Tag Archives: Skincare Reviews

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

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

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 preservedIt 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?

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum Review

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum Review

About Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum:  Using the concept of advanced dynamic hydration technology, that helps distribute & lock water in all facial zones, the serum gives an exquisite finish to the skin by reinforcing its natural hydrating system, boost internal water circulation and enhance its anti-oxidant power.

Unlike moisturizers which create an artificial barrier over the skin against the environmental stimulants, the Aqualia Thermal range works with the natural system of hydration to give you skin that glows with health and has a lasting feel of hydration through the day.

The Aqualia Thermal Serum uses the dynamic hydration system to give you plump and perfectly  hydrated  skin  for  over  48  hours,  irrespective  of  your  skin  type.  With  an unparalleled finish,  this  ultra-fluid water gel  delivers plenty of freshness,  a ‘bare skin’finish and is quickly absorbed on application.

Ingredient Innovation
Reinvented with advanced Dynamic Hydration technology to help distribute & lock water in all facial zones, preserving the freshness of beauty. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and Aquabioryl™ known to replenish the hydration with water and form a protective film. Contains fortifying and soothing Vichy Thermal Spa Water. Paraben-free.

Efficacy
Our moisturizing serum goes one step further in understanding skin dehydration. Beyond replenishing water loss, the reinvented Power Serum evenly distributes water to balance dry skin, target dry patches, and plump dehydration lines. Skin appears more luminous over time, giving the complexion a healthy glow.

Texture
Ultra-refreshing, lightweight serum absorbs instantly into skin, leaving a velvety soft finish.

Tolerance
Oil-free. Non-comedogenic. Non-acnegenic. Allergy-tested. Suitable for sensitive skin. Tested under dermatological control.

How to use: Apply a pump of serum over the whole face in the morning and/or at night. Can be used alone or under Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration Rich Cream for dry or very dry skin.

Clinical Research: After 1 month*:
20.5% increase in skin radiance
16.5% increase in skin plumpness
87% agree skin was hydrated all day
87% agree skin felt comfortable all day
85% agree skin appeared more fresh-looking
81% agree skin looked more radiant

*Self-assessment on 52 women after 4 weeks of twice daily use

688680 40 – INGREDIENTS: AQUA • GLYCERIN •DIMETHICONE • PEG/PPG/POLYBUTYLENE GLYCOL-8/5/3 GLYCERIN • PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL • DIMETHICONOL • SODIUM HYALURONATE • PHENOXYETHANOL • CHONDRUS CRISPUS (CARRAGEENAN) • AMMONIUM POLYACRYLDIMETHYLTAURAMIDE • POLOXAMER 338 • DISODIUM EDTA • CAPRYLYL GLYCOL • CITRIC ACID • BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-1 • ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER • PARFUM /FRAGRANCE • Code F.I.L. : C163732/3

MRP: Rs.1800/- for 30ml

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum comes in this long and slender aqua blue bottle with a transparent cap and a pump packaging. The pump is easy to use and dispense the product, no pressing 10 times to get the product unlike in few.

It’s a glass bottle and slightly heavy,hence not very travel friendly. Coming to the texture, it is off white in color, and gel like in texture as most serums. It feels slightly slippery but not much and gets easily absorbed into the skin, without leaving any residue or slippery feeling even though it has silicones (Dimethicone & Dimethiconol)

It is very hydrating and moisturising, my skin feels evenly hydrated and there have been no breakouts or dry patches with this. And the best part is no stickiness or greasiness at all! It is so light that you would not feel you have used any moisturizer and still have your skin completely hydrated.

It does what it claims, hydrated, plump and fresh looking skin all day. I use it once in the morning and I am sorted, I sometimes use it at night too, but currently using a different product at night time.

It does not claim much like even skin tone or anti-ageing, etc, so all it does it provide you hydration. This will work great for all skin types, be it oily or dry, since it does it’s job of hydration well and is very light in texture.

It is a bit on the expensive side, but this lasts really long as you need just one single pump for your entire face and neck. It is available online and also on www.vichy.in

Overall, I would say it is not something which makes tall claims about giving you flawless skin, but it does what it claims. So if you are looking for a good moisturiser for your dry skin or have dry patches on the skin, then this will definitely work for you. Recommended.

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 4/5

Have you tried any Vichy Serum before? Or anything from the Aqualia Range?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

Vichy Liftactiv Supreme Cream Normal to Combination Skin Review

Vichy Liftactiv Supreme Cream Normal to Combination Skin Review

Vichy LiftActiv Supreme Progressive Anti-wrinkle and Firmness Correcting Care Cream For Normal to Combination Skin is the complete name. Phew, quite a mouthful it is!

