You know me well if you’ve been following my blog posts. I love a good a sulfate free shampoo for my super oily, fine hair. In fact, I have been using Sulphate Free cleansers religiously for more than a decade now, yes… for both hair and skin.

So… many of you would agree with me when I say that I get bored with my shampoo after sometime. But because of my sensitive hair, I don’t, rather can’t dare to change my shampoo very often. This time, I got a bit desperate and I tried 2 ranges from the brand Love Beauty and Planet because of their awesome sulfate free shampoos. And I got amazed to see the ingredients. They are made of all good things in bottles.

I tried their Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Sulfate Free Volume and Bounty Shampoo and Natural Argan Oil & Lavender Sulfate Free Anti-Frizz Shampoo for one month respectively. And I loved both.

I really admire their Tag line- “No Silicones, No Parabens, No Dyes, No Guilt. Yes vegan, Yes Peta certified cruelty free.” Cheers to that.

The Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Sulfate Free Volume and Bounty Shampoo has Organic Coconut Water, Fresh Mimosa Flower and 100% Organic Coconut Oil. The Natural Argan Oil & Lavender Sulfate Free Anti-Frizz Shampoo has Pure Argan Oil, Fresh French Lavender, and 100% Organic Coconut Oil.

Both the shampoos are really refreshing, they clean all the oil deposits (both natural, and oiled) superbly and keep the lashes soft, supple, and shiny. As my hair is already oily from roots to mid length, I don’t use any conditioner while shampooing, but I do use a hair mask once a week. You can comfortably use the conditioners according to your hair types along with the shampoos. The shampoos don’t weigh the hair down but at the same time keep it really hydrated. You know I what I mean, right! But yes, the volume shampoo doesn’t provide that much volume, but I blame that to my hair type, not the shampoo.

The brand is committed to maintain the environment friendly world and hence they claim- “Every one of our bottles is made from 100% recycled materials and are recyclable” which is quite fascinating. BTW, the price is great too- INR 650 for 400 ml and you get discount in every website all the time. What else can we ask for, right!

So, do try them if you are in a mood and in search of a good Sulfate free Shampoo. You won’t be disappointed.

Cheers…

Happy Living…

My search mode for finding out ‘the perfect skincare products’ is always on. Moreover, if you love using natural ingredients-based products like me, then you know that is an add-on to a lot of extra work and extra bucks. 

It happens to be such an interesting coincidence that Snaana contacted me right when I wanted to try something new. What inspired me to work with them is that they believe in using 100% natural ingredients in their products. 

Nowadays, when the market is full of gimmicky ‘natural’ tags in an innumerable number of products, believing the brands could be a really big deal.

But Snaana’s transparency says it all and leaves no doubt.

I have tried their Goat milk Soap with Malai, Rose Water, and Pomegranate- Tamanu Age Delaying Face Oil for a good month on my skin. And, I think they are worth every penny.

How I use them:

After washing my face with the Goat Milk Soap with Malai, my skin feels soft and supple. The soap gently cleanses the skin without stretching and pulling out the natural oils. Moreover, it provides additional hydration. It smells like an Ayurvedic soap, but its fragrance is not overpowering. According to the brand, this soap is a tonic for “Dry, flaky & dehydrated skin and eczema-prone skin.”

I spritz the Rose water all over my face after washing the face. The fragrance is just delightful, and I feel like I am inside a spa. The rose water is gentle and soothing for the skin. I get redness around my nose after cleaning my face. It instantly calms my skin with subtle hydration.

I let it sit on the face for 30 seconds, and then I take about 3 to 4 drops of Pomegranate- Tamanu Age Delaying Face Oil. I dab the oil on my skin to warm it up. I gently massage to spread it evenly. The oil is nongreasy, very lightweight, and very hydrating. It gives a sheen to the skin, which I love. It smells like gentle ayurvedic oil, and the good part, my skin feels rejuvenated the next day. It has Jojoba oil, Almond Seed Oil, Pomegranate Seed Oil, Tamanu Oil, Cucumber Seed Oil, Turmeric Essential Oil, Rosemary Essential Oil, and Frankincense Essential Oil. There is nothing but ayurvedic goodness in a glass bottle.

All these products are 100% natural, chemical-free, and preservative free. If you are keen to know about the benefits of a particular product, head over to their website snaana.com. Everything I believe should be in a skincare product are in the skincare range of Snaana. The soap and the Facial oil work their best on matured skin (30- 59 years as per brand).

