Loving using face mists throughout the day, and it’s important both in summers and winters because dehydration and dryness are two separate things. Dehydration is a lack of water and dryness is a lack of oil, in simple terms. And your skin needs both, hydration internally by drinking at least 2-3 litres of water daily and externally through soothing, calming mists. Of course, dryness is tacked with moisturisers.
Some of my current (and some long-time) favourites;
Revoir skincare Re-plenish Hydrate and Glow: It has Glycerin, Panthenol ( Pro-Vitamin B5), fermented rice water, fruit extracts, ceramides, and blue light protection. The mist on this is super fine and just amazing!
Avene Thermal Spring Water: As the name suggests, it is thermal spring water. I know some of you would wonder why water, thermal spring water has a unique mineral composition that calms, soothes, and softens the skin. It balances the pH and reduces skin sensitivity, and redness, and the postbiotic microflora help with that. The finest spray and this is always my first skincare step. I have been using it on and off for years. Another similar one is Uriage Spring Water.
Akind beauty (By Mira Kapoor) Bounce Back Soothing and Purifying Toner: It has glycerin, bamboo water, soothing Centella, and antioxidant-rich Japanese Yuzu extracts. Apart from these, it has floral extracts, Niacinamide, and a low % of lactic acid which helps in improving skin’s NMF (Natural Moisturising Factors)
Buy on Tira Beauty, out of stock currently.
Forest Essentials Rosewater Facial Tonic Mist: This again is an oldie but a goodie. Just pure steam-distilled rose water that soothes, calms, and softens the skin.
Moody Derma Soothe Gentle Dew Face Mist: This one again is a barrier-repairing toner and has Rice water, Panthenol, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, and Ceramides. However the mist on this is harsh and throws water directly, I wish it was smoother because the product is really good.
Minimalist Alpha Arbutin, Vitamin C and Niacinamide Serums Review
Hi guys,
I am sure you have heard of Minimalist by now, and how it’s an Indian version of the famous ‘The Ordinary’. I picked 3 serums from Minimalist and have been using them since the past 2 months.
The packaging and the products do remind you of The Ordinary for sure, they were planning to change the packaging and I hope they do that soon.
I know there are diverse opinions on this, but honestly how many people have credit cards or shop internationally. Even though I used to shop a lot internationally, the customs duty + shipping has made it hard in the past 2-3 years. So if I get similar products here in India which work equally well and are priced similarly, why would I not buy from here! But do they work as well as The Ordinary products? Read on to find out..
First of all, I love the fact that they teach their consumers so much about ingredients and how they work and the science behind it. They have a separate ‘Knowledge’ section on the website which is like a blog and has some amazing, detailed articles about different skincare ingredients with backed up research.
All Minimalist products are fragrance, paraben, silicone, sulphate, dye, essential oil free and are non comedogenic which means they will not clog your pores.
Packaging wise, all the serums come in a glass bottle with a dropper.
Their Formula has Ethyl Ascorbic Acid 10% + Acetyl Glucosamine 1%. Now Vitamin C is one of the most powerful anti-oxidants in skincare, anti-oxidants basically mean they negate oxidation i.e. they fight the free radicals and damage caused by oxidation through the environmental factors like stress/pollution/sun damage, etc. Just as consuming Vitamin C helps you fight viruses by boosting your immunity and strength to fit, the same way when applied on skin it fights the damage being done to the skin through environmental, external factors.
It also helps in brightening and evening out the skin tone, helps fade dark spots over time and also helps in boosting collagen, so with regular long time use helps prevent/delay fine lines and wrinkles.
Consuming citrus fruits, such as oranges, lime, and peppers, strawberries, blackcurrants, broccoli, brussels sprouts, etc. is amazing for both your body and skin as they have a lot of Vitamin C in them.
When combined with topical application on skin along with consuming a good diet, it is all the more beneficial for the skin.
But Vitamin C is extremely sensitive to light and air, so every time you open a bottle of Vitamin C, you are reducing a little bit of anti oxidants as you are allowing the process of oxidation. Hence, Vitamin C bottles are always dark and tinted, and I store them in a refrigerator and would recommend you do the same.
I love the fact that are also using a dark, tinted bottle. One bottle will last you 2-3 months depending on the usage, whether once a day or twice a day. I use it only in the mornings and it will last me one more month. Once opened, it is best to use up your Vitamin C within 2-3 months as it oxidizes.
Minimalist uses Vitamin C derivative “Ethyl Ascorbic Acid” that has 86% pure Vitamin C content. That is much higher than 40-50% content present in other Vitamin C derivatives. At a pH ~ 4.0 it is highly stable and effective. Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is the most stable form of Vitamin C currently and is both oil and water soluble. They have also added 1% Acetyl Glucosamine (AG), an amino acid sugar and a precursor of hyaluronic acid, that provides skin moisturization, boosts natural Hyaluronic Acid formation on the skin, and is a Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF). A recent study has also shown visible improvement in fine lines around eyes with 2% AG.
I am absolutely in love with the ingredients and formula, they source their base ingredients from leading global suppliers who supply to most of these famous skincare brands globally.
They have used Centella Asiatice Leaf water as the base instead of just water, which is Gotu Kola and it very calming and soothing on the skin.
The formula is runny and watery, it is slightly tacky but absorbs quickly. I follow it up with my moisturizer and sunscreen during day time.
