Scrubbing is extremely essential in winters as the development of dry skin needs to exfoliate to preserve then natural radiance of the skin itself. Honestly speaking, I prefer my winters with oversized sweatshirt, hot chocolate, a warm bed to snuggle in and reading a soul touching book. Yes, I am one of those lazy girls who like to keep the skin well-scrubbed of dead cells and yet do nothing about it. This is when a dear friend of mine told me to make a ‘scrub bar’ that would clean and exfoliate at the same time. My heart leaped with just with the thought of such multipurpose body care product and I immediately thought of making it. So it’s time, my dear readers of NLM, to let you know how to DIY this amazing thing!
Things you need:
Crushed soap bar. (a gel based one works better and easier to deal with)
Olive oil.
Glycerin.
Ground coffee. (not the instant one which blends in but the grounded beans for filter)
Empty container.
Steps:
Step 1
1. In a double boiler or on top of a boiling water, place the cut out pieces of the soap. Do not put it directly under the flames which would lead to burning.
Step 2
2. Once the soap melts in heat, simmer it down and add 2 tbsp. of olive oil and glycerin each. Then, mix it well with the liquid soap.
Step 3
3. Now add the coffee in it and again use a spoon to mix it well.
Step 4
4. Remove the mixture from the heat and pour in it the container. Now, this has to be done very quickly as the soap has the tendency to get sticky.
Step 5
5. Keep it in the refrigerator for 1-2hours. It also depends upon the soap on how much time it requires to solidify. Mine was done in 1hour.
Final
6. And you homemade scrub bar is ready to use!
P.S: You can also add big granules of sugar to exfoliate. Sugar is slightly coarser when solidified and hence I generally feel it is too rough for my normal skin but if you have dry skin, you can incorporate that. Also, you can make a separate scrub bar with sugar and walnut particles for feet as well.
As we all know, soaps are excellent in washing the dirt and therefore I added it to cleanse the skin. Olive oil and glycerin is extremely hydrating and hence, while scrubbing you will get the desired moisture to be restored. Lastly, the coffee particles are coarse and semi-fine milled which helps in exfoliation- gently and effectively. It stimulates the blood flow while scrubbing and tighten the skin thereby reduces cellulite and great for anti-ageing.
Overall, this has been a lifesaver for me. I imply invest less time for skin care yet get the best of it. Do let me how you liked my DIY.
Editor’s Note: This sounds amazing Sanchita and I love the coffee smell, definitely trying it out.
Have you tried making something like before? A DIY Scrub Bar? Will you try this? It’s easy peasy.
January 2016 Fab Bag theme is ‘Beauty Resolutions’ coz we all have New Year resolutions 😀 The makeup print on the bag is super pretty and this is the perfect cosmetic bag for travel or storage, one of my most favourite Fab Bag bags!
Let’s come to the products, so I had an option to select one product in this month’s bag out of all the makeup options, and I had already tried everything else, so I went with the Laqa & Co. Nail Polish Pen coz I have never tried a nail polish pen and it was a nice, summery peach shade which I can’t wait to wear in summers.
Products:
Natural Bath & Body French Red Clay Face Mask 20g (Full size Rs 450/- for 100 ml)
Natural Bath & Body Vitamin E Whipped Cream 15g (Full size Rs 275/- for 50 ml)
Laqa and Co. Nail polish pen (Full size Rs.1000/- for 5ml)
Votre Face Serum Full size (Rs 1670/- for 12 ml)
BBlunt Spotlight Hair Polish mini- Rs.250/-
I love the sound of both the Natural Bath & Body products and also the ingredients are pretty good. The French Red Clay mask has virgin coconut oil, turmeric powder, sandalwood extract, beetroot powder, kaolin clay, fuller’s earth, etc. And the Whipped cream is a blend of Vitamin E and argan oil. The cream is perfect for winters but I would prefer using the clay based mask in summers as clay based masks dry out my skin more though the coconut oil should balance it out, my skin is already super dry these days and I won’t risk it.
The Laqa & Co. Nail polish pen is in the shade Tweedledee is a nice pastel peach shade and also my first nail polish pen, quite happy that it’s a full sized product, can’t wait to try it out.
I love using serums and oils especially at night and in winters, currently I am obsessed with The Body Shop Oils Of Life Revitalizing Facial Oil, and this Votre Face serum sounds amazing with all the blend of essential and cold pressed oils in the ingredients. But my only worry is only active ingredients are mentioned :/ I hope it doesn’t break me out coz the Just Herbs Rejuvenating Beauty Elixir in the previous Fab Bag did break me out. I like the fact that this again is a full sized product.