I will provide links to buy all the products below if you wish to check them out. But remember the mantra: don’t forget to patch test before using anything new.

Goat Milk Soap – With Malai for Dry Skin

Rose Water (Mist) For All Skin Types

POMEGRANATE-TAMANU Age Delaying Face Oil for Normal Skin

** Please note that this review is in collaboration with Snaana Ayurveda. I do not get to earn a single penny if you buy any of the products from the brand. All my reviews are 100% my honest opinion- tried and tested.

Cheers…

Happy Living…

Perfecting a balanced diet every day is an art. We need to get to know our food very well. Whether you want to opt for vegetarian or meat, it’s up to you. Just make sure, you are eating the right thing, the right way, and in the right proportion. 

In our daily meals, we include carbohydrates, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, they may not be in sufficient quantity at many times. Do you know these are important not only for a healthy body but also for a sound mind? 

Along with regular meals, incorporating nuts and seeds are a great fulfilling option to give the necessary nutrition.

I am going to be covering those Seeds and Nuts that I like to have in my daily diet.

SEEDS:

Pumpkin Seeds

These seeds are rich in magnesium, zinc, phosphorous, and vitamin k. They have anti-inflammatory properties, may help lower the risk of diabetes, have anti-cancer properties, and help function our heart as well. Superfood is the word, isn’t it?

Sunflower Seeds

These are excellent sources of Vitamin E, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Iron, Copper, Selenium, Manganese, Zinc, and Potassium. They support our immune system, boost energy levels, have anti-inflammatory properties, and maintain heart health too.

Flax Seeds

These seeds are believed to help in digestive health. They may help in relieving constipation and lower total blood cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol levels that is related to heart disease. They are a good source of protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, thiamine, and copper.

Chia Seeds

These seeds are full of powerful antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals. They help fight the free radicals in our bodies. They improve blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and also help in improving heart health as well. They are better for our bone health and also keep the stomach fuller for a longer time and thus help maintain weight too. 

NUTS:

Almonds

They are packed with excellent nutrients like Vitamin E, Vitamin B2, Manganese, Magnesium, and so on. They are loaded with antioxidants. They regulate our blood sugar level, may help control cholesterol, and are beneficial for our heart too.

Walnuts

These are the super plant source of Omega 3s. They are loaded with Iron, Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Vitamin C, and Niacin among many others. They promote a healthy gut, decrease inflammation, and support maintaining a healthy heart, brain function, and healthy aging. They also help control blood sugar and blood pressure. 

Cashews

Cashews are a good source of Copper, Magnesium, Manganese, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, and Zinc. They are rich in fiber, plant-based protein, and heart-healthy fats. They help in energy production, brain health, immunity, and bone health.

Pistachios

They are packed with Manganese, Phosphorus, Copper, Potassium, Vitamin B6, and antioxidants. They help in keeping our blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol in check.

Except for these, you can also choose to have Sesame Seeds, Hemp Seeds, Pecan Nuts, Hazelnuts, or Brazil Nuts in your daily dose of Seeds if they are easily accessible to you. Each one of them has their own benefits. They are a great addition to our healthy diet routine.

*Disclaimer:

Remember to use all the Seeds and Nuts in proportion and with caution. Excessive usage may lead to weight gain, bloating, stomach issues, and other health problems. 

Each body is unique in its own way and has its own boundaries. This article is made for a general knowledge and one must not consider it as a medical advice. Share your medical history with your doctor.

You must consult with the doctor before you incorporate anything new into your diet.  

How to use Seeds & Nuts:

• Use them in your Porridge/Muesli for breakfast
• Have them as a Midday Snack
• Can use them in Smoothies
• Use them as toppings on salads
• Make a granola bar
• Use them as toppings on your Yogurt Bowl or Fruit Bowl
• Add them in homemade desserts like pudding, muffins, Kheer, etc. 
• Use them in your Homemade multigrain bread

I love to use most of them in their raw forms to hold their maximum benefits. But for almonds, I soak them overnight, peel the skin off, and then have it. Similarly, you should not consume Cashews, Pistachios, Walnuts, etc. with their skin on. If you wish, you can slightly toast the seeds and nuts without any oil and salt. That improves the taste for sure. 

Eat healthy food, do your daily exercises, work hard, and stop stressing out too much. Life will be a whole lot better.

