Tag Archives: Skincare India

Nature’s Essence Sun Ban Sunscreen Lotion SPF-30 TPI-60 Review

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Nature’s Essence Sun Ban Sunscreen Lotion SPF-30 TPI-60 Review

By Archana

Hi all,

Today, I am reviewing a sunscreen from the brand Nature’s Essence. They have a wide variety of products at very budget-friendly prices. All their products are made primarily with natural ingredients. This is possibly one of the cheapest sunscreens available in the market. Read on to know how the ‘Nature’s Essence Sun Ban Sunscreen Lotion SPF-30 TPI-60’ fares.

Nature's Essence Sun Ban Sunscreen Lotion SPF-30 TPI-60 Review, Indian Beauty Blog

Products claims: SUNBAN is a moisturizing sun protection lotion which provides full spectrum protection to the skin from UV rays. The natural added extract protects the skin against suntan. Good for all skin types. Can be used on all skin types.

Key Ingredients: Aloevera juice, Turmeric extract, Basil Oil

Directions to use: Apply Sunban lotion on face, neck and other exposed parts of body before going out. Avoid contact with eye area.

Packaging: The sunscreen comes in a yellow squeezable tube packaging with a flip-open cap. Nothing fancy in the packaging but a basic functional one. Its convenient to be carried around in your handbag without any fear of leakage. But one thing though, the cap seems to be flimsy and it broke within few uses as you can see in the pics.

Texture and fragrance: The sunscreen is sandal-colored with a slightly thick and creamy consistency. It has a mild herbal fragrance which is not bothersome. The fragrance proves that it contain natural extracts unlike other sunscreens I have used which usually have a chemical smell.

My experience: I have always chosen sunscreens based on the SPF factor. But till now I have never heard of TPI factor. So I googled around a bit and found that TPI is Tan Protection Index. Basically SPF helps to protect the skin against UV rays, cancer and sun burns. Whereas TPI specifically helps to protect the skin from tanning. This was a new info to me.

So coming back to this sunscreen from Nature’s Essence, this has both SPF and TPI. It takes a little time to blend it in completely. Though it appears tinted, after applying there is no tint whatsoever and it gives a natural finish. Unlike other sunscreens, this doesn’t leave any whitish cast. I have oily-combination skin and I find it little heavy and greasy for use nowadays as summers have started. Within 3-4 hours, my face starts becoming oily. I think it might be more suitable during winters. Dry skin people can use it year around.

Now the strange thing that I have observed is, although it claims of TPI 60 and SPF 30, I am still getting tanned. I don’t know if it is just me or anyone else too felt it, but overtime of trying out different sunscreens, I have observed that those from higher end brands like Avene, Vichy, TBS, etc. or even mid-range brands like Neutrogena, Plum, Christine Valmy, etc even if they have lower SPF of 20, they seem to prevent tanning to a large extent, while those from budget brands, though they claim of higher SPFs, they fail to prevent much tanning. Am not sure about it, but I feel sunscreen is one product where the ones with completely natural ingredients might not really be effective. While we can opt for natural products in face washes, face packs, shampoos, etc., when it comes to sunscreens I don’t think they are much effective. Its just my observation. Please share your views and experiences with natural sunscreens in the comments below.

Pros:
* Doesn’t leave any whitish cast.
* Has TPI along with SPF .
* Contains goodness of natural ingredients like aloevera, turmeric and basil.
* Suitable for normal-dry skin.
* Very affordable.

Cons:
* Might not suit oily/combination skin.
* Not much effective in preventing tan.
* Complete ingredients list missing.

Price and quantity: Rs.95 for 60ml.

Rating: 3.7/5

Verdict: Nature’s Essence Sun Ban Sunscreen Lotion SPF-30 TPI-60 is a very budget-friendly sunscreen with natural ingredients. But the results are average and its not very effective in preventing tan. Maybe if you are spending most time indoors, you can try it. But skip it if you spend more time under sun or going on a vacation or beach holiday.