And last but not the least, the BBlunt spotlight mini hair spray. Now I have 2 of the full sized ones and also one mini of this and I absolutely love it, it is perfect for adding some shine post your hairstyle and it gives slight hold too, though not much. It doesn’t make your hair stiff or hard and gives a nice sheen on the hair. This mini version is perfect for travel and/or handbag.
In all, I would say I loved this month’s Fab Bag and the fact that I got two full sized products, one hair spray mini and 2 deluxe sized samples and all the products are pretty good. Absolutely recommend getting this month’s bag if you still haven’t, also the bag in itself is really cute & quite useful.
Last month’s bag was also quite good, I hope this continues coz the products and bags have been really good from the past 2-3 months (except Nov) Touchwood!
What did you get in your January 2016 Fab Bag? What makeup product did you choose?
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?
As you all might know that there are majorly two types of skins – dry and oily skin. All other skin types fall into broad categories of these two only. I am a dry skinned girl. And when i say dry skin i mean severe dry skin. My lips are dry and badly chapped all round the year. I have to apply a thick cream like boroline on my lips all round the year. And about my skin i need to apply body moisturisers at least on every alternate day even in summer. And coming back to my face, i apply light moisturisers like aloe vera in summers. But here when winters are knocking on your doors, i need something strong for my face. I need a strong moisturiser which will heal my dry skin.
Since Aroma magic is one of my favourite skin care brand, i decided to trust on AM products. Thus, without further delay, i opted for their Aroma Magic Almond Nourishing Cream.
Read along to know if it’s worth your skin or not.
Product description: Aroma Magic Almond Nourishing Cream is a hydrating skin cream that is rich in vitamin A, B & E. It prevents the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, dry skin, dark circles.The blend of Neroli and Jasmine essential oils prevents moisture loss, regenerates cellular tissues as well as slows down skin ageing process and restores its elasticity, texture and firmness. Benefits Reduce fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles effectively Makes skin soft and smooth. Slows down the process of skin aging Brings back skin elasticity.
Direction to use: Dig your finger inside the tub. Take out the cream and apply the cream in dots all over your face. Cover the neck area too. Now, join the dots and blend the cream smoothly.
My experience with Aroma Magic Almond Nourishing Cream
Aroma magic almond nourishing cream comes in wide small sized carton. Inside which there is a small but wide tub. The packaging of the tub and the carton is like snowy winter. It reminds that this is a perfect winter moisturising cream. Inside the tub there is a lid covering which acts like an extra layer of protection for the cream. Once the lid is removed the cream smells heavily of almonds. This is very natural and soothing smell.
Texture wise the cream is heavy. You need to blend the product to sink it into the skin. You will have to invest a lot of time to blend the product thoroughly. After which also, you are sure to feel the stickiness of the product. It is really an uncomfortable feeling. You can remove this feeling by applying only a bit of product.
Now, coming to the performance of the product it is really 100% moisturization cream. It provides moisture to my face like never before. Trust me there are very few creams which works in winters for me. And this worked like a magic. It healed and moisturised my skin like never before. It made my skin really soft and supple within a week of usage only. And my skin is like soft and hydrated just like summers before even the tub finished. I use it as a night cream because in that way i don’t have to worry about the chip-chip part. And by morning it’s all back to normal. Even then i apply a strong face wash. You can apply it in the morning too but make sure you apply only a little amount.
Pros of Aroma Magic Almond Nourishing Cream
1. Herbal skin care brand
2. Impressive ingredients list
3. Packaging attractive
4. Cream is perfect for winters
5. Heals extremely dry skin
6. Makes skin soft and supple
Cons of Aroma Magic Almond Nourishing Cream
1. Almond smell may not be appreciated by everyone
2. Feels quite heavy on skin
3. Can cause pimples or clog pores for oily skinned
Final verdict – this cream is a boon for dry girls in winters. But oily skin people should stay far as much as possible.
Rating :
Quality : 5/5
Value for money : 5/5
Availability: 4.8/5
Overall rating: 4.8/5
Editor’s note: This sounds perfect for dry skin or winters, I like using such rich creams for winters coz my skin tends to get very dry in winters, might give this a try sometime. Nice review Pallavi 🙂
Have you tried the Aroma Magic Almond Nourishing Cream?
