white flip open tube with a light texture that blends well and protects the skin with its SPF 50 and acts as a moisturizer as well as day cream. I loved the brightening part and it is well suited for combination to oily skin while dry skin may skip this.

WHAT I LIKED

  • It is housed in a white opaque flip open tube and great for travelling.
  • The texture is of the cream is light with thick consistency.
  • It blends really well on skin without any whitish layer.
  • Brightens up the skin little bit.
  • It has a very refreshing smell of Chamomile.
  • Acts as a day cream as well as sunscreen.
  • It has SPF 50
  • Keeps the skin soft, matte and shine free.
  • It is enriched with the goodness of Chamomile & White Tea.
  • The cream is also paraben-free, SLS-free, phthalate-free & vegan.

WHAT I DISLIKED

  • The PA+ is missing.
  • Will not suit dry skin.
  • Slightly pricey.

RATING

Quality: 4.5/5

Value for money: 3/5

Availability: 4/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5

RECOMMENDATION – The Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream SPF50 is well recommended for combination to oily skin which will keep the skin oil free and hydrated even in summers and doesn’t even break you out.

Editor’s Note: This matte day cream with sunscreen sounds really good. Very detailed review Sanchita

Have you tried the new Plum Chamomile & White Tea Day Cream yet?

Top 10 Kama Ayurveda Products, Prices, Buy Online

Top 10 Kama Ayurveda Products, Prices, Buy Online

By Archana

Today am here with one more ayuvedic brand – Kama Ayurveda. Most beauty enthusiasts would already be aware of it. But when I was talking about this to one of my office teammates, they were joking about the name of the brand. So just to clarify for new people, Kama means desire. Kama Ayurveda – the brand emphasizes the desire for harmony between the physical, mental and spirtitual realms. Only when the mind and the body are connected, one can achieve perfect health. And perfect health gives perfect skin! So desire perfect health! Desire perfect skin! That is why Ayurveda is more powerful than English medicines and chemical products, which focus on curing a particular symptom.

Let’s see the top 10 Kama Ayurveda products you need to try.

1. Kumkumadi Miraculous Beauty Ayurvedic Night Serum (Price: Rs.1890 for 12ml) (BUY HERE)

By far, this is the brand’s best selling product. It is an anti-ageing serum and suitable for those above 25+ years who are looking to start an anti-ageing routine. Though its an oil based serum, it can be used even by oily skin people. From the various beauty blogger reviews I have checked, it doesn’t cause any whiteheads or acne. The main ingredient is saffron blended along with vetiver, sandalwood, lotus and licorice. It works on reducing fine lines, fades dark spots and gives a soft glowing skin. One thing though, the brand has hiked the price too high and its just 12ml!

2. Nalpamaradi Thailam Skin Brightening Treatment (Price: Rs.595 for 100ml) (BUY HERE)

This is a more cost effective version of the above Kumkumadi. If you do not wish to spend too much on Kumkumadi, you can go for this. It is a skin-lightening and de-tanning oil for both face and body. But if you have acne-prone skin, better not use this for face. Its not as miraculous as the above one, but works well in lightening and removing tan while giving glowing skin. You can use it on hands and legs as well.

3. Rose Jasmine Face Cleanser (Price: Rs.375 for 50ml and Rs.675 for 100ml) (BUY HERE)

Just as the name suggests, its a lovely, gentle cleanser suitable for all skin types. The calming and relaxing scent makes the otherwise routine face washing experience, a pleasant one, which you will look forward to (from personal experience 🙂 ). It cleanses skin well giving a refreshed feeling while the mild salicylic acid content in it helps to control breakouts.

4. Kumkumadi Brightening Ayurvedic Face Scrub (Price: Rs.995 for 50g) (BUY HERE)

This is a pure luxury scrub formulated with kumkumadi oil and finely ground sweet almond along with liquorice, vetiver and wild himalayan cherries. It exfoliates away the dead cells and gives smooth, soft and brighter skin. Also helps to lighten pigmentation and scars. You can notice a glowing complexion with continuous usage.