What it claims: New scientific discovery: OVERDAY AGING – it is a biological and clinical reality that the skin ages during the day. In fact, from morning to evening, we can look up to 4 months older, with skin that looks less radiant, saggy and more acentuated wrinkles. These signs of daily aging settle over the years.

Liftactiv Supreme, our 1st overday and long term anti-aging corrector that fights wrinkles and lack of firmness at every moment they appear:

IMMEDIATELY, UNTIL EVENING and IN THE LONG TERM.

– INSTANT 3D OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY:
Offers mattifying and blurring finish, with illuminating effect
– OVER-DAY AGING PREVENTION:
CAFFEINE AND RETINOL-LIKE ADENOSINE promotes cellular energy and responsiveness, so that skin remains smooth, firm and rested all day long.
– FIGHT LONG-TERM AGING EFFECTS:
RHAMNOSE 5%: helps reduce the look of wrinkles and increase skin firmness
NEOHESPERIDINE: a potent anti-oxidant, it boosts the effects of rhamnose, for cellular renewal and global protection.

In 1 month:
Wrinkles look reduced by up to 33%
Skin feels firmer for 93% of women

Efficacy:

Immediately: Blur – Instantly smooth’s the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Brightens complexion.

Until Evening: Stimulate – Skin looks plumped. Features appear younger and more rested.

Over Time: Correct – Deep wrinkles are visibly smoothed. Skin looks firmer.  Illuminated skinwith increased tonicity.

For better results, it is advised to use Lift Activ Supreme in addition with Serum 10.

Key ingredients and their benefits include:

Rhamnose – 5% – long term benefits include increased tonicity and firmness.
Neohesperidine – 0.2% – long term benefits include reinforced long term correction of wrinkles
Caffeine – 0.2% – fights against tiredness and puffiness
Adenosine – 0.1% – rapid anti-wrinkle efficacy

– Tested on sensitive skin under dermatological control.
– Paraben-free and hypoallergenic
– Suitable for all skin types
– Enriched with Vichy Thermal Spa Water

Supreme sensoriality, in 2 distinct texture for all skin types:
– Normaderm to combination skin texture: with glycerin, this cream procures a wonderfully refreshing and comfortable sensation on the skin.
– Dry skin texture: with apricot kernel butter and shea butter. Highly nourishing, the texture quickly melts into the skin.

How to apply: 1. Spread a touch of cream all over the face, the decolleté and the neck, avoiding the eye area.
2. Spread with upward smoothing strokes, from inside to outside. Smooth on gently until thoroughly absorbed.

MRP: Rs.2350/- for 50ml

It comes in a white jar with a mirror cap. I like that, you can apply it anytime,anywhere you are with the help of the mirror and it can help you in emergency touch-ups too 😀 Though it does not have an inner lid or seal and I would have preferred if it came with a small spatula.

I like the face that it comes in two different variants: for normal to combination skin and for dry skin.

I have combination skin and I have been using this normal to combination one for a little more than 2 weeks now. Its a white colored cream, not too thick but neither runny. It has a very mild floral scent and blends easily into the skin.

It moisturises and hydrates the dry patches and cheeks,it does not feel heavy or greasy and gets absorbed quickly. Though for summers and humid areas, oily skin would find this a bit rich and I would advise using this in winters.

I do see firmness and tightness in the skin. A thing called overday ageing does exist, how many of you have observed dull skin at the end of the day? I have quite a few times. Skin remains brighter and firmer with this and over time, I saw reduced dullness at the end of the day and also the pores look much reduced in size,maybe coz of the rhamnose,adenosine and the 3D technology.

It gives a smooth,velvety finish to the skin and the foundation glides on really well. It works equally well as a night cream too. I prefer using it at night or on colder days. I would be using it more in winters.

I don’t have wrinkles, so can’t really judge the anti-wrinkle claim.

It is expensive but this jar will last you a long,long time. I guess it would easily last 5-6 months, so turns out reasonable.

Overall I would say it actually gives a firmer,smoother appearance to the skin and is a nice, hydrating, day cream. Though I would not recommend it for oily skin unless in winters. Dry skin variant has apricot kernel oil which again would be perfect for dry skin with all the same basic ingredients and quality. Recommended.