It is always said that what you eat shows on your skin. So, always eat healthy to keep your skin healthy. But in this age of junk foods and fried foods eating healthy is really not possible. Now, who can resist the tasty pizza and chats???At least I can’t. So, all these fast fried foods take a toll on your skin. When a pimple appears, this is the time when we think that it is the end of the world. But frankly speaking pimple appreance is quite normal. But when pimple takes the form of acne and when this acne leaves a mark on your skin then that it something really serious.
So, here I will be showing you an age old popular method of reducing pimples and keeping your skin healthy. You might have heard from your grandma’s about blood purifiers. Well, they used to have all herbal measures for their skin. But today, we don’t have many herbal methods for us. But Himalaya Safi blood purifier is one among the few products which assist can you in the path of healthy and glowing skin.
Product Description – The herbal remedy for skin disease such as acne vulgaris, boils, skin rashes, blemishes, urticaria etc, checks nose bleeding, cures constipation, corrects indigestion and improves complexion and helps you to stay slim and smart.
Directions to use: Just put 1-2 spoons of the purifier in the glass and drink it. You will gradually get adjusted to the taste.
Price: Rs.152 for 500 ml, Rs.80/- for 200ml
Shelf Life 36 months from packaging
Ingredients:
Packaging – The bottle is available in different sizes – .But I suggest to buy the smaller size to test its effectiveness. The packaging is of rectangular box which is green in colour. The bottle has the entire product name and other details mentioned. Inside which there is a transparent bottle. I like transparent bottles as they show the quantity of product left. The bottle is sealed and tightly enclosed to prevent the product from spilling out.
Key ingredients:Sana, Revand Chini, Neem, tulsi and Chiraita.
Texture: A Blood Purifier is definitely liquid in texture. The liquid is not on thicker side. It is actually quite runny. If you want to drink it with water it will easily get dissolved in water within no time.
My Experience with Hamdard Safi Blood Purifier
The liquid is dark brown in colour. Now, coming to the major part of taste. The taste of this blood purifier is really yukk. It tastes very sour. I need to drink one glass of water after drinking only 1 spoon of this purifier. But as it is said you have to taste something bad for the bigger good in your life. If you feel the taste is too sour then you can also dilute with water and then drink.
Performance wise don’t expecting anything miracle in the first bottle. Even if you drink daily then also I doubt you can observe any changes. Now, you can doubt if it actually works or not. But trust me girls it does. You can see changes on your 4th or 5th bottle. Since it is meant to purify blood thus changes will be gradual and quite slow. But when it start showing effects on your skin don’t stop it immediately, keep drinking some more bottles. Gradually you can see your skin all glowing and healthy.
Even one bottle will last long. With my daily usage size bottle lasted me for 3 months. So, quite economical that way. And you can get it easily in pharmacy stores and even on online portal.
Pros of Hamdard Safi Blood Purifier –
1. Herbal brand
2. Affordable price
3. Comes in different variants
4. Easy to use
5. Purifies blood on a long term.
Cons of Hamdard Safi Blood Purifier –
1. Takes time to show result
2. Tastes too bad
Rating – 4.5/5
Would I recommend the product to you – Of course. This product is definitely a buy. It must be a staple in your daily routine.
Editor’s Note: I have heard so much about it since ages, was going to try this when my skin was in a terrible state during my teens, but I am so scared of the taste :/ But I know of people who religiously drink it everyday from the past many years.
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
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.
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.
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?
Lately, I was on the search for a good serum. I have never used serums before, but after reading a lot about the importance of a serum, I decided to get one. Since I was using mostly Lotus Herbals products in my routine, I thought of getting the serum too from the same brand. I have used the Whiteglow range night cream before and loved it. Not for the skin whitening claims but because it suited my combination skin well and didn’t cause any breakouts. So, I ended up with this Lotus Herbals WhiteGlow Intensive Skin Whitening &Brightening Serum + Moisturiser finally. Read on to how it fares.
Products claims: WhiteGlow Intensive Skin Whitening & Brightening Serum + Moisturiser is a breakthrough formulation from Lotus Herbals that lightens, whitens & brightens your skin tone.
* Lightens: It lightens skin’s tone by reducing uneven pigmentation.
* Whitens: It unveils visibly fairer skin by reducing dark spots.
* Brightens: It enhances skin’s radiance naturally.
Why Serum: WhiteGlow Intensive Skin Whitening & Brightening Serum + Moisturiser is a proprietary formula which has 2x* more skin whitening and brightening power than a day creme. It comes with excellent carrier properties, penetrates deep into the skin & distributes the potent blend of all natural ingredients.