When used in the morning followed by a sunscreen, it increases the damage protection from sun exposure as it fights free radicals and oxidants.
I have been using both Vitamin C and Alpha Arbutin since 2 months and I can definitely see a change in my skin tone and a few post acne marks. A recent breakout in December post my travel, has already faded because of regular use of these two, otherwise my post acne marks take about 3-5 months to fade.
I love using Vitamin C serums but many of them oxidize before I can finish the bottle and that breaks my heart. I have been using this every morning since 2 months and I store it in the refrigerator and it hasn’t oxidized and I will finish it in another month. Definitely repurchasing this, at a price of Rs.695/-, if one bottle lasts 3 months, it is definitely worth it! Highly recommend this!
Let’s talk about the Alpha Arbutin 2% + Hyaluronic Acid 1%
What is Alpha Arbutin you ask? Alpha Arbutin is extracted from plants such as bearberries, blueberries, and cranberries, it is a skin brightening and lightening ingredient. If you have post acne marks, melasma, pigmentation around your mouth or on the sides of the face, you should definitely include Alpha Arbutin in your skincare regime.
Alpa Arbutin reduces skin’s pigment production by suppressing the enzymes that stimulate melanin. It also slows down the process by which UV light causes pigmentation, so it both prevents and treats pigmentation issues. But keep in mind it is not a whitening or fairness product and don’t expect it to change your skin colour/tone. It is meant to even out the skin and help in fading marks.
It is much safer and gentler unlike Kojic Acid or Hydroquinone which are known to have some side effects and can irritate skin.
They have also added 1% Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate), HA is found in our skin already and it acts as a sponge helping the skin to hold onto water, being plump and elastic. Sometimes our skin doesn’t produce enough HA and it looks dry, dehyrated, wrinkly, HA is famous for its crazy water holding capacity as it can bind up to 1000 times its own weight in water.
It’s slightly runny but not as watery and runny as the Vitamin C serum. The base they have used here is Aloe Vera Juice instead of Water which again is soothing and calming
The added hydration benefit from Sodium Hyaluronate along with Alpha Arbutin is amazing. Both Vitamin C and Alpha Arbutin help in fading acne scars and reducing hyperpigmentation, so both when used together are a super powerful combination. Like I mentioned, my post acne mark faded within 2-3 weeks when I used both of these together which takes at least a few months otherwise.
I am really happy with the results overall, also the HA helped me in cold and dry Dubai weather in December when my skin was super dry.
At Rs.549/– it’s a total value for money and I am definitely repurchasing it again. Highly recommend this as well!
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3, it is a water soluble vitamin that works with the natural substances in your skin to help visibly minimize enlarged pores, improve uneven skin tone, diminish dullness, and strengthen a weakened skin barrier.
It also helps in balancing the sebum production, so works really well for oily skin. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and blemishes over time
The vitamin B3 and mineral zinc duo are potent enough to reduce visible blemishes and clear congested pores. Also, they have used aloe juice instead of water which makes it more calming and soothing.
The formula is little thicker and slightly tacky, compared to the other two. But the stickiness is gone after a few seconds on the skin and it’s absorbed. Also I found the dropper for this little inconvenient or may be because it’s slightly thicker, it doesn’t drop off easily.
Most of the research for Niacinamide is done at 5%, so it works equally well at a lower % too. Minimalist also has a 5% Niacinamide Serum and if you are new to actives, you can maybe start at 5% if you feel your skin won’t be able to handle 10%
Compared to Alpha Arbutin and Vitamin C, Niacinamide works slow and over a long period of time, so you might not notice visible difference and since I don’t have oily skin and already use other skin care products in my regime which have a little bit of Niacinamide in them, the results for me weren’t miraculous. But I do like adding Niacinamide in my regime for improving my skin barrier and for long term effectiveness.
I won’t say this is a must have, I do like the other two serums more but I am still going to repurchase and continue using it since Niacinamide is overall beneficial for the skin.
But if you have oily skin, I do recommend giving this a try.
Overall, I am pretty happy with Minimalist products and I am planning to try the Multi Peptide Serum, 2% Retinoid and Sepicalm Moisturizer next.
I would love to see more launches from Minimalist, hoping to see some lip balms and Azelaic Acid this year.
You can follow me on Instagram HERE for more skincare reviews and updates.
Have you tried any Minimalist products yet? Let me know your thoughts.
I recently came across this brand Melblok and have been trying a few products since a few weeks. I am religiously using this Advanced Home Kit which is meant for hyper pigmentation and includes a day cream and a night cream.
About the Melblok Advanced Home Kit as mentioned on their website:The Melblok Home-Kit Advanced, developed after extensive research, is especially formulated to address an array of skin issues at the root. The all-in-one skin care kit not only helps reduce pigmentation, it also addresses various other skin problems such as acne, wrinkles, dark spots, uneven skin tone, and other common issues, giving you brighter, clearer, and younger looking skin.
Use the Advanced Night Cream along with the Advanced Day Cream for 28 days and the skin appears transformed from dull, uneven tone to Clear and Bright skin that looks young with a healthy pinkish glow. No need for Serums, Moisturizers or Sunscreens, this all-in-one Power Combo covers all your skin needs.
Works on – Everyone as well as for deeper stubborn problems like dark patches (melasma), dark spots, dark circles, acne marks, age spots, dark tanning, dullness, etc. Helps Improve skin clarity, brightness and vibrancy while reducing lines, wrinkles, open pores, and roughness for smoother, firmer & younger looking skin.