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Have you tried the new Vichy Liftactiv Supreme Cream?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

Look Beyond Hebe Bath Gel,Sirona Dark Circles Oil Serum Review

Look Beyond Hebe Bath Gel,Sirona Dark Circles Oil Serum Review

Look Beyond – A health and wellness venture, started in 2011 is the brainchild of Dr. Seema Anand.A health & Wellness venture has come up with their wide product range. By utilizing age-old knowledge and new research into its sphere, Look Beyond started its mission with an intent to provide holistic wellness to its patrons. Look Beyond’s products’ strive on 100% natural ingredients, with no use of chemicals and they are entirely environment friendly.Dr. Seema envisioned a place that would be open to all, where the individual could look at their overall wellness and find ways to improve it. The brand is devoted to creating services and products that aim to heal one’s mind, body and soul. The intention of the center is to inspire well-being, personal growth, peace, harmony and happiness for all and provide the tools that can help people achieve the same.

The products are segregated into three categories: those for the body, health, and for the home.

The three year old brand boasts of a varied product line that includes:

Liquid soaps (100% natural liquid soaps are infused with a blend of essential oils)
• Linen Sprays (It brings the fragrance to ones linen by using our 100% all natural Linen sprays)
Oil Serums (Oil Serums are infused with the healing ability of nature through essential oils)
• Sound Healing Cds (It brings forth a healing by listening to our frequency corrected, therapeutic and meditative tracks)

Look beyond believes that an integral part of their wellness mission is to give back to the society. A percentage of their profits are used towards providing vocational training and a means of livelihood to those in need through their “Pay it Forward Program”.

About Hebe Bath Gel : Hebe – Youth

Hebe, daughter of Zeus and Hera, is the Greek Goddess of Youth.
Eternal is Hebe, the goddess of youth.
Pouring nectar from the ageless flower,
Gifting everlasting youth with every shower
A special blend of oils has been infused in this bath gel to fulfill the desire of eternal youth. The natural property of rose is combined with other essential oils to smoothen the skin and give it a natural, youthful, glow.

Ingredients:

It comes in a small pump dispensor packaging. It dispenses the right amount of product and foams well. I am in absolute love with the smell!! It smells amazing! My whole bathroom smells amazing whenever I use Hebe Bath Gel. I love essential oils, so any product with essential oils naturally attract me, especially lavender oil. Skin feels soft,supple and hydrating. No sliminess as with some body washes. I loved this and absolutely recommend it.

 

Though the only con would be its available only online on lookbeyond right now. Buy HERE

Rating: 4/5

150 ml / 5 fl.oz MRP. Rs. 395

About Sirona: Sirona – Dark Circles (Night)


Sirona is the Celtic Goddess of Healing.
Lightly apply this serum on a clean face, prior to applying any other cream, to start the process of lightening dark circles over time. This serum is meant for use during the night.

10 ml / 1 fl.oz MRP. Rs. 445

Ingredients:

Its a small blue genie bottle shaped packaging. At first, you would think it would have a dropper pipette which oils and serums usually have. But no! Its a roll on. Yes, the first oil serum I have seen in a roll on form. And what an idea! I love it. It perfectly fits into the contours of the under eyes where we apply the creams,etc for dark circles.

I think the packaging is genius. And this makes it travel friendly too. I don’t have too many dark circles to begin with. So I did not see a dramatic result as such, but definitely some improvement. And also the skin stays supple and no dryness around the eyes. Oils are always welcome in winters for me. And this too smells awesome!

Rating: 3.5/5

Have you heard about Look Beyond Products ? Do you use skincare products with essential oils ?

P.S: PR Samples. Honest Review.

Iraya Kumkumadi Tailam (Facial Oil) Review

Iraya Kumkumadi Tailam (Facial Oil) Review

What the Company claims: Kumkumadi Taila in it’s purest form. Ideal for facial massage.

For normal to dry skin

Prescribed in Ayurveda as a ‘Miraculous Elixir’ for the skin, Kumkumadi is an absolute classic! This revered formulation contains pure Saffron and 25 precious Ayurvedic herbs that have been relied upon through the ages to lighten and brighten the complexion. It evens skin tone, clears blemishes, minimises fine lines and surface imperfections and also helps improve skin’s texture.

Usage: Take a few drops on your fingertips, massage gently into skin using upward, outward movements. Best to use after cleansing and toning. Regular application gives a luminous complexion. Massage is recommended once or twice a week.

Ingredients: Pure Saffron and 25 precious Ayurvedic herbs

MRP: Rs.995/- for 10ml

I love using facial oils i.e. a mix of essential oils or herbs,etc. I had heard a lot about Kumkumadi Tailam which is an old ayurvedic preparation and many brands have their own version of it. It is basically sold in almost every store down south.

I tried this Iraya Kumkumadi facial oil and here are my views on it.

It comes in a small blue tinted glass bottle with a dropper packaging. I have been using this every night since a little more than 2 weeks now, around 3 weeks.