Editor’s Note: That’s a fabulous review Archana, from whatever little I have read, heard and interacted with dermatologists, they all say sunscreens are good for protection but they cannot prevent skin from tanning. I am not sure how TPI works but I haven’t heard of any full proof sunscreen which prevents absolute tanning when you are out in the harsh skin for a long time. I remember using the Avene SPF50 spray all over my body during the Beauty & The Blogger shoot and we were out in the super harsh summer sun from 11 to 3 and I get tanned super easily, the area of the skin within the clothes and the area exposed to sun went black and white literally, that tan took almost 8-9 months to go away completely! So to prevent tan, one has to be covered and protected all the time, sunscreen will only help in protecting and this one sounds good for winters or for dry skin.

Sorry for the long rant 😀

Have you tried the Nature’s Essence Sun Ban Sunscreen Lotion SPF-30 TPI-60?

The Body Shop Moringa Hand Cream Review

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The Body Shop Moringa Hand Cream Review

By Archana

Hand cream is an essential item in my handbag always during winters. I can’t survive without hand creams during this cold, dry season. Recently, I had gone to TBS to purchase a gift for a friend’s birthday and as the SA was giving me a whiff of various fragrances to try, I loved the Moringa variant fragrance and got tempted to picked the hand cream from the range. Read on to know how ‘The Body Shop Moringa Hand Cream’ fares.

Products claims: This flowery Moringa daily hand cream helps soften and protect hands with light, juicy moisture. The instantly absorbing formula is ideal for on-the-go hydration. Non-greasy moisture. Wonderfully light gel-cream formula. Absorbs instantly. Enriched with Community Fair Trade Shea Butter from Ghana.

Ingredients:

Directions to use: Squeeze a small amount onto hands and massage well.

Packaging:

The hand cream comes in a compact, sleek tube packaging with a tiny black screw cap. The tube is shiny with a very pale yellowish green color. The full ingredients list is mentioned on the back side. I find the packaging very travel friendly as it fits easily in a handbag or even a purse without taking too much space. Also, there is no leakage or spillage whatsoever.

Texture and fragrance:

The cream has a pale yellowish color with a medium consistency, not too thick or too thin. The fragrance is light floral jasmine scent similar to the other products in the Moringa range. Though it is a floral fragrance, it is not very feminine, so its actually a unisex product.

My experience:

The Body Shop Moringa Hand Cream is made with cold-pressed seed oil from hand-picked moringa pods. I squeeze a pea sized amount of the cream and rub it in my hands while massaging. It spreads and blends easily due to its right consistency and gets absorbed completely in a couple of seconds. The fragrance lingers for a while and yes, the scent is a little strong, so that whenever I apply this hand cream in office, my team mates ask where is this jasmine fragrance coming from and start looking around! 🙂

It moisturizes and nourishes my hands instantly and relieves the dry feeling. The moisturization effect lasts for around 3 hours or till you wash your hands. Since it gets absorbed quickly, you can go back to your work immediately without worrying about the cream transferring to other items. Unlike some hand creams which I have used in the past, they used to stain my keyboard with the cream stains if I start typing without waiting for it to be fully absorbed. With this Body Shop cream, I haven’t faced any such issues.

However, this cream might not be for very dry hands. I was travelling for sometime last month and stopped using the cream during that time. After the travel, I fell sick. As I had neglected my hands for a long time, they became very dry and started peeling due to the cold. My hands started itching and there were rashes on my fingertips. During that time, when I tried this hand cream, it didn’t work for me at all. I apply the cream and barely within two minutes, my hands started feeling dry once again. I had to go back to my trusted savior, The Body Shop Cocoa Body Butter, to heal my hands.

Pros:

* Moisturizes and nourishes hands adequately.

* Gets absorbed quickly.

* Does not make hands greasy.

* Doesn’t leave any residue which might transfer to other items while working.

* Nice floral jasmine fragrance.

* Compact, travel-friendly packaging.

Cons:

* Not suitable for very dry skin.

Price and quantity: Rs.350 for 30ml.

Rating: 4.2/5

Verdict:  The Body Shop Moringa Hand Cream is a perfect go-to cream to have in your work desk in office and in your handbag wherever you go. It is light, gets absorbed quickly without any greasiness and has a lovely floral fragrance. However, if you have extremely dry skin, then it might not be suitable for you.