Will help achieve – You feel a change in the first week of use. Up to 30% to 60% results by the end of the first Home-Kit. Better and better skin over time.
Helps reduce and prevent acne | helps strengthens skin | helps oily or dry skin becomes normal | dermatologically tested | for sensitive skin | no steroids, hormones or other harmful chemicals | No preservatives | no unsafe fragrances
Melblok Advanced Day Cream
Claims:The Advanced Day Cream is an anti-pigmentation moisturizing day cream for Pigmentation prone skin. The Day Cream for pigmentation, with the proprietary Melblok Complex, brightens and clarifies skin from the root, while providing 12-hour full-spectrum UV protection. Melblok Advanced Day Cream’s unique formula helps protect your skin from bacteria, dust and pollution, keeping it young and healthy.
Claims:The Advanced Night Cream is an Anti-pigmentation & Anti-Ageing Night Cream for Pigmentation Prone Skin. The Night Cream, with the proprietary Melblok Complex, brightens & clarifies skin from the Root and at the same time Repairing skin damage caused during the day for bright, smooth, firm & younger looking skin the next morning!
Both together as a part of this kit, cost Rs.4950 instead of Rs.5100.
The day cream comes in a pump packaging with a lock and a plastic transparent cap. The night cream comes in a flat tub/jar.
The day cream is baby pink in colour and the night cream is like an off white. They have a very faint smell but nothing too bothering or over powering.
The day cream is slightly thick but blends in well. It’s matte and not at all greasy. It also offers 12 Hour full spectrum UV protection, it works well under makeup too.
The night cream is much lighter and not at all greasy.
The initial few days you start using this kit, you might see a little redness or irritation, but it settles in 2 days and it works fine 3rd day onwards as the skin adjusts to it. There would be dry patches and skin peeling at certain places the next morning, it is only renewing the skin.
They do recommend doing a patch test before you start using it though, so do a patch test for both the day and night cream and wait 12-24 hours before starting to use all over the face.
Now I know I do not have that much pigmentation, but I do have few acne marks, dark circles and open pores which it also claims to work on.
I broke out in Jan, got two big pimples and it left behind ugly marks right on the centre of my cheeks and it’s been more than 4 months. Once I get any pigmentation or mark on my skin, it literally takes months to go. Even when I get tanned! I saw difference in my acne scars in the first week itself of using this kit!
Although they claim 14 to 28 days for 30 to 60% difference, you will notice immediate difference in the first week. There are very few brands and skin care products that actually deliver something they claim in the first week itself.
If you have acne scars, melasma, pigmentation issues, I definitely suggest giving the Melblok Advanced Home Kit a try! It definitely works. Although you can buy only the day cream or night cream, it works better together.
I would give this kit a 4/5
I have a special discount coupon for you guys, get 20% off using ‘BHUMI20‘ on Melblok website.
Have you tried any hyper pigmentation skincare brand/product in India that really works? Leave it the comments below.
With all the focus on natural skin care now-a- days, natural skin care brands are cropping up everywhere. Everything from natural powdered face washes to body scrubs is being presented in fancy little jars. Our grandmas are not the only ones promoting these now!
Although these brands do feature promising deals, they do come with a hefty price tag. What if you could make the same concoctions in the comfort of your home without the ugly hole in your precious pair of denims? I am here sharing 4 do-it- yourself miracle powders which you can add to your multani mittis (fullers earth) and besan (bengal gram) and be assured of the purity of it.
I say it’ll do half the good to your skin just because of the psychology (in that being it is 100% pure without any preservatives and additives)
So here we go.
DIY Neem Powder
Grab a handful of neem leaves from a tree near you (they are easy to find, practically planted all over India). Or, if you’d rather not , than you can buy neem leaves easily. Wash them thoroughly with water and pat dry with a kitchen towel. Lay them out in a single file out in the sun for 1-2 days. They will crisp up (meaning all moisture will be soaked out). Now all you need to do is powder them in a food blender and store in an airtight jar.
This one wont get spoiled for years and years (provided you had been patient enough to let the sun do its magic)
Recipe for neem powder face mask:
You will need- 1 tsp besan (powdered bengal gram), 1 tsp neem powder, 1 tsp multani mitti (fuller’s earth) , a pinch of turmeric , 1 tbsp milk, a few drops of rose water
Mix all ingredients thoroughly for a glowing face mask
2. DIY Orange Peel Powder
Eat 3 oranges to get your dose of Vitamin C. Save the peel 😀 Lay them out in the sun to crisp up and shrink ( for all the moisture to be soaked out). Powder them in a food blender and store in an airtight jar.
This too will not get spoiled for years and years. (provided you had been patient enough to let the sun do its magic)
Recipe for orange peel face mask:
You will need- 1 tsp orange peel powder, 1 tsp neem powder, 1 tsp besan/ multani mitti, 1 tbsp milk, a few drops of rose water
Mix all ingredients together for a weekend face mask.
3. DIY Cinnamon Powder
You will need : 4-5 cinnamon sticks, 1 pan
Warm up the pan on a medium flame. Toss in the cinnamon stick and roast them for one to two minutes. Remove pan from heat and let the cinnamon sticks cool down completely. Once cooled completely, powder them in a food blender. Store in an airtight container.
Recipe for cinnamon powder spot treatment
You will need- 1 small pinch cinnamon powder and 1-2 drops honey.