5. Kama Ayurveda Pure Vetiver Water (Price:Rs.175 for 50ml and Rs.645 for 200ml)

For those who love a cool, refreshing mist, this is a perfect option. It instantly hydrates and balances the pH of the skin and relaxes the mind with its calming, earthy scent. For those who prefer the floral jasmine fragrance, they can go for the Pure Mogra Water.

6. Mridul Soap-Free Cleanser (Price: Rs.425 for 40g) (BUY HERE)

This is a natural powder-based cleanser made of a traditional Ayurvedic combination of oatmeal, green gram, almond, neem, sandalwood, turmeric, rose and fennel. Just imagine all the goodness going directly into your skin! Its really food for skin.. It gives a fresh and radiant face. Also acts as a mild exfoliator.

7. Lavanya Natural Plant Mask (Price: Rs.395 for 25g)

This is an ayurvedic mask for pigmentation, acne scars and blemishes. It purifies the skin and deep cleanses. If you are suffering from oily, blemished and acne-prone skin, you should definitely give this one a try. Unlike clay masks, this is like a powdered-leaves based pack. It is gentle enough to be used even daily.

8. Bringadi Intensive Hair Treatment Oil (Price: Rs.515 for 100ml and Rs.995 for 200ml) (BUY HERE)

It is a herbal hair oil which helps to treat hair loss, dandruff and premature greying. It contains a blend of amla and liquorice in a base of pure sesame oil and milk. After washing your hair, you can feel it soft, smooth, shiny and naturally conditioned. With regular use, it also promotes hair growth.

9. Organic Cold-Pressed Aloe Vera Juice (Price: Rs.500 for 100ml)

The reason I mentioned aloe vera juice in the list is because not many brands sell it. And making aloe vera juice at home is a painful process. Kama Ayurveda has 100% organic cold pressed aloe vera juice. Just use it regularly and see how your face glows and you get a clear complexion. It also helps in treating sunburn, rashes, blemishes and acne. Also, you can use it to mix your herbal hair packs.

10. Rose Jasmine Hand Cleanser and Hand Lotion (Price: Rs.895 for 200ml) (BUY HERE)

Our hands and foot deserve the ultimate care, yet we ignore them the most. Hands show signs of ageing very soon as we subject it to harsh soaps often. Show some TLC to your hands with Kama Ayurveda’s gentle hand cleanser and hand lotion. It has a nice, delicate floral fragrance and makes your hands soft and moisturized.

Apart from these, their sulphate-free shampoos and silicone-free conditioners are definitely recommened. Also, I have tried couple of their massage oils – meditate & energize variants and found them a good relaxing experience for winters. And if you wish to buy essential oils/virgin cold-pressed carrier oils, Kama Ayurveda ones, even if slightly expensive, are worth it, as they are in purest form.

So which Kama Ayurveda products you have tried? Share your experiences with them below.

Editor’s Note: Loved the post Archana, I have used the Kumkumadi Tailam before my wedding, used it every night, and absolutely loved it. I still have some left and would start using it again soon. Apart from that, I love the Rose, Lavender and Vetiver Water. I have the Mridul Cleanser and have to start using it, also the Bringadi Oil.

Which are your favourite Kama Ayurveda products?

Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Scrub: Scrub for Sensitive, Acne Prone Skin

Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Scrub: Scrub for Sensitive, Acne Prone Skin

Hey guys,

My love for Himalaya Herbals revived again, after I received a few things from them, you already saw a few reviews. I am planning to buy the kesar face pack too.

Now I had reviewed this Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Scrub long back in 2011, as I had mentioned in the Neem Face Pack post that I have been using the Neem Range including the face wash since time immemorial 😀

I have also reviewed the Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub earlier, which again is quite gentle and nice but this Purifying Neem Scrub is specifically amazing for people with acne prone skin.

About: 

What it does: Himalaya’s Purifying Neem Scrub removes impurities and dead skin cells. It also cleanses excess oil from the skin’s surface, which is the root cause of acne. The scrub is blended with the goodness of Neem, which clears blackheads and acne, and Apricot, which hydrates the skin. The natural ingredients cleanse, nourish and moisturize your skin to make it soft, fresh and radiant.

Key ingredients:

Neem is an excellent skin care ingredient known for its antibacterial properties. It improves general skin health and immunity, combating bacterial infections such as acne, boils and ulcers. Neem tackles bacteria from the root and prevents the recurrence of pimples and blemishes.