Editor’s Note: Sounds refreshing for summers, I might give it a try in summers. I love the L’Occitane hand creams though, especially lavender. Also currently loving the Crabtree & Evelyn.

Have you tried The Body Shop Moringa  Hand Cream? Which is your favourite hand cream?

Lotus Herbals YouthRx Gineplex Anti-Ageing Skin Care Range Review

Anti Ageing, Cleanser, Creams, Day Cream, Eye Cream, Face Mask, Face Scrubs, Face Wash, Lotus Herbals, Moisturizers, New Launches, Night Creams, Reviews, Serums, Skin care, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Lotus Herbals YouthRx Gineplex Anti-Ageing Skin Care Range Review

Hi guys,

If you follow me on Snapchat (add me if you are not following yet! bhumika_t 😀 ) you might be knowing that I had taken up the Lotus Herbals #ReverseYourAge 1 month challenge. We had to click selfies every week for the difference to be visible on the skin. I have been using this entire range for around a month now and here is my review.

Let me tell you something about this range and what is common throughout the range. It comes in this pretty gold and purple packaging, the packaging is quite nice. Most of the stuff are easy to carry around, except the jars which are made of glass and kind of heavy. The serum bottle is also made of glass but it is very very thick and not something that will break easily.

The main ingredients in the entire Gineplex range are Ginger, Ginseng and Milk Peptide complex (Hence the name Gineplex) which are the key ingredients in anti-ageing + hydration+ firming. The entire kit costs around Rs.3000/-

Lotus Youth Rx Active Anti-Ageing Foaming Gel

Benefits : –

* Prevent signs of ageing.
* Reveals a glowing complexion instantly.
* Enhances skin renewal and restores elasticity.

How To Apply :-

* Apply with wet hands massage gently on to the Face & neck.
* Massage gently for 2 -3 minutes.
* Rinse well.

Active Ingrdients :- Jojoba seeds, ginseng, ginger, milk peptide complex.

Results :- Skin looks and feels fresh, soft and revitalized

Price: Rs.225/- for 100 gm

Ingredients:

It has a rotating cap packaging and is off white in color, has a texture mix of gel-creme and has small, brown jojoba seeds. It does not foam much but cleanses all the dirt, grime and basic makeup. It feels more like a scrub than face wash. I do not like foam based face washes, so this is just perfect for me. It does not dry the skin at all and the gentle exfoliation removes the dry skin flakes in winter. It is absolutely perfect for winter and I love this face wash/foaming gel. It is not meant for people who love heavy duty foaming though.

Lotus Herbals Youth RX PH Balancing Multi Active Toner

MRP: Rs.325/- for 100ml

Ingredients:

The toner comes in a plastic bottle with a spray nozzle and a cap. 2 pumps are perfect, I mostly use it directly taking it on my palms and not use a cotton pad, works both ways. I absolutely love this toner, it is alcohol free and non drying. Plus it has green tea and castor oil which in turn tighten your pores and hydrate your skin. This toner again is perfect for winters and for dry skin too. One of the best toners currently in India. This toner balances the pH level of your skin and brings it to the normal 5.5

Lotus Herbals YOUTHRx Youth Activating Serum + Crème

It contains the highest concentration of the revolutionary ‘Gineplex Youth Compound’ which gives it 10 times the anti-ageing power of a day crème. It’s a 2-in-1 formula of Serum + Crème –

1. Serum penetrates the skin quickly and delivers 10X* more ‘GINEPLEX YOUTH COMPOUND’ to the dermal layer, boosting collagen production.

2. Crème nourishes, hydrates and restores skin moisture.

MRP: Rs.695/- for 30ml

Ingredients:

One of my most favourite product from this range. It comes in a very thick glass bottle with a cap and a pump dispensor. Again a mix of gel+cream consistency. It is very light and gets absorbed into the skin in a jiffy. I just need one pump and it hydrates and nourishes the skin. I can even skip a cream post using this, coz it hydrates wonderfully even in these winters. Skin feels soft and smooth instantly.