Simply mix the honey and the cinnamon and apply overnight on any upcoming pimples.
4. DIY Oats Powder
You will need a cup of quick cooking oats (I use Quakers quick cooking oats). Roughly blend the oats in a food processor and store in an airtight container.
Recipe for a skin softening and nourishing body soak/ foot soak :
Add a cup of oats to your warm your bath for a body soak. Add a couple of drops of an essential oil. For a foot soak, add 3 tablespoons to warm water and soak feet for 15 minutes. Powdered oats can also be used to replace your face wash. Simply use a tablespoon of powdered oats and work them in a circular motion on your face. Helps to keep skin clear of acne.
Hope you guys find some useful tips and use these homemade powders to create your own luxurious concoctions.
Himalaya had launched For Moms range about a year ago and I had reviewed a few products from the range, see HERE.
Starting with the Intimate Wash,
Claims: During pregnancy, due to hormonal changes, the intimate area is prone to excessive vaginal discharge, irritation, and itching which increases discomfort. Pregnancy hormones cause acidic changes in the vaginal area. To maintain the acidic pH balance of the intimate area, it is essential to include an intimate wash in your personal hygiene routine.
Maintaining vaginal hygiene is an important task for women during and after pregnancy. Soap and water are not ideal as soap, which is alkaline, disturbs the vaginal pH balance and can be too harsh. Water alone will not suffice as it has a neutral pH. Himalaya FOR MOMS Intimate Wash is specially formulated for women during and after pregnancy to gently cleanse the intimate area, maintaining freshness throughout the day.
Benefits of using Himalaya Intimate Wash FOR MOMS:
To cleanse excessive vaginal discharge
To maintain normal vaginal pH balance between 3.5 and 4.5
To help control itching
To help control odor and irritation
To feel fresh and confident
MRP: Rs.125 for 100ml, Rs.220 for 200ml
An intimate wash is something which should be a part of your daily routine, whether pregnant or not. I have been using this since the past few days and I quite like it. It’s very gentle on the skin and cleans the area well. It doesn’t dry out the skin and it claims to be safe to use during and post pregnancy.
It has a simple, no fuss packaging with a flip cap top and dispenses the required product. It has tea tree oil and pongamia oil which are anti bacterial and help prevent itching and odour.
Coming to Intimate Wipes,
Claims: Himalaya FOR MOMS Intimate Wipes is specially formulated for gentle cleansing of the vaginal area to maintain freshness throughout the day.
Ingredients:
MRP: Rs. 47 for 10 sheets and Rs. 104 for 25 sheets
When you are on the go, you cannot use an intimate wash and that is when intimate wipes come into picture. These are perfect for travelling, a pack of 10 sheets is something you can easily carry along in your bag.
These would be really beneficial for mothers post pregnancy, especially if you have had a normal delivery, because the discharge doesn’t leave you months, at times.
It has lavender oil and pongamia oil which again helps in controlling odour and keeping the area dry, clean and fresh.
Finally for all you moms out there who are breast feeding, Himalaya has launched Nursing Wipes
Claims: Taking care of nipples is important for lactating mothers – both during travel and while at home. These wipes gently clean and remove any milk or sweat remnants on the breast and help prepare you for breastfeeding.
Regular breastfeeding can increase the sensitivity of the nipple skin, leading to sore, cracked nipples. Cleansing with soaps can remove natural moisture, further irritating sensitive skin. The use of wipes before and after nursing improves breast hygiene and ensures comfortable breastfeeding.
Himalaya FOR MOMS Nursing Wipes help maintain breast hygiene naturally. Free from mineral oil, our Nursing Wipes contain the goodness of 100% edible grade coconut oil.
Coconut Oil
Hydrates and softens dry nipples
Protects skin from chapping
Reduces dryness and soreness
Ingredients:
Directions: Pull out one wipe and gently cleanse the nipple and areola before and after breastfeeding. Dispose after one use. Reseal the package to keep the wipes fresh.
MRP: Rs.70 for 24 sheets, Rs.190 for 72 sheets
I gave this to a friend who delivered a baby boy 2 months ago and is breast feeding. She does use a nipple cream when the baby is not feeding and has to clean and dry the area often.
She found these wipes really helpful, especially when she is out with the baby because you cannot carry everything with you when going out of the house. These are really useful for lactating mothers during the breast feeding period.
I am glad Himalaya made a separate category For Moms and is adding new products time and again.
Summers are at it’s peak right now, as it’s May, the hottest month in India. And we all face a lot of skin problems in summers. Let’s talk a bit about that..
Skin problems we face in summers
The scorching summer heat, dust, pollution, stress and our lifestyle impact the oxygen levels in our skin. That brings along a lot of skin issues like
Dull Skin
Uneven Skin tone
Dead Skin Cells
Sun Tan
Dark Spots
Today I am reviewing the new Oxylife Natural Radiance 5 Crème Bleach. I am not someone who bleaches regularly, I was a little wary of bleaching and used to do it occasionally. I met Dr. Rashmi Shetty at an event and asked her about bleaching, if it is bad for the skin, and to my surprise, she said not at all. She said you just need to add moisture and hydration to the skin, if you take care of it, then bleaching does no harm.
So I am quite confident about bleaching now. I have used the Oxylife bleach previously, but not this new variant and I thought of giving this a try.