Cheers…

Happy Living… 

When options are limited, we gotta choose what is available, right! But what if there are ample of options? Then, we get confused so easily. Do we need this or that?

 As a picky skincare fanatic, I study and research a lottttt. What would be the best thing for my skin. It is changing so fast with age. But what to use and what not? Such a monumental task (I am kidding!!!)

Well…if someone who knows my skin, helps me with the perfect routine, I can save so much time and energy of my life. That’s no joke. But… that’s rare to find. So, I had to dig deep and find out the best routine to save my skin from the winter. Hopefully, this helps you too.

 First off, we have cleanser.

A mild cleanser which doesn’t strip away the natural oils from your skin would be the best for winter morning. For that, I love my Just Herbs Silksplash Rehydrant Face Wash. It’s natural, ultra-mild and cleans beautifully even though it doesn’t lather much. Except their really irritating pump (you need to pour the product somewhere else), I love it. See a full review HERE

Alright… I prefer to scrub my face once a week. And for that, I mostly go for homemade scrub which provides me a little hydration as well. What about a nourishing pack made of honey, coffee granules, little bit of brown sugar, and aloe vera gel? Wooo… just perfect. Put it on for 10 minutes, let it dry a bit and then gently scrub it off your face.

Well… after this don’t forget to take steam for 5 to 10 minutes. Your pores are already unclogged because of the exfoliation, so it works the best.

Next stop, we have Toner. And, I have the perfect solution. I don’t recommend chemical exfoliating toner for winter because your skin is already dry and broken because of the strong winter wind. It already lacks moisture and hydration. Why to tear it more with harsh chemical peels? So, to me organic mists are the gentlest way of toning your skin.  
I recommend the Kama Ayurveda Rose Water Mist (review HERE)

 
or the Juicy Chemistry 100% Organic Lavender Water. (check out HERE)

 
Now, if you are scrubbing your face, use a hydrating face pack, or just move into the next step. It’s time to seal your skin with some hydration. If I am going out, I use a light Moisturizer like Clinique Moisture Surge. But if I am home, I top it up with a facial oil. My current favorite is the Juicy Chemistry Saffron and Red Raspberry Facial Oil.

 
 
 
Don’t forget to hydrate those chapped lips too with your favorite lip balm. I can't think of anything else except my Laneige Berry Lip Sleeping Mask. It is a dream product for your lips.
 
And last but not the least, use a Sunscreen, no matter you are home or going out. Since the last couple of years, I opted for mineral sunscreen. I am loving the La Shield Fisico SPF 50+ & PA+++ Mineral Based Sunscreen Gel. Its very lightweight, gives a matt finish, non-greasy, and doesn’t leave a white cast. Pure love…

 
I am sure this post will help you prepping for a winter skin care. Stay tuned for a relaxing and rejuvenating night time skin care routine.
 
Cheers…
Happy Living… 

I am a big fan of Organic Face Mists, especially because of their multipurpose use. And when it’s summer, they are literally my go to skin care. These facial mists work excellently as toners. They tighten up the pores, prep my skin for moisturizer, and keep me hydrated. I love to use them in my face mask too. And what makes them special is that whenever my skin feels rough, dull, and lifeless in the heat, I spritz some mist and instantly feel rejuvenated.

I have tried sooooo many mists over the years. Not all of them turned out as effective as I expected. But there are five facial mists who are my absolute favorites and most importantly, they work wonderfully on my skin.  

•     Kama Ayurveda Pure Rose Water

Full review HERE.

•     Juicy Chemistry Lavender Water
•     Forest Essentials Facial Tonic Mist – Panchpushp
•     Kama Ayurveda Pure Mogra Water
•     Kama Ayurveda Vetiver Water

Every single facial mist mentioned above are amazingly beneficial for skin. They maintain the skin’s natural ph balance, excellent for calming an inflamed skin. If you are prone to acne or heat rashes, these mists will come really handy. 

While Rose Water has antibacterial properties, Vetiver Water clarifies and tightens the skin. Lavender Water is anti-inflammatory and Mogra Water cleanses the pores and soothes the mind. 

Lastly, Panchpushp Water is extremely hydrating and provides a cooling sensation to the skin which is what we look for in the Summers, isn’t it!

So, keeping a travel friendly bottle in your purse is an excellent solution to beat the heat when you are outside.

What are you waiting for! Spritz some cooling mists, relax yourself, and stay fresh in the Summer.

Cheers!!!

Happy Living…