How it works: Clinical trials show that the following plant extracts lighten, whiten and brighten the skin with 7 days of regular use:
* Grape Extract (Vitis Vinifera): Exfoliator – helps active ingredients penetrate into the skin.
Why WhiteGlow? WhiteGlow Skin Whitening & Brightening range is a breakthrough formula from Lotus Herbals. It comes with an advance formula that has triple action on skin – lightening, whitening & brightening. It is enriched with rare fruit and potent plant extracts that penetrate deep into the skin to provide enduring action. The result, your skin looks fairer, flawless and radiant. It is free from harsh chemicals, that generally have side effects.
Ingredients:
Directions to use: Use every day in the morning & evening all over face & neck after cleansing thoroughly. For best results, use before Whiteglow Whitening & Brightening Gel Creme.
Packaging:
The serum comes in a translucent, frosty, glass bottle with a pump. The pump has a small plastic cap to cover it. Lotus Herbals surely make all their packagings convenient as well as giving a luxurious feel. Since its a glassy bottle, one has to be careful while handling it. The bottle is housed inside a white carton box which has all the details of the product.
Texture and fragrance:
The serum is between a gel and cream, its translucent. The consistency is perfect, not runny, not thick to spread, just the right texture for a serum. It has a light fruity fragrance, similar to other products in the Whiteglow range.
My experience:
I have been using this serum in conjuction with the Whiteglow Day Cream. The serum is easy to spread and blends easily, without any whitish cast like other whitening creams. It takes a bit of time to get fully absorbed and till then there is a sticky feeling. It moisturizes skin very well and I don’t feel the need to apply a separate moisturiser. Though, dry skin people will need to follow up with a moisturizer. The finish is more dewy and my face looks little brighter and radiant. It doesn’t make my face oily or greasy even for a long time. My skin tone is more evened out and the pores on my face look visibly smaller. It also acts as a good base for makeup.
Coming to the claims of whitening and brightening in 7 days, it is true to an extent. But don’t expect any miraculous changes. It helped to lighten some acne scars and brown spots on my face. But I think it will take a long time and continuous use to fade them completely, unlike other specific spot treatment creams which work quicker. Also, it removed some tan and my face overall looked more healthy, supple and radiant. My only concern is, once I stopped it using for a week, just to check its efficacy, and my skin went back to normal state. So, to retain the effects, the product needs to be used completely.
But I feel, if you really need a whitening/brightening effect, instead of going for those Fair & Lovely, Fairever, etc, creams in the market, this is a relatively better option as it doesn’t just focus on fairness, more on brightening, tan removal and healthy skin and Lotus Herbals is also a trusted brand. Though their products contain parabens (which is the only thing I don’t like about them), they are mostly suitable for all skin types and none of their products have ever caused me breakouts including this serum. Also, I think, to get really good results, you need to use this serum along with the day cream and night cream from the same range.
Pros:
* Nice consistency and blends easily.
* Moisturizes and hydrates the skin.
* Pores look visibly smaller.
* Evens out skin tone.
* Makes skin healthy, supple and radiant.
* Brightens skin and lightens scars and spots.
* Doesn’t leave any whitish cast.
* Doesn’t cause breakouts.
* Affordable price for a serum.
* Attractive luxurious packaging.
Cons:
* Parabens
* Takes a long time for the scars and spots to fade completely.
* Need to be continuously used to retain the effects.
Price and quantity: Rs.375 for 30ml.
Rating: 4.4/5
Verdict: Lotus Herbals WhiteGlow Intensive Skin Whitening & Brightening Serum + Moisturiser is one of the most affordable serums available and from a trusted brand. Though it doesn’t give any miraculous results, it does make skin more healthy, brighter and radiant and also lightens scars and spots slowly with regular use. Unlike other fairness creams, this is not overloaded with harsh chemicals. If you are looking to add a good affordable brightening serum in your routine, you can try this.
Editor’s Note: I always wanted to try this Archana, nice review. The product sounds really nice.
Have you tried the Lotus Herbals WhiteGlow Intensive Skin Whitening & Brightening Serum + Moisturiser?
If you remember I have reviewed the Clean & Clear Morning Energy Burst Face Wash before (Read HERE). Clean & Clear has been one of the oldest brands and one of the first to introduce face washes in India and that too in the affordable category. I believe every one of us has used and loved Clean & Clear face washes.
The Foaming Face Wash was one of their very first launches. I loved the Morning Energy range and was eager to try the new Foaming Face Wash.