Apricot granules gently exfoliate dead skin cells, to bring out your skin’s natural glow

Turmeric has been used as an antiseptic for centuries. The herb also has strong anti-inflammatory properties which soothe your skin gently. It also makes your skin soft and supple.

Directions: Apply Purifying Neem Scrub in a circular motion on the face and neck. Rinse with water and pat dry. Use at least once a week for clear, acne-free skin.

MRP: Rs.130/- for 100g, Rs.70/- for 50g

It comes in the flip cap tube packaging and with different size tubes, so you can even carry the smaller one while travelling, I believe there is a sachet too, for one time use.

It has small green and brown granules as it’s a mix of neem and apricot, the granules are very fine and not at all harsh or gritty. Since the exfoliants are quite mild, that makes this scrub perfect for sensitive skin. The base is creamy with a light green tint and it makes exfoliation on the face quite easy. I go more around the corners of my nose and on my T zone as I have combination skin. It has a slight herbal smell, but it’s not bothering.

As I had mentioned already mentioned in the Neem face pack post, neem is excellent for oily skin as it is anti bacterial and kills the germs at the root level, not allowing it to spread further while turmeric is anti inflammatory. Here in this scrub, while the walnut granules help exfoliate, neem and turmeric helps kill the germs.

I quite like this scrub and if you have acne prone skin, you will like it too.

They even have a TVC..

You can check out Himalaya Herbals on Facebook HERE and on twitter HERE and also more from their Face Care Range HERE

Have you tried the #HimalayaHerbals #PurifyingNeemScrub yet? What do you think of it?

Himalaya Herbals Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub Review

Himalaya Herbals Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub Review

Hey guys,

I have always been a fan of Himalaya Herbals products, some of them are my Holy Grail and I have been using them since my school and college days i.e. years literally!

Today I am reviewing their Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub.

What it does: Himalaya’s Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub exfoliates dead skin cells to remove impurities that routine cleansing cannot tackle. It contains Crab Apple, a soothing antiseptic and keratolytic agent that helps loosen dead skin fragments. Walnut Shell granules scrub away dirt, blackheads and dead cells, and Wheat Germ Oil is a rich source of natural Vitamin E. These natural ingredients cleanse, nourish and moisturize your skin to make it soft, fresh and radiant.

Key ingredients:

Crab Apple has antiseptic, cooling, soothing, nutritive and keratolytic properties. It reduces skin inflammation and helps remove dead skin fragments. Crab Apple is also a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants which prevent skin cell degeneration and premature skin aging.

Wheat Germ Oil, due to its high concentration of Vitamin E, along with proteins and natural antioxidants, is ideal for most skin types. It is the perfect ingredient for our face scrub as it nourishes the skin and boosts the skin’s elasticity.

The exfoliating micro-particles in Walnut Shell scrub away dirt, blackheads and dead skin cells.

Directions for use: Apply Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub in a circular motion on the face and neck. Wipe off with a moist cotton pad. Rinse with water and pat dry. Use at least once a week for a glowing, healthy complexion.

Suitable for dry to normal skin.

Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub is dermatologically-tested, non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic.

MRP: Rs.70/- for 50g, Rs. 130/- for 100g

It comes in an easy to carry and use, flip cap tube packaging. It has a slight medicinal smell which can be bothering for a few. I love the creamy base it has. And the walnut shell granules are not too harsh.

How I like to use it is, damp my face a bit, take some product on my fingertips and massage in circular motions all over the face, avoiding the eyes and lips. Go up and down on the nose and sides of the nose and also concentrate on the forehead and chin area, basically wherever you get whiteheads or blackheads.

I usually get more whiteheads and not that many blackheads, that too on my nose, exfoliation helps get rid of whiteheads before they turn into blackheads. If you exfoliate regularly, you can nip whiteheads in the bud and get rid of them. I usually exfoliate once a week coz I have combination skin, but if you have oily skin, exfoliate twice a week.

Since the base of this scrub is very creamy, it helps glide on the skin amazingly well and with ease, especially on damp skin. The granules being mild enough for use on the face too, even people with sensitive skin can use this, but if you have very sensitive skin, I would advise you to go with another Himalaya Herbals scrub and not this one, I would be reviewing that soon.