Lotus Herbals YouthRx Anti-Ageing Transforming Creme SPF25PA+++

It is a ‘Green Science’ miracle. It comes with the breakthrough ‘Gineplex Youth Compund’ derived from potent natural ingredients and is clinically proven for accelerated lifting, firming and protective action on skin. It is enriched with SPF 25 PA+++ for protection against sun damage which results in ageing of skin.

Results: Visibly reduces appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, spots in 7 days* Makes skin look firmer, younger and glowing.

MRP: Rs.545/- for 50g

Ingredients:

Both the day and night creams come in a thick glass jar which is quite heavy. They have a separate cap between the lid and the product. It is light pink in color and light in texture. It does not make the skin greasy and hydrates the dry patches on the skin, without the heavy feeling. Both day and night creams have almost the same ingredients with some minor difference. Key being light liquid paraffin, glycerine, Vitamin E Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Apart from Gineplex) which are great for hydration and work on blemishes and scars.

Lotus Herbals YouthRx Anti-Ageing Nourishing Night Creme

With the latest advancements in ‘Green Science’ at its core, it is a night crème for accelerated lifting, firming and protective action on skin. Lotus Youth Rx Anti-Ageing Nourishing Night Creme visibly reduces fine lines and opens pores by nourishing the skin overnight.

Results: You wake up to an optimally hydrated and dewy, fresh skin.

MRP: Rs.525/- for 50g

Ingredients:

The day cream has a gold base and purple lid and the night cream is vice-versa. I like how the packaging is different and it helps to identify the creams. Night cream is white in color and slightly richer in texture, though does not make the skin feel heavy, it takes 1-2 minutes to get absorbed completely and skin looks as if nothing is applied on it.

Lotus Herbals YouthRx Anti- Ageing Eye Contour Cream

MRP: Rs.425/- for 15ml

The eye cream comes in this sleek tube with a nozzle dispensor, be careful when dispensing coz way too much product comes out. You just need a tiny bit on your ring finger, blend both ring fingers and apply under the eye and massage very lightly for a few seconds. It is off white in colour and gel like in texture. It feels very cooling and tingling. Since I do not have wrinkles, I did not notice any much of a difference with this one. Not a love, but kinda ok.

Lotus Herbals YOUTHRx Active Anti-Ageing Exfoliator

Its unique ‘TRIPLE ACTION FORMULA’ gently exfoliates, protects and nourishes the skin from within. It gently removes dead skin cells to reveal a younger and healthier looking skin.

Active Ingredients: Vanilla Beans, Ginseng, Ginger, Milk Peptide Complex

Results: Instantly reveals younger and healthier looking skin

MRP: Rs.295/- for 100g

Ingredients:

It has a rotating cap packaging and is white gel like in texture with black vanilla beans extracts. The scrub is very mild and gentle, it is good for everyday or every alternate day too. It is not heavy duty scrubbing, so if you like those walnut particles scrubs, you will find this very mild. This will work for sensitive skin too. I would say it’s ok, scrubbing particles could have been a little more stronger.

Lotus Herbals YouthRx Anti – Ageing firming Face Masque

It is enriched with unique Algae Extract & revolutionary ‘Gineplex Youth Compound’. It detoxifies & resurfaces the skin at cellular level. It nourishes & hydrates your skin, revitalizes texture, reduces pore size and removes dead skin flakes. It does not cause dryness unlike other masques.

MRP: Rs.295/- for 100g

Ingredients:

The masque has a flip cap and is a gel+creme texture again. It is not like those thick, cream based masques. It will come out clear and transparent on the skin. I keep it on for 10-12 minutes and then wash it off. It gives a tight feeling when it dries. I haven’t seen any reduction in pore skin but yes it does not dry out skin at all unlike other masques as claimed. And also skin feels firm and plump.

I have been using this entire range for a month now and I can see visible difference in my skin. Find below my selfies taken every week, while using this range.