It does not have a strong or pungent smell as I had heard with other Kumkumadi oils. Its almost transparent with a slight brown tint. You need just 2-3 drops of it. I warm it well by rubbing on my palms and fingers and massage on my face for about a minute.

After the Parachute Art of Oiling event, we learnt some new facial and head massage techniques. I used to do 1-2 of those for a few seconds every night with this oil.

The oil gets absorbed quickly, there is hardly anything left after the massage. Next morning skin is supple and soft. Not one morning I have seen dry or flaky skin after waking up, even in this winters, thanks to this oil.

I have combination skin and dry cheeks and more so in winters, but this time I got no flaky or dull skin.

I got one pimple just 10 days before the wedding which left a scar, but with regular use of this oil, it faded by 50-60% in a week or so.

I am going to continue using this especially all winters. I think this is the only product I would need at night during winters and I am sorted. No need of any other serums or night creams.

For summers if you live in a humid place, this might be tad bit oily. Also, for day time use, just use a drop, you can use 2-3 drops during night time.

I recommend this for oily skin too, can be used at night. It’s a myth that oily skin should not use facial oils. Facial oils are very very good and beneficial.

Overall, I would say its a must try. Since you need just 2-3 drops, 10 ml would last a long time and justifies the price tag too. Highly recommended! Only Iraya is not available everywhere is an issue. But online shopping has eased our lives.

Rating: 4.75/5

Have you ever tried Kumkumadi Tailam? Your views on it?

ZA Perfect Solution Restoring Collagen Cream Review

ZA Perfect Solution Restoring Collagen Cream Review

ZA (pronounced as zi:ei) is the skin care range by Shiseido. It has the True White Range and the Perfect Solution skin care range currently.

What the Company claims: Anti-Ageing + Firming- Intensive Triangle Technology

With 7 Trillion Collagen Capsules, this Restoring Collagen Cream tightens slack skin and gives bouncy resilience making fine lines and wrinkles less visible, evens-out skin texture to make it look luminous and full of clarity, permeates deeply into the skin to prevent roughness caused by dryness.

How to Use: Smooth an appropriate amount over face with fingers after toner.Apply several dots on the face and spread evenly from the centre of the face outwards.

ZA Perfect Solution Restoring Collagen Range: ANTI-AGING PERFECT SOLUTION

A high-performance, anti-aging skincare line formulated with nature-derived plant seed extracts and marine collagen to give your skin a youthful resilience and a silky glow.

MRP: Rs. 1199/- for 40g

INGREDIENTS
Vitamin A Plamitate
Bio-Hyaluronic acid
Marine Elastin
Yuzu Seed Extract
Apricot Extract
Honey Extract
APM (Vitamin C derivative)

Minerals:
Magnesium
Calcium

Entire Ingredients List:

Read more HERE.

The moisturizer from this ZA Perfect Solution Restoring Collagen Cream also won the Elle Beauty Awards 2014 in the category of Anti-aging moisturizer.

I have used the True White Range before, and now tried this Perfect Solution range. Since this is more anti-ageing, I was not really sure if it would show any difference on me. I thought let me give it a try and then I would even make my mom and sister in law try it.

I started using it at night since its rich in texture, I thought it would be very heavy for daytime. I absolutely loved how my face looked the next morning. Smoother and softer and very fresh and clear. no oiliness or greasiness.

It is an off white colored cream,rich in texture and does feel heavy if more qty is used. Otherwise it settles in a few minutes, but one can feel the skin tightening immediately.

I have combination skin and dry cheeks basically, so concentrate more on using it in that area. Slowly I started using it during day time too. You know how you have dry patches at times and those show more when you apply makeup, making the base look patchy. This would solve your problem! Gives intense moisturisation to the skin, no dry patches. But I use it sparingly in a lesser quantity during the day,especially if I have to go out since Mumbai is a very humid city.

It comes with a small white spatula which makes it easy to remove the product and one need not dip fingers in it, hygienic! The quantity of 40g lasts a long long time. I used it, my mom and sister in law used it, still there is more than half yet left since you do not need much.

Mom is in her early 50’s and sister in law in 30’s. Both saw visible results with it, you can feel the skin tightening immediately and can see the skin being smoother and softer with some difference in lines when used continuously.

I would highly recommend this for dry skin or people just touching 30’s, this is an perfect moisturizer to use. Would recommend oily skin to try the EBA Winner Moisturizer which is in liquid form. I am going to continue using it at night especially since winters are setting in.

Rating: 4/5

Have you tried anything from the ZA Perfect Solution Restoring Collagen Range ?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review.