Also post washing the face, my skin is quite moisturised and does not feel stretchy or crave a moisturiser, thanks to the crab apple and wheatgerm oil in it.

Overall, I would say, like most of my Himalaya Herbals favourites, I like this one too. Totally recommend it for normal to combination and dry skin. I have something else for oily and sensitive skin, from Himalaya Herbals, which I would be reviewing next.

You can check out Himalaya Herbals on Facebook HERE and on twitter HERE

Have you tried the #HimalayaHerbals #GentleExfoliatingWalnutScrub? What do you think of it?

Sebamed Liquid Face and Body Wash Review

Sebamed Liquid Face and Body Wash Review

By Pallavi

Hiii Girlies,

I am a sucker of body washes. I have been using them since years and lately i have fallen in love with them. I have tried number of body washes since ages. Be it from the regular drugstore brands or the premium brands. This time I was eyeing the online marketplace to look for a brand new in terms of bath gel and I landed up with this baby – SEBAMED Liquid face and body wash. I am sure all of you might have heard the amazing properties of the foaming face wash which is supposed to be anti bacterial and all. And since it’s summers when i suffer the most with bacterial attacks and all so I decided to use the body wash. and that is the time when i bought this – Sebamed Liquid Face and body wash and thus here follows the review.

Price : Rs. 550 for 200 ml.

Ingredients : Water (Aqua), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Chloride, Laureth-2, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Glycol Distearate, Fragrance (Parfum), Saccharide Isomerate, Allantoin, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Pyridoxine HCI (Vitamin B6), Glycine, Magnesium Aspartate, Alanine, Lysine, Leucine, Biotin (Vitamin H), Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Sodium Citrate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sorbitan Laurate, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Yellow 10 (CI 47005), Blue 1 (CI 42090).

Product claims : Sebamed Liquid Face and Body Wash is dermatologist developed, ultra-mild, and compatible with the most sensitive of skins. It gently deep cleans pores without causing dryness or irritation as regular soap can. Fortified with a natural moisturizing complex of vitamins and soothing allantoin, it rinses away completely for naturally healthier, smoother skin.

My experience with Sebamed Liquid Face and body wash

The packaging of this body wash from the house of sebamed looks like it is a medicinal product. The packaging has the product name and other details written all over it. The bottle is medium in size which makes it easy to carry around. It comes with a easy cap which needs to be only twisted to get the product out.

The texture of the body wash is medium in nature. But still you need to dilute it so that it easily spreads on your body. The body wash controls the amount of oil on your body and also reduces the presence or formation of any new bacteria or any allergies on your body. There is a bit of medicinal smell but nothing over the top so sensitive noses need not worry. And you require a very little amount per usage so a little product will easily go a long way.

Good about Sebamed Liquid Face and body wash

1. Medicinal properties

2. Little product goes a long way

3. Affordable

4. Easy to use texture

5. Does not dry out skin

6. Maintains the pH 5.5 balance of the body

7. Keeps skin bacteria free

8. 100% Soap and Alkali free

Bad about Sebamed Liquid Face and body wash

1. Nothing for me other than the availability part

Rating – 5/5

Editor’s Note: Wow, this sounds pretty good for summers Pallavi. Definitely checking this out right away, nice review.

Have you tried the Sebamed Liquid Face and Body Wash?

Fair & Lovely Advanced Multi-Vitamin Daily Fairness Expert Face Wash Review

Fair & Lovely Advanced Multi-Vitamin Daily Fairness Expert Face Wash Review

By Nidhal

‘Hypocrite’ is the word that explodes in my mind instantaneously when I see/read/hear people say that they do not care about fairness and then in the very next breath pass a hurtful jibe about someone’s complexion or suggest ‘best skin whitening/lightening products’. It is known fact that we Indians aren’t a fair bunch of people. We are capable of passing the most demeaning of barbs on someone who is not as fair as a Caucasian. Women in particular have since times immemorial have been pressurised and unduly so, to look eye-pleasing round the clock! One of the main reasons why ‘Fair and Lovely’ remains the brand that I always detested was the fact it drew mileage of this obsession of Indians.