What the Company claims: Clean & Clear’s improved oil-free Foaming Face Wash helps prevent pimples, oily shine and blackheads; thoroughly removing oil and dust without over-drying skin. The improved Foaming Face Wash promises to leave skin feeling clean, clear and radiant; and, best of all, controls oil for up to 8 hours!
About Clean & Clear Foaming Face Wash: Gentle enough to use every day, for clean and clear skin that glows.
Recommended for: Those who want to remove excess oil from their skin and prevent pimples.
How it works: CLEAN & CLEAR® FOAMING Face Wash is specially designed for young skin – to remove excess oil, while its special ingredients help prevent pimples. Its liquid formula cleans deep without causing dryness, and is gentle enough to use every day, for clean and clear skin that glows.
Directions: Apply a small amount on wet palm and work into rich lather. Gently massage onto face, avoiding the eye area. Rinse off thoroughly. Use twice daily for skin that’s beautiful, clean and clear! Follow with CLEAN & CLEAR® OIL FREE MOISTURISER for best results.
It comes in this clear bottle with blue cap, the standard Clean & Clear face wash packaging. It is runny and transparent with a slight golden hint.
It comes out clear and foams well. It deep cleans the skin and gets rid of all the dirt and clears the pores, you can feel it cleaning from deep within. It also controls the oil secretion for about 6-8 hours. I have combination skin and my T-zone gets oily in 3-4 hours usually but with this, it is well in control for a decent time.
Since it foams a lot, it does dry out the skin a bit and needs to be followed up with a rich moisturizer, especially in winters.
I really like the way it deep cleans, the fact that it can be carried along easily, comes in mini versions too which are perfect for hand bag for use in college, office, etc., is affordable and easily available everywhere. It is perfect for oily and combination skin, but I know friends with dry skin too, who quite like it.
Clean & Clear always comes up with interesting and helpful campaigns time and again, the latest being ‘Ready Face’. Ready Face helps teenage girls find their courage by introducing a ritual to empower girls to face the day head on. (Read more HERE)
Teenage years can be some of the most daunting, as they experience some of the most drastic developments to their emotional, physical and social well-being during these years. Part of these developments include the struggle to control the blemishes and oiliness surfacing on their constantly changing skin.
We have all been through that teen phase where even one pimple feels like our life is terrible and our confidence is at the lowest. We do not even feel like stepping out of the house and God forbid if we have a presentation or college fest or something like that, it’s like the ‘end of the world’ for us!
Research shows that a staggering 70% of girls age 15 to 17 avoid their daily activities when they feel bad about their looks and that 7 in 10 girls also believe that they are not good enough or do not measure up in some way.
So how does Clean & Clear empower teen girls to be their most courageous self? How do they help them combat their self-judgement?
The experts believe people who smile more frequently or do a power pose feel more confident about themselves.
Clean & Clear believes that beauty comes from being confident, comfortable and secure in your own skin. That is why the brand wants to introduce teenagers around the world to Ready Face, a concept that empowers you to channel your most courageous self– It can be a smile, a look, a gesture, or saying in front of the mirror that provides individuals with the confidence they need to take on everyday challenges. Ready Face motivates young girls to smile, be confident and take on the world. By getting noticeably clearer, more beautiful skin, teens are empowered to take back the mirror, flash their Ready Face, and become their most beautiful self.
So what do you think about the Clean & Clear Foaming Face Wash? And Ready Face?
It’s ‘The Party All Night’ edition for the party season this month. They had an option to choose one bag of our choice of all the previous bags of 2015 and one product of our choice.
I went with this black heart bag which was their February Valentine’s Special since I did not have this one. And the product I chose is the Spa Ceylon Jasmine Face Masque as I had received the Foot Scrub from Spa Ceylon in October and I wanted to try out this masque.
Products in the bag:
Spa Ceylon White Jasmine Facial Masque -50g (Full size: Rs.2150/- for 100g)
Sugar Cosmetics Matte As Hell Lip Crayon- Full size (Rs.799/-)
Bioderma Sensibio H2O 10ml sample (Rs.599/- for 100ml)
Kronokare The Frizz Kiss Cooling Explosion Lip Balm-Full size (Rs.95/-)
Aayush Headache Naashak Roll on 2ml bottle (Full size Rs.195/- for 10ml)
They have included Sugar Cosmetics Matte As Hell Lip Crayon which I have reviewed HERE. The full sized one! That itself is priced at Rs.799/- plus it’s own sharperner. I already had the wine shade i.e. Poison Ivy and I was hoping and praying that I do not receive that, they are sending any one of the four shades at random. I really wanted to check out the Holly Golightly i.e. the nude shade as I do not own a nude lip crayon yet.