Claims and Features of Oxylife Natural Radiance Creme Bleach: Gone are those days when bleaching caused a row of sirens blazing in your head. With Oxy Life Natural Radiance 5 Crème Bleach, your skin will feel pampered like a queen.
Enriched with active oxygen and post bleach skin radiance serum, here’s a bleach wonder that will make your life easy
Helps in eliminating dark spots
Helps even skin tone and remove sun tan
Helps repair dull skin and cleanses dead skin cells
Suitable for sensitive skin
Oxylife Natural Radiance 5 Crème Bleach has patented German Technology – Oxysphere, which enables Pure Oxygen molecules to be penetrated inside the skin, giving it pure boost of Oxygen, leaving it naturally radiant.
It is also enriched with Vitamin E and Glycerin to help condition, brighten and nourish the skin and help solve 5 skin problems to give a naturally radiant looking skin.
MRP: Rs.35/- for 9g (one time use), Rs.80/- for 27g (3 uses)
Benefits of Bleaching
Bleaching helps add oxygen to the skin, making it brighter and helps in evening out skin tone and fading acne spots, etc. It also helps remove dead skin cells and repair dull skin, making it look more vivid and glowing. If you are targeting to eliminate acne scars and spots, you should do it regularly. Bleach can be used every 21 days.
How to use:
Oxylife is widely used in salons, and anytime I happen to go and ask them which bleach do they use, majorly it’s always Oxylife.
It comes with the creme bleach, powder activator, spatula, post bleach serum and an instructions manual. The creme bleach and powder activator is to be mixed in the ratio of 7:1. If you are not sure of the measurements, you can buy the one time use pack and mix both in the quantity given.
I have the 3 time use pack with me, and if you follow me on Snapchat, you must have already seen me using this.
You can mix the creme and powder in the dish that comes in the creme tub. Mix it well till the powder dissolves.
Steps of application:
Remove all makeup with a makeup remover and wash your face.
Pat dry with a tissue/paper towel.
Apply the bleach first on the Y zone i.e. the neckline, jaw and chin
Then on the the T zone i.e. the forehead, upper lip and nose
And in the last 5 minutes on the C zone i.e. the cheeks
Avoid eyes, lips, eyebrows completely. Keep it on for 10 minutes if you have deep skin, 15 minutes for wheatish skin and a little bit longer if you have fair skin.
I kept it for 10-15 minutes and washed it with normal water. I saw an immediate difference on my skin! Skin was more even toned and clear looking. The tan was all gone, and there was a fresh glow to the face.
It also works on dark spots, but with regular use, once every 21 days.
Few Pointers:
A patch test is recommended for first-time users.
Cleanse the skin well and pat dry, before use.
Creme Bleach and the activator powder should be used in the ratio of 7:1, Mix the crème bleach and powder activator for 2 minutes with the spatula provided till powder activator completely dissolves.
Apply the mixture on the area to be bleached.
Avoid application on eyebrows and around the eyes.
Wash off the application with water and Apply the post-bleach serum.
Bleach should be used once in every 21 days
Do not use soap/face wash for 5 hours after bleach.
Avoid going into sunlight immediately.
Why Oxylife Natural Radiance 5 Creme Bleach
It comes with the post bleach skin radiance serum that is very moisturizing. I can feel the glycerin in the serum and it hydrated the skin well. I do not use anything else on my face for about 12-15 hours and avoid going out. I would recommend bleaching in the evening, so that you can skip direct exposure to sunlight. Learn more about how to use oxygen bleach for face (OxyLife)
I love the fact that this is ammonia free. Whenever you bleach, go for ammonia free bleach only. My eyes get irritated and water a lot during bleach, and I was surprised that this did not irritate my eyes at all.
It fights all skin problems that come along with sun exposure, stress and pollution and gives a healthy looking radiant and glowing skin! Skin gets more oxygen, and it repairs dull skin and helps in fading acne scars/spots.
It comes in different sizes, the one time use pack is perfect for travel too.
Overall, I am really happy with the results. It does what it claims, and I highly recommend trying this out.
TRY THIS OVERNIGHT DIY SERUM FOR A TRANSLUCENT GLOW
By Ankita
With the changing environment and lifestyle, there is no escaping from skin issues. The good old CTM works, no doubt. However is it good enough? I won't agree to that. Hence, serums came into being. The usual cleansing-toning- moisturizing regime is now better replaced by cleansing-toning- TREATing-moisturizing. This is where the serums come into action. You can pretty much say in an Army of soldiers, they are the marines, employed for specific target oriented operations. Let’s have a look at them,
WHAT IS A SERUM
Face serums are lightweight moisturizers with a gel or light lotion consistency and have a higher concentration of ingredients meant to provide more effective and focused results.
HOW TO USE
These are used after cleaning and toning then face. Pat on the serum on with the help of your finger, gently dabbing and pushing it into the skin
SO…I CAN SKIP MY MOISTURIZER RIGHT?
Absolutely not. Serums are an addition to your CTM (Cleansing-Toning- Moisturizing) and no way substitute a moisturizer. They have targeted action and address a specific skin issue such as acne, hyper-pigmentation, aging etc.
There are tons and thousands of serum available in the market, and I won’t deny they don’t work. They definitely do. But, wait for it!!!What if I told you, you can make one in a jiffy, that won’t cost you gazillion bucks and works just as fine as any other serum? Actually more than fine. Shall I say….works BRILLIANT.