It is not a question of whether fair is lovely or not. The point is that fair isn’t what is ONLY lovely. Whenever I see the daft-to- death advert of ‘Fair and Lovely’ with Yami Gautam looking as pale as an LED, I’m provoked to change the channel. But the final nail in the coffin comes when I see my younger cousins with ‘Lovely warm hues’ of skin that soothe eyes desperately surf the net to look for ‘Skin lightening tips’, all I am provoked to do is slap Yami and Fair and Lovely as hard as possible! You brainwashed the coming generations and lulled them into a whirlpool of inferiority complex.

The counter-argument would be that all actress, or at least a great many have at some point in their career endorsed skin whitening products. But it is “Fair and Lovely” that clearly uses ‘Fair’ as well as ‘Lovely’ in one sentence as if they’re synonyms. The corollary to it, will then be ‘Dark and Ugly’,right? That is why, I have always detested this brand. It instills self-doubt, inferiority complex and poor view of oneself if one does not cater to “their’’ view of beauty.

Anyway, let us sweep this issue aside for a minute. After long I tried a product from this brand. Why? Because one of my relatives was seen fiddling with it so, in order to put an end to her naive thoughts about the efficacy of Fair and Lovely, I thought of being a lab rat to let her see for herself. Let us see how it fared.

PRICE –Rs 25/- for 20g

DIRECTIONS FOR USE- Gently massage on wet face and rinse well.

INGREDIENTS- Made from glycerin, myristic acids, and water, the multi vitamin enriched face wash ensures a brighter and cleaner.

WHAT IT CLAIMS- Fair & Lovely fairness face wash gives you the 3 step expert action, which Cleanses, Exfoliates and Massages with Multi Vitamin formula.

MY EXPERIENCE-

Packed in a plastic tube with a cap on top, the packaging of Fair and lovely advanced multi-vitamin fairness face wash is fine. It is spillage-free, easy to carry and sturdy. As a result, it is up to the mark in terms of packaging.

The face wash has a creamy texture with a grey colour. Once smeared on one’s wet face, it produces a fine lather. It can worked up easily. However, the smell to me, is way too strong. I have always had an aversion towards the smell of most Fair and Lovely products and this one is no exception. It smells exactly like Fair and Lovely fairness cream. The smell increases a little more while being massaged. After massaging it for 3-4 minutes, as I rinse it, surprise surprise! There is no trace of fairness which was expected. So, to all to those looking at it with sheep’s eyes to whiten themselves, this one thankfully, falls flat on its topmost claim.

My skin is dry and this one sucked moisture all the more from my skin. It does whiten my skin in the sense that my skin becomes very dry and forms hideous white patches to soothe which, I need to apply a liberal dose of a deeply hydrating body butter. Yes a “body” butter!

Then, comes the cherry on the cake. Its ingredients’ list is firstly not even provided in case of the smallest package and when looked up online (on its website), it’s not completely furnished too. The bottom line is that it just a weapon of self-confidence destruction. Chuck it.

GOOD-

1. Readily available. (Sadly, this is a con in my opinion for everyone can lay their hands on something that instills inferiority complex in them)

2. Available in different sizes with the price varying according to the size (This again to me, is a con for people of all economic strata can now avail it hence, feel inferior with what they are born with)

3. Fine packaging

BAD-

1. Stokes in the feeling that dark/dusky/warm skin shade is ugly and it is only fair skin that is lovely and desirable. Highly disgusting!

2. Laden with chemicals. The package that comes in small size does not even mention the ingredients. At least there should be uniformity in such vital aspects.

3. Overly drying in nature. It whitens your face. How? It sucks up all the moisture hence, your skin automatically starts appearing white. Mission accomplished Fair and Lovely, right? NO.

4. Aroma is exactly same as that of its cram which I have always found puke-inducing. This is subjective but to me, the smell is strong and repugnant.

RATING-0/5

Editor’s Note: Totally agree Nidhal, it would be great if some girls read this review before buying such stuff and decide not to! It does absolutely nothing for anyone!

Do not buy the Fair & Lovely Advanced Multi-Vitamin Daily Fairness Expert Face Wash.