R-L: Foaming Gel, Serum, Day Creme, Night Creme, Eye Creme, Exfoliator, Face Masque

I received this kit when I shifted to a new place and my skin was in the most horrible state ever. I had way too many break outs, spots, dryness and redness on the skin. Within a week, as you can see in the 2nd selfie, I noticed the difference. In fact, I felt the difference in 2-3 days and skin already felt smooth, soft, hydrated and more even with less redness and the dryness was all gone.

L-R: Week 1 to 4

I again broke out last week coz of travelling, change in climate and water plus it was way too cold in Jaipur and I have not been drinking enough water in the winters, it directly shows on my skin. But what I like the most about this range is, the breakouts dry our immediately and the range starts working on the scars and they fade away quickly too.

The entire range smells fresh and amazing, I love the smell especially of serum and day/night creams. This is slightly on the expensive side but the quantity is amazing! I am using it twice everyday since a month and I have not even finished 10% of the toner and day/night creams. Serum is 30ml and using it twice, so might finish sooner and same with the foaming gel. Even exfoliator and face masque I use once a week, so would last long.

Though I cannot comment on wrinkles as I don’t have them, but skin definitely feels firm, plump, soft, smooth and hydrated. If you are nearing 30 and already feeling the dryness on the skin or are over 30, this range is definitely a must try! Gift this to your mom or MIL and they will definitely love it.

My most favourite products from this range are the foaming gel, toner and serum. I like the day and night cream too.

Rating: 4/5

I loved taking up this challenge and my skin is loving it too 🙂

Did you take up the #ReverseYourAge Challenge? Have you tried the Lotus Herbals YouthRx Range before?

P.S: PR Samples, Honest Review.

The Body Shop Oils Of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil First Impressions

Anti Ageing, New Launches, Reviews, Skin care, The Body Shop, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Body Shop Oils Of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil First Impressions

Hi guys,

I have been using the new Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil since a week now and here are my first impressions about it.

What the Company claims: Infused with three precious seed oils and a blend of seven essential oils, we’ve created the Oils of Life™ Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil. The lightweight and quickly absorbing texture leaves a non-sticky finish, melting onto the skin, leaving it silky and soft. Instantly, skin appears smoother, more radiant, revived, revitalized and nourished. After 4 weeks, the signs of aging appear reduced, wrinkles appear minimized, and skin feels more elastic and firm.

How to use: This dermatologically tested oil can be applied every morning and evening before applying a cream. Apply 1 to 2 drops maximum (2-3 for very dry skin) onto the face and neck and gently massage into the skin. Follow with one of our Oils of Life moisturizers.

MRP: Rs.3095/- for 30ml

Ingredients:

It comes in a sleek and nice golden yellow glass bottle with a black dropper dispensor. The packaging is very convenient to use, though I am not sure how travel friendly it would be coz of the glass.

I love using oils on my face, using oils and serums at night is something I have been following since years and it really works amazing. Oils can be used even by people with oily skin, what it does it balances the oil secretion of the skin and also has amazing properties for revitalizing, firming and hydration of the skin. Different oils have different properties and this time Body Shop has come up with a combination of three special seed oils i.e Black Cumin, Camellia and Rosehip.Cold pressed seed oils are the purest form of oils and all their properties remain preserved. It also has a lot of other oils like Olive Oil as a base, Lavender Oil, Jojoba oil , Orange Peel Oil, etc.

I use 2-3 drops of it every night and massage it well on the skin, it has a complete dance routine massage video on their youtube channel. The smell is not unpleasing, it is nice, I do smell a hint of lavender and I really like lavender oil.

The oil is super light in texture and absorbs in a jiffy. Skin next day is super moisturised and plump, there is no redness or dryness. My skin was feeling very dry and stretchy as the winters had started, especially in the mornings, also coz of the AC at night. But since the time I have been using this, there are no dry patches and no stretchiness.

It also claims to have firming and anti-ageing properties, I cannot comment on it right now and would do a full review on it, post using it for a month.

It is slightly on the expensive side but all oils and serums in this category are almost in the same range. And since you need just 2-3 drops per use, this will easily last months

Overall I would say, I definitely recommend trying this out, especially if you love serums and oils. This is just a perfect blend of all the goodness of oils.

Rating:

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

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

Have you checked out or tried the The Body Shop Oils Of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil yet?