Ready? Ladies and Ladies, I give you my magic potion
DIY OVERNIGHT GLOW SERUM
YOU WILL NEED:
-4 drops of Virgin Coconut Oil
-4 drops of pure rose water
-a pea sized amount of pure aloe vera gel
PROCEDURE:
1. You do not need a bowl for this as it is better to use it fresh every day. Take 4 drops of Virgin Coconut Oil on your palm.
2. Add in a pea sized amount of aloe vera gel
3. Now finally add in 4 drops of rose water and mix all the ingredients with your fingers till they become an emulsion.
HOW TO APPLY
1. Dot it all over your face and neck and massage with very light hands in upward-outward motions, till you are satisfied that the skin has completely soaked in the product.
2. Follow up with a very light weight moisturizer and have off you go to bed Sleeping Beauty.
IS IT EFFECTIVE?
1. This serum works greatly towards brightening the skin and especially fading away dark spots.
2. Gives you healthy illuminating glow.
WHY THESE INGREDIENTS??
Virgin Coconut Oil: Cold pressed Virgin Coconut is a boon for the skin as it helps to improve certain skin conditions by healing wounds and reducing rashes. Its anti-inflammatory effect works wonders for soothing skin ailments. VCO contains Lauric Acid that helps to combat acne and even is a great whitening agent.
Rose Water: With its anti-inflammatory and skin soothing properties, rose water is the life saver for irritated skin. Apart from being an excellent skin toner, it also brightens up the complexion and makes the skin more radiant and even.
Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants that work wonders for the skin. Application of aloe vera speeds up the process of healing of burns, lightens blemishes, reduces acne and also prevents wrinkles. It even acts as a great natural moisturizer.
Use it once a day, before you go to bed. You have to be consistent with the use to see great results, in less than a month.
IS IT SAFE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
It is 100% safe for any skin type, however, it is always wise to go for a patch test first. In case you experience any irritation (which most probably you won’t), do not use it further.
Here is a little after picture of me. Unfortunately, I don’t have any before picture as I had never planned to write this piece. After a month of usage, it has reduced my marks and scars to a good extent.
In this image, I have washed my face with cold water, put on some lip gloss and tight-lined my upper lash line.
Why spend a portion of your kidney, if you can have it done at the comfort of your kitchen? Without a question of doubt, I honestly ask my dear readers to give this DIY serum a try and see the results for yourself.
However, you must not forget these few pointers:
1. Cut out processed food as much as possible from your diet.
2. Stay hydrated and stay away from aerated drinks
3. Nothing!!!!!can substitute a good beauty sleep of 6-7 hours.
Please come back and let me know your experience with this serum. Any suggestions, comments, and ideas are always welcome 🙂
Editor’s Note: You have amazing and flawless skin Ankita. I love DIY’s and would be surely trying this too.
Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil + Best Brands for Tea Tree Oil in India
By Sucharitha
Who would have thought that this small bottle of oil can be such a miracle for our body? I believed it only after using it myself.
Tea-tree oil is also known as melaleuca oil, it is a yellowish coloured essential oil that is made from the leaves of the plant ‘Melaleuca alternifolia’ which is found in Australia. It is a plant with many medicinal properties and has been used since ancient times for various issues. It does have a very strong smell but the benefits can easily beat the smell.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
So here is a list of some of the benefits of Tea tree oil:
1. Acne: Tea tree oil is one of the best ingredient to reduce acne, it is known to be as effective as benzoyl peroxide. You can dilute tea tree oil with water or mix it with a carrier oil and then apply it on areas with acne. Otherwise, you can just buy products such as face wash or toners with tea tree oil in it.
2. Acne marks: Tea tree oil can not only remove acne but can also help with your acne marks. It won’t get rid of them completely but it would still work to an extent. You can dilute tea tree oil with some water and apply it on the affected areas. But the method that I like to use is, to mix two drops of tea tree oil with a pea sized amount of moisturiser and then apply it on my face. This would give an extra boost to the moisturiser and would help in removing those acne marks and spots.
3. Scars: Other than acne marks, tea tree oil is one of the most natural and efficient ways to treat scars. No wonder, in olden times’ people used tea tree oil to heal their cuts and wounds. Take few drops of tea tree oil and dilute it with water and apply it on the scar.
4. Itchy skin: Our skin itches mostly due to the presence of bacteria, so in order to stop itching the bacteria has to be killed. Tea tree oil is the best ingredient to kill bacteria, therefore dilute it with water or a carrier oil and apply it on the area where it itches or mix it with your moisturiser and apply it. You can also use body washes or lotions with tea tree oil. Or just add a few drops of tea tree oil daily in your bathing water.
5. Skin infections: Tea tree oil can cure so many skin infections such as warts, boils, chicken pox, Psoriasis and Eczema. For warts or boils, mix few drops of tea tree oil with water and apply it. For chicken pox, mix 2 to 3 drops of tea tree oil with olive oil and apply it twice a day. For Psoriasis and Eczema, mix 1 teaspoon of coconut oil with 3 to 4 drops of tea tree oil and apply it. The properties in tea tree oil will truly heal these infections and for skin infections, I would recommend you to use tea tree oil instead of products with tea tree oil.