Another interesting product is the Kronokare Cooling Explosion Lip Balm which is in tube form and has a slanted applicator to directly use on lips and is in the form of clear jelly, but has a strong peppermint smell and as soon as you apply it, you actually feel the cooling explosion on the lips for about 10 minutes. It also claims to be used as a lip primer before using lipsticks, will test that out. But for now, I am really liking it coz my lips are so chapped that they hurt.
I loved the ingredients of the Spa Ceylon White Jasmine Facial Masque and immediately used it. I have this mask and the Kronokare lip balm ON right now while I review the bag 😀 I will do a complete, separate review of the masque after using it a few times.
A Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water 10ml sample. (Read complete review HERE) This is good to carry for travel but once opened, entire pack needs to be used as you cannot store and 10ml is good for 2-3 uses. But it’s a really nice makeup remover, so good to try out if you haven’t yet, be careful around the eye area though.
I have the Aayush Headache Naashak 10ml full size roll on and it is really good for headaches during cold, congestion and feels quite relieving, this small 2ml roll on is perfect to carry along.
Some also received a Clovia scarf, I am not sure if this bonus product is added randomly or how.
Overall, I have either used all the products in the bag and loved them or really wanted to try them. It’s a full value for money bag this time!! Definitely recommend getting the December bag, your Sugar Cosmetics Lip Crayon will only cover the cost of the bag for you. And for me the Spa Ceylon Jasmine Masque is also about Rs.1075/- additionally. Total value of the products comes to around Rs.2070/- plus the bag for the price of Rs.699/- 🙂
Totally worth it.
Did you get your December Fab Bag? What products did you get? Do let me know in the comments below.
What the Company claims: It is the ultimate hydrating treatment based crème with gives a semi matte flawless finish and keeps skin hydrated for long. 10 benefits * Covers Pimples spot * Hides imperfections * Gives even tone * No clogging of Pores * Covers blemishes and dark spots * Instant beautifier * Buildable coverage * Brightening primer * Moisturizes and Hydrates * SPF 25
MRP: Rs.299/- for 30g
Shades Available: 2
Royal Pearl– Fair to Medium
Bright Angel– Medium to Dark
It comes in this pink tube packaging with silver cap and has a nozzle dispensor. The packaging is quite bright and nice, convenient to use and travel friendly.
I have the shade Bright Angel which is the one for medium skin tones. It is nothing but a tinted moisturizer i.e. the blend of skincare plus some makeup. And has SPF25 too.
It is quite rich and needs to be set with a compact powder. Skin gets oily within an hour or so, I would not recommend it for oily skin or for use in summers.
Coverage is ok, it only evens out the skin tone and reduces the redness. It does brighten the skin a but, but does not cover dark circles or any acne spots. It stays for a good 5-6 hours but does need touch up with a compact powder. But it sure is quite moisturizing and skin doesn’t feel tight even in winters for a good few hours.
As you can see in my ‘Before-After’ pic here, it only evened out the skin and brightened it a bit, did not cover any marks or dark circles. This is just using the cream and I haven’t use any compact or anything else here.
Before – After
Only 2 shades are available in this, but thankfully both are warm and yellow and will work for majority skin tones. It does oxidize a bit on the face after 2-3 hours, that might be coz of the sunscreen.
It has licorice and aloe vera extracts. Licorice is anti-inflammatory, helps in reducing redness of the skin, helps absorb ingredients better and also helps in lightening the skin. Aloe vera of course has numerous benefits, key being hydrating, moisturizing, anti-bacterial. Not a fan of licorice coz of it lightening the skin.
Pricing is ok, it’s the same as other BB/CC creams in the market and almost the same qty. Only active ingredients are mentioned on the pack, they should have mentioned a list of all ingredients for people to know what exact skincare benefit they are getting. Except licorice and aloe vera, nothing has been mentioned.
Overall I would say, if you do not have problematic skin and only need something for daily use which can provide sun protection and even out skin tone, you can try this out.
Rating:
Quality: 3.25/5
Value for money : 3.5/5
Availability: 3/5
Overall rating: 3.25/5
Have you checked out the new Lotus Herbals Xpress Glow 10 in 1 Daily Beauty Creme SPF 25 yet?