6. Wrinkles: Tea tree oil is a magic product for young and supple skin. It has antioxidants which helps your skin remain healthy and its properties prevents spots, acnes and wrinkles. As I mentioned earlier, mix one or two drops of tea tree oil with your moisturiser. Or if you are making any home-made mask then just mix two or three drops of tea tree oil in it and apply it on your face. This would keep your skin healthy and young.
7. Hair growth and dry scalp: When you are giving yourself an oil massage with olive oil and coconut oil, add few drops of tea tree oil to get maximum benefits. It would help in hair growth and would treat dry scalp.
8. Dandruff: Other than acne, tea tree oil is also widely known to treat dandruff. Just like the moisturiser method, mix two to three drops of tea tree oil with your shampoo and wash your hair. Otherwise, you can use shampoos and conditioners with tea tree oil in it. When you are looking for a shampoo, try to look for the shampoos with 5% or less tea tree oil in it.
9. Nails: Tea tree oil can help in the removal of toe nail fungal. Just take pure tea tree oil and apply it on the nails which has toenail fungus and let it rest. Do this every day and you will see good results. While applying this, avoid the skin around the nail.
10. Others: Tea tree oil is antibacterial, hence it can treat cold. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil in a small pan of boiling water. Take a steam for 10 minutes and it would work to heal your cold. It can also help with athlete’s’ foot and it is an ingredient with anti-cancer properties.
To conclude, you need to only use a small amount of tea tree oil and for everything other than your nails its best to dilute or mix it with something. Carrier oils are oils which are used to dilute an essential oil. Some of the carrier oils are coconut oil, almond oil, jojoba oil and so on.
Precautions:
Tea tree oil should not be consumed, it is considered poisonous.
Do a patch test to ensure that you are not allergic to tea tree oil.
Do not use undiluted tea tree oil all over your face.
Avoid the area around your eyes or mouth
If you have severe acne or skin infections, consult a dermatologist before using tea tree oil.
Best brands of tea tree oil in India
These are the five brands of tea tree that I like and these are easily available online. These small bottles of magic can last a long time and help you. The prices mentioned below are standard prices but you can get a discount if you buy them online.
Apart from the famous The Body Shop Tea Tree oil, there is Fab India’s Tea Tree oil and a few other brands mentioned below which are quite good:
1. Aloe Veda Distil Aromatherapy Tea Tree Oil:Rs.260 for 10ml
2. Khadi Tea Tree Oil : Rs. 320 for 10ml (Buy HERE)
3. Aroma magic Tea Tree Oil: Rs.449 for 20ml (Buy HERE)
4. Soulflower Tea Tree Oil: Rs.450 for 15ml (Buy HERE)
5. Emami Aroma Miracle Tea Tree Oil: Rs.250 for 10ml (Buy HERE)
6. Aroma Treasures Tea Tree Oil: Rs.235/- for 10ml (Buy HERE)
Editor’s Note: That’s a nice detailed post Sucharitha
Papaya is called the “The Fruit of the Angels” and it is a native to the tropical areas of Central America and Southern Mexico. Today, it is a popular fruit and often known as ‘papita’ in Hindi.
This amazing fruit is enriched in vitamins A, C, E and K and has various other antioxidant properties. Consuming the fruit will not only give you amazing skin and hair but it has various beauty benefits as well. It is applied on the skin and hair for natural beauty.
The various benefits and uses of Papaya for Skin are as follows –
Removal of sun tan – This is a common problem for summer. Our skin is prone to tanning and looks dull. The papaya has vitamins A and C in abundance along with a enzyme called ‘papain’. This helps to lighten the complexion, removing sun tan and dark spots with the passage of time. Simply make a thick paste of papaya and add honey and turmeric to it. Apply this face pack every day in a week and see how it improves the skin.
Skin hydration – Papaya is rich in water content and has various other elements as well which helps to keep the skin soft, smooth and moisturized. The hydration is smooth and will not clog the pores or make the skin look oily. Simply, blend ½ cup of ripe papaya into a fine paste, add honey and apply evenly on skin. Wash off after 20-25mins.
Anti-ageing – Papaya is anti-ageing in nature. It has vitamins C and E to rejuvenate the skin and the papaya skin has various enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids to remove dead cells from the surface of the skin. As a result, the age spots and wrinkles are prevented and removed. It also contains Retin-A which help reduce the signs of aging. Overall, you get younger looking skin with bright and radiant skin tone. Mash ½ cup of overripe papaya, add honey and yogurt and apply as a face mask. Wash off after 20-25 mins. You can also rub the skin of papaya for better results.
Prevention of acne and pimples – Papaya has an enzyme called papain that has natural skin- cleansing properties, which helps to get rid of clogged pores and greasiness. The exfoliating effect helps in preventing blackheads. The enzyme helps in preventing acne and improving the skin as well. It also helps to soothe the inflamed skin. Simply, apply a thin layer of ripe papaya pulp as face mask and leave on for 20mins. Wash off with cold water and pat the skin dry.
Brighten complexion and removal of dark spots – This is one of the most effective beauty benefits of papaya. The papain helps to lighten the dark spots, giving a bright and radiant complexion. It is known that papaya contains natural bleaching properties. The vitamin C has anti-oxidant properties and also helps in clearing the skin of impurities. Rub a fleshy part of ripe papaya every alternative days and wash off with cold water.
The various benefits and uses of Papaya for Hair are as follows –
Soft and healthy hair – The papaya is also very helpful for lustrous, healthy hair. It is enriched in several minerals, vitamins and enzymes that can improve hair growth and strength. Along with that, it will also help to thicken the hair and the protein in papaya reduces split ends. To prepare a papaya hair mask, blend a ripe papaya according to your hair length and mix with olive oil or almond oil. Apply this all over the hair, from root to tip and keep it for 30-40mins. Wash off with mild shampoo.
Reduces dandruff – Papaya helps in reducing dandruff and prevents dry scalp. It has various antifungal properties. Even the seeds of papaya prevents fungal infection. Blend ½ papaya with the seeds intact and apply the paste generously on the scalp. Leave it on for one hour and then shampoo as usual.
Caution –
Always do a patch test before using it on skin and hair.
Papaya can cause allergic reactions in some people, which might due to papain or the latex.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using excessive papaya.
What is Multi Masking? New The Body Shop Facial Masks Review
Hey guys,
I have been using the new Body Shop Facial Masks since a few days and here are my thoughts..
First of all, let me tell you a little about multi masking, coz that is how I am using them and loving it. Multi masking is basically using a face mask according to your concern on that particular area on the face. It’s a blessing for people like me who have combination skin coz my T zone is oily and rest of the face is dry/normal. So the clay based masks used overall on the entire face leave my cheeks over dry and craving for moisture.
So I use the clay based masks on my T zone and the more hydrating/nourishing ones on my cheeks and rest of the face.
Claims: 100% VEGETARIAN
Our Himalayan Charcoal, British Rose and Amazonian Acai masks are 100% Vegan MADE WITHOUT PARABENS, SILICONE, MINERAL OILS & PARAFFINS
FIVE SENSATIONAL NEW FACE MASKS
We’ve crushed, pressed and blended five sensational NEW face masks. Formulated without the addition of parabens, paraffin, silicone or mineral oil – just our finest recipes inspired by nature. Meet our, 100% vegetarian face masks.
Variants:
British Rose (Hydrating)
Amazonian Acai (Energising)
Himalayan Charcoal (Purifying)
Ethiopian Honey (Nourishing)
Chinese Ginseng & Rice (Brightening)
MRP: Rs.2495/- for 75ml
I have British Rose, Chinese Ginseng & Ricee and Himalayan Charcoal, so would be talking about these three.
Starting with British Rose,
Claims: For skin that needs to be quenched and re-plumped with moisture to reveal its dewy glow again. Inspired by the European bathing rituals, our refreshing hydrating face mask is infused with real rose petals, rose essence, rosehip oil and aloe vera. Giving you visibly smoother-looking skin plumped with moisture.
Ingredients:
Himalayan Charcoal
Claims:For skin that needs purification to help reveal a healthy, youthful looking glow. Inspired by traditional beauty remedies, our tingling mud mask contains bamboo charcoal, exfoliating Green Tea leaves & tea tree oil. Purify your skin and give it a new lease of life with our charcoal face mask.
Ingredients:
Chinese Ginseng & Rice
Claims:Inspired by Chinese traditions, our creamy exfoliating mask combines ginseng, rice extract and sesame seed oil and reveals brighter-looking, more even, supple skin.
Ingredients:
As you can see the names in front of each masks, each mask is a recipe from that particular region/tradition and the ingredients as always are also sourced from there organically.
I love the fact that all these masks are paraben, mineral oil and paraffin free.
They come in a sleek glass jar packaging, the jar is quite heavy and they are not very travel friendly. But it is quite thick and won’t break.
The Body Shop also has a wooden handle face mask brush and a hand towel/head band set which you can use for/while applying the masks.
Each of the mask smells really good, you actually feel like you are in a spa getting a nice facial done. The directions say keep the mask on for 5-10 minutes, I keep all for about 10 minutes and the Himalayan Charcoal one untill it dries completely.
The British Rose mask is in a clear gel form with crushed real roses in it. It smells exactly like the British Rose Range they have and is very hydrating and plumping. I love using it on my cheeks, jaw line and neck. The rosehip oil and aloe vera moisturise and hydrate the skin well.
Himalayan Charcoal mask is ash gray in color coz of the bamboo charcoal. It is clay based and thick, I would advise not leaving the jar open and taking the required product and applying it immediately, as it dries super fast. I love using it on my nose and the surrounding areas both side where I have open pores. Since it has tea tree oil and green tea extracts too, it won’t strip off the skin of moisture and also help against acne as tea tree oil is anti bacterial. It tingles as mentioned in the description and as you scrub off the mask, it does leave the skin a little red for some time. But regular use of this would help keep blackheads at bay as it also exfoliates the skin while taking the mask off. I really like this one!
Coming to the Chinese Ginseng & Rice one, it is a white colored thick, grainy paste. You can feel the crushed rice in it, it also mildly exfoliates the skin. Sesame oil moisturises while the Ginseng brightens and evens out the skin. I use it on my forehead and around my mouth where I have some uneven tone. It does brighten the skin a bit, but you have to use it regularly to see difference. You won’t notice it in one go. I love this one too.
Multi Masking
Overall, I am very happy with these and they are pretty good! I wish it was priced a little lower though. I highly recommend trying out 1 at least. If you have oily skin, Himalayan Charcoal one is a must have and for normal/dry skin, Chinese Ginseng & Rice. If you have very dry skin, British Rose is good for you. So select a mask according to your skin type and go with that. They also have sachet samples of each mask online and at all The Body Shop stores. Ask for samples and test them out, before investing in the mask 